Hydraulic storage module comprising a perforated conduit

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic storage module (50) for a thermal regulation system of a building, the hydraulic storage module (50) of heat transfer fluid being configured to be hydraulically connected to a supply circuit (32) of heat transfer fluid and to a return circuit (34) of heat transfer fluid of the heating system in order to store thermal energy by means of the heat transfer fluid, the hydraulic storage module comprising: - a reservoir (12) of heat transfer fluid extending along a central longitudinal axis (A), - a first (14) and a second (16) supply ports intended to be hydraulically connected to the supply circuit (32) of heat transfer fluid, - a first (18) and a second (20) return ports intended to be hydraulically connected to the return circuit (34) of heat transfer fluid,characterized in that the hydraulic storage module (50) further comprises: - a supply line (52) passing through the reservoir (12) and extending from the first supply port (14) to the second supply port (16), at least one first circulation port (54) being formed in the supply line (52) to allow fluid communication between an internal space of the supply line (52) and the reservoir (12).

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation of a building by means of a hydraulic circuit.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a hydraulic storage module for a building thermal regulation system and such an installation. Arrière-plan technologique

[0003] A thermal control installation, i.e. heating or cooling, generally includes a thermal control device, one or more receiving elements and a hydraulic circuit connected to the thermal control device and the receiving elements to form a fluid circulation loop.

[0004] The thermal regulation device is, for example, a boiler or a heat pump. The receiving elements are, for example, one or more of a radiator, a towel warmer, a water heater, and underfloor heating.

[0005] A hydraulic storage module, also called a buffer tank or storage module, can be integrated into the hydraulic circuit to store excess heating water produced by the heating control system. This allows the hydraulic storage module to maintain a reserve of thermal energy ready for use as needed by the building, thus reducing the load on the heating control system. This is particularly useful when the heating control system is a heat pump or uses a renewable energy source, enabling the storage of thermal energy produced when it is available or when its production is most efficient.

[0006] To perform this function, the hydraulic module is connected simultaneously to the supply and return circuits of the hydraulic circuit, between the thermal regulation device and the receiving components.

[0007] With reference to the figure 1 An example of a hydraulic storage module 10 is shown. This hydraulic storage module 10 is connected between a thermal control device 26 and a plurality of receiving devices 28 via a hydraulic circuit 30. The hydraulic circuit 30 includes a heating water supply circuit 32 and a heating water return circuit 34.

[0008] The hydraulic storage module 10 includes a reservoir 12 comprising four ports: a first 14 and a second 16 starting ports, a first 18 and a second 20 return ports.

[0009] The first 14 and second 16 outlets are hydraulically connected to the heating water outlet circuit 32.

[0010] The first 18 and second 20 return ports are hydraulically connected to the heating water return circuit 34.

[0011] Thus, the first outlet 14 and return 18 ports are hydraulically connected to the regulating device 26. The second outlet 16 and return 20 ports are hydraulically connected to the receiving devices 28.

[0012] It is known that the first and second supply ports, as well as the first and second return ports, are open ports. An "open port" is defined as a port that opens directly into the internal cavity of reservoir 12 with a completely unobstructed pipe section, originating from a side wall of the hydraulic module. Therefore, there is no reduction in cross-section at the inlet to reservoir 12. Consequently, the fluid supplying the tank or being drawn from reservoir 12 encounters no obstruction or deflector.

[0013] Significant mixing has been observed within a tank equipped with open orifices. Therefore, ensuring thermal stratification of the water in the tank is crucial for optimal energy efficiency.

[0014] The circulation of water in the reservoir leads to a homogenization of the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and therefore a significant temperature difference between the temperature of the water supplying the reservoir at the first outlet 14 and the temperature of the water at the second outlet 16. This mixing causes a dissipation of thermal energy in the reservoir and therefore reduced performance of the hydraulic storage module.

[0015] THE figures 2 And 3represent respectively the distribution of the heating water circulation velocity (m / s) and the distribution of the heating water temperature (°C) within the hydraulic module when using the thermal control system with a known hydraulic module having open orifices. We observe on the figures 2 the circulation of water within the reservoir as well as the temperature difference between the first 14 and second 16 outlets.

[0016] On the figure 2 Maximum velocities are visible at the first 14 and second 16 outlet ports, as well as at the first 18 and second 18 return ports. Minimum velocities are visible within tank 12, in the lower, upper, and central sections.

