Device for introducing a fluid into or for discharging a fluid from a fluid layer accumulator

Abstract

The invention relates to a device or fluid storage unit (10) as a stratified storage unit with a device for introducing a fluid (9) into or removing a fluid (9) from the fluid storage unit (10). In the fluid storage unit (10), the fluid (9) stored therein is stored at different levels depending on its density. The most common application for fluid storage units (10) as stratified storage units is in building heating technology, where heating water storage tanks (10) are used as stratified storage tanks. A device according to the invention enables the introduction of heating water (9) at precisely the level within the heating water storage tank (10) that corresponds to its temperature. Even very large flow rates do not disrupt the thermal stratification within the heating water storage tank (10), thereby significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the heating system.The device according to the invention can react very quickly to changing temperatures of the heating water (9) being introduced or to changes in the temperature distribution in the heating water storage tank (10) and adjust the inlet height using temperature sensors (11) and an electronic control unit (12). For this purpose, inlet openings (5) are controlled at the appropriate height. A small electric motor, controlled by the electronic control unit (12), is sufficient for the necessary adjustment. If a device according to the invention is used to discharge a fluid (9) from a fluid storage tank (10) as a stratified storage tank, fluid (9) with precisely the desired density can be selectively discharged from the appropriate height of the fluid storage tank (10).In the case of a heating water storage tank (10), heating water (9) can be drawn off at precisely the right temperature for heating, thus eliminating the need for the mixing of hot and cooler heating water that is typical in heating systems. If, however, very hot heating water (9) is required, for example, to heat domestic hot water using a plate heat exchanger, the device according to the invention can be adjusted very quickly so that very hot heating water (9) is drawn from further down or from the very top of the heating water storage tank (10). A device according to the invention thus significantly increases the energy efficiency of the heating system, even when used to draw off heating water (9) from a heating water storage tank (10). Advantageous embodiments of the devices according to the invention also include throttling elements (15) to reduce the inflow velocity.Preferably, devices according to the invention are used for both the inlet and outlet processes.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for introducing a fluid into a fluid stratified storage tank or for discharging a fluid from a fluid stratified storage tank, in which the stored fluid exhibits different densities at different levels, particularly for heating water as a fluid, which is stored in a temperature-dependent manner. The stratification within the fluid stratified storage tank should be disturbed as little as possible, especially during the introduction of the fluid, and maintained. When discharging a fluid from a fluid stratified storage tank, it should additionally have a specific density, for example, heating water at a desired temperature. A device according to the invention can be used for both applications with essentially the same design. The stratification in the fluid stratified storage tank remains undisturbed or at least almost undisturbed, both during the introduction and the discharge of fluid.Furthermore, fluid with a desired density, for example at the desired temperature, can be discharged.

[0002] The most common application for fluid stratified storage tanks is in heating technology. For the sake of simplicity, the following descriptions will often use the term "heating water" instead of "fluid" and the terms "fluid storage tank" or "heating water storage tank" instead of "fluid stratified storage tank," whereby "fluid storage tank" or "heating water storage tank" always refers to a fluid stratified storage tank. The same applies to the patent claims, where only the terms "fluid storage tank" and "heating water storage tank" are used, but these always refer to stratified storage tank designs.

[0003] Besides its frequent use as a thermal stratified storage system, other states of a fluid that influence density are also conceivable as advantageous for stratified storage, such as different concentrations of a fluid. State of the art

[0004] Numerous devices are used to maintain thermal stratification within heating water storage tanks. Besides baffles designed to favorably influence the inflow of heating water, perforated horizontal baffles are often installed to reduce vertical flows within the storage tank. These vertical flows are primarily caused by the inadequate effectiveness of baffles. Furthermore, various column-like perforated inlet devices are known, in which the heating water is supposed to stratify itself correctly according to its density, i.e., temperature.Due to the relatively large volume flows in heating systems and the very small pressure differences—resulting solely from temperature differences, density differences, and gravitational differences—large column-like devices with large openings are necessary, which nevertheless does not lead to optimal stratification. Other non-actively driven stratification devices, fleece-like throttling elements, are known from patent applications DE10 2018 100 507 and DE10 2018 100 539, also as retrofittable devices. While these significantly improve the stratification of the incoming heating water, they do not do so as well as the device of this invention, which in a preferred embodiment additionally utilizes such throttling elements. A rotatable pipe-in-pipe device is also known, in which a vertical slot is opened at various heights.Due to its design, this device only allows water to flow in a concentrated direction towards the open vertical slot. This results in the heating water flowing only in a small arc of the horizontal stratification, leading to uneven distribution and disruption of the stratification. Furthermore, radial adjustment of such a device requires considerable force and a correspondingly robust design.

[0005] To draw off heating water at a specific temperature, heating water storage tanks have pipe connections at different heights. Mixing valves, for example, are then used to further distribute the water at the desired temperature. Such arrangements therefore typically draw warmer heating water from the storage tank than needed, making the entire system less energy efficient. Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention was therefore to provide a device for the optimal introduction of a fluid into a fluid storage tank operating as a stratified storage tank without disturbing the density stratification / temperature stratification within the fluid storage tank, and for the optimal discharge of a fluid from a fluid storage tank operating as a stratified storage tank with the desired density / temperature of the fluid, wherein the adjustment of the device to the desired height of the fluid storage tank should take place quickly and with little effort.

[0007] These tasks are solved by a device with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are found in the respective dependent claims.

[0008] A device for the controlled transfer of a fluid 9 between a fluid line 8a, 8c and a fluid storage tank 10 for the stratified storage of the fluid 9 – dependent on the density of the stored fluid 9 – is provided, comprising at least one actuating device 6, at least one actuating device drive 7 and at least one separating device 1, which has at least two adjacent separating device walls 2a, 2b, wherein at least one of the separating device walls 2a, 2b is arranged, designed and configured to be axially adjustable – i.e. in the direction of its longitudinal axis – by means of the at least one actuating device 6 in its relative position to at least one further of the separating device walls 2a, 2b, and the at least two separating device walls 2a, 2b have passage openings 3 and are part of the separating device walls 2a,2b between the passage openings 3, recess bridges 4 are arranged. The passage openings 3 are arranged in the separating device walls 2a, 2b such that passage openings 5 ​​can be formed through the adjacent separating device walls 2a, 2b by at least partially overlapping passage openings 3. Therefore, with respect to the flow direction of the fluid 9 when passing through the passage openings 5, at least two separating device walls 2a, 2b are arranged one behind the other. These separating device walls 2a, 2b are designed and arranged to be at least substantially abutting each other where no passage openings 5 ​​are formed. The separating device walls 2a, 2b, the passage openings 3, the recess bridges 4, and the at least one adjusting device 6 are also arranged, designed, and configured such that the separating device walls 2a,2b using at least one adjusting device 6 relative to each other - with reference to the longitudinal axis - axially reversible and positionable at different heights within the fluid storage unit 10, each forming at least one through-opening 5.

