Residence station

Abstract

A residential heating station (100) with a heat exchanger (300) is provided, featuring a first, second, third, and fourth connection (301-304). A first connection (301) is connected to a heating water supply (340), a second connection (302) to a heating water return (350), a third connection (303) to a domestic cold water return (360), and a fourth connection (304) to a domestic hot water supply (370). The residential heating station (100) also includes a thermostatic unit (200) with a temperature sensor (210) and a valve (220). The temperature sensor (210) extends at least partially into the fourth connection (304). The valve (220) is located in the heating water supply (340). A functional connection exists between the temperature sensor (210) and the valve (220), so that the valve (220) is controlled depending on the temperature of the water at the fourth connection (304) detected by the temperature sensor (210).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a residential station.

[0002] A residential heating station is a compact and decentralized unit for supplying heat and hot water to individual residential units. It is used in apartment buildings or other buildings with a central energy supply (primary energy supply). The residential heating station serves to provide heating and hot water to the residential units as needed.

[0003] Hot water in an apartment station is typically supplied via a flow-through system. Instead of storing the hot water in a tank, it is generated directly on demand. Cold drinking water is passed through an integrated heat exchanger in the apartment station, which is supplied by a central heating water circuit (primary circuit). This heat transfer is efficient and rapid, ensuring that the drinking water is heated to the desired temperature as soon as it is drawn at the tap.

[0004] Since the water is only heated when needed, the risk of bacterial contamination, for example by Legionella, which can occur in hot water storage tanks, is eliminated. Furthermore, decentralized hot water preparation allows for flexible adjustment of the output to actual consumption, thus avoiding energy losses due to long pipe runs or the storage of large quantities of hot water.

[0005] The domestic hot water is also supplied via the heat exchanger in the apartment station. Here, the heating water, which originates from a central boiler, a combined heat and power plant, a heat pump, or a district heating network (i.e., the primary circuit), is circulated through the heat exchanger. The energy from this primary heating water circuit is transferred to the secondary heating circuit of the respective apartment, which supplies the radiators or underfloor heating in the apartment station.

[0006] The heating system is designed to be independently and demand-based controlled for each residential unit. Thermostatic radiator valves or an integrated control circuit in the apartment station ensure that the desired room temperature can be individually set. Additionally, the return temperature of the heating circuit is optimized, which increases the efficiency of the central heating system.

[0007] Thermostats are used at several points in a residential heating system to precisely control heat distribution and hot water production. They play an important role in both the heating circuit and the regulation of hot water supply.

[0008] Thermostatic radiator valves are located in the heating circuit, either on the radiators or within the control loop of an underfloor heating system. They regulate the room temperature by adjusting the flow of heating water. When the room temperature reaches the value set on the thermostat, the valve reduces the flow of heating water or closes it completely, thus saving energy. If the room temperature drops below the set value, the valve opens automatically to supply the radiator or underfloor heating system again.

[0009] In the hot water system, a thermostat in the apartment station is used to maintain a constant temperature of the supplied hot water. It regulates the amount of central heating water flowing through the heat exchanger. This ensures that the drinking water is always at the desired temperature without overheating or energy waste.

[0010] A thermostat is a control system that automatically reacts to temperature fluctuations to maintain a constant target temperature. Its operation is based on a temperature sensor that measures the current temperature and a control mechanism that sets the desired temperature. The temperature is measured by a sensor, often equipped with an expanding material (e.g., liquid, gas, or metal) that reacts to temperature changes. As the temperature rises, the material expands; as the temperature falls, it contracts. The flow is controlled by the movement of the expanding material triggered by the temperature change, which acts on a valve or switch.

[0011] A domestic hot water station is controlled, for example, by two temperature sensors and two valves. The first sensor-valve combination regulates the domestic hot water supply. The second sensor-valve combination interrupts the flow of hot water through the heat exchanger as soon as there is no demand for domestic hot water. Thermostats are used as the valves.

[0012] DE 10 2016 010 386 A1 discloses a hot water supply system for the central supply of a consumer network. This system includes a transition connection (apartment station) for connecting the hot water supply system to a water network, specifically to an apartment station. The apartment station delivers preheated water, for example, to an apartment, where it can be used as hot water. An instantaneous water heater may be provided for further heating. A bypass may be provided in parallel to the instantaneous water heater.

[0013] One objective of the invention is to provide a residential station with lower manufacturing costs.

[0014] This task is solved by a residential station according to claim 1.