[0017] There figure 4 This represents the evolution of the heating water temperature at the first outlet 14 (first curve 40), the second outlet 16 (second curve 42), the first return outlet 18 (third curve 44), the second return outlet 20 (fourth curve 46), and the overall temperature in the tank 12 (fifth curve 48). The y-axis represents the water temperature in degrees Celsius, and the x-axis represents the elapsed time in seconds.

[0018] We observe on the figure 4 that the difference in water temperature between the first 14 and second 16 starting orifices is approximately 4.5°C from 250 seconds.

[0019] Other solutions have been used to limit turbulence, such as bent tubes or deflector plates placed inside the tank at the orifices. However, these solutions do not sufficiently limit water turbulence within the tank, so the energy efficiency of the hydraulic module remains inadequate.

[0020] Therefore, there is a need for a hydraulic storage module to improve thermal stratification within the tank in order to achieve better energy performance. Résumé de l'invention

[0021] To this end, the invention proposes a hydraulic storage module for a building's thermal regulation system, the hydraulic heat transfer fluid storage module being configured to be hydraulically connected to a heat transfer fluid supply circuit and a heat transfer fluid return circuit of the heating system to store thermal energy using the heating water present in the tank, the hydraulic storage module comprising: a heat transfer fluid reservoir extending along a central longitudinal axis, a first and a second outlet ports intended to be hydraulically connected to the heat transfer fluid supply circuit, a first and a second return outlet ports intended to be hydraulically connected to the heat transfer fluid return circuit, characterized in that the hydraulic storage module further comprises: a flow pipe passing through the heat transfer fluid reservoir and extending from the first flow port to the second flow port, at least one first circulation port being formed in the flow pipe to permit fluid communication between an internal space of the flow pipe and the reservoir.

[0022] The integration of a supply line joining the first and second supply ports makes it possible to significantly limit the mixing of the liquid present in the tank when the liquid from the thermal regulation device feeds the first supply port.

[0023] This limitation of mixing helps to limit disturbances in the tank and thus ensures good thermal stratification of the liquid within the tank. The temperature difference of the water between the first and second outlets is significantly reduced. This limitation of the temperature difference is particularly noticeable on the figures 10 And 14 which show a temperature difference of less than 0.15°C.

[0024] The proposed solution, consisting of a pipe joining two orifices, is also simple to manufacture and therefore inexpensive.

[0025] The starting pipe extends along a starting axis. The starting axis is preferably perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The starting axis preferably intersects the central longitudinal axis.

[0026] The hydraulic storage module according to the invention conforms to that shown and described in connection with the figure 1 and differs from the latter in that a supply line has been integrated into the reservoir. The hydraulic storage module according to the invention is integrated into a building thermal control system conforming to that described in connection with the figure 1 .

[0027] Typical systems generally include an external bypass that allows heating fluid to be selectively drawn from the tank or circulated through a bypass line, thus avoiding circulation within the tank. This bypass system allows heating fluid to be selectively drawn from the tank as needed. However, this external configuration requires numerous components and a dedicated piping system.

[0028] The supply line according to the invention forms an internal bypass system within the tank. Depending on the flow rate of heating fluid through the supply line, it is possible to control the volume of heating fluid in the tank that is drawn through at least one circulation orifice to supply the supply circuit. This arrangement allows for easier adaptation to existing installations or tanks to add a tank bypass function.

[0029] The heating fluid is preferably heating water from a heating circuit. The heat transfer fluid may consist of water and one or more additives.

[0030] In this description, the terms heating water, water, and liquid will be used interchangeably, with all of these terms referring to the heat transfer fluid.

[0031] The thermal control device can be configured to increase the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. The thermal control device can also be configured to offer multiple operating modes, including a heating mode and a cooling mode.

[0032] The term "pipe" refers to any structure with at least one wall extending continuously between two ends. Thus, a pipe between two openings corresponds to a wall, or a portion of a wall, extending continuously between those two openings. Similarly, a curved wall is considered a pipe if it corresponds to an angular portion of a cylindrical pipe extending between two openings. In other words, the initial pipe may consist, between two openings, of only a continuous portion of wall extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis between them. Therefore, the first and second flow openings may be cutouts in the pipe wall, potentially removing at least half of the pipe wall within the reservoir.Alternatively, the first and second circulation ports can be cutouts in the pipe wall, potentially removing up to 80% of the pipe wall inside the tank. The remaining pipe wall then acts as an obstacle to the flow of the heat transfer fluid towards the center of the tank, thus limiting disturbances and agitation within the tank.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, it further comprises a return line through the reservoir and extending from the first return port to the second return port, at least one second circulation port being formed in the return line to allow fluid communication between an internal space of the return line and the reservoir.

