System for controlling a means for producing hot water

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system which includes a measuring device connected to an electrical distribution network, a control box which collects data generated by said measuring device, a first means of producing hot water, a means of producing renewable electrical energy, a water supply, and an output, characterized in that the box is arranged to use the available electricity which is generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy in order to modulate the heating means to heat the water contained in said tank.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for regulating a means of producing hot water.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of the production of domestic hot water within an industrial or domestic dwelling using a means of producing renewable electrical energy.

[0003] The climate challenge and the commitments made to achieve carbon neutrality require us to find solutions to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by promoting the use of renewable energy. Our current dependence on fossil fuels also makes consumers sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices and the various events that cause them.

[0004] Domestic hot water represents a significant energy consumption item which can be produced by a gas boiler which may or may not include a tank (hot water reserve) of low capacity (around 40-50 litres) in order to provide water at a temperature desired by the user.

[0005] However, the cost of producing hot water is high and does not allow for an increase in the use of renewable energy at a lower cost. Also, the gas boiler is used to supply the entire home for various uses such as heating the home or providing domestic hot water. A boiler or any other equivalent is multifunctional in that it is configured to produce water and / or heat the home. This makes it possible to provide hot water at the desired temperature on demand.

[0006] For this reason, this type of boiler is often used almost continuously all year round, resulting in very high energy consumption.

[0007] The use of alternatives such as electric boilers does not sufficiently address this problem since they consume even more electricity compared to gas and require very high power.

[0008] Today, the installation of photovoltaic panels has become widespread. To be efficient, maximize the return on investment and reduce CO2 emissions as much as possible, it is important to self-consume as much of the energy produced by the installation as possible. Without a storage battery, it is preferable to consume photovoltaic energy at the time of its production.

[0009] Although advantageous systems, such as heat pumps or passive houses, can be installed for new constructions, the majority of homes already have an existing installation that could be improved to produce domestic hot water in a more ecological and economical way.

[0010] There is therefore a real need to provide a system for producing domestic hot water easily and economically, while promoting the use of renewable electrical energy for all types of housing without replacing the entire existing installation.

[0011] To solve this problem, the present invention provides a system for regulating a hot water production means comprising: A measuring device connected to an electrical distribution network and being arranged to quantify the energy consumption of an electrical and / or gas installation for a domestic or industrial building, A control box connected with or without wires to said measuring device and collecting data generated by said measuring device, A first means of producing hot water, preferably a water heater, which has: ∘ either a tank which includes a heating means, preferably an electrical resistance, for heating water to a given temperature, said heating means being connected to said control box, ∘ or a tank which does not include a heating means (7), preferably an electrical resistance, the latter being located outside said first means of producing hot water, said heating means and a circulator being connected to said control box, A means of producing renewable electrical energy,preferably a photovoltaic installation, said means of producing renewable electrical energy being connected to the electrical distribution network to which said measuring device is connected, A water supply connected to a cold water distribution network, An outlet arranged to supply water ready for use at a temperature higher than that provided by said supply, , characterized in that the housing is arranged to use the available electricity which is generated by the renewable electrical energy production means in order to modulate the heating means to heat the water contained in said tank, preferably until reaching a maximum water temperature, preferably between 65 and 95°C depending on the technical specifications of said tank.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the control box makes it possible to recover at least 90% of what the means of producing electrical energy would reject on the network without a box and for a solar power less than or equal to the maximum power of the first means of producing hot water. The system developed makes it possible to increase the self-consumption of a home, for example.

[0013] More specifically, the system will make it possible to heat the water contained in the tank of said first means of production in order to be able to benefit from hot water for a certain period of time, depending on the capacity of said first means to maintain the temperature of the hot water. Thus, it can be considered that said first means of producing hot water acts as a hot water storage element.

[0014] With this system, the user will have domestic hot water at the temperature they choose at the time of use and throughout the day.

[0015] Preferably, the control box is arranged to use the available electricity which is generated by the renewable electrical energy production means in order to modulate the heating means to heat the water contained in said tank until a maximum water temperature preferably between 65 and 95°C is reached. Following the power modulation, the time to reach the maximum temperature in said tank will vary depending on the renewable energy production.

[0016] Thus, said first means of producing hot water can act as a storage element for hot water which can be supplied as required during the day.

[0017] The energy used to heat the water in the tank comes from renewable electricity generation, which provides electricity based on the amount of sunshine. In other words, electricity that is not directly used by the home can be used to heat the water in the tank as much as possible so that it maintains a maximum temperature that depends on the amount of electricity generated during a sunny day.

[0018] Advantageously, the control box makes it possible to produce domestic hot water thanks to the excess energy generated by said means of producing electrical energy over time.

[0019] The control box collects data from the measuring device and preferentially adjusts the heating power of said first means of producing domestic hot water. And, depending on the season and / or the user's needs, the control box regulates said first means of producing water in order to be able to supply water at the temperature desired by the user.

[0020] Preferably, the control box is arranged to continuously monitor the power and / or current to be compensated for by said measuring device in order to maximize the self-consumption of the energy produced by the electrical energy production installation. Advantageously, the power will depend on the type of system, whether it is single-phase or three-phase. The power can thus vary between 0 and 7 kW for a three-phase system or between 0 and 4 kW for a single-phase system.

[0021] Preferably, the outlet is arranged to supply ready-to-use water at a temperature higher than that supplied by said supply, preferably between 30°C and 95°C.

[0022] More preferably, the system according to the invention comprises a second means of producing hot water, preferably chosen from the group comprising a gas boiler (with or without hot water reserve), a pellet boiler, a heat pump, a fuel boiler, an electric boiler and combinations thereof.

