Installation comprising a combustion device and an electrolyser.

Abstract

The installation (102) comprising: - a combustion device (4), - at least one spacer frame (32) carrying the device, and - an electrolyser (40) configured to supply the device with hydrogen and / or oxygen and housed in the spacer frame. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Installation comprising a combustion device and an electrolyser. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to installations comprising a combustion apparatus with a burner such as a boiler and an electrolyser. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There is a constant effort to improve the energy efficiency and lifespan of burner equipment (boilers, ovens, etc.), particularly those in individual or collective homes or businesses. In fact, combustion appliances have limited efficiencies because they mainly use air as an oxidant / oxidant, air containing only a small proportion of oxygen and the rest being mainly nitrogen.

[0003] In addition, there is a strong desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 or other pollutants such as CO or toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated by this equipment and therefore reduce the consumption of fossil fuels used by this equipment.

[0004] Another important way to combat polluting emissions is the use of renewable energies, particularly in the form of electricity, such as solar or wind energy. However, their application is currently limited to the extent that the production of electrical energy that they allow is often out of sync with consumption demand.

[0005] An interesting solution is called "Power To Gas" (according to Anglo-Saxon terminology). It consists of transforming electricity from renewable energies into hydrogen by electrolysis of water. Thus converted, these energies can be stored and transported by current networks such as city gas networks. "Power to Gas" solutions nevertheless remain little deployed. Indeed, current underground urban city gas networks are not always suitable for transporting hydrogen, combined or not with city gas, in compressed form. In addition, combustion appliances not connected to city gas networks cannot benefit from these solutions. Furthermore, the production of hydrogen by electrolysis is accompanied by the production of oxygen which is not recovered and is therefore lost.Finally, a significant part of the electrical energy useful for electrolysis is lost in the form of heat (Joule effect), which limits the overall efficiency of the operation.

[0006] To remedy all this, it was proposed in application FR-3 090 079 to supply the combustion device with hydrogen and oxygen produced by an electrolyser. The electrolyser is connected to the fuel and / or oxidant inlets of the device to inject hydrogen and / or oxygen in order to neutralise all or part of the generation of polluting gases such as NOx, CO2 or CO.

[0007] This installation uses the generation of hydrogen and oxygen without transport in the city gas networks and with direct use or storage of the oxygen generated during electrolysis. Indeed, if necessary, the surplus dihydrogen can be stored locally in order to be used later in a desynchronized manner to power the combustion device or to be converted into electrical energy on site by means of a fuel cell. This solution makes it possible to hybridize all types of combustion devices comprising at least one burner with local electrolysers located nearby.

[0008] It also makes it possible to use a source of electricity, renewable or not, to generate decarbonized heat in combustion devices initially using carbon-based fossil fuels. Indeed, the electrolyser can be powered by a renewable energy power source (solar, wind, hydraulic, or any “green” electricity generator). In particular, this source can be used to generate hydrogen and oxygen when the combustion device is not in operation. The hydrogen and / or oxygen thus produced can then be stored.

[0009] In addition, in order to improve efficiency, the heat released by the electrolyser during the generation of hydrogen and / or oxygen is used to preheat the water circulating in the combustion device by means of a heat exchanger. This reduces energy losses due to the Joule effect.

[0010] In addition, the combustion achieved is cleaner, with less fouling and generation of particles..., which also makes combustion devices more durable and reduces the risk of breakdowns.

[0011] Generally speaking, such a local system offers significantly better energy and environmental efficiency due to the production of hydrogen, the production and recovery of oxygen, and the recovery of the thermal energy generated during the electrolysis reaction. Furthermore, the transport of hydrogen and / or oxygen over long distances is avoided and the availability of these gases and heat can be guaranteed on site.

[0012] This solution being advantageous, the question then arises of its application in current installations, in particular homes, but also tertiary and / or industrial buildings. Indeed, as interesting as it may be, it will only make sense if it can be implemented in a simple, secure, rapid and economical manner, while guaranteeing a minimal or even zero footprint as well as the lowest possible noise level. A standardization approach must also be favored, particularly with regard to fluidics, mechanics, thermal, electronics, and IT, in order to make this solution compatible with traditional combustion appliances (boilers). However, combustion appliances with burners are not currently designed to accommodate an electrolyser. The problem of implementation therefore arises in the original installation. In addition, it is desirable that this solution can also be implemented on an existing installation, therefore in a retrofit, again in a simple, secure, fast and economical way, while guaranteeing a minimal or even zero footprint as well as the lowest possible noise level. Finally, beyond the initial implementation of the solution, it is essential to allow its maintenance over time.