[0034] The integration of a return line joining the first and second return ports makes it possible to significantly limit the mixing of the liquid present in the reservoir when liquid from the receiving organs feeds the second return port.

[0035] The return line extends along a return axis. The return axis is preferably perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The return axis preferably intersects the central longitudinal axis.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, the tank has an upper and a lower portion, with at least one first circulation orifice directed towards the upper portion of the tank. At least one second circulation orifice may be directed towards the lower portion of the tank. Thus, the first and second circulation orifices are positioned in a zone of the tank that limits the mixing of water in the supply and return lines towards the opposite zone of the tank. In other words, this prevents the water in the upper part of the tank, which has a higher temperature, from mixing with the water in the lower part of the tank, which has a lower temperature.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, the tank comprises a lower wall, an upper wall, and a shell extending between the lower and upper walls. At least one circulation orifice is oriented towards the upper portion of the tank. At least one second circulation orifice may be oriented towards the lower portion of the tank. Thus, the first and second circulation orifices are oriented so as to limit the mixing of water present in the supply and return lines towards the opposite area of ​​the tank. When water flows through the first circulation orifices, by injection or suction depending on the operating cycle, the water circulation has very little effect on the thermal stratification of the tank.

[0038] To achieve this orientation, the first and second circulation ports are formed respectively at the level of an upper portion of the supply pipe and a lower portion of the return pipe.

[0039] The lower and upper portions represent an intellectual subdivision of the reservoir and therefore do not correspond to a physical boundary. Each lower and upper portion can thus represent 50% of the reservoir's height along the central longitudinal axis. In contrast, the lower and upper walls correspond to physical elements of the reservoir.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, the first and second outlet ports are formed in the upper portion of the tank, while the first and second return ports are formed in the lower portion. This allows the tank to have a volume of hot water in the upper portion and a volume of water at a lower temperature in the lower portion.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, a plurality of first circulation ports and / or a plurality of second circulation ports are used. A plurality of ports allows for the distribution of water supply or suction areas across the external surface of the supply and / or return pipes. This also allows for an increase in the water supply or suction flow rate.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, at least one first circulation orifice and / or at least one second circulation orifice are formed along a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tank. This allows for the distribution of water suction or injection along the length of the supply and / or return pipe while increasing the water flow cross-section.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, at least one first circulation orifice and / or at least one second circulation orifice are formed near the central longitudinal axis. Thus, at least one first circulation orifice and / or at least one second circulation orifice are arranged around a central area of ​​the supply and / or return pipe. This arrangement helps to limit the risk of the tank walls acting as deflectors and thus causing unwanted mixing of the water within the tank.

[0044] Said at least one first circulation orifice and / or said at least one second circulation orifice are formed at the level of an area centered around the central longitudinal axis and which may represent up to 100% of the length of the starting pipe and / or the return pipe, respectively, along a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the hydraulic storage module, said at least one first circulation orifice and / or said at least one second circulation orifice being one of: a local perforation formed in a wall of the supply or return pipe and a longitudinal recess in a wall of the supply or return pipe.

[0046] According to one embodiment, said at least one first circulation orifice and / or said at least one second circulation orifice is a plurality of local perforations arranged on an upper portion of the supply pipe and / or a lower portion of the return pipe and extending along a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

[0047] According to one embodiment, said at least one first circulation orifice and / or said at least one second circulation orifice is a longitudinal recess formed on an upper portion of the supply pipe and / or a lower portion of the return pipe and extending along a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

[0048] A longitudinal recess can be a groove or channel formed through a wall of the supply and / or return pipe. A longitudinal recess reduces the exit velocity of the heating fluid through the circulation port(s), thus minimizing disturbances in the tank while simplifying and reducing the cost of manufacturing operations.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first and second return ports are free ports opening into the inside of the reservoir, the hydraulic module being without a return line between the first and second return ports.

[0050] This embodiment, with only a single supply line, forms a simplified and cost-effective configuration for implementing a reservoir bypass system. Indeed, the bypass functionality is achieved while minimizing manufacturing, assembly, and the components associated with a return line. This hybrid configuration represents a relevant compromise between cost and functionality.

[0051] The starting pipe helps to limit disturbances in the most critical area of ​​the tank, namely the upper portion where the liquid with the highest temperature is located.