[0023] In this embodiment, the control box allows hybridization of an existing system already equipped with said second means of producing hot water. This configuration is even more advantageous with at least one thermostatic mixing valve which will allow mixing between the hot water coming from said first means of producing water and the hot water supplied by said second means of producing hot water.

[0024] This allows the use of different types of existing equipment, for example water heater, thermostatic mixing valve, boiler (gas, pellet, fuel, heat pump, etc.) in combination with the control box to provide an efficient hybrid system.

[0025] Advantageously, said second means of producing hot water is arranged so as not to necessarily operate using solar energy.

[0026] More advantageously, said second production means is arranged to supply hot water at a temperature greater than or equal to that supplied at the outlet of the system.

[0027] Preferably, the control box is equipped with: A voltage and current measurement in order to measure the energy consumed by said first means of hot water production, Possibly a measurement of the temperature inside the box in order to evaluate the temperature of the environment in which the water heater is located and check that the box does not overheat, A temperature measurement to evaluate the temperature of the water inside said first means of production, A button to turn the box on and off, A button for Wifi / Bluetooth pairing, A Wifi antenna, A button to force the box to heat manually, In single-phase, a male plug to connect the box to the mains, a female plug to connect the water heater, A fin / conduction cooling system, Indicator lights to display the heating power of the box,Indicator lights allowing the temperature of the water in said first means of producing hot water to be displayed, Screens allowing the box to be viewed and controlled via smartphone and / or computer.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, said control box is arranged to: Collect voltage, power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, sunshine forecast data via Wi-Fi, and / or Measure the temperature of the water within said tank of said first production means, and / or When the temperature of the water within said tank of said first production means is lower than a predefined temperature, activate said heating means at a sufficient power in order to increase the temperature of the water, by means of the electricity produced by said means of producing electrical energy. Measure the temperature within said box and / or within the room in which the box is installed.

[0029] Thus, said control box is arranged to activate said heating means at a sufficient power to increase the temperature of the water. This temperature is preferably adjustable according to the user's needs.

[0030] The control box allows you to regulate a means of producing hot water and includes: A means of communication to a measuring device or to a means of producing renewable electrical energy, A means of communication to a thermal probe, A dimmer which makes it possible to modulate said heating means using the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy or a static converter, A means of measuring the electrical consumption of the control box which allows the self-regulation of the box in such a way that: ∘ If the consumption of the control box is greater than the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy, it goes into standby, ∘ If the consumption of the control box is equal to or less than the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy, it modulates the heating means.

[0031] Preferably, the first means of producing hot water relates to any means which contains an electrical resistance for producing hot water and is preferably chosen from the group comprising a hot water tank with electrical resistance, a thermodynamic water heater equipped with an electrical resistance.

[0032] Advantageously, the system is arranged to mix the hot water produced by the first hot water production means with the water coming from the water supply and / or the water coming from said second hot water production means which preferably has a predetermined temperature, greater than or equal to the temperature of the water leaving the system.

[0033] The system according to the invention preferably comprises a (thermostatic) mixing valve, preferably at least two (thermostatic) mixing valves, arranged to receive the water produced by said first and second water production means and / or the water coming from the distribution network.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, said means of producing renewable electrical energy is chosen from the group comprising a wind installation, a hydroelectric installation, a photovoltaic installation and their combinations.

[0035] Advantageously, the system according to the present invention comprises a thermal probe located at the outlet of said tank of said first production means or inside said first means and being connected to said control box.

[0036] Even more advantageously, said measuring device is a smart meter.

[0037] Said control box advantageously activates a heating cycle in order to reach a maximum temperature within said tank of said first means in order to avoid the formation of biological load within said tank, preferably after at least a number of days during which the maximum water temperature has not been reached in the tank.

[0038] Preferably, when the phase voltage of the electrical energy production means exceeds a threshold value, said control box adjusts the power modulation of said control box in order to prevent the electrical production installation from going into safety mode following an overvoltage on the electrical network.

[0039] More preferably, said first production means is arranged to supply hot water, preferably at a temperature between 5 and 95°C, preferably between 30 and 65°C.

[0040] Advantageously, said first hot water production means supplies hot water to: maximum 38 - 95°C depending on the sunshine / power to be compensated (as well as the maximum temperature accepted by the said first means of production), and minimum 5 - 38°C, depending on what the user has set and the temperature of the water from the distribution network.

[0041] Advantageously, said second hot water production means is arranged to supply hot water at a temperature greater than or equal to that supplied at the outlet of the system, preferably between 5°C and 95°C, preferably between 30 and 70°C.

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the system according to the invention will emerge from the description provided below and from the corresponding claims.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a control box for regulating a means of producing hot water.

[0044] The control box includes: A means of communication connected to a measuring device connected to an electrical distribution network (3) and being arranged to quantify the energy consumption of an electrical and / or gas installation for a domestic or industrial building or to a means of producing renewable electrical energy, A means of communication to a thermal probe, A dimmer which makes it possible to modulate said heating means using the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy or a static converter, A means of measuring the electrical consumption of the control box which allows the self-regulation of the box in such a way that: ∘ If the consumption of the control box is greater than the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy, it goes into standby, ∘ If the consumption of the control box is equal to or less than the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy,it modulates the heating method.

[0045] The control box (4) allows the collection of voltage, power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, and sunshine forecast data via Wi-Fi.

[0046] Preferably, these data are collected after having been generated by a measuring device (2). Alternatively, the control box (4) is capable of generating and processing these data.

[0047] Additionally, the control box (4) makes it possible to modulate a heating means (7) using the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9).