[0013] An aim of the invention is therefore to facilitate the implementation of the combination of a combustion device with a burner and an electrolyser. Statement of the invention

[0014] For this purpose, according to the invention, an installation is provided comprising:

[0015] - a combustion device,

[0016] - at least one spacer frame carrying the device, and

[0017] - an electrolyzer configured to supply the device with hydrogen and / or oxygen and housed in the spacer frame.

[0018] Thus, the spacer frame not only ensures the function of supporting the combustion device, but also that of housing the electrolyser. The latter is therefore integrated into the installation in a simple, secure, rapid and economical manner. The direct proximity of the combustion device and the electrolyser allows them to be connected to each other and to the various fluid circuits in a particularly simple manner. These advantages are present both in original fitting, when creating a new installation, and in retrofitting, for adapting an existing installation. These connections also make maintenance tasks easier.

[0019] The invention thus allows a simplified and secure implementation of the aforementioned thermal system making it possible to decarbonize a wall-mounted combustible gas boiler in original equipment or in housing renovation. The integration of the electrolyser in the spacer frame makes it possible to recover fatal energies by limiting thermal losses. Here, the term "fatal energy" refers to the thermal energy produced by the equipment within buildings which is traditionally lost, and therefore not recoverable.

[0020] The equipment formed by the spacer frame and its electrolyser is discreet and as quiet as possible. It can operate in automatic mode by being controlled by the boiler. It allows the integration in a constrained environment of the hydrogen and oxygen production organs, their injection into the boiler's fuel gas line, and the recovery of fatal energies and all the maintenance functions.

[0021] The invention lends itself particularly well to standardization. Indeed, all the fluid connections of the electrolyser can be prepared in the factory within the spacer frame so that, subsequently, the operator in charge of fixing the boiler to the spacer frame within the installation will only have to carry out the connection of the conduits by simple means such as screw fittings and sealing gaskets. It is not even necessary for him to have specific knowledge on how to install an electrolyser in an installation.

[0022] The invention also allows the short and direct connection of electrical, electronic and computer flows where appropriate between the electrolyser and the boiler, whether in the case of a simple assembly (a single spacer frame, a single electrolyser) or in the case of a series assembly of several spacer frames.

[0023] It can be provided that the combustion device is a boiler, for example a condensing gas boiler compatible with hydrogen.

[0024] It may be provided that the frame has orifices and / or support members coinciding with orifices and / or support members of the combustion device.

[0025] It can be provided that the installation comprises a filter configured to filter water entering the electrolyser, the filter being housed in the spacer frame.

[0026] It can be provided that the installation is configured so that condensates from the combustion appliance are sent into the filter.

[0027] Such a filter is capable of treating, for example purifying, the condensates recovered at the boiler outlet.

[0028] Advantageously, the electrolyser comprises at least one heat exchanger configured to transmit heat to at least one water circuit of the installation, the exchanger being housed in the spacer frame.

[0029] This ensures recovery of a large part of the heat produced by the electrolyser.

[0030] It can be provided that the installation comprises an injection box mounted on a gas conduit of the electrolyser and housed in the spacer frame.

[0031] It can be provided that the installation comprises at least one of the following elements:

[0032] - at least one connector of the frame connected to the combustion device for a liquid transmission between the frame and the device,

[0033] - at least one connector of the frame connected to the combustion device for a gas transmission between the frame and the device,

[0034] - at least one connector of the frame connected to the combustion device for a current transmission between the frame and the device, and

[0035] - at least one connector of the frame connected to the combustion device for a electronic transmission between the frame and the device.

[0036] It may be provided that the or each connector of the frame extends opposite a connector of the combustion device.