[0015] Thus, a residential heating station with a heat exchanger is provided, featuring three connections: a first, a second, a third, and a fourth. The first connection is to a heating water supply, a second connection to a heating water return, a third connection to a cold domestic water return, and a fourth connection to a hot domestic water supply. The station also includes a thermostatic unit with a temperature sensor and a valve. The temperature sensor extends at least partially into the fourth connection. The valve is located in the heating water supply. A functional connection exists between the temperature sensor and the valve, allowing the valve to be controlled—i.e., opened or closed—depending on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the fourth connection.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature sensor has a wax reservoir.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the heating hot water is adjusted by means of the valve when drinking water is drawn on demand.

[0018] If there is no demand for domestic hot water, the heating-side flow through the heat exchanger unit can be interrupted by the valve.

[0019] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0020] The advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an apartment station, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a thermostat, Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a thermostat, Fig. 3B shows a schematic representation of a thermostat, Fig. 4 shows another schematic representation of a thermostat, Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an apartment station, and Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of part of a thermostat.

[0021] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an apartment station. An apartment station 100 has a heat exchanger unit 300. The heat exchanger unit 300 is connected via a first, second, third, and fourth connection 301-304 to a heating water supply 340, a heating water return 350, a cold domestic hot water return 360, and a hot domestic hot water supply 370. In the heat exchanger unit 300, heat can be transferred from the heating water supply 340 to the hot domestic hot water supply 340.

[0022] The apartment station 100 also includes a thermostat 200 with a sensor 210 and a valve 220. The sensor 210 is located at or in the fourth connection 304 for the domestic hot water supply 370 and detects the temperature in the domestic hot water supply 370. The valve 220 is located in the heating water supply 340. The valve 220 is operatively connected to the sensor 210, so that the valve 220 is controlled depending on the temperature in the domestic hot water supply 370, which is detected by the sensor 210.

[0023] The thermostat 200 has a thermal expansion element 210 in the form of a temperature sensor 210 and an associated valve 220. Due to the compact design of the thermal expansion element (very small, very high specific expansion), which, for example, operates with wax instead of liquid, the temperature sensor 210 can be located in or near a fourth port 304 of the heat exchanger. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need for a second temperature sensor and a second valve. The control function of the thermostat, as well as the interruption of the heating-side flow through the heat exchanger, is effected by the thermal expansion element and the associated valve (thermostat 200).

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a thermostat. In Fig. 2 A thermostat 200 with a temperature sensor 210 and a valve 220 is shown. The thermostat further comprises a capillary tube 211, a bellows 213, a thermostat head 214, a lift rod 215, a valve disc 217, a heating-side valve inlet 218, and a heating-side valve outlet 219. The heating water supply 340 flows through the valve 220.

[0025] Depending on the temperature change, the liquid or water in the sensor 210 expands or contracts. This causes a change in length of the bellows 213 in the thermostat head 214. This, in turn, acts on the valve 220 and opens or closes the valve disc 217. The bellows 213 and the temperature sensor 210 can be designed as a single unit.

[0026] A capillary tube 212 can be provided as a functional connection between the sensor 210 and the bellows 213. Thus, the sensor 210 and the bellows 213 can also be arranged at a distance from each other. The sensor 210 can be located in the fourth connection 304 and the valve 220 can be located in the heating water flow 340.

[0027] Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a thermostat. The thermostat 200 according to Fig. 3A It is characterized by its compact design, allowing the thermostat to be placed in or on a connection of the heat exchanger.

[0028] Fig. 3B shows a schematic representation of a thermostat. In Fig. 3B A thermostat 200 with a sensor 210, a bellows 213, a thermostat head 214 and a valve 220 is provided, which can influence or stop a heating water flow 340 by closing the valve 220.

[0029] Fig. 4 shows another schematic representation of a thermostat. In Fig. 4 is a thermostat as an alternative to the thermostat of Fig. 2 The thermostat 210 comprises a temperature sensor 210, a stroke rod 210a, a directional control element (e.g., bellows 213), a capillary tube 211, a bellows 213, and a thermostat head 214. Furthermore, a valve disc 217 for opening and closing the valve 220, a heating-side inlet valve 218, and a heating-side outlet valve 219 are provided.

[0030] The expansion element 210 (temperature sensor) according to Fig. 4 It has a more compact design with a greater specific expansion and can be operated with wax instead of liquid. This is advantageous because the element can then be positioned closer to a connection of the heat exchanger, allowing the expansion element and the associated valve to perform the control function and interrupt the heating-side flow through the heat exchanger.