[0048] More preferably, it modulates the heating means (7) according to the data collected (power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, sunshine forecast data via Wi-Fi) in order to maximize self-consumption. In this way, the control box (4) makes it possible to continuously control the power and / or current to be compensated from said measuring device (2) in order to maximize self-consumption of the energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9).

[0049] During periods when the energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) is high (in summer for example), the control box (4) redirects this energy as much as possible to the heating means (7), which can be used for example to heat water (8) in a tank (6). This tank (6) thus acts as an accumulator of the energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9). Thanks to this arrangement, the control box (4) thus advantageously makes it possible to produce ready-to-use hot water (13) thanks to the overproduction of renewable electrical energy, more specifically photovoltaic energy if the renewable electrical energy production means (9) includes solar panels.In phases of overproduction of energy from the renewable electrical energy production means (9), this can cause the activation of safety systems such as the disconnection of inverters subjected to an overvoltage, de facto stopping the supply of renewable energy. The control box (4) makes it possible to limit inverter disconnection phenomena by directing the energy as much as possible towards the heating means (7). This thus makes it possible to limit overvoltages and reduce the loss of renewable energy.

[0050] Advantageously, the control box (4) makes it possible to use the available electricity which is generated by the electrical energy production means (9) in order to modulate the heating means (7) to heat the water (8) contained in said tank (6) until a maximum water temperature is reached. And when necessary, modulate the heating means (7) in order to be able to maintain a maximum temperature within the tank (6) and make it possible to supply hot water at the desired temperature.

[0051] More advantageously, the control box (4) allows hybridization of an existing system which is already equipped with a second means of producing hot water (14). This configuration is advantageous because the thermostatic mixing valve (17, 18) allows mixing to be carried out by maximizing the use of hot water (16) coming from said first means of producing hot water (5) while minimizing the hot water (15) coming from said second means of producing hot water (14), preferably the second means of producing hot water (14) is a conventional means of producing hot water (gas boiler, a pellet boiler, a heat pump, a fuel boiler, an electric boiler and combinations thereof).This arrangement makes it possible to continuously have ready-to-use hot water (13) despite variations in the production of renewable electrical energy while minimizing the use of conventional hot water production means consuming fossil energy or expensive electricity from the electrical distribution network (3). Advantageously, this makes it easy to deploy the system (1) according to the present invention, in particular the control box (4), because almost all infrastructures already have conventional hot water production systems. It is therefore not necessary to uninstall existing devices to replace them with the device according to the present invention. This is therefore much less of a deterrent for consumers and significantly reduces installation costs.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the control box (4) makes it possible to measure the temperature of the water (8) within or at the outlet of said tank (6) of said first hot water production means (5), and / or when the temperature of the water within or at the outlet of said tank (6) of said first hot water production means (5) is lower than a predefined temperature, to modulate said heating means (7) to a sufficient power in order to increase the temperature of the tank water (8) by means of the electricity produced by said renewable electrical energy production means (9). The box is preferably provided with or connected to a thermal probe (19) which makes it possible to assess whether the water in the water heater is still sufficiently hot and thus restart a heating cycle as needed for the comfort of the user so that he has hot water ready for use (13) at any time.Preferably, this thermal probe (19) is used if the control box (4) is used without another source of hot water production or in the case where the conventional heating source (14) is switched off or unavailable.

[0053] Preferably, the control box (4) comprises a means for measuring the electrical consumption of the control box (4) which allows self-regulation of the box (4) in such a way that if the consumption of the control box (4) is greater than the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9), it goes into standby. Indeed, in phases of low renewable energy production, this makes it possible to prevent the system (1) from consuming energy from the distribution network, thus increasing the electricity bill compared to conventional hot water production systems. The control box (4) continuously modulates the heating power (7) in a proportion equal to or less than the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) not consumed by the domestic electrical installation (23). This makes it possible to optimize energy consumption as much as possible.

[0054] Preferably, the control box (4) comprises a dimmer which allows said heating means (7) to be modulated using the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) or a static converter. This latter option allows the use of an AC-AC converter which modifies the amplitude of the signal (50 Hz) but the resultant remains a sinusoid.

[0055] Preferably, the static converter also makes it possible to modulate said heating means using the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means.

[0056] Other characteristics and advantages of the control box according to the invention will emerge from the description provided below and from the corresponding claims.

[0057] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to maximize the use of renewable electrical energy produced by the existing installation at the time of its production, having the final consequence of reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy of the existing hot water production installation.

[0058] The present invention is an efficient way to reduce fossil energy consumption while saving money for a reasonable investment.

[0059] One of the advantages of the present invention is that it allows a conventional hot water production system to be transformed into a renewable hot water production system without necessarily replacing the main means of production.

[0060] The expression “smart meter” or “communicating meter” refers to a device for measuring the consumption of electrical energy and / or gas in a home.

[0061] Within the scope of the present invention, the system provided allows hybridization with an existing system, which is particularly advantageous.

[0062] In addition, the system adapts to all types of existing installations according to several embodiments illustrated below. The system with its high-performance box allows, depending on the embodiment chosen: to counter stalling and provides sanitization; works with a weekly calendar; capacity rate management; manages several boxes at the same time and distributes the available solar power between the different heating boxes; management / control of a circulator for an architecture in which the resistance is outside the tank; heat a room using electric or radiant heating. This scenario allows you to stay within a defined temperature range. There figure 1is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The figure 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The figure 3 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The figure 4 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The Figure 5 is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The figure 6 illustrates a system similar to that shown in the figure 3 , except that the resistance is outside the tank and a circulator is present.

[0063] In the figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references.