[0037] This makes it easier to make the connection between the spacer frame and the combustion device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the installation comprises at least one of the following elements:

[0039] - at least one external connector of a liquid conduit of the frame located on one side of the frame not directed towards the combustion device,

[0040] - at least one external connector of a gas duct of the frame located on one side of the frame not directed towards the combustion device,

[0041] - at least one external electrical connector of the frame located on one side of the non-frame directed towards the combustion device,

[0042] - at least one electronic external connector of the frame located on one side of the non-frame directed towards the combustion appliance.

[0043] It can be provided that, the frame being a first frame, the connector of the frame connected to the combustion apparatus and the external connector are arranged so that, when the first frame is placed in coincidence with an identical second frame, the combustion apparatus connector of the second frame and the external connector of the first frame are opposite each other.

[0044] This facilitates the connection between two spacer frames stacked behind the combustion device. In fact, the inlets of one of the spacer frames correspond perfectly to the outlets of the other, so as to ensure the formation of a fluid network perfectly adapted to the usage specifications.

[0045] In one embodiment, the installation comprises at least two spacer frames, the spacer frames and the apparatus forming a stack such that at least one of the spacer frames is interposed between the apparatus and the other spacer frame or frames.

[0046] These frames can, for example, house respective electrolysers if the sizing of the combustion device requires significant production of hydrogen and / or oxygen.

[0047] It can be provided that the spacer frames are connected to at least one fluid circuit of the installation so that the circuit forms a Tichelmann loop.

[0048] A Tichelmann loop provides balancing within a hydraulic network. The principle is to equalize the pressure losses between different branches of the closed network (heating, air conditioning, solar network, etc.) by assigning each of them the same length, the same elbows and the same equipment. Thus, each branch of the network offers the same pressure loss without needing to equip the network with balancing valves.

[0049] It can be provided that the installation further comprises a module extending directly opposite each of the spacer frames and providing an interface between each of the spacer frames and at least one fluid circuit of the installation.

[0050] This module is also configured to facilitate assembly of the assembly. Its interface is configured to easily connect:

[0051] - the circuits of the spacer frames to the module, and

[0052] - the circuits of the installation, in particular of the combustion device, to the module.

[0053] It can be provided that at least one of the spacer frames is without an electrolyser at inside the spacer frame and includes, for example, at least one of the following elements:

[0054] - a fuel cell,

[0055] - a battery, and

[0056] - a hydrogen or oxygen storage system.

[0057] This frame can thus carry equipment other than an electrolyser.

[0058] According to the invention, there is also provided an assembly comprising:

[0059] - at least one spacer frame configured to carry a combustion device, and

[0060] - an electrolyser capable of being housed in the spacer frame.

[0061] Finally, according to the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a combustion device, in which:

[0062] - at least one spacer frame is fixed to a support and a combustion device is fixed to the spacer frame so that the spacer frame is interposed between the device and the support, and

[0063] - the spacer frame housing an electrolyser, a hydrogen conduit is connected and / or oxygen from the electrolyzer to the device. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0064] We will now present embodiments of the invention as non-limiting examples in support of the drawings in which:

[0065] [Fig.l]

[0066] [Fig.2]

[0067] [Fig.3]

[0068] - Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams of a first embodiment of the installation according to the invention;

[0069] [Fig.4]

[0070] [Fig.5]

[0071] [Fig.6]

[0072] - Figures 4 to 6 are perspective views of a spacer frame of the first mode of realization with several examples of configuration of fluid couplings,

[0073] - [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a configuration of the fluid couplings of the boiler of [Fig.l],

[0074] - [Fig.8] is a diagram similar to [Fig.l] showing a second mode of rea lization of the invention; and

[0075] - [Fig.9] is a view of a spacer frame forming part of a third mode of rea lization of the invention First embodiment

[0076] We will present a first embodiment of the invention with the support of figures 1 to 7. If necessary, reference may be made to document FR-3 090 079 for more details on certain aspects of the combination between a combustion device with a burner and an electrolyser.

[0077] The installation 102 illustrated in [Fig.l] comprises a combustion device 4 and an electrolyser 40. The boiler

[0078] The device 4 comprises a burner and can be of any type: boiler, oven, etc. The installation of which it is part can equip a building, for example an individual or collective dwelling or a company building.