[0009] In such a device according to the invention, the walls of the separating device 2a, 2b can be adjusted axially relative to each other along the longitudinal axis with minimal effort, such that passage openings 5 ​​along the separating device 1 can be precisely controlled at the desired height from among many possible heights. Where no passage opening 5 is controlled, the walls of the separating device 2a, 2b are intended to lie against each other in a substantially sealing manner. Due to the open passage opening 5, the pressure difference between both sides of the separating device 1 is relatively small, which allows the sealing effect between the adjacent walls of the separating device 2a, 2b to be achieved even with relatively low contact pressure. This, in turn, results in less force being required for adjustment and lower demands on the stability of the walls of the separating device or the separating device itself.

[0010] Fluid storage tanks 10, designed as stratified storage tanks, are typically larger vertically than horizontally so that the different density levels are more pronounced vertically, resulting in more stable layers. This also reduces heat exchange between fluid layers at different temperatures, assuming a vertical temperature distribution as the density distribution. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the separating device 1 should preferably be arranged vertically—or at least more vertically than horizontally—within the fluid storage tank 10. The passage openings 5, or the passage recesses 3, are preferably arranged horizontally. The optimal vertical position of the separating device 1 within the fluid storage tank 10 is determined by the planned density and temperature distribution within the fluid storage tank 10 and the planned possible temperatures of the fluid to be introduced or discharged.The separating device 1 can be designed for the entire internal height of the fluid storage tank 10 or only for a specific area. The device according to the invention can therefore be designed, arranged, and configured both for introducing a fluid 9 from a fluid line 8a, 8c through the openings 5 ​​of the separating device 1 into a fluid storage tank 10 and for discharging a fluid 9 from a fluid storage tank 10 through the openings 5 ​​of the separating device 1 into the fluid line 8a. Furthermore, it is possible to use a single device according to the invention for both introducing and discharging.

[0011] In addition to the device according to the invention for the controlled transfer of a fluid 9 between a fluid line 8a, 8c and the fluid storage 10, a fluid storage 10 is provided for the - depending on the density of the stored fluid - stratified storage of the fluid 9 with at least one such device arranged for the controlled transfer of a fluid 9 between a fluid line 8a, 8c and the fluid storage 10.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the separating devices 1, 1a, 1b can additionally be arranged, designed, and configured to be axially reversible in such a way that, in addition to forming through-openings 5 ​​at different heights of the fluid reservoir 10, they can also be axially reversibly positioned relative to each other without forming through-openings 5. Thus, the connection between the fluid lines 8a, 8c and the fluid reservoir 10 can be closed.

[0013] Alternatively, to close the connection between fluid line 8a, 8c and fluid storage tank 10 in the device according to the invention, a controllable valve device can be arranged, which is preferably actuated by the same actuator 7 and preferably closes the connection in a desired position of the separating devices 1, 1a, 1b relative to each other.

[0014] The most frequent application of fluid storage tanks 10 as stratified storage tanks is found in the storage of fluid 9 at different temperatures, so that the fluid storage tank 10 is designed for storing – essentially thermally stratified – fluid 9; the density is determined by the temperature of the fluid 9. Fluid storage tanks 10 are very frequently used as heating water storage tanks 10 for storing thermally stratified heating water 9, and corresponding fluid lines 8a-8c as heating water lines 8a-8d are found in building heating technology. The heating water 9 can be used for both space heating and domestic hot water heating. However, fluid storage tanks 10 used as storage tanks for hot drinking water can also be advantageously equipped with devices according to the invention. For example, drinking water flowing back to the drinking water storage tank via a circulation system can be precisely heated according to the invention.The water must be reintroduced into the drinking water storage tank at its current temperature, because the temperature of such returning drinking water from the circulation line can fluctuate considerably, especially if the circulation is temporarily interrupted. Furthermore, the temperature distribution of the stratification in drinking water storage tanks varies greatly depending on the amount of water drawn; a device according to the invention can react to this precisely and quickly, stratifying the returning circulating drinking water at the correct level.

[0015] To ensure that fluid 9 with the desired density can be extracted from the fluid storage tank 10, or that fluid 9 can be supplied at the correct density level, it is advantageous to arrange more than one sensor 11 vertically distributed in or on the fluid storage tank 10 and to arrange and configure at least one electronic control unit 12, communicating with the sensors 11, for detecting the density of the fluid 9 stored in the fluid storage tank 10 at the respective sensor. The more sensors 11 are arranged at different heights to determine the density distribution within the fluid storage tank 10, the more accurately the electronic control unit 12 can infer the vertical density distribution within the fluid storage tank 10 for the areas where no sensor is located.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention, at least one sensor 11 is arranged for detecting the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8c through the passage openings 5 ​​of the separating device 1, 1a, 1b into the fluid reservoir 10 and / or from the fluid reservoir 10 through the passage openings 5 ​​of the separating device 1, 1a, 1b into the fluid line 8a, 8c. The preferred type of sensors 11 arranged in or on the fluid reservoir 10 or in or on the fluid lines 8a, 8c are temperature sensors 11.

[0017] Devices according to the invention are particularly advantageous in which the actuating device 6, the separating device 1, 1a, 1b, the separating device walls 2a, 2b, the passage openings 3 and the passage bridges 4 are designed, arranged and configured such that in most of all possible relative controllable positions of the separating device walls 2a, 2b more than two - at least partially open - passage openings 5 ​​are formed. As with the Figures 2 and 3As shown by way of example, the necessary travel distance 14 can be considerably shorter for the same or similar height displacement of the controllable passage openings 5. This allows, under otherwise identical conditions, a weaker actuator 7 for the same height change rate of the passage openings 5, a larger height change rate of the passage openings 5 ​​with an equally powerful actuator 7, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the passage recesses 3 can be designed and arranged such that the passage openings 5 ​​exhibit favorable inflow characteristics due to a favorable distribution of the partially or fully open passage openings 5. This is exemplified in Figure 3 shown, since the passage openings 5 ​​in the middle are always larger than those above and below, resulting in less turbulence at the edges.

[0018] The requirements for the passage openings 5 ​​depend on their intended use in the fluid reservoir 10 and on the size and design of the fluid reservoir 10. When designing the separating device 1, it is usually advantageous if the passage openings 5 ​​that can be formed simultaneously – at least partially open – are designed and controllable as close to each other as possible, and / or if the passage openings 5 ​​that are furthest apart from each other and controlled simultaneously are designed and controllable as close to each other as possible. Additionally, or even on its own, it is usually advantageous if the travel distance 14 of the separating device walls 2a, 2b is as short as possible when controlling different passage openings 5.The following factors are important for determining the number, design, and arrangement of the openings 3 in the walls 2a, 2b of the separating device: the desired total area of ​​the simultaneously opened openings 5, the length of the separating device 1, the number of openings 5 ​​that can be formed simultaneously, the opening pattern of the openings 5, the total number of controllable openings 5, the selected minimum overlaps of the opening bridges 4 for sealing purposes, and, if applicable, the desired travel 14 of the walls 2a, 2b when controlling different openings 5. Exemplary opening patterns are shown in the... Figures 1 to 3 shown.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of a separating device 1, 1a, 1b has at least two tubular separating device walls 2a, 2b that lie adjacent to one another, wherein at least one of the tubular separating device walls 2a, 2b is arranged within another tubular separating device wall 2a, 2b. A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in which at least one of the at least two tubular separating device walls 2a, 2b is longitudinally slit, radially elastic, and is arranged and configured to exert a contact pressure on another of the at least two tubular separating device walls 2a, 2b by means of its radial elasticity.