[0064] The references of each element included in the present invention are as follows: System (1) for regulating a means of producing hot water A measuring device (2) An electrical distribution network (3) A control box (4) A first means of producing hot water (5) A tank (6) A heating means,electrical resistance (7) Tank water (8) Means of producing renewable electrical energy (9) A water supply (10) A cold water distribution network (11) An outlet (12) Water ready for use (13) Second means of producing hot water (14) Hot water from the second means of producing hot water (15) Hot water from the first means of producing hot water (16) Mixing valve (17) Second mixing valve (18) Thermal probe (19) Second heating means (20) for the first means of producing hot water Water contained in the second means of producing hot water (21) General electrical distribution panel (22) Domestic or industrial installation (23) Information feedback to the control box (24) Circulator (25),

[0065] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be drawn from the following non-limiting description, and with reference to the drawings and examples.

[0066] In the figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references.

[0067] The system (1) for regulating a means of producing hot water according to the present invention comprises a measuring device (2) connected to an electrical distribution network (3), a control box (4), a first means of producing hot water (5), a tank (6) which includes a heating means (7) for heating tank water (8), a means of producing renewable electrical energy (9), a water supply (10) connected to a cold water distribution network (11), an outlet (12) arranged to supply ready-to-use water (13).

[0068] The measuring device (2) makes it possible to connect the electrical distribution network (3) to the so-called domestic electrical network. In particular, it makes it possible to measure the quantity of electricity (in kWh) used on the domestic electrical network of a given location, for example a house, a building or an industrial location, for a given period. This also makes it possible to determine the quantity of electricity which is injected into the network, namely the electricity generated which could not be consumed by the home. More specifically, in the context of our invention, it makes it possible to measure the electrical consumption of the system (1) to regulate a means of producing hot water. In the case where the domestic network includes a means of producing renewable electrical energy (9) such as solar panels, a wind turbine, etc.The measuring device (2) is connected to the latter via the general distribution board (22) and makes it possible to measure the total quantity of energy consumed by the electrical installation (23) or rejected by the domestic renewable electrical energy production means (9). Finally, the measuring device (2) makes it possible to generate a plurality of information such as voltage, power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, sunshine forecast data via Wi-Fi which can for example be used by a control box (4). The measuring device (2) can be an electromechanical, electronic, communicating or intelligent, bidirectional meter, etc. Preferably, the measuring device (2) is a bidirectional meter in order to both measure the electricity consumed from the electrical distribution network (3) and the electricity returned to the distribution network (3).Preferably, the measuring device (2) is a smart meter.

[0069] As illustrated in figures 1 to 5 ,the measuring device (2) is preferably positioned between the electrical distribution network (3) and the general electrical distribution panel (22) in such a way as to be able to collect a certain amount of data from the electrical installation (23). The latter is furthermore preferably connected to a renewable electrical energy production means (9) in such a way as to measure the energy produced by it. Thus, the control box (4) can use the surplus electricity generated to carry out the invention. This configuration makes it possible to supply the system (1) with the surplus renewable electrical energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) and not consumed by the electrical installation (23). The measuring device (2) can be connected to the control box (4) via a wired or wireless connection (24), for example a Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth, mobile network (3G, 4G, 5G), etc.

[0070] There figure 6 includes the same elements as those stated above for the figures 1 to 5 , except that the heating means, the resistor (7), is located outside the first hot water production means (5). Also, a circulator (25) is also present in this configuration.

[0071] The control box (4) allows the collection of voltage, power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, and sunshine forecast data via Wi-Fi. Preferably, this data is collected after being generated by a measuring device (2). Alternatively, the control box (4) is capable of generating and processing this data. Additionally, the control box (4) allows the modulation of a heating means (7) using the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9). Preferably, it modulates the heating means (7) according to the collected data (power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, and sunshine forecast data via Wi-Fi) in order to maximize self-consumption.In this way, the control box (4) makes it possible to continuously control the power and / or current to be compensated coming from said measuring device (2) in order to maximize the self-consumption of the energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9).

[0072] During periods when the energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) is high (in summer for example), the control box (4) redirects this energy as much as possible to the heating means (7), which can be used for example to heat water (8) in a tank (6). This tank (6) thus acts as an accumulator of the energy produced by the renewable electrical energy production means (9). Thanks to this arrangement, the control box (4) thus advantageously makes it possible to produce ready-to-use hot water (13) thanks to the overproduction of renewable electrical energy, more specifically photovoltaic energy if the renewable electrical energy production means (9) includes solar panels.In phases of overproduction of energy from the renewable electrical energy production means (9), this can cause the activation of safety systems such as the disconnection of inverters subjected to an overvoltage, de facto stopping the supply of renewable energy. This energy is wasted and is neither returned to the electricity distribution network (3) nor used on the domestic network, to heat water from a hot water production means for example. The control box (4) makes it possible to limit inverter disconnection phenomena by directing the energy as much as possible to the heating means (7). This thus makes it possible to limit overvoltages and de facto reduce the lost renewable energy.

[0073] Preferably, the control box (4) makes it possible to use the available electricity which is generated by the electrical energy production means (9) in order to modulate the heating means (7) to heat the water (8) contained in said tank (6) until a maximum water temperature is reached. And when necessary, modulates the heating means (7) in order to be able to maintain a maximum temperature within the tank (6) and to make it possible to supply hot water at the desired temperature.