[0079] In the example of [Fig.l], the combustion device 4 is an individual boiler using gaseous fossil fuel: propane, butane, town gas, etc., and whose oxidant / combustible is air. It provides central heating for the home and heating for a main hot water circuit or for a secondary circuit.

[0080] The boiler comprises a heating body 6, a hydroblock 8 and a sanitary plate heat exchanger 10.

[0081] [Fig.l] illustrates all the fluid circuits and Figures 2 and 3 show more distinctly the hydraulic circuits and the fuel gas and hydrogen and oxygen circuit respectively.

[0082] In the present example, the heating water circuit enters the boiler through a return pipe 12 and leaves through a flow circuit 14 carrying a valve 13. The water from the return pipe 12 passes through a heating circulator 16 then passes through the heating body 6 then through a reversing valve 18 communicating with the flow circuit 14.

[0083] The boiler comprises a cold water inlet pipe 20 and a domestic hot water outlet pipe 22 connected by a connecting pipe 28.

[0084] A bypass duct 24 leaves the return duct 12 upstream of the circulator 16 and joins the reversing valve 18. It passes through the heat exchanger 10 also crossed by the connecting duct 28.

[0085] A disconnector 30 directly connects the return conduit 12 and the inlet conduit. cold water 20 upstream of the boiler. The spacer frame that will be presented later benefits from this hydraulic disconnector. The latter, known in itself, provides protection against pressure rises that could cause a mechanical break between the hot water circuit and the heat exchanger 10.

[0086] The boiler also comprises a combustible gas inlet duct 31. In a manner not illustrated, it also comprises a connection for the evacuation of combustion products via approved ducts.

[0087] All these elements, with the exception of the disconnector 30, are housed in the boiler. The disconnector is on the connection bar of the boiler which is equipped with isolation valves. The spacer frame

[0088] The installation comprises a spacer frame 32 or backsplash carrying the appliance 4 on its own, which is rigidly fixed thereto by conventional means such as bolts. This frame is illustrated in detail in Figures 4 to 6. The spacer frame 32 is rigidly fixed to a support, for example a wall 33 of the dwelling. It is therefore interposed between the wall 33 and the appliance 4. The frame is for example formed by a metal structure painted white or in a color identical to that of the boiler. All of the components are securely attached to its structure. Its metal casing makes it possible to significantly reduce the acoustic footprint of the equipment it contains. The spacer frame 32 is sufficiently strong to carry the boiler while integrating the functions of producing hydrogen and oxygen on demand, as will be seen. It is mechanically compatible with existing boilers and, in particular, fits into the spaces already reserved for boilers in dwellings.Depending on the installation constraints, the thickness of the frame can be adapted, for example so that it is between 100 and 132 mm.

[0089] The frame has orifices 17 and / or support members in coincidence with orifices and / or support members of the combustion apparatus. The electrolyser

[0090] The electrolyser 40 is configured to supply the appliance 4 with gaseous hydrogen and / or gaseous oxygen and is housed entirely in the spacer frame 32. It can use any type of electrolysis technology, for example the alkaline type, AEM (for the English expression union exchange membrane) or PEM (for the English expression proton exchange membrane). Its power is sized according to the appliance 4 of which it must optimise the efficiency and combustion. For example, for individual domestic use, the power of the electrolyser can be between 1200 and 3000 W. The electrolyser comprises a power supply 52 for electrical energy.

[0091] This is, for example, basically an electrolyser developed and marketed by the Bulane company under the dyomix brand and adapted to be part of this installation.

[0092] In order to generate hydrogen and oxygen, a portion of the water entering the electrolyser 40 from the cold water conduit 20 is diverted as illustrated in [Fig.l] to be electrolysed there. The installation also comprises a filter 27 configured to filter this water and placed upstream of the electrolyser, the filter also being housed in the spacer frame. The filter provides purified water (for example demineralised, osmosis or distilled, etc.) having the characteristics necessary for the operation of the electrolyser.

[0093] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the installation is configured so that condensates from the boiler are recovered to feed the electrolyser via the filter.