[0020] In all embodiments of the separating devices 1, 1a, 1b, it can be advantageous if they have at least one clamping device and the clamping device is designed, arranged, and configured such that the clamping pressure can be controlled and varied. Then, for example, to adjust a separating device wall 2a, 2b, the clamping pressure acting on or emanating from it can be reduced, which in turn can significantly reduce the required force. Alternatively, if the separating device wall 2a, 2b is not being adjusted, the clamping pressure can be increased, thus further enhancing the sealing effect of the adjacent separating device walls 2a, 2b.

[0021] However, simpler pressing devices may also be advantageous, which exclusively increase the contact pressure between the separating device walls 2a, 2b and thus provide a higher sealing effect.

[0022] The devices according to the invention enable a very precise introduction of fluid 9 into and / or discharge of fluid 9 from a fluid storage tank 10, matching the density / temperature of the fluid 9 in the fluid storage tank 10, or the desired density / temperature of the fluid 9 to be discharged. To further reduce or completely prevent any minor disturbances to the stratification in the fluid storage tank 10 that may nevertheless be caused by the flow, it is advantageous to arrange one or more throttling elements 15 at the possible controllable passage openings 5 ​​of the separating device 1, 1a, 1b to reduce local flow peaks of the fluid 9 transferred between fluid line 8a, 8c and fluid storage tank 10, comparable to the elements described in [reference to relevant document]. Figure 5As shown. By arranging an effective throttling element 15, such as a fleece covering around a tube-like separating device, the opening area of ​​the passage openings 5 ​​can also be reduced. The increased flow velocity of the fluid 9 through the passage openings 5 ​​resulting from such a reduction – at the same volume flow rate – can be effectively dampened by means of such a throttling element 15. Separating devices with smaller opening areas of the passage openings 5 ​​can be correspondingly smaller. For example, a separating device 1, 1a, 1b in a heating water storage tank 10 can have a diameter or edge length of only a few centimeters and still achieve a very slow flow into or out of the fluid storage tank 10 at the correct layer height by means of, for example, a fleece-like throttling element 15.An inflowing fluid 9 is gently guided by a nonwoven throttling element 15 into the area of ​​the recess bridges 4 between the open passage openings 5 ​​– in the case of more than one open passage opening 5 – thereby creating a particularly large transition area upon exiting the throttling element 15, which in turn drastically reduces the inflow velocity and causes even fewer disturbances. Alternatively, horizontally arranged disks between possible passage openings, positioned around the separating device with the separating device at its center, can also facilitate clean layer-by-layer insertion or removal, preferably with a nonwoven filling as a throttling element 15 between the disks.As an alternative to a fleece filling, a vertically arranged baffle element can be placed between the horizontally arranged discs to divert / redirect / distribute the fluid flowing from the separating device in such a way that its velocity is rapidly reduced and the incoming fluid fills as much of the space as possible between the horizontal discs above and below. This effectively reduces the fluid's inflow velocity as it exits the space between the discs, thus preventing disturbances to the stratification within the fluid reservoir.

[0023] In contrast to the device according to the invention, in other inlet devices with horizontally arranged discs, which function with gravity self-stratification in a layered storage tank, it is not possible to arrange fleece fillings between the horizontally arranged discs; the flow resistance of the fleece filling would disturb the self-stratification at the correct height.

[0024] The device according to the invention enables a method for introducing – as a transfer – fluid into a fluid storage device 10, in which the electronic control unit 12 detects the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8c to the separating device 1, 1b by means of at least one sensor 11, the electronic control unit 12 determines the density of the stored fluid 9 at the respective sensor 11 by means of the sensors 11 vertically distributed in or on the fluid storage device 10 and from this infers the height-dependent density distribution of the fluid 9 stored in the fluid storage device 10, and the electronic control unit 12 uses the actuator 7 via the actuator 6 to axially position at least one of the separating device walls 2b – with respect to the longitudinal axis of the separating device 1, 1a, 1b – relative to at least one other of the at least two separating device walls of the separating device 1.1b for introducing the fluid 9 into the fluid storage tank 10 is positioned such that at least one through-opening 5 is formed at the height of the fluid storage tank 10, in which the fluid 9 stored in the fluid storage tank 10 has the least differing density compared to the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8c to the separating device 1, 1b.

[0025] Depending on the temperature of the fluid 9 as determining the density of the fluid, a device according to the invention enables a method in which the device controls the at least one passage opening 5 depending on the temperature of the fluid 9 to be introduced and the temperatures of the fluid 9 stored at the different heights in the fluid storage tank 10.

[0026] This process can be improved by further process steps so that the introduction of fluid 9 into the fluid reservoir 10 takes place even more precisely at the correct height within the fluid reservoir 10. The reason for these further process steps is, firstly, the difference between the density of the incoming fluid 9 and the fluid 9 already present upstream of the separating device 1, 1a, 1b, in particular between the sensor 11 for measuring the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8b to the separating device 1, 1b and the separating device 1, 1b itself; secondly, delays in measurement and control as well as factors related to the arrangement. Possible improving process steps can be advantageous if the electronic control unit 12 takes into account known measurement delay values ​​of the at least one sensor 11 arranged for measuring the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8c to the separating device 1, 1b.and / or takes into account the installation distance of the at least one sensor 11 – arranged for measuring the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8c to the separating device 1, 1b – to the at least one passage opening 5, which corresponds to the density within the fluid reservoir 10 – to be determined simultaneously or at least in a timely manner – and / or takes into account known or measured adjustment delay values ​​of the separating device 1, 1b when controlling the at least one passage opening 5, and / or determines and takes into account the flow velocity of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8b to the passage opening 5 with the aid of a flow sensor, and / or determines and takes into account the rate of change of the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid line 8a, 8b to the separating device 1, 1b.

[0027] For the purpose of diverting – as a transfer – from a fluid storage tank 10, the device according to the invention enables a method in which the electronic control unit 12, using the sensors 11 vertically distributed in or on the fluid storage tank 10, determines the density of the stored fluid 9 at the respective sensor 11 and from this infers the height-dependent density distribution of the fluid 9 stored in the fluid storage tank 10, the electronic control unit 12, using the actuator 7 via the actuator 6, axially positions at least one of the separating device walls 2b relative to at least one other of the at least two separating device walls of the separating device 1a for diverting the fluid 9 from the fluid storage tank 10 such that at least one through-opening 5 is formed at the height of the fluid storage tank 10.in which the fluid 9 stored in the fluid storage tank 10 has the least deviating density compared to the target value of the fluid 9 to be discharged from the fluid storage tank 10 via the separating device 1a into the fluid line 8a, and the electronic control unit 12 compares the density of the fluid 9 flowing from the fluid storage tank 10 via the separating device 1a into the fluid line 8a with its target value using at least one sensor 11 and, in the event of a deviation from the target value outside predefinable limits, controls a vertical position change of the at least one passage opening 5 using the actuator 7, the actuator 6 and the at least one separating device wall 2a - optionally using the determined and / or derived density distribution of the fluid 9 stored in the fluid storage tank 10.