[0074] Advantageously, the control box (4) allows hybridization of an existing system which is already equipped with a second means of producing hot water (14). This configuration is advantageous because the thermostatic mixing valve (17, 18) allows mixing to be carried out by maximizing the use of hot water (16) coming from said first means of producing hot water (5) while minimizing the hot water (15) coming from said second means of producing hot water (14), preferably the second means of producing hot water (14) is a conventional means of producing hot water (gas boiler, a pellet boiler, a heat pump, a fuel boiler, an electric boiler and combinations thereof).This arrangement makes it possible to continuously have ready-to-use hot water (13) despite variations in the production of renewable electrical energy while minimizing the use of conventional hot water production means consuming fossil energy or expensive electricity from the electrical distribution network (3). Advantageously, this makes it easy to deploy the system (1) according to the present invention, in particular the control box (4), because almost all infrastructures already have conventional hot water production systems. It is therefore not necessary to uninstall existing devices to replace them with the device according to the present invention. This is therefore much less of a deterrent for consumers and significantly reduces installation costs.

[0075] Alternatively, the control box (4) according to the present invention can be hybridized to more than two means of producing hot water. Alternatively, the control box (4) according to the present invention can be hybridized to more than one means of producing renewable electrical energy.

[0076] Preferably, the control box (4) makes it possible to measure the temperature of the water (8) within or at the outlet of said tank (6) of said first hot water production means (5), and / or when the temperature of the water within or at the outlet of said tank (6) of said first hot water production means (5) is lower than a predefined temperature, to modulate said heating means (7) to a sufficient power in order to increase the temperature of the tank water (8) by means of the electricity produced by said renewable electrical energy production means (9). The box is preferably provided with or connected to a thermal probe (19) which makes it possible to assess whether the water in the water heater is still sufficiently hot and thus restart a heating cycle as needed for the comfort of the user so that he has hot water ready for use (13) at any time.Preferably, this thermal probe (19) is used if the control box (4) is used without another source of hot water production or in the case where the conventional heating source (14) is switched off or unavailable.

[0077] Preferably, the control box (4) comprises a means for measuring the electrical consumption of the control box (4) which allows self-regulation of the box (4) in such a way that if the consumption of the control box (4) is greater than the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9), it goes into standby. Indeed, in phases of low renewable energy production, this makes it possible to prevent the system (1) from consuming energy from the distribution network, thus increasing the electricity bill compared to conventional hot water production systems. The control box (4) continuously modulates the heating power (7) in a proportion equal to or less than the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) not consumed by the domestic electrical installation (23). This makes it possible to optimize energy consumption as much as possible.

[0078] Preferably, the control box (4) comprises a dimmer which makes it possible to modulate said heating means (7) using the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means (9) or a static converter.

[0079] As illustrated in figures 1 to 6 ,the control box (4) is connected to the measuring device (2) and to a heating means (7), making it possible to heat the water (8) in a tank (6) and thus forming the first means of producing hot water (5). This configuration makes it possible to easily convert a conventional water heater into a solar or partially solar version. Optionally, the control box (4) can be connected to a thermal probe (19) measuring either the temperature of the water (8) inside the tank (6), or at its outlet, or even that of a wall of the tank (6). Thanks to this thermal probe (19), the control box (4) adjusts the heating means (7) according to the detected temperature. It is thus possible to define a minimum and / or maximum tank water temperature (8), in particular to prevent any microbial growth in the tank (6) or to ensure constant availability of hot water.

[0080] There figure 6includes the same elements as those stated above for the figures 1 to 5 , except that the heating means, the resistor (7), is located outside the first hot water production means (5). Also, a circulator (25) is also present in this configuration.

[0081] As illustrated in the figure 1 ,The tank (6) of the first hot water production means (5) can be supplied by a water supply (10) connected to the cold water distribution network (11). Then, the control box (4) is arranged to use the available electricity which is generated by the installation of photovoltaic panels in order to modulate the heating means (7) to heat the water (8) contained in said tank (6), preferably until a maximum water temperature is reached. And, if the thermal probe (19) indicates that the water in the tank (8) is below a predefined temperature, the control box (4) once again modulates the heating means (7) to reach a target temperature, whether it is minimum or maximum towards the outlet (12). The hot water is thus ready for use (13). (A) Period of high renewable energy production

[0082] If the amount of electricity produced by the photovoltaic panel installation is sufficient throughout the day (for example in summer). The control box (4) redirects the surplus electricity generated by the solar panel installation (9) in order to modulate, when necessary, the heating power of the electrical resistance (7) contained in the water heater (5). In this embodiment, the electricity generated by the solar panel installation (9) makes it possible to optimize self-consumption.

[0083] For example, with a ready-to-use water temperature target (13) at the outlet (12) of the system (1) at 55°C, or even 65°C, the quantity of renewable electrical energy produced is sufficient to cover all daily needs. However, if the entire hot water reserve is nevertheless used, the control box (4), via the thermal probe (19) detects that the water is cold (for example <30C°) or lukewarm (for example <35C°) and then modulates the heating power of the electrical resistance (7) until hot water (for example ≥45C°) is reached in the water heater, or even boiling water (for example ≥55C°) to maximize the self-consumption of renewable electrical energy while ensuring user comfort. (B) Period of low renewable energy production

[0084] If the production of renewable energy is not sufficient (for example in winter) to power the control box (4) and the first means of producing hot water (5), or if the water (8) in the tank (6) does not reach the temperature necessary to have hot water ready for use (13), the control box (4) identifies this deficit. It thus compensates for this deficit by using energy from the electricity distribution network (3) to modulate the heating means (7). This allows the user to have hot water ready for use (13) in all circumstances.

[0085] For example, if the control box (4) detects that the water in the tank (8) is cold (for example <30C°) or lukewarm (for example <35C°) and that the sunshine forecast for the coming day is not sufficient, the control box (4) modulates the power of the heating means (7) in such a way that the water ready for use (13) is hot for the comfort of the user (for example ≥ 45C°), even if this requires using energy from the electricity distribution network (3).