[0094] A gas conduit (hydrogen and oxygen) 35 leaves the electrolyser 40 and opens into the combustible gas inlet conduit 31 upstream of a solenoid valve 29 of the latter. The installation comprises a solenoid valve 46 mounted on the gas conduit 35 and housed in the spacer frame. The hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolyser are thus mixed with the combustible gas when it enters the boiler in order to improve the combustion of the latter.

[0095] Alternatively, the hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolyser may be injected into the burner of the combustion apparatus 4, separately or simultaneously, via the air intake or directly, for example via a multi-way injection system (not shown). Alternatively, the mixing between the hydrogen, the oxygen and the combustible fluid (or the oxidant) may be carried out inside an injection system (not shown) configured for this purpose.

[0096] The hybridization regime, i.e. the intake ratio between hydrogen, oxygen and the fossil fuel and / or the initial oxidant, can range from 0% to 100%. Typically, with town gas, the mixture in the combustion appliance 4 can be enriched with hydrogen (of the order of 6 to 20% by volume or more). Hybridization provides a decarbonized energy supply to the fossil combustion thus produced. In particular, it improves the carbon and environmental balance (for example, the flames of the burner of the appliance 4 generate less NOx, CO2, CO, etc.) and improves energy efficiency (for example, when coupled with a solar installation). It also makes it possible not to touch the boiler setting initially adapted for the combustible gas used. The injection of oxygen allows the combustion of hydrogen without the need for additional oxygen supplementation.

[0097] Since the production of hydrogen and oxygen is carried out on site, the problems of transporting and adapting fuel gas networks are avoided.

[0098] It is possible to plan to revalue the excess oxygen produced where appropriate by the electrolyser 40 instead of releasing it into the atmosphere because it cannot be stored and / or transported simultaneously with hydrogen in the city gas networks. This increases the overall efficiency of the installation, the overall thermal efficiency of the electrolyser 40 being able to exceed 98%. Heat exchangers

[0099] The electrolyser 40 comprises in this case two heat exchangers 42, illustrated as a single one in the figure, also housed in the spacer frame. It is thus possible to dispense with a fan in the electrolyser.

[0100] A heating duct 44 leaves the heating water return duct 12, passes through one of the exchangers 42 and returns to the heating water return duct. A solenoid valve 47 is arranged on the duct 12 between this outlet and this inlet. The water flow is ensured by the boiler circulator. The energy released is supplied to the heating installation and actively contributes to maintaining the comfort temperature of the home.

[0101] Similarly, a cold water inlet bypass pipe 48 leaves the cold water inlet pipe 20, passes through the other exchanger 42 and returns to the cold water inlet pipe. A solenoid valve 50 is arranged on the pipe 20 between this outlet and this inlet. This exchanger 42 transfers its power to the domestic cold water, the circulation being ensured by the city water pressure. (The standard is 7 bars. It is recalled that one bar is worth 105 Pa.). This preheated water is then injected into the domestic exchanger 10 of the boiler to guarantee the comfort temperature.

[0102] Thus, the exchangers 42 are configured to transmit to each of these water circuits heat generated during the electrolysis operation, which allows the electrolyser to be cooled. Each exchanger 42 may be located inside or at the outlet of the electrolyser and may or may not be integrated into the electrolysis cell. It is for example of the liquid / liquid or air / liquid type. The two exchangers 42 are sized to the power generated while limiting pressure losses. Fluid connections

[0103] The electrolyser and all the equipment necessary for its operation are integrated into the frame at the factory.

[0104] Figures 4 to 6 thus illustrate three examples of configuration of the frame and the pipes 37 for transporting the fluids integrated into the frame in the factory. [Fig.7] shows a configuration of the pipes 39 for connecting the boiler.

[0105] When integrated into an installation, all of the connections between the conduits of the installation and the frame 32 on the one hand and between the conduits of the boiler 4 and the frame on the other hand are made by simple assembly of screw nuts and flat gaskets for the hydraulic connections. The fluid connections are integrated for this purpose into the frame spacer and allow its quick assembly while guaranteeing their watertightness. The frame thus manages the inputs and outputs allowing the coupling of the device to the water circuits. It is compatible with the fluid circuits of all boilers on the market. The connection to the fuel gas circuit is made in a distributor after the gas safety valve. The specific part linked to hydrogen and oxygen is completely secure by its construction. The fluid connectors have been illustrated together in [Fig.l] by the frame 49, it being understood that these are separate connectors for each fluid. The connectors 49 are in this case located on a lower face of the spacer frame, except for the connector 49 for condensates, located on the front face of the frame. These connectors include:

[0106] - connectors for water transmission between the frame and the device, and

[0107] - a connector for hydrogen and oxygen transmission between the frame and the device.