[0052] In one embodiment, the inlet pipe is formed by a tube attached to the tank at the first and second outlet ports. The tube can be straight, i.e., extend along a straight line between the first and second outlet ports. This straight configuration reduces manufacturing operations and simplifies assembly in the tank.

[0053] The tube may include a curved section, with at least one orifice formed at the curved section. The curved section allows the circulation orifices to be positioned closer to the upper portion of the tank. This enables the circulation orifices to draw heating fluid from a warmer area, thus optimizing the flow of heating fluid.

[0054] In one embodiment, the supply line comprises a plurality of circulation ports having a cross-sectional area, measured perpendicular to a direction of extension of the supply line, that varies along this direction of extension. This configuration allows the exit velocity of the heating fluid through the circulation ports to be varied.

[0055] Preferably, the circulation ports have a decreasing cross-sectional area along the supply line, in the direction of heating fluid flow, from the first supply port to the second supply port. This decreasing cross-sectional area in the direction of heating fluid flow ensures a uniform flow velocity of the heating fluid through the circulation ports.

[0056] The access opening(s) may have a circular cross-section. In this case, the diameter of the access opening(s) decreases in the embodiment described above.

[0057] The circulation orifice(s) may have an oblong cross-section to increase the flow area. This increased cross-section reduces the exit velocity of the heating fluid through the orifice(s), thus minimizing turbulence within the tank.

[0058] The starting pipe can be mounted to the tank according to a first or second configuration.

[0059] In the first configuration, the supply pipe is sized so that its ends are positioned at the first and second supply ports respectively when the supply pipe is in its operating position. The ends of the supply pipe can thus be fixed, for example by welding, to the tank wall at the first and second supply ports.

[0060] The initial configuration of the supply line is achieved by inserting it through one of the first or second supply ports and then joining its end to the other of the first and second supply ports. The ends of the supply line are then secured to the tank.

[0061] This first configuration can, for example, be used for a newly produced reservoir for a hydraulic module comprising a supply line according to the invention. This first mounting configuration applies to any supply line geometry.

[0062] In a second configuration, the tank can be an existing tank used in a known installation. This tank includes connections at each of the first and second outlet ports. These connections have a bore diameter. The supply pipe can be sized to have a diameter smaller than the bore diameter so that it can be inserted through the connections. The supply pipe is of a length configured to allow it to be fixed to the connection. The supply pipe can, for example, be welded directly to the connections.

[0063] This second configuration allows the starting pipe to be installed on an existing tank to add the functionality of an internal bypass to that tank.

[0064] The installation of the supply line in this second configuration is carried out by inserting the supply line through one branch fitting and joining the end of the supply line to the other branch fitting. The supply line is then secured to the branch fittings.

[0065] This second mounting configuration applies to any starting pipe geometry.

[0066] The invention also proposes a thermal regulation system for a building, comprising: a thermal control device, at least one receiving element, a thermal control hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with the thermal control device and said at least one receiving element to form a thermal control loop, the hydraulic circuit comprising a supply circuit hydraulically connecting the thermal control device to said at least one receiving element and a return circuit hydraulically connecting said at least one receiving element to the thermal control device, a hydraulic storage module as described above connected to the supply and return circuits between the thermal control device and said at least one receiving element to store thermal energy by means of the heating water present in the tank.

[0067] Thus, when the thermal control device supplies the first outlet with water, this water flows through the outlet pipe and reaches the second outlet to supply the receiving components without causing any disturbance in the tank. The same applies to water from the receiving components to the second return outlet; this water flows through the return pipe and reaches the first return outlet without causing any disturbance in the tank.

[0068] When the water flow rate in the hydraulic circuit connected to the thermal control device is greater than the water flow rate in the hydraulic circuit connected to the receiving devices, the difference in flow rate between the first and second supply ports creates an excess flow in the supply line. This excess water is then transferred to the reservoir through the first circulation ports. Similarly, a difference in flow rate between the first and second return ports creates an excess flow in the return line, resulting in water being drawn from the reservoir through at least one other circulation port. Brève description des figures