[0028] Depending on the temperature of the fluid 9 as determining the density of the fluid, a device according to the invention enables a method in which the device controls the at least one passage opening 5 depending on the temperature of the fluid 9 to be discharged, the temperature of the fluid 9 stored at the different heights in the fluid storage tank 10 and the target temperature of the fluid 9.

[0029] However, methods using a device according to the invention are also possible in which the electronic control unit 12, with the aid of suitable sensors, controls the transfer of the fluid 9 between fluid storage 10 and fluid lines 8a, 8c according to an internal state other than density or temperature. For example, an acid can be transferred or stored at different levels within the fluid storage 10 depending on its concentration. Brief description of the characters

[0030] Further objectives, features, advantages, and possible applications of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions with reference to the drawings. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, irrespective of their inclusion in individual claims or their cross-references.

[0031] In the Figures 1 to 3 Examples of different possible schemes for forming passage openings 5 ​​in devices according to the invention are shown. These are shown only as examples, since countless other schemes are possible and may be advantageous depending on the requirements.

[0032] In the Figures 4 and 5Devices according to the invention are shown. These are also shown only as examples, since countless other embodiments of the devices according to the invention are possible and may be advantageous depending on the requirements. In particular, the arrangement of the devices according to the invention in the fluid storage tank is shown only as an example. Thus, the vertical height and the vertical arrangement of the device according to the invention, the direction from which the supply or discharge line to the device according to the invention is routed – from above or from below – the arrangement of a throttling device on the device according to the invention, and the design of the device according to the invention with regard to the design and arrangement of the passage recesses, the number of separating device walls, the relative or absolute direction of adjustment – ​​axial (with respect to the longitudinal direction of the separating device) or radial – of the separating device walls relative to each other can be varied.The number of simultaneously – at least partially – open passage openings 5, the arrangement, design and configuration of the actuating device and actuating device drive, the type of actuating device drive (motor or, for example, thermal expansion element), the orientation of the separating device (vertical or oblique), the orientation and design of the passage recesses and the resulting passage openings can each be advantageous in countless combinations, which is why the illustrations shown are only exemplary. Furthermore, the figures show only the components at least necessary to illustrate the device according to the invention. In particular, a fluid accumulator according to claim 2, which relates to fluid accumulators with a device according to the invention, is shown in the figures. Figures 4 and 5only partially shown, since the components of a fluid storage unit (as a stratified storage unit) that are not necessary for this purpose are omitted for the sake of clarity when describing the fluid storage unit with a device according to the invention. Figures 4 and 5 are not shown. Implementation of the invention

[0033] In the Figures 1a to 1e A possible mode of operation of a device according to the invention, including the necessary adjustment range, is shown schematically using the vertical walls 2a and 2b of the separating device. The reference numerals are only used when referring to specific functions. Figure 1bThe diagram is drawn and should be transferred analogously to the other figures. The arrows indicate the locations with controlled passage openings, with the arrow length being shown in relation to the opening size of the passage opening. The two separating device walls 2a and 2b together form the separating device 1. The minimum distance between the two separating device walls serves only to illustrate that it is not a single component; in reality, the separating device walls 2a and 2b are essentially in a sealing position against each other. The separating device walls 2a and 2b can be adjusted in their position relative to each other.

[0034] In Figure 1aThe uppermost passage recesses 3 of the two separating device walls 2a and 2b are positioned congruently, thus forming a passage opening 5. At this point, the fluid can flow from left to right through the passage opening 5. The flow is therefore concentrated at a single passage opening 5. Figure 1b are the separating device walls 2a and 2b in comparison to Figure 1a Their position relative to each other has been adjusted. For this figure, the separating device wall 2b was moved downwards, so that two passage openings have now been formed, although these are only half the size. The passage recesses 3 are designed and arranged here such that the total passage area of ​​all currently formed passage openings 5 ​​is always the same size, even in the intermediate positions between those shown here. Figures 1a to 1e . In the Figures 1a, 1cand the total permeability area is limited to one permeability opening 5; in the Figures 1b and 1d In other intermediate positions, the flow is distributed across two passage openings. The distance between these two passage openings 5 ​​depends on the size (orthogonal to the direction of control) of the passage recesses 3 and on the total number of controllable passage openings 5. In an embodiment according to this Figure 1 The recess bridges 4 between the passage openings 3 of the separating device wall 2a must be at least minimally larger / longer than the total possible number of controllable passage openings 5 ​​multiplied by the size of the passage openings 3 in the separating device wall 2a. This in turn also results in the maximum necessary travel 14, which is in Figure 1a is shown with a dashed line.

[0035] Besides the uniform distribution and size of the passage openings 3 assumed here, other distributions are of course possible and may even be desirable, depending on the task to be performed. This will accordingly change the minimum size of the passage bridges and, if applicable, the travel distance 14. Even a "jumping" in the sequence of the passage openings to be controlled would not be a problem, with appropriate design of the passage bridges and arrangement of the passage openings.

[0036] In the Figures 2a to 2e A possible mode of operation of another device according to the invention, with the necessary actuating path 14, is shown schematically using the vertical walls 2a and 2b of the separating device. Advantageously, in this figure at least two passage openings 5 ​​are always open / controlled simultaneously ( Figures 2a, 2c, 2e ), in all intermediate positions even four (e.g. Figures 2b and 2dThe passage recesses 3 and thus also the passage openings 5 ​​are designed for this purpose in comparison to Figure 1 only half as large / high, which halves the minimum size of the recess bridges 4 of the separating device wall 2a. This results in a difference compared to... Figure 1 The advantage is that, with the same total size of all simultaneously opened passage openings 5, the adjustment travel 14 only needs to be half as large. Correspondingly less mechanical work is required, meaning the separating device 1 can be adjusted faster or with less force, which, for example, also allows the use of a weaker actuator drive (e.g., an electric motor).

[0037] If the device is designed with even smaller and correspondingly more passage openings, the travel distance becomes even smaller, and consequently, even less mechanical work is required for the same possible fluid flow rate. For example, three passage openings with 1 / 3 the size require only 1 / 3 the travel distance, and so on. Smaller spacing between the passage openings can offer further advantages regarding the flow of fluid into a given volume.

[0038] The other statements regarding Figure 1 also occur Figure 2 to.

[0039] In the Figures 3a to 3d A further possible mode of operation of a device according to the invention, with the necessary adjustment range 14, is shown schematically using the vertical walls 2a and 2b of the separating device. The adjustment range 14 is, in one embodiment according to... Figure 3 identical to the embodiment according to. Figure 2 , so half as big / long as the parking space in Figure 1 Even more advantageous than with a device according to Figure 2 is in this Figure 3 but the "flow distribution". The design and arrangement of the passage recesses 3 and the recess bridges 4 result in the following in all Figures 3a to 3dThe following flow openings are used: A full / maximum possible flow opening in the center, framed by half-flow openings above and below. Such a controllable design of flow openings is particularly advantageous because, when a fluid flows into a fluid volume with varying density depending on height, such as thermal stratification in a heating water storage tank, the fluid flows into the fluid volume more smoothly, as the different fluid densities are less disturbed / turbulent. This is because the highest flow rate occurs in the center of the flow area, and the lowest at the edges / ends. This also applies to positions between those shown. Figures 3a to 3dThere are correspondingly "smooth transitions"; the through-holes 5 are relatively close together and are opened slowly one after the other and closed correspondingly slowly on the opposite "side," and vice versa. This always results in an almost equally sized inflow area, unlike in a device according to... Figure 2 .