[0108] The safety equipment integrated into the boiler (safety valve, expansion tank and disconnector) is shared with the hydraulic part of the electrolyser.

[0109] The spacer frame provides a reduction in the noise level of the hot water circuit thanks to the encapsulation it constitutes behind the boiler. Electronic and electrical connections

[0110] The assembly formed by the frame 32 and the electrolyser 40 has electrical and electronic connections compatible with most boilers in plug and play mode, for example by means of a serial link according to the modbus protocol. The electrical connections are made by connectors equipped with polarizers. Thus, the installation comprises:

[0111] - at least one connector of the frame connected to the combustion device for a current transmission between the frame and the device, and

[0112] - at least one connector of the frame connected to the combustion device for a electronic transmission between the frame and the device.

[0113] The electrolyser 40 is connected in this case to a non-illustrated digital interface of the boiler 4 so that it displays all the functional parameters of the electrolyser as well as its states to facilitate its maintenance.

[0114] The power supply 52 of the electrolyser 40 may be coupled to a renewable energy power source, for example photovoltaic panels which are also used to supply the building's electrical network. The choice of certain electrical sources, for example a dedicated photovoltaic source for self-consumption and / or the controlled connection to a certified renewable energy electricity source, guarantees the exclusive use of decarbonized electrons for the production of so-called green hydrogen. The installation may include a battery for store electrical energy to power the electrolyser during phases when the photovoltaic equipment is not producing electricity. The stored energy will be related to the available electricity source, hydrogen requirements and the boiler's operating hours. Means of ordering

[0115] The control and adjustment of the injection of hydrogen and oxygen can be carried out either electronically or manually in order to adapt correctly to each model of combustion device 4 and in particular to its operating regime and / or its burner model.

[0116] In this case, the installation 102 comprises automated control means connected to the electrolyser 40, to the combustion apparatus 4 and to sensors of the installation, the number and type of which depend on the combustion apparatus 4 to be hybridised. The sensors are typically thermal probes, gas flow meters, pressure sensors or gas / liquid flow meters. They are for example located on the water, fuel and oxidant circuits. They may be internal to the combustion apparatus 4 and / or to the electrolyser 40.

[0117] The spacer frame comprises an electronic control module 43 which controls the electrolyser 40 and / or the admission of hydrogen and oxygen into the device 4. This module 43 may or may not be integrated into the electrolyser 40. The control it carries out is a function of information transmitted by electronics included in the combustion device 4 and / or by the sensors of the installation.

[0118] For example, the module 43 starts the electrolyser 40 when the start-up of the combustion appliance 4 is detected by the consumption of fossil fuel by means of a gas flow meter or a pressure sensor or detected by the electrical switching of the fossil fuel inlet valve. It is also possible to provide that the module 43 controls the admission of hydrogen and oxygen into the appliance 4 as long as the water circulating in one of the circuits has not reached a given temperature setpoint.

[0119] The module 43 can be provided to adjust the injection according to different operating phases of the combustion device 4 and define the gas flows so as to allow the best fuel / oxidant ratio in the burner of the device.

[0120] Also, it can be provided that the control means, in particular the module 43, comprise telecommunication means allowing them to exchange data with a remote server. The data transferred to the server are for example operating data of the combustion device 4, those of the electrolyser 40, as well as data from the sensors of the installation or even the adjustment of the fluid components of the injection system. The server thus makes it possible to ensure, among other things, the following functions: monitoring, maintenance, storage and data analysis. Miscellaneous

[0121] The installation may also include a local storage system capable of storing all or part of the surplus hydrogen and / or oxygen generated by the electrolyser 40, if applicable. By “local”, we mean storage in the building or in the immediate vicinity thereof. The electronic module 43 controls the injection system in order, if applicable, to subsequently supply, in a manner desynchronized from the production of hydrogen and / or oxygen, the boiler with the hydrogen and / or oxygen thus stored. The surplus hydrogen and / or oxygen thus stored may also themselves be used to generate electrical energy, for example in a fuel cell receiving hydrogen stored in the system as input and converting the hydrogen into electrical energy to supply the building’s network.