[0069] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain the nature of the invention and how it can be implemented. Regarding the accompanying figures: [ fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a schematic overview of a thermal regulation installation comprising a known hydraulic storage module equipped with open orifices; fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents the distribution of the heating water circulation velocity within the hydraulic module of the figure 1 ; fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents the distribution of the heating water temperature within the hydraulic module of the figure 1 ; fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents the evolution of the heating water temperature at different points in the hydraulic module of the figure 1 during an operating phase; [ fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents a perspective view of a hydraulic module comprising a reservoir shown in cross-section and a first embodiment of the supply and return pipes passing through the reservoir and having a plurality of circulation ports; fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic module of the figure 5 ; fig. 7 ] There figure 7 represents a perspective view of the first embodiment of the starting pipe of the hydraulic module of the figure 5 with the first embodiment of the supply and return pipes; [ fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents the distribution of the heating water circulation velocity within the hydraulic module of the figure 5 with the first embodiment of the supply and return pipes; [ fig. 9 ] There figure 9 represents the distribution of the heating water temperature within the hydraulic module of the figure 5 with the first embodiment of the supply and return pipes; [ fig. 10 ] There figure 10 represents the evolution of the heating water temperature at different points in the hydraulic module of the figure 5 with the first embodiment of the supply and return pipes, during an operating phase; [ fig. 11 ] There figure 11 represents cross-sectional, perspective, and front views of a hydraulic module comprising only a supply pipe without a corresponding return pipe. fig. 12 ] There figure 12 represents an operation to assemble the starting pipe through the first and second starting ports. fig. 13 ] There figure 13 represents cross-sectional, perspective, and front views of a hydraulic module with a starting pipe fixed to fittings positioned on the first and second outlet ports of the reservoir. fig. 14 ] There figure 14 represents a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic module showing the first stage of assembly of the supply line through the tank connections. fig. 15 ] There figure 15 represents a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic module showing a second stage of assembly of the supply line through the tank connections. fig. 16 ] There figure 16 represents perspective, cross-sectional and top views of a supply pipe with circulation ports having a variable passage area, in particular decreasing in the direction of flow of the heating fluid. fig. 17 ] There figure 17 depicts perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of a starting pipe with oblong-shaped circulation ports. fig. 18 ] There figure 18 represents perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of a starting pipe with a continuous longitudinal recess. fig. 19 ] There figure 19 represents perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of a starting pipe comprising a curved central portion with circulation ports formed on this curved portion. fig. 20 ] There figure 20 represents a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic module with a starting pipe according to the figure 19 in operating position. Description de mode(s) de réalisation

[0070] For the sake of clarity, the same references designating the same elements according to the state of the art and according to the invention are used for all figures.

[0071] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to similar elements in all the drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are offered so as to make this description complete and to communicate the scope of the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0072] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Moreover, the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0073] The invention relates to a hydraulic storage module, a thermal regulation installation comprising such a hydraulic storage module and a method for thermally regulating such an installation.

[0074] With reference to figures 5 et 6 , a hydraulic storage module 50 for heat transfer fluid, also called a module or buffer tank, is connected between a thermal control device 26 and one or more receiving organs 28 via a hydraulic circuit 30. The hydraulic circuit 30 includes a heating water supply circuit 32 and a heating water return circuit 34.

[0075] The reservoir 12 extends along a central longitudinal axis A. The reservoir comprises a lower wall 13, an upper wall 15 and a ferrule 17 extending between the lower wall 13 and upper wall 15. The central longitudinal axis A is the axis of revolution of the reservoir 12.

[0076] The hydraulic storage module 50 includes a reservoir 12 with four ports: a first 14 and a second 16 starting ports, a first 18 and a second 20 return ports.

[0077] The first 14 and second 16 outlets are hydraulically connected to the heating water outlet circuit 32.

[0078] The first 18 and second 20 return ports are hydraulically connected to the heating water return circuit 34.

[0079] Thus, the first outlet 14 and return 18 ports are hydraulically connected to the regulating device 26. The second outlet 16 and return 20 ports are hydraulically connected to the receiving devices 28.

[0080] The hydraulic storage module 50 further includes a supply line 52 passing through the reservoir 12 and extending from the first supply port 16 to the second supply port 18.

[0081] A plurality of first circulation ports 54 are formed in the starting pipe 52 to permit fluid communication between an internal space of the starting pipe 52 and the reservoir 12.

[0082] The hydraulic storage module 50 further includes a return line 58 passing through the reservoir 12 and extending from the first return port 18 to the second return port 20.

[0083] A plurality of second circulation ports 60 are formed in the return line 58 to permit fluid communication between an internal space of the return line 58 and the reservoir 12.

[0084] The plurality of first circulation orifices 54 is oriented towards the upper wall 15 of the tank, while the plurality of second circulation orifices 60 is oriented towards the lower wall 13 of the tank. Thus, the mixing of the heat transfer fluid is greatly reduced, and thermal stratification within the tank can be guaranteed or significantly improved.