[0040] Even smaller passage openings with a correspondingly greater number of smaller openings can enable significantly shorter strokes and an even smoother flow of fluid into a fluid volume; for example, 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1, 2 / 3, 1 / 3 or 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1, 3 / 4, 1 / 2, 1 / 4, or an even smaller division. The strokes become correspondingly smaller / shorter, and the flow of fluid into the fluid volume potentially even smoother / more advantageous.

[0041] In all previous cases Figures 1 to 3Only a schematic representation is shown in each case. In practice, for the introduction of a fluid into a fluid volume with varying densities depending on height, pipes with horizontal slots as passage openings are particularly suitable. If the inner pipe has approximately or exactly the same diameter as the outer pipe, is radially elastic, and is slit lengthwise before insertion so that the minimum circumference / diameter is smaller, then a sufficiently high contact pressure can potentially be established between the inner and outer pipes after insertion, so that these two pipes essentially seal against each other as separating walls.This is all the more possible because / if the two pipes together as a separating device are never completely "closed", i.e., openings are always controlled; thus, no pressure difference can build up which would promote overflow at unwanted points of the pipes / separating device.

[0042] In preferred devices according to the invention, it is also advantageously possible to increase the contact pressure between the walls of the separating devices, or to allow a reduced contact pressure. This allows the contact pressure to be reduced for adjustment, or increased accordingly in the desired position relative to each other, thus ensuring a sufficiently tight seal so that the walls of the separating devices lie particularly close to one another.

[0043] In Figure 4Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a heating water storage tank 10, which serves as a fluid storage tank. Only the components of a heating water storage tank necessary to explain the device according to the invention are depicted. For reasons of space, not all openings and bridges are labeled with reference numbers; however, the remaining openings and bridges can be identified using the existing reference numbers. As an example, a device according to the invention for the thermally appropriate introduction / “stratification” of heating water 9 as a fluid 9 into the thermally stratified heating water 9 stored within the heating water storage tank 10 is described. Heating water for underfloor heating or radiators is drawn from such heating water storage tanks 10.However, heat exchangers for heating domestic hot water are also often located inside heating water storage tanks. These are usually arranged as a helical pipe within the presumably most favorable temperature range of the storage tank. Alternatively, heating water can be diverted to supply a plate heat exchanger located outside the heating water storage tank for domestic hot water heating and then returned to the plate heat exchanger after it has transferred its heat. These devices for supplying radiators and / or for heating domestic hot water are not shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0044] A heating water pipe 8a is arranged / connected at the top of the heating water storage tank 10, through which heated heating water 9 is supplied as fluid 9 to the separating device 1 for feeding into the heating water storage tank 10. This can come from various heat generators, for example, a heat pump or a gas boiler. The separating device 1 consists of the outer separating device wall 2a and the inner separating device wall 2b. The separating device wall 2a is fixed / rigidly arranged and configured. The inner separating device wall 2b, on the other hand, is—as in the previous Figures 1 to 3- arranged and configured to be vertically adjustable / movable. The separating device walls 2a, 2b are only designed and arranged in this way as an example; they could, for instance, also be arranged within a receiving housing, etc. The separating device walls 2a and 2b lie as a tube-in-tube arrangement – ​​at least substantially – sealingly against each other and can be adjusted / positioned relative to each other by means of an adjusting device 6, in this device according to Figure 4 , by vertically and thus axially displacing / adjusting the separating device wall 2b. The passage recesses 3 are designed as horizontally arranged slots. These slots are - as is stated in this Figure 4(Not shown) - interrupted, so that the recess bridges 4 above and below are connected to each other. Alternatively, the horizontal slots, as passage openings 3, can also completely divide the inner "pipe" as a separating device wall 2b, and the resulting pipe sections, as recess bridges 4, can be connected to each other via internally arranged connecting webs. The same can alternatively apply to the outer pipe as a separating device wall 2a with externally arranged connecting webs. Advantageously, the flowable area of ​​each passage opening 3 could thus be increased even further.

[0045] For the inner tube, which serves as the separating device wall 2b, a vertical slot extending the entire length of the tube is suitable. This slot is also radially elastic and exerts an outward force on the inside of the outer tube, which also serves as the separating device wall 2a. With a sufficiently smooth surface on the adjacent walls, the separating device walls 2a and 2b fit together essentially tightly, except at the passage openings (5). Alternatively, the outer tube can be vertically slotted, and the inner tube can be designed without a vertical slot, with the outer tube exerting an inward force on the outside of the inner tube. Or both tubes can be vertically slotted completely and exert a force on each other all around.When using vertically slotted pipes as separating device walls, it is important that the vertical slot of one separating device wall does not overlap with a passage opening 3 of the other separating device wall. In these areas, the passage opening 3 must therefore be interrupted. Consequently, if one pipe is vertically slotted as a separating device wall, the other pipe cannot have—as described above as a possibility—slots forming a continuous path as passage openings 3 with connecting webs; otherwise, uncontrolled overflow would occur at the points of overlap. Furthermore, in configurations with two vertically slotted pipes, the vertical slots must not be aligned or intersect. Guide pins or rollers could be arranged in the other pipe in the area of ​​the vertical slots of the vertically slotted pipes.These could be designed to act as a pressure device, spreading against an inner slotted tube and arranged on the outer tube; and / or conversely, designed as a pressure device, contracting against an outer slotted tube and arranged on the inner tube, the latter being more technically complex. Such pressure devices, whether spreading or contracting, can also be designed and arranged to be adjustable. For example, to facilitate adjustment / displacement of the separating device walls 2a and 2b relative to each other, the contact pressure can be reduced during the adjustment process, thus requiring less force for adjustment.

[0046] In addition to the embodiment shown here with two separating device walls 2a and 2b, embodiments with more, for example three, separating device walls as separating devices 1 may also be advantageously arranged, wherein two of the separating device walls should be arranged to be adjustable / displaceable relative to one separating device wall. Thus, one separating device wall can be used to control the height of the passage openings 5 ​​within the fluid reservoir 10, and the other, also adjustable / displaceable, separating device wall can be used to control the flow area. This can be achieved, for example, by an embodiment in which the passage openings 3 of an adjustable and a non-adjustable separating device wall are arranged equidistant from each other and are each the same size as their counterparts.By shifting them relative to each other, the openings can be made smaller or larger.

[0047] For actuating the positioning device 6, an electric motor 7 is arranged here as an example as the positioning device drive 7. This can adjust the separating device wall 2b vertically and thus axially. When the separating device wall 2b is moved / adjusted axially, no shear forces generally act. This differs from the situation with separating device walls that are adjustable radially relative to each other, as described in other patents or patent applications. Particularly due to the large length in relation to the diameter, the desired material thickness, and considering the desired – essentially – tight fit of the separating device walls, relatively strong shear forces act in such designs. Separating devices that are adjustable axially relative to each other, here vertically, can advantageously be adjusted / moved with less force and can have a smaller material thickness.