[0086] Thus, over an annual period, the system according to the invention remains competitive on the market and generally allows for optimization of self-consumption, which remains particularly advantageous for the consumer.

[0087] As illustrated in the figure 2 ,the system (1) alternatively comprises a second hot water production means (14) which is a conventional hot water production means, for example a gas boiler. The second hot water production means (14) is also supplied with cold water by the cold water distribution network (11) and makes it possible to supply hot water (15) from the latter. In this configuration the control box (4) can be connected to a mixing valve (17) making it possible to mix the hot water from the first hot water production means (16) with the hot water from the second hot water production means (15). The mixing carried out by the mixing valve (17) makes it possible to supply ready-to-use water (13) via the outlet (12). The water from the second hot water means (15) is standardized, for example 55°C, or even 60°C. The water temperature (15) of the second hot water production means (14) can be adjusted, for example according to the seasons or needs. (A) Period of high renewable energy production

[0088] This mode can be observed in summer for example. Thus, when the hot water (16) from the first hot water production means (5) is at a temperature equal to or higher than the ready-to-use water (13) at the outlet of the system (12), the mixing valve (17) will only use the water from the first hot water production means (16) so that the water at the outlet (12) of the system (1) is the water from the first hot water means (16). This makes it possible not to use the water from the second hot water means (15). This thus makes it possible to have ready-to-use water (13) essentially produced by renewable energy.Alternatively, the mixing valve (17) makes it possible to mix the water from the first hot water production means (16) and the water from the second hot water production means (15), in such a way as to adjust the temperature at the outlet (12) of the system and / or in such a way as to reduce the quantity of water from the second hot water production means (15) used by the consumer. In this case, the ready-to-use water (13) at the outlet of the system (1) would be partially produced by renewable electrical energy.

[0089] For example, when the water (16) from the first hot water production means (5) is hot (for example ≥ 45C°) or boiling (for example ≥ 55C°), the mixing valve (17) set to produce water at a minimum temperature (for example ≥ 45C°) will use exclusively the water from the first hot water production means (5). As the hot water is used, the temperature of the water from the first hot water production means (5) will decrease until it falls below the set temperature (for example ≥ 45C°) of the mixing valve (17). From this moment, the mixing valve (17) will add water from the second production means (14) itself set to provide water at a constant temperature (for example = 55°C). The more the water temperature of the first hot water production means (5) decreases, the more the addition of hot water from the second hot water production means (14) will increase. (B) Period of low renewable energy production

[0090] If the renewable energy production is not sufficient to power the control box (4) and the first hot water production means (5), or if the tank water (8) does not reach the temperature necessary to have ready-to-use hot water (13), the hot water from the first hot water production means (16) is at a lower temperature than the ready-to-use water (13) at the outlet of the system (12). The mixing valve (17) adjusts the mixture of water from the first hot water production means (16) with the water from the second hot water production means (15) to provide ready-to-use hot water (13).

[0091] Preferably, if the production of renewable energy is not sufficient to heat the tank water (8), the mixing valve (17) will use the water coming from the first hot water production means (5) and add water coming from the second production means (14) so ​​as to reach the temperature set on the mixing valve (17). In this way, the hot water production system (1) maximizes at all times the use of hot water coming from the first hot water production system (5).

[0092] For example, when the renewable energy production of the production means (9) is not sufficient or even non-existent to meet the needs necessary to produce ready-to-use hot water (13), the water (16) from the first hot water production means (5) is cold (for example <30C°) or even very cold. The mixing valve (17) makes it possible to ensure that the ready-to-use hot water (13) is the water (15) from the second hot water production means (14) which is for example hot (for example ≥ 55C°), or even boiling (for example ≥ 60C°). Alternatively, in order to produce ready-to-use hot water (13) (for example ≥ 45C°), if the water (15) is boiling (for example ≥ 60C°), the mixing valve (17) allows the use of boiling water (15) (for example 60C°) from the second means of producing hot water (14) and a little cold water (16) (for example <30C°) or even very cold water from the first means of producing hot water (5).

[0093] For example, when the renewable energy production of the production means (9) makes it possible to meet part of the needs necessary to produce hot water, the water (16) from the first hot water production means (5) is lukewarm (for example 35C°). The mixing valve (17) makes it possible to mix a lot of water (16) from the first hot water production means (5) which is lukewarm (for example 35C°) with a little hot water (15) (for example ≥ 55C°), or even boiling (for example ≥ 60C°) from the second hot water production means (14) to produce hot water (for example 45C°).

[0094] As illustrated in the figure 3 , alternatively, the tank (6) of the first hot water production means (5) operates as a thermodynamic water heater, a heat pump or a boiler and thus includes a second heating means (20). The control box (4) is preferably connected to the first heating means (7).

[0095] In this configuration, the water (8) in the tank (6) can also be heated by this second heating means which consists of a heat exchanger transporting a fluid heated using a heat pump or a boiler (20). This second heating means (20) makes it possible to heat the water (8) in parallel with the first heating means (7).