[0085] The supply pipes 52 and return pipes 58 extend respectively along a supply axis B and a return axis C. The supply axes B and return axes C are preferably perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A. The supply axes B and return axes C preferably intersect the central longitudinal axis A.

[0086] The supply pipes 52 and return pipes 58 are identical in this example illustrated on the figures 5 et 6 .

[0087] An isolated view of the starting pipe 52 is shown in figure 7 The supply pipe 52 includes a central portion 62 through which the flow ports 54 are formed. The supply pipe 52 also includes two end portions 64, each fixed at one end of the central portion 62. The end portions 64 are preferably configured to serve as a hydraulic connection with a pipe of the hydraulic circuit 30. The end portions 64 are, for example, threaded sleeves.

[0088] The central portion 62 and the end portions 64 can be made in one and the same piece.

[0089] The return pipe 58 can be identical to the starting pipe 52 and therefore have the same configuration described above.

[0090] THE figures 8 And 9represent respectively the distribution of the heating water circulation velocity (m / s) and the distribution of the heating water temperature (°C) within the hydraulic module 50 comprising supply pipes 52 and return pipes 58 according to a configuration comprising a plurality of circulation ports as shown in figures 5 à 7 .

[0091] We observe on the figure 8 that the liquid velocity within the supply pipe 52 and return pipe 58 is homogeneous. It is also observed that the circulation of the liquid between the reservoir 12 and the supply pipe 52 and return pipe 58 results in small velocity variations and few disturbances within the reservoir 12.

[0092] On the figure 8 Maximum velocities are visible within the supply and return pipes. Minimum velocities are visible within tank 12, in the lower, upper, and central sections.

[0093] Similarly, we observe on the figure 9 that the temperature within the reservoir 12, the supply line 52 and the return line 58 is homogeneous.

[0094] There figure 10 This represents the evolution of the heating water temperature at the first outlet 14 (first curve 40), the second outlet 16 (second curve 42), the first return outlet 18 (third curve 44), the second return outlet 20 (fourth curve 46), and the temperature in the tank 12 (fifth curve 48). The y-axis represents the water temperature in degrees Celsius, and the x-axis represents the elapsed time in seconds.

[0095] We observe on the figure 10 The temperature difference of the water between the first 14 and second 16 outlets is 0°C throughout the studied operation. The first 40 and second 42 curves are superimposed, indicating that the temperature at the first 14 and second 16 outlets is essentially the same. The configuration of the hydraulic module 50, with outlet 52 and return 58 pipes perforated towards the upper 15 and lower 13 walls, allows for maintaining a virtually identical temperature between the first 14 and second 16 outlets, thus improving the energy performance of the hydraulic module 50.

[0096] With reference to the figure 11 Another embodiment of the hydraulic storage module 50 is shown. In this embodiment, the hydraulic storage module 50 comprises only a supply line 52 passing through the reservoir 12 and extending from the first supply port 14 to the second supply port 16, without a corresponding return line.

[0097] In this simplified configuration, the first 18 and second 20 return ports are free ports opening directly into the inside of the tank 12. This configuration reduces manufacturing costs while retaining the advantages of the supply line 52 to limit the mixing of the heat transfer fluid when supplied from the thermal control device 26.

[0098] The starting pipe 52 includes a plurality of first circulation orifices 54 directed towards the upper portion of the reservoir 12, thus enabling effective thermal stratification to be maintained.

[0099] The starting pipe 52 also includes the end portions 64 which are welded to the tank 12 at the first 14 and second 16 starting ports.

[0100] The absence of a return line simplifies the assembly of the hydraulic storage module 50 while maintaining improved energy performance compared to previous art hydraulic storage modules.

[0101] This configuration is particularly advantageous when cost constraints or ease of installation are a priority, while benefiting from the advantages of the 52 outlet pipe to improve the energy efficiency of the 50 hydraulic storage module.

[0102] With reference to the figure 12 An operation to assemble the starting pipe 52 through the first 14 and second 16 starting ports is illustrated. An arrow visible on the figure 12 indicates the direction of insertion of the starting pipe 52 during the assembly operation.

[0103] The inlet pipe 52 is inserted through the first 14 or the second 16 outlet, passes through the interior of the tank 12, and exits through the opposite outlet. The end portions 64 of the inlet pipe 52 are then positioned at the outlets 14 and 16 and fixed to the wall of the tank 12, for example by welding.