[0048] The heating water 9 flows back to the heat generator as colder heating water 9 via the heating water pipe 8b located / connected below, where it is heated again.

[0049] For the relative arrangement of the passage recesses 3 and recess bridges 4 to each other, a variant according to [reference] was used. Figure 3 selected. For better clarity, in this Figure 4 Only 15 openings each are shown in the inner wall 2b and the outer wall 2a of the separating device. In reality, more openings can easily be provided. Here, the three openings 5 ​​in the lower half of the separating device 1 are currently controlled, whereby – as shown in the diagram – Figure 3As explained, the central opening 5 is fully open, while the other two openings 5 ​​are only half open. Assuming a height of 0.5 cm for the openings 3, a separation device 1 with a length of 126 cm allows for 22 openings 3, with a height of approximately 5 cm for the opening bridges 4. The total inflow area of ​​each set of three openings 5 ​​is approximately 11 cm high; only during adjustment are four openings 5 ​​briefly formed instead of three, and all four are only partially open. The maximum travel of the separation device wall 2b is approximately 4.75 cm.

[0050] Assuming a diameter of 5 cm for the separating device 1 and a height of 0.5 cm for the passage openings 3, the resulting opening area is approximately 15 sq cm; with a diameter of 5 cm for the separating device 1 and the same height for the passage openings, the area would be approximately 9 sq cm. Figure 4(Not shown in the diagram) a throttling device can preferably be arranged around the separating device 1, for which a porous and voluminous material, such as a nonwoven fabric covering several centimeters thick, is suitable. Local flow peaks can thus be effectively slowed down. Due to the increased inflow surface area – in the case of a nonwoven fabric covering, the surface area of ​​the nonwoven fabric itself – the inflow velocity is reduced considerably again before reaching the surface of the nonwoven fabric. At a volume flow rate of 20 liters per minute, the flow velocity of the heating water immediately upon exiting the separating device 1 is approximately 22 cm per second; based on the total height of all three passage openings 5, this would theoretically be approximately 2 cm per second.If a nonwoven fabric casing is additionally arranged as a throttling device, the inflow velocity is reduced considerably again and is also distributed more evenly over the total height of the passage openings 5. If a nonwoven fabric casing has an outer diameter of, for example, 13 cm, the inflow velocity is only about 0.75 cm per second, with a very even distribution of the heating water inflow over the height range of the passage openings 5 ​​of about 11 cm, since a larger volume flow enters the nonwoven fabric casing in the middle of this 11 cm height range than above and below it.

[0051] The purpose of the separating device 1 is to direct the flow of heating water 9 into the thermally correct height range of the heating water storage tank 10. Temperature sensors 11, arranged at different heights of the heating water storage tank 10 and, by way of example, connected to the electronic control unit 12 via an electrical line 13 as a communication link 13, enable the electronic control unit 12 to determine the heating water temperatures within the heating water storage tank 10, preferably in addition to measuring, also by deriving an assumed heating water temperature for height ranges without a temperature sensor 11 from the measured heating water temperature values.

[0052] By means of at least one temperature sensor 11 in the heating water pipe 8a, the temperature of the warm heating water flowing from the heating water pipe 8a into the separating device 1 can be determined, regardless of the type of heating water heating device. Due to the short adjustment paths – in the example above, the adjustment path from one passage opening 5 to the next passage opening 5 is only 0.25 cm – when adjusting the relative position of the separating device wall 2b to the separating device wall 2a, the device according to the invention can react very quickly to changing temperatures of the incoming heating water and always introduce the incoming heating water into the thermally stratified stored quantity of heating water at the appropriate height.If, in addition, a throttling device – as explained above – such as a non-woven fabric casing is arranged, the heating water 9 leaves the non-woven fabric casing already at the correct or at least nearly correct temperature for the heating water 9 stored in the heating water storage tank 10 at that height in the storage tank 10. Due to the very low flow velocity of the heating water 9 as it leaves the non-woven fabric casing acting as a throttling element, this heating water 9 can stratify very "gently," i.e., without disturbing the thermal stratification within the heating water storage tank 10, near the surface of the non-woven fabric casing at the absolutely correct "thermal height" in the heating water storage tank 10.

[0053] When using a nonwoven fabric sheath as a throttling device, it is advantageous if the density of the nonwoven fabric is not so high that vertical outflows of the incoming heating water 9 occur, contrary to the thermally appropriate stratification of the heating water 9 already stored in the heating water storage tank 10. The nonwoven fabric density and the nonwoven fabric itself are preferably to be adapted to the requirements and conditions. Even more advantageous is a nonwoven fabric sheath whose structure exhibits a higher flow resistance in the vertical direction / arrangement than in the horizontal direction, whereby the layer height of the incoming heating water, already correctly or almost correctly controlled by the separating device 1, is essentially maintained until it exits the nonwoven fabric sheath. Such a nonwoven fabric sheath as a throttling element can also advantageously be designed and arranged in such a way that – if necessary –Together with the separating device 1, it can be removed from the heating water storage tank 10 for maintenance purposes. Due to the high flexibility of nonwovens, the opening of the heating water storage tank 10 may also be suitable for the separating device 1. For example, the nonwoven casing can first be inserted through this opening, followed by the separating device, into a central recess in the nonwoven casing, or vice versa for removal. Such a nonwoven casing can thus also serve as a filter element for cleaning the heating water 9 as fluid 9.

[0054] As an alternative to horizontally and vertically differing flow resistances, numerous horizontally oriented discs can be arranged within or even beyond the nonwoven fabric covering, preferably one disc between each of the perforations 3. Alternatively, horizontally oriented discs without nonwoven fabric filling can also be arranged. In both cases, the larger the diameter of the discs, the lower the flow velocity of the incoming heating water 9 as fluid 9 when it passes from the space between the discs – which is protected from vertical flow through the discs – into the thermally stratified heating water stored in the heating water storage tank 10 beyond the disc.

[0055] A device according to this Figure 4 can be used not only for the thermally correct introduction of the heating water 9 into the heating water storage tank 10, but also for the discharge of

[0056] Heating water 9 of a desired / specific temperature is used. The laterally arranged temperature sensors 11 are then preferably and advantageously used by the electronic control unit 12 for the initial actuation of the separating device wall 2b before or at the start of the discharge process. During an ongoing discharge process, the temperature sensor 11 at the heating water pipe 8a can measure the actual temperature of the outflowing heating water 9, and the electronic control unit 12, using the electric motor 7 and the actuator 6, can adjust / move the separating device wall 2b to achieve the target temperature. Due to the short travel distances of the separating device wall 2b, the separating device 1 can be readjusted very quickly in the event of sudden, significant changes in the target temperature.The temperature sensors 11, arranged laterally and distributed along the height of the container, can also be used particularly advantageously for a rapid initial adjustment / displacement of the separating device wall 2b. The temperature sensor 11 at the heating water line 8a is again used for the subsequent fine control of the heating water setpoint temperature. Due to the very rapid adjustment processes, a single device according to the invention can, for example, be used both for supplying residential heating systems with warm heating water and for the prioritized supply of plate heat exchangers for domestic hot water heating with significantly warmer heating water.