[0096] Preferably, the tank (6) comprises an electrical resistance which makes it possible to supplement the energy supply if the outside air is too cold / hot for the operation of the thermodynamic water heater or the heat pump, or if the boiler is not working correctly or if the water (8) in the tank (6) has not reached a certain temperature after a certain period. This makes it possible to always have hot water ready for use (13). This configuration is also advantageous because it makes it possible to avoid the installation of a mixing valve (17, 18), a second means of producing hot water (14). (A) Period of high renewable energy production

[0097] If the production of renewable energy by said means (9) is sufficient to supply the control box (4) and the first hot water production means (5), for example in sunny weather, the control box (4) redirects most of this energy production to the heating means (7). In this way, ready-to-use hot water (13) produced essentially by renewable energy flows through the outlet (12) to be used by the consumer. (B) Period of low renewable energy production

[0098] If the renewable energy production is not sufficient to power the control box (4) and the first hot water production means (5), or if the water in the tank (8) does not reach the temperature necessary to have hot water ready for use (13), the control box (4) identifies this deficit. It thus compensates for this deficit by using the energy from the electricity distribution network (3) to modulate the first heating means (7). This allows the user to have hot water ready for use (13) in all circumstances with reduced energy consumption from the electricity distribution network (3).

[0099] As illustrated in the figure 4 , alternatively, the first hot water production means (5) constitutes the hot water reserve of the second hot water production means (14).

[0100] In this configuration, the second means of producing hot water recirculates the water contained in the tank (6) in order to heat it and maintain it at the desired temperature.

[0101] This heating system consisting of a boiler (14) and a tank (6) are or can be equipped with a heating resistor (7). Preferably, the water from the first hot water production means (16) mixes with the water (21) contained in the second hot water production means (14). Preferably, the water from the second hot water production means (15) mixes with the tank water (8) of the first hot water production means (5). The ready-to-use water (13) preferentially flows from the first hot water production means (5) to the outlet (12). This configuration makes it possible to hybridize an existing system at lower cost and without major modification so as to minimize the use of fossil fuels or electricity from the electrical distribution network (3). (A) Period of high renewable energy production

[0102] If the production of renewable energy by said means (9) is sufficient to power the control box (4) and the first hot water production means (5), for example in sunny weather, the control box (4) redirects most of this energy production to the heating means (7) to heat the tank water (8). In this way the hot water (16) from the first hot water production means (5) does not have to be reheated during its passage (21) within the second hot water production means (14), thus reducing the energy consumption of the second heating means (21). The water then flows through the outlet (12) to be used by the consumer.Alternatively, the second hot water production means (14) can heat the water (21) to a minimum temperature, then the heating means (7) can top up by continuing to heat the water from the second hot water production means (15) previously heated. For example, the second hot water production means (14) can be set to provide hot water at 40°C. The control box (4) can modulate the heating means (7) so as to heat the water from 40°C to 65°C. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the consumption of fossil energy and to provide water partially heated with renewable energy. (B) Period of low renewable energy production

[0103] If the renewable energy production is not sufficient to power the control box (4) and the first hot water production means (5), or if the water (8) in the tank (6) does not reach the temperature necessary to have hot water ready for use (13), the hot water from the first hot water production means (16) is at a lower temperature than the ready-to-use water (13) at the outlet of the system (12) and it is heated by said second hot water production means (14), and returned to the first hot water production means (5). The water now hot and ready for use (13) can be sent to the outlet (12). Preferably, the second hot water production means (14) will heat the water (15) in the event of a deficit of renewable energy produced by the means (9) to power the heating means (7).

[0104] As illustrated in the Figure 5 , alternatively, the embodiment illustrated in figure 2comprises a second mixing valve (18). This valve also allows the addition of cold water from the distribution network (11) to avoid scalding if the water flowing downstream of the first mixing valve (17) is too hot.

[0105] The first hot water production means (5) is designed to efficiently heat the water. Preferably, it takes the form of a water heater comprising a tank (6) containing tank water (8) and a heating means (7).

[0106] As illustrated in the figure 6 , which includes the same elements listed in the figure 3 , except that the heating resistor (7) is located outside the first hot water production means (5) and that a circulator (25) is also present in this configuration. The operation is thus similar to that described in figure 3 .

[0107] The first hot water production means 5 constitutes the hot water reserve of the second hot water production means (20).

[0108] In this configuration illustrated in the figure 6 , the second hot water production means (20) operates to heat and maintain the water in the tank (6) at the desired temperature. The temperature measurement (19) can be moved to the first heating means (7) so that the control box (4) starts and stops the circulator (25) so as to optimize the temperature of the water from the first heating means (16).

[0109] This heating system consisting of a thermodynamic water heater, a heat pump, a boiler (20) and a tank (6) are or can be equipped with a heating resistor (7) which is located outside the tank (6). Preferably, the water from the first hot water production means (16) is taken from the ready-to-use water (13) in order to be heated in the first hot water production means consisting of the heating resistor (7). Preferably, the water from the first hot water production means (16) mixes with the tank water (8) heated by the second hot water production means (20). The ready-to-use water (13) flows from the tank (6) towards the outlet (12). This configuration makes it possible to hybridize an existing system at lower cost and without major modifications in order to minimize the use of fossil fuels or electricity from the electrical distribution network (3).

[0110] The presence of the resistance (7) outside the tank implies the use of the circulator (25) which acts as a pump that will allow the hot water to circulate when it reaches a certain temperature depending on the user's needs.

[0111] As illustrated in figures 1 to 6 ,this first hot water production means (5) is positioned so that its energy consumption is measured by the control box (4). It is connected to the electricity distribution network (3) and to a renewable electrical energy production means (9), via a general electrical distribution panel (23). This control box (4) manages the heating means (7) to heat the water (8) contained in the tank (6) using the energy from the electricity distribution network (3) and / or renewable electrical energy production means (9). In addition, a cold water supply (10), connected to the cold water distribution network (11), supplies the tank (6). Alternatively, as shown in the figure 4 ,the first hot water production means (5) is supplied with water (15) from the second hot water production means (14). This water is preferably preheated by this second hot water production means (14). For distribution, a water outlet (12) is provided, through which the ready-to-use hot water (13) flows.