[0122] The proposed system is easily compatible with existing installations integrating a 4-burner combustion device. It makes it possible to optimize its energy efficiency without having to modify or develop new fossil fuel transport infrastructures.

[0123] This technology has the advantage of not changing anything for the user who maintains the same level of service and comfort while limiting his greenhouse gas emissions. Eventually, a photovoltaic network of a few sensors is enough to power the electrolyser and a storage battery allows operation throughout the day.

[0124] For the adaptation of an existing installation, a set can be provided comprising:

[0125] - the spacer frame 32 configured to carry a combustion device 4, and

[0126] - the electrolyser 40 capable of being housed in the spacer frame, and possibly already received in the latter.

[0127] Whether it is a first or a second assembly, the method according to the invention can be implemented as follows:

[0128] - the spacer frame 32 housing the electrolyser is fixed to a support such as a wall 33,

[0129] - the fluid and electrical conduits of the spacer frame are connected to those of the installation,

[0130] - the combustion device 4 is fixed to the spacer frame 32 by interposing the frame spacer between the device and the support, and

[0131] - the fluid and electrical conduits of the spacer frame are connected to those of the device.

[0132] These steps are performed in this order but another order is also possible.

[0133] Assembly of the whole thing is quick and easy and requires no technical skills. additional to those usual from the heating engineer. Second embodiment

[0134] We will now present with reference to [Fig.8] a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is identical to the first apart from the characteristics which will be presented.

[0135] The installation 202 this time comprises at least two spacer frames 32 and in this case comprises three. The spacer frames 32 and the apparatus 4 are stacked in the horizontal direction. The leftmost frame 32 is interposed between the apparatus 4 and the other spacer frames. The center frame is interposed between the apparatus and the left frame on the one hand, and the right frame and the wall 33 on the other hand. Each of the frames comprises an electrolyser 40 and operates in accordance with the first mode.

[0136] The spacer frames 32 are connected in parallel to the installation for each of the fluid circuits, each following the same arrangement as in the first mode. The connections to each fluid circuit are made by forming a Tichelmann loop.

[0137] The installation 202 further comprises a module 54 extending directly opposite each of the spacer frames 32. It provides an interface between each of the frames and the fluid circuits and houses conduits for this purpose. The module 54 is fixed directly to the frames, under them.

[0138] It is possible to provide for adding to this assembly mechanical support means for the assembly in addition to the spacer frames. These means can be integrated into module 54.

[0139] Here again, electronic communication between the frames can take place, for example by means of the modbus protocol.

[0140] Alternatively, it may be provided that one of the spacer frames comprises not an electrolyser but a device such as a fuel cell or a battery connected to the installation as explained in the first embodiment. Third embodiment

[0141] We will now present with reference to [Fig.9] a third embodiment 302 of the invention. This embodiment is identical to the first apart from the characteristics which will be presented. It differs by the arrangement of the spacer frame 32 and this arrangement is compatible with the first and second embodiments.

[0142] This time, the connectors 49 for connecting the spacer frame to the combustion appliance are located on a front face 51 of the frame, facing the appliance. We therefore find among these, for example:

[0143] - at least one connector for liquid transmission between the frame and the device,

[0144] - at least one connector for transmission of hydrogen and oxygen between the frame and device,

[0145] - at least one connector for current transmission between the frame and the device, and

[0146] - at least one connector for electronic transmission between the frame and the device.

[0147] In this case, each of these front connectors 49 extends opposite a corresponding connector of the combustion device. In [Fig.9], the number and arrangement of the connectors 49 illustrated are not limiting.

[0148] In addition, the spacer frame 32 comprises rear connectors 53 making it possible to connect the spacer frame to another element of the installation. This may be, for example, the conduits and cables of the dwelling or another spacer frame 32 in the situation of a stack as in the second mode.