[0104] This assembly method has the advantage of allowing the installation of the feeder line 52 after the tank 12 has been fully manufactured, unlike prior art solutions which may require the assembly of internal lines before the tank is sealed. This ease of assembly reduces manufacturing complexity and also allows existing tanks to be adapted by installing a feeder line 52 as an upgrade accessory.

[0105] With reference to the figure 13 Cross-sectional, perspective and front views of a hydraulic storage module 50 are shown.

[0106] In this configuration, the tank 12 can be an existing tank used in a known installation, i.e., with an external bypass system. This tank 12 includes branch connections 19 at each of the first 14 and second 16 outlet ports. These branch connections 19 have a bore diameter. The outlet pipe 52 is sized to have a pipe diameter smaller than the bore diameter so that it can be inserted through the branch connections. The outlet pipe 52 has a length configured to allow it to be fixed to the branch connections 19. The outlet pipe 52 can, for example, be welded directly onto the branch connections 19.

[0107] With reference to the figure 14 A first step in assembling the supply line 52 through the connections in the reservoir 12 is illustrated. This figure shows the hydraulic storage module 50 in a configuration where the supply line 52 is partially inserted into the reservoir 12. The supply line 52 is sized to fit the connections 19 formed at the first 14 and second 16 supply ports. The supply line 52 is shown here in a structural configuration where it includes the end sections 64. This first step is, however, similar for a structural configuration where the supply line does not have end sections 64.

[0108] In this first step, the starting pipe 52 is positioned so that one of its end portions 64 is engaged in the spigot 19 of the first starting port 14. The starting pipe 52 extends partially through the interior of the tank 12 towards the second starting port 16.

[0109] With reference to the figure 15 A second step in the assembly of the supply line 52 through the connections of the reservoir 12 is shown. This figure illustrates the hydraulic storage module 50 with the supply line 52 fully installed and positioned. The two end sections 64 of the supply line 52 are engaged respectively in the connections 19 of the first 14 and second 16 supply ports.

[0110] In this final position, the supply pipe 52 passes completely through the tank 12, and its end portions 64 are ready to be permanently fixed to the branch connections 19 by welding or any other suitable fastening method. The circulation ports 54 formed in the supply pipe 52 are oriented towards the upper portion of the tank 12.

[0111] With reference to the figure 16 An alternative embodiment of the supply pipe 52 is shown with circulation ports 54 having a variable cross-section. This figure shows perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of the supply pipe 52 with circulation ports 54 whose size gradually decreases along the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid. The flow direction is indicated by an arrow attached to the supply axis B.

[0112] In this configuration, the circulation orifices 54 are sized in decreasing order from the inlet to the outlet of the starting pipe 52. This design makes it possible to obtain a substantially uniform outlet velocity at each circulation orifice 54, unlike a configuration with orifices of identical size which would produce variable outlet velocities along the starting pipe 52.

[0113] With reference to the figure 17 Another embodiment of the supply pipe 52 is shown with oblong-shaped circulation ports 54. This figure shows perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of the supply pipe 52 with circulation ports 54 having an elongated shape along the supply axis B.

[0114] In this configuration, the circulation orifices 54 have an increased passage area compared to the circular orifices described above, while maintaining an orientation towards the upper portion of the reservoir 12. The oblong shape increases the passage area of ​​the heating fluid, which reduces the exit velocity of the heating fluid at each circulation orifice 54. This reduced velocity helps to minimize turbulence and disturbances in the reservoir 12, thus preserving thermal stratification.

[0115] With reference to the figure 18 Another embodiment of the starting pipe 52 is shown with a continuous longitudinal recess. This figure shows perspective, cross-sectional, and top views of the starting pipe 52 with a single flow orifice 54 formed by a longitudinal recess extending over a significant portion of the length of the central portion of the starting pipe 52. The flow orifice 54 extends, for example, along at least 30% of the distance between the first 14 and second 16 starting orifices along the starting axis B.

[0116] In this configuration, the longitudinal recess forms a continuous slot oriented towards the upper portion of the reservoir 12. This design simplifies the manufacturing process compared to the multiple openings shown in previous figures, as it requires only a single machining operation to create the communication opening between the inside of the outlet pipe 52 and the reservoir 12. The longitudinal recess has a large cross-sectional area, allowing for a reduced and uniform flow velocity of the heating fluid. The continuous longitudinal recess also ensures homogeneous distribution of the heating fluid along the outlet axis B.