[0112] Alternately, as shown in the figure 2 , a mixing valve (17) allows the water (16) of the first hot water production means (5) to be mixed with the water (15) of the second hot water production means (14), thereby providing ready-to-use water (13). Alternatively, as shown in the Figure 5 a second mixing valve (18) is located between the mixing valve (17) and the outlet (12), this second mixing valve (18) being connected to the cold water distribution network (11).

[0113] Furthermore, the first hot water production means (5) comprises a thermal probe (19) measuring the temperature of the tank water (8), at its outlet from the tank (6) or inside the latter.

[0114] Alternately, as shown in the figure 3 and to the figure 6 , the first means for producing hot water (5) comprises a second means for heating (20) the tank water (8).

[0115] The renewable electrical energy production means (9) makes it possible to supply the system (1) with renewable energy, more particularly a hot water production means (5, 14), more particularly a heating means (7, 20) of a hot water production means. It can for example take the form of photovoltaic panels, a concentrated solar system, a domestic wind turbine, small-scale hydroelectricity, a means of producing energy from biomass or biogas, etc. The renewable electrical energy production means (9) can comprise one or more of the aforementioned examples.

Claims

1. System (1) for regulating a means of producing hot water comprising: - A measuring device (2) connected to an electrical distribution network (3) and being arranged to quantify the energy consumption of an electrical and / or gas installation for a domestic or industrial building, - A control box (4) connected with or without wire to said measuring device (2) and collecting data generated by said measuring device (2), - A first means of producing hot water (5), preferably a water heater, which has: ∘ either a tank (6) which includes a heating means (7) preferably an electrical resistance, for heating water (8) to a given temperature, said heating means (7) being connected to said control box (4) ∘ either a tank (6) which does not include a heating means (7), preferably an electrical resistance, the latter being located outside said first means of producing hot water (5),said heating means (7) and a circulator (25) being connected to said control box (4), - A means for producing renewable electrical energy (9), preferably a photovoltaic installation, said means for producing renewable electrical energy (9) being connected to the electrical distribution network (3) to which said measuring device (2) is connected, - A water supply (10) connected to a cold water distribution network (11), - An outlet (12) arranged to supply ready-to-use water (13) at a temperature higher than that supplied by said supply (10), , characterized in that the housing (4) is arranged to use the available electricity which is generated by the electrical energy production means (9) in order to modulate the heating means (7) to heat the water (8) contained in said tank (6), preferably until a maximum water temperature is reached.

2. System according to claim 1, in which the control box (4) is arranged to continuously control the power and / or the current to be compensated for said measuring device (2) in order to maximize the self-consumption of the energy produced by the electrical energy production means (9).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second hot water production means (14), preferably chosen from the group comprising a gas boiler (with or without hot water reserve or tank), a pellet boiler, a heat pump, a fuel boiler, an electric boiler and combinations thereof.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein said second hot water production means (14) is arranged not to necessarily operate using solar energy.

5. System according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said second production means (14) is arranged to supply hot water (15) at a temperature greater than or equal to that supplied at the outlet of the system (13).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said control box (4) is equipped with a voltage and current measurement in order to measure the energy consumed by said first hot water production means (5).

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control box (4) is arranged to: - Collect voltage, power, current, quarter-hourly peak, index, sunshine forecast data via wifi, and / or - Measure the temperature of the water (8) within said tank (6) of said first production means (5), and / or - When the temperature of the water within said tank (6) of said first production means (5) is lower than a predefined temperature, activate said heating means (7) at a sufficient power in order to increase the temperature of the water (8) by means of the electricity produced by said electrical energy production means (9).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first hot water production means (5) relates to any means which contains an electrical resistance for producing hot water and is preferably chosen from the group comprising an electrical resistance hot water tank, a thermodynamic water heater equipped with an electrical resistance.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is arranged to mix the hot water (16) produced by the first hot water production means (5) with the water coming from the water supply (10) and / or the water (15) coming from said second hot water production means (14) which preferably has a predetermined temperature, greater than or equal to the temperature of the water leaving the system (13).

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mixing valve (17) (thermostatic), preferably at least two mixing valves (17, 18) (thermostatic), arranged to receive the water produced by said first (5) and second water production means (14) and / or the water coming from the distribution network (11).

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said renewable electrical energy production means (9) is chosen from the group comprising a wind installation, a hydroelectric installation, a photovoltaic installation and combinations thereof.

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a thermal probe (19) located at the outlet of said tank of said first production means (5) or inside said first means (5) and being connected to said control box (4).

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said control box (4) activates a heating cycle in order to reach a maximum temperature within said tank (6) of said first means (5) in order to avoid the formation of biological load within said tank (6), preferably after at least a number of days during which the maximum water temperature has not been reached in the tank.

14. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the phase voltage of said electrical energy production means (9) exceeds a threshold value, said control box (4) adjusts the power modulation of said control box (4) in order to prevent the renewable energy production installation (9) from going into safety mode following an overvoltage on the electrical network.

15. Control box which makes it possible to regulate a means of producing hot water and comprising: - A communication means (24) connected to a measuring device (2) connected to an electrical distribution network (3) and being arranged to quantify the energy consumption of an electrical and / or gas installation for a domestic or industrial building or to a means of producing renewable electrical energy, - A means of communication to a thermal probe, - A dimmer which makes it possible to modulate said heating means using the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy or a static converter, - A means of measuring the electrical consumption of the control box which allows self-regulation of the box in such a way that: ∘ If the consumption of the control box is greater than the energy generated by the means of producing renewable electrical energy, it goes into standby,∘ If the consumption of the control box is equal to or less than the energy generated by the renewable electrical energy production means, it modulates the heating means.

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