[0057] Several devices according to the invention can also be arranged in a heating water storage tank for both introduction and discharge, so that different quantities of heating water at different temperatures can be introduced simultaneously from different heating water heating devices - such as heat pumps, gas heating, solar water heat exchangers - and / or different quantities of heating water at different temperatures can be discharged for different applications - such as domestic hot water heating, supplying underfloor heating, supplying radiators.

[0058] A device according to the invention can generally be advantageously used for the appropriate layering or removal of fluids of different densities in different areas of a fluid storage device. The preceding explanations regarding thermally layered storage of heating water, including suitable sensor technology, are correspondingly applicable.

[0059] In Figure 5Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of two devices according to the invention in a heating water storage tank 10. Both devices according to the invention are shown here as examples of identical design. Further details regarding Figure 4 This also applies here, since the separating devices 1a and 1b of this Figure 5 are identically designed to the separating device 1 according to. Figure 4 The markings with the reference numerals for the passage recesses, the passage openings, the recess bridges and the separating device walls are also to be distinguished from the separating device 1 according to. Figure 4 on the two separating devices 1a and 1b of this Figure 5 to transfer, as these are not shown here for better clarity.

[0060] One device according to the invention serves to introduce and the other to extract heating water 9 from the heating water storage tank 10b, where it is stored in temperature-dependent layers. All possible passage openings 5 ​​of both separating devices 1a and 1b, or rather all passage recesses 3 of both outer walls of the separating devices 2a, 2b, open into / are bordered by a throttling element 15, wherein the two throttling elements 15 here only by way of example have the same diameter. A large outer diameter of a throttling element 15 is particularly advantageous in the separating device through which heating water is introduced.

[0061] As already mentioned Figure 4As explained, the flow openings at different (temperature) heights of the heating water storage tank 10 can be controlled very quickly by the actuators 6; a significant change in the height of the flow openings can therefore also be detected. For example, heated heating water 9 at a temperature of 40°C, supplied by a heat pump for space heating, can flow into the separating device 1b via the heating water line 8c. If, at the same time, it is determined that it is necessary to refill the system with very warm heating water at a temperature of 65°C to supply a plate heat exchanger, and this water is supplied by the heat pump, the temperature sensor 11 in the heating water line 8c detects the temperature change of the heating water.Due to its design and operation, the separating device 1b can react to significant temperature changes within a few seconds and "stratify" the incoming heating water 9 at the thermally correct level at the top of the heating water storage tank. The same applies, if necessary, when switching to a different heating water heating device that suddenly supplies heating water at a different temperature level; for example, heating water supplied by a solar heat exchanger.

[0062] The electronic control unit 12 can also be used, with the aid of the temperature sensors 11, to select the most suitable heating water heating device from among various options, or, if necessary, to select more than one heating water heating device as currently suitable and signal this to their respective controllers. The temperature sensors 11 can also be advantageously positioned centrally within the heating water storage tank using an additional device. Alternatively, they can be positioned on both sides of the heating water storage tank 10, which allows for even better detection of potential gradients / height differences within the thermal stratification – similar to a centrally positioned arrangement of the temperature sensors 11 within the heating water storage tank 10. Generally, it is most practical to position the temperature sensors 11 near the separating device through which heated heating water is introduced into the heating water storage tank 10.Unlike the heating pipe 8c, the temperature sensor 11 on the heating water pipe 8a, through which heating water is discharged, can react quickly and precisely to temperature changes in the discharged heating water. The separating device 1a can also react very quickly to changing temperature requirements for the heating water, for example, the need for very hot heating water 9 for a plate heat exchanger for domestic hot water heating instead of for space heating, or vice versa.

[0063] The return of previously drawn heating water is achieved, by way of example, through heating water pipe 8b, and the withdrawal of previously supplied heated heating water is achieved, by way of example, through heating water pipe 8d. However, it is also possible and possibly advantageous to arrange additional devices according to the invention for this purpose, for example, if the heating water flowing back through heating water pipe 8b is often warmer than the coldest heating water 9 stored at the very bottom of the heating water storage tank 10. Or if a heat pump, as a heating water heating device, is to be supplied with already optimally preheated heating water 9 to heat particularly warm heating water 9 in an energy-efficient manner. In this way, a heat pump can stratify very warm heating water from top to bottom much more quickly, thus making a larger quantity of very warm heating water available much faster.In previously known systems, heating to a high temperature level is achieved through a slower and less efficient heating of the entire storage unit.

[0064] Not shown here, devices according to the invention may be advantageously used with a split separating device. For example, the outer of two separating device walls could extend far down into the heating water storage tank 10 and be connected at the bottom – in addition to the upper heating water line 8c – to the heating water line 8d with its own temperature sensor 11. Two separating device walls can then be arranged inside: one for the upper region of the heating water storage tank and one for the lower region of the heating water storage tank, with at least one of these two inner separating device walls having a partition / cover separating it from the other separating device wall. Both inner separating device walls should then be adjustable by their own adjusting devices and actuating device drives, optionally from the same direction for both.For example, two electric motors can be arranged at the top of the heating water storage tank as actuator drives. One actuates the upper partition wall via an actuator, and the other actuates the lower partition wall via a correspondingly longer actuator. A heat pump can also be better supplied with such a split partition. The heat pump can be supplied with warm heating water from the lower to middle section of the heating water storage tank, but not necessarily with the coldest water from the bottom section. The heating water heated by the heat pump can then be fed into the upper part of the partition in a temperature-dependent, layered manner precisely within the upper section of the heating water storage tank via the upper heating water pipe 8c.

[0065] Or, a split separator as described above can separate heating water in the lower section from a system operating at a cooler temperature level.

[0066] Introduce / layer the heating water heating device and in the upper area the heating water of a heating water heating device operating at a warmer temperature level.

[0067] Alternatively, a split separator can be used to simultaneously supply heating water to two residential heating systems with different temperature levels. The upper, warmer section supplies conventional radiators with warmer heating water, and optionally, a plate heat exchanger for domestic hot water heating, while the lower section supplies surface heating systems such as underfloor heating.

[0068] As an alternative to the arrangement shown here, a dual-function separator is also possible. For example, the inner pipe could be replaced by two halves, each operated separately by its own actuator. One half could be used for fluid intake and the other for fluid discharge. Such an arrangement can also be combined with the previously described arrangement (upper warmer and lower cooler area), even if it is housed within an outer pipe as the separator wall, thus providing a total of four intake or discharge functions for partially different temperature levels. Reference symbol list

[0069] 1, 1a, 1b Separating device 2a, 2b Separating device wall 3 Passage recess 4 Recess bridges 5 Passage openings 6 Actuating device 7 Actuating device drive, electric motor, thermal expansion element 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Fluid line, heating water line 9 Fluid, heating water 10 Fluid storage, heating water storage tank 11 Sensor, temperature sensor 12 Electronic control unit 13 Electrical line, communication link 14 Actuating travel 15 Throttle element