[0031] The thermostat can consist of two main components, namely a sensor and a valve, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0032] Optionally, the expansion element 210 can be partially or completely surrounded by potable water; instead, only the wax reservoir is exposed to the water. This positions all moving components outside the potable water. The potable water flows around the sensor's wax reservoir, and temperature changes cause a longitudinal change in the stroke (stroke rod). This change in position is transmitted from the bellows (sensor-side displacement transmitter) to the second bellows (temperature head-side displacement transmitter). This allows the valve on the heating side to be opened or closed. This enables two functions: firstly, the demand for potable water can be regulated by adjusting the flow rate through the heat exchanger on the heating side of the valve; and secondly, the flow through the heat exchanger on the heating side can be interrupted when there is no demand for potable water.This is achieved by the fact that, after the drinking water request, the hot drinking water is further heated in the heat exchanger and thus at the expansion element, so that the valve on the heating side closes.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an apartment station. In Fig. 5 A residential station 100 with a heat exchanger unit 300, a thermostat 200 and several lines 400 is shown.

[0034] In Fig. 5 The heating water supply 340 and the heating water return 350 are shown. The valve 220 and the thermostatic head 214 are located in the heating water supply 340. A capillary tube and / or a linear actuator is provided between the bellows 213 and the thermostatic head 214 to establish a functional connection between the temperature sensor 210 and the bellows 213 on one side and the valve 220 on the other. The valve 220 can be connected to the first port 301. The heating water return (cold) 350 is connected to the second port 302. The domestic hot water return 360 is connected to the third port 303.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of part of a thermostat. In Fig. 6 A temperature sensor 210 and a bellows 213 are provided. Furthermore, a portion of the heat exchanger 300 and the fourth connection 304 are shown. The temperature sensor 210 extends into the fourth connection 304. The fourth connection 304 can be a standard connection, and the heat exchanger 300 can be a standard heat exchanger. The sensor 210 can be housed in a sleeve 201. An outlet 202 can also be provided. Domestic hot water can flow through the outlet 304 of the heat exchanger unit, past the sensor 210, and out of the outlet 202. In this process, the sensor 210 comes into contact with the domestic hot water, which can lead to a change in the length of the temperature sensor.

[0036] A housing 200a for the temperature sensor 210 and the bellows 213 is provided at the fourth connection 304. A thermostatic head 214 and the valve 220 are arranged with the heating water supply (from the central heating system). Bezugszeichenliste

[0037] 100 Apartment station 200 Thermostat 200a Housing 201 Sleeve 202 Outlet 210 Sensor 210a Stroke rod 211 Capillary tube 212 Capillary tube 213 Bellows 214 Thermostat head 215 Stroke rod 217 Valve disc 218 Valve inlet 219 Valve outlet 220 Valve 300 Heat exchanger unit 301 First connection 302 Second connection 303 Third connection 304 Fourth connection 340 Heating water flow 350 Heating water return 360 Domestic cold water return 370 Domestic hot water flow 400 Pipes

Claims

1. Apartment station (100), comprising a heat exchanger unit (300) with a first, second, third and fourth connection (301 - 304), wherein a first connection (301) is connected to a heating water supply (340), a second connection (302) to a heating water return (350), a third connection (303) to a domestic cold water return (360) and a fourth connection (304) to a domestic hot water supply (370), and a thermostatic unit (200), wherein the thermostatic unit (200) has a temperature sensor (210) and a valve (220), wherein the temperature sensor (210) projects at least partially into the fourth connection (304), wherein the valve (220) is provided in the heating water supply (340), wherein an operative connection is provided between the temperature sensor (210) and the valve (220), such that the valve (220) is controlled depending on the temperature of water detected by the temperature sensor (210) at the fourth connection (304).

2. Apartment station (100) according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor (210) has a wax reservoir.

3. Apartment station (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an adjustment of the heating hot water is made by means of the valve (220) when drinking water is drawn on demand, and wherein the heating-side flow through the heat exchanger unit is interrupted by the valve (220) when there is no demand for drinking water.

4. Method for controlling a residential heating station (100) comprising a heat exchanger (300) with a first, second, third, and fourth connection and a thermostatic unit, wherein a first connection (301) of the heat exchanger unit is connected to a heating water supply (340), a second connection (302) to a heating water return (350), a third connection (303) to a domestic cold water return (360), and a fourth connection to a domestic hot water supply (370), wherein the thermostatic unit comprises a temperature sensor (210) and a valve (220), wherein the temperature sensor (210) projects at least partially into the fourth connection, wherein the valve is provided in the heating water supply (340), wherein an operative connection exists between the temperature sensor (210) and the valve (220), comprising the steps of: controlling the valve (220) depending on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor (210) of a Water at the fourth connection (304).

5. Method for controlling a residential station (100) according to claim 4, comprising the steps: regulating a heating hot water supply by means of the valve when domestic hot water is drawn as required, and interrupting a heating-side flow through the heat exchanger unit by the valve (220) when there is no demand for domestic hot water.

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