[0117] With reference to the figure 19 Another variant embodiment of the starting pipe 52 is shown with a curved central portion 57. This figure shows perspective, cross-sectional and top views of the starting pipe 52 including a curved portion 57 which follows the contour of the upper wall of the tank 12. The circulation orifices 54 are formed at the level of this curved portion 57.

[0118] In this configuration, the supply pipe 52 has an arched shape which follows the geometry of the upper portion of the tank 12. This design allows the circulation ports 54 to be positioned in the area where the water temperature is highest, thus optimizing the heat exchange between the supply pipe 52 and the tank 12.

[0119] With reference to the figure 20 The hydraulic storage module 50 is shown with the outlet pipe 52 according to the variant of the figure 19in operating position. This figure shows a cross-sectional view of the tank 12 with the outlet pipe 52 including the curved portion 57 installed and positioned to follow the contour of the upper wall 15.

Claims

1. Hydraulic storage module (50) for a building thermal control system, the hydraulic storage module (50) for heat transfer fluid being configured to be hydraulically connected to a heat transfer fluid supply circuit (32) and a heat transfer fluid return circuit (34) of the heating system to store thermal energy by means of the heat transfer fluid, the hydraulic storage module comprising: - a heat transfer fluid reservoir (12) extending along a central longitudinal axis (A), - a first (14) and a second (16) supply ports intended to be hydraulically connected to the heat transfer fluid supply circuit (32), - a first (18) and a second (20) return ports intended to be hydraulically connected to the heat transfer fluid return circuit (34), characterized in thatthe hydraulic storage module (50) further comprises: - a supply line (52) passing through the reservoir (12) and extending from the first supply port (14) to the second supply port (16), at least one first circulation port (54) being formed in the supply line (52) to permit fluid communication between an internal space of the supply line (52) and the reservoir (12), said at least one first circulation port being formed by one or more local openings on an upper portion of the supply line (52).

2. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to claim 1, in which the tank (12) has an upper portion and a lower portion, said at least a first circulation orifice being oriented towards the upper portion of the tank.

3. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to claim 2, in which the tank comprises a lower wall (13), an upper wall (15) and a shell (17) extending between the lower (13) and upper (15) walls, said at least a first circulation orifice (54) being oriented towards the upper wall (15).

4. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first (14) and second (16) outlet ports are formed in the upper portion of the tank (12), the first (18) and second (20) return ports being formed in the lower portion of the tank (12).

5. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of first circulation ports (54).

6. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first circulation orifice (54) is formed along a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the reservoir (12).

7. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first circulation orifice (54) is formed near said central longitudinal axis (A).

8. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first circulation orifice (54) is one of: a local perforation formed in a wall of the starting pipe (52) and a longitudinal recess in a wall of the starting pipe (52).

9. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a return line (58) passing through the reservoir (12) and extending from the first return port (18) to the second return port (20), at least one second circulation port (60) being formed in the return line (58) to permit fluid communication between an internal space of the return line (58) and the reservoir (12).

10. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to claim 9 in combination with claim 2, wherein said at least one second circulation orifice is oriented towards the lower portion of the tank.

11. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to claim 10 in combination with claim 3, wherein said at least one second circulation orifice is oriented towards the lower wall (13) of the tank.

12. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (18) and second (20) return ports are free ports opening into the interior of the tank, the hydraulic module being devoid of a return line between the first (18) and second (20) return ports.

13. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet line is formed by a tube fixed to the tank at the first (14) and second (16) outlet ports.

14. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the tube is straight.

15. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to claim 13, wherein the tube comprises a curved portion, said at least one orifice being formed at the curved portion.

16. Hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the starting pipe (52) comprises a plurality of circulation ports (54) having a passage section, taken perpendicular to an extension direction of the starting pipe (52), variable along this extension direction.

17. Thermal regulation installation of a building, comprising: - a thermal regulation device (26), - at least one receiving element (28), - a hydraulic thermal regulation circuit (30) in fluid communication with the thermal regulation device (26) and said at least one receiving element (28) to form a thermal regulation loop, the hydraulic circuit (30) comprising a supply circuit (32) hydraulically connecting the thermal regulation device (26) to said at least one receiving element (28) and a return circuit (34) hydraulically connecting said at least one receiving element (28) to the thermal regulation device (26),- a hydraulic storage module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims connected to the supply circuits (32) and the return circuit (34) between the thermal control device (26) and said at least one receiver (28) for storing thermal energy by means of the heating water present in the tank (12).

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