Claims

1. Device for the controlled transfer of a fluid (9) between a fluid line (8a, 8c) and a fluid storage device (10) for the stratified storage of the fluid (9) depending on the density of the stored fluid (9), comprising at least one actuating device (6), at least one actuating device drive (7) and at least one separating device (1, 1a, 1b) which has at least two adjacent separating device walls (2a, 2b), characterized by the fact that- at least one of the separating device walls (2a, 2b) is arranged, designed, and configured to be axially reversibly adjustable in its relative position to at least one further separating device walls (2a, 2b) - with respect to the longitudinal axis of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) - the at least two separating device walls (2a, 2b) have passage openings (3) and, as part of the separating device walls (2a, 2b), recess bridges (4) are arranged between the passage openings (3) - the passage openings (3) are arranged in the separating device walls (2a, 2b) such that passage openings (5) can be formed through the adjacent separating device walls (2a, 2b) by means of passage openings (3) that are at least partially overlapping - at least two separating device walls (2a,2b) - with respect to the flow direction of the fluid (9) when passing through the passage openings (5) - are arranged one behind the other - the separating device walls (2a, 2b) away from the passage openings (5) are designed and arranged to be at least substantially abutting each other - the separating device walls (2a, 2b), the passage recesses (3), the recess bridges (4) and the at least one adjusting device (6) are arranged, designed and configured such that the separating device walls (2a, 2b) can be positioned axially reversibly relative to each other - with respect to the longitudinal axis - by means of the at least one adjusting device (6) - forming at least one passage opening (5) at different heights within the fluid reservoir (10).

2. Fluid storage device (10) for the stratified storage of the fluid (9) - dependent on the density of the stored fluid (9) - with at least one device arranged for the controlled transfer of a fluid (9) between a fluid line (8a, 8c) and the fluid storage device (10), with at least one actuating device (6), at least one actuating device drive (7) and at least one separating device (1, 1a, 1b) which has at least two adjacent separating device walls (2a, 2b), characterized by the fact that- at least one of the separating device walls (2a, 2b) is arranged, designed, and configured to be axially reversibly adjustable in its relative position to at least one further separating device walls (2a, 2b) - with respect to the longitudinal axis of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) - the at least two separating device walls (2a, 2b) have passage openings (3) and, as part of the separating device walls (2a, 2b), recess bridges (4) are arranged between the passage openings (3) - the passage openings (3) are arranged in the separating device walls (2a, 2b) such that passage openings (5) can be formed through the adjacent separating device walls (2a, 2b) by means of passage openings (3) that are at least partially overlapping - at least two separating device walls (2a,2b) - with respect to the flow direction of the fluid (9) when passing through the passage openings (5) - are arranged one behind the other - the separating device walls (2a, 2b) away from the passage openings (5) are designed and arranged to be at least substantially abutting each other - the separating device walls (2a, 2b), the passage recesses (3), the recess bridges (4) and the at least one adjusting device (6) are arranged, designed and configured such that the separating device walls (2a, 2b) can be positioned axially reversibly relative to each other - with respect to the longitudinal axis of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) - by means of the at least one adjusting device (6) - forming at least one passage opening (5) at different heights within the fluid reservoir (10).

3. Device according to one or both of claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact thatthe separating device walls (2a, 2b), the passage recesses (3), the recess bridges (4) and the at least one adjusting device (6) are arranged, designed and configured such that the separating device walls (2a, 2b) can be positioned axially reversibly relative to each other by means of the at least one adjusting device (6) - in addition to forming at least one passage opening (5) at different heights within the fluid storage container (10) - without forming a passage opening (5).

4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that An additional controllable valve device is arranged between the fluid line (8a, 8c) and the fluid storage tank (10).

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fluid storage unit (10) is designed for storing fluid (9) that is essentially thermally stratified.

6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fluid storage (10) is designed as a heating water storage tank (10) for storing - essentially thermally stratified - heating water (9) and the fluid line (8a, 8b) is designed as a heating water line (8a, 8b).

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the device is designed, arranged and set up for introducing fluid (9) from the fluid line (8a, 8c) through the passage openings (5) of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) into the fluid reservoir (10) and / or for draining fluid (9) from the fluid reservoir (10) through the passage openings (5) of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) into the fluid line (8a, 8c).

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatmore than one sensor (11) and at least one electronic control unit (12) communicating with the sensors (11) for detecting the density of the fluid (9) stored in the fluid storage tank (10) at the respective sensor (11) are arranged and set up vertically distributed in or on the fluid storage tank (10).

9. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one sensor (11) is arranged for detecting the density of the fluid (9) flowing from the fluid line (8a, 8c) through the passage openings (5) of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) into the fluid storage container (10) and / or from the fluid storage container (10) through the passage openings (5) of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) into the fluid line (8a, 8c).

10. Device according to one or both of claims 8 and 9, characterized by the fact that The arranged sensors (11) are designed as temperature sensors (11).

11. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) is arranged with its longest side vertically or more vertically than horizontally in the fluid storage tank (10) and the passage openings (3) in the separating device walls (2a, 2b) of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) are formed horizontally or almost horizontally.

12. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the actuating device (6), the separating device (1, 1a, 1b), the separating device walls (2a, 2b), the passage recesses (3) and the recess bridges (4) are designed, arranged and configured such that in most of all possible relative to each other controllable positions of the separating device walls (2a, 2b) more than two - at least partially open - passage openings (5) are formed.

13. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe passage openings (3) taking into account - the length of the separating device (1) - the desired total area of ​​the simultaneously opened passage openings (5) - the number of passage openings (5) that can be formed simultaneously - the opening pattern of the passage openings (5) - the total number of controllable passage openings (5) - the selected minimum overlap of the passage bridges (4) for sealing purposes - the desired travel (14) of the separating device walls (2a, 2b) when controlling different passage openings (5) in the separating device walls (2a, 2b) are arranged and formed in such a way and in such a number,that - the simultaneously formed - at least partially opened - passage openings (5) are designed and controllable as close as possible to each other and / or - the passage openings (5) that are furthest apart from each other that are designed and controlled simultaneously are designed and controllable as close as possible to each other and / or - the actuation path (14) of the separating device walls (2a, 2b) when controlling different passage openings (5) is as short as possible.

14. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe separating device (1, 1a, 1b) has at least two tubular separating device walls (2a, 2b) arranged adjacent to one another, wherein at least one of the tubular separating device walls (2a, 2b) is arranged in another tubular separating device wall (2a, 2b), wherein at least one of the at least two tubular separating device walls (2a, 2b) is longitudinally slit, is radially elastic and is arranged and configured to exert a contact pressure on another of the at least two tubular separating device walls (2a, 2b) by means of its radial elasticity, and / or the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) comprises at least one contact device for increasing the contact pressure prevailing between the separating device walls (2a, 2b), and / or the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) has at least one contact device and the contact device is designed such thatIt is arranged and set up so that the contact pressure can be controlled and changed.

15. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at the possible controllable passage openings (5) of the separating device (1, 1a, 1b) one or more throttling elements (15) are arranged to reduce local flow peaks of the fluid (9) transferred between the fluid line (8a, 8c) and the fluid storage (10) and / or inlet devices are arranged at least partially at or at least near possible controllable passage openings (5) such that transferred fluid (9) is directed substantially horizontally out of or into the fluid storage (10) at least in the area of ​​controlled passage openings (5) by means of an inlet device.

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