[0149] The rear connectors 53 of the frame are located on a rear face 55 of the spacer frame, oriented in the opposite direction to the combustion device and to the front face 51. These include, for example:

[0150] - at least one external connector of a liquid conduit,

[0151] - at least one external connector of a hydrogen and oxygen conduit,

[0152] - at least one external electrical connector, and

[0153] - at least one electronic external connector.

[0154] In the situation of the second embodiment, it is advantageous for each of the spacer frames 32 to be of this type and identical to each other. Indeed, once stacked, the spacer frames are in coincidence. Therefore, for each fluid, for the electric current and for the computer signal, the front connector 49 of the second frame (the one in the middle) and the rear connector 53 of the first frame (the leftmost) are opposite each other. The same applies to the connectors of the second and third frames. It is therefore particularly easy to connect the facing connectors to each other.

[0155] Numerous modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation (102; 202; 302) comprising: - a combustion apparatus (4), - at least one spacer frame (32) carrying the apparatus, and - an electrolyser (40) configured to supply the apparatus with hydrogen and / or oxygen and housed in the spacer frame.

2. Installation according to the preceding claim in which the apparatus is a boiler (4).

3. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the frame has orifices (17) and / or support members in coincidence with orifices and / or support members of the combustion apparatus.

4. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises a filter (27) configured to filter water entering the electrolyser (40), the filter being housed in the spacer frame (32).

5. Installation according to the preceding claim configured so that condensates from the combustion device are sent into the filter (27).

6. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims in which the electrolyser comprises at least one heat exchanger (42) configured to transmit heat to at least one water circuit of the installation, the exchanger being housed in the spacer frame.

7. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises at least one of the following elements: - at least one connector (49) of the frame connected to the combustion apparatus for a liquid transmission between the frame and the apparatus, - at least one connector (49) of the frame connected to the combustion apparatus for a gas transmission between the frame and the apparatus, - at least one connector (49) of the frame connected to the combustion apparatus for a current transmission between the frame and the apparatus, and - at least one connector (49) of the frame connected to the combustion apparatus for an electronic transmission between the frame and the apparatus.

8. Installation according to the preceding claim in which the or each connector (49) of the frame extends opposite a connector of the combustion appliance.

9. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises at least one of the following elements: - at least one external connector (53) of a liquid conduit of the frame located on one side of the frame not directed towards the combustion apparatus, - at least one external connector (53) of a gas conduit of the frame located on one side of the frame not directed towards the combustion apparatus, - at least one external electrical connector (53) of the frame located on one side of the frame not directed towards the combustion apparatus, - at least one external electronic connector (53) of the frame located on one side of the frame not directed towards the combustion apparatus.

10. Installation according to claims 7 and 9, in which, the frame being a first frame, the connector (49) of the frame connected to the combustion apparatus (4) and the external connector (53) are arranged so that, when the first frame is placed in coincidence with a second identical frame, the connector (49) for combustion apparatus of the second frame and the external connector (53) of the first frame are opposite each other.

11. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises at least two spacer frames (32), the spacer frames and the apparatus (4) forming a stack such that at least one of the spacer frames is interposed between the apparatus and the other spacer frame or frames.

12. Installation according to the preceding claim in which the spacer frames (32) are connected to at least one fluid circuit of the installation so that the circuit forms a Tichelmann loop.

13. Installation according to any one of claims 11 to 12, which further comprises a module (54) extending directly opposite each of the spacer frames (32) and providing an interface between each of the spacer frames and at least one fluid circuit of the installation.

14. Installation according to any one of claims 11 to 13 in which at least one of the spacer frames is devoid of an electrolyser inside the spacer frame and comprises for example at least one of the following elements: - a fuel cell, and - a battery.

15. Assembly comprising: - at least one spacer frame (32) configured to carry a combustion device (4), and - an electrolyser (40) capable of being housed in the spacer frame.

16. A method of mounting a combustion apparatus (4), wherein: - at least one spacer frame (32) is fixed to a support (33) and a combustion appliance (4) is fixed to the spacer frame so that the spacer frame is interposed between the appliance and the support, and - the spacer frame housing an electrolyzer (40), a hydrogen or oxygen conduit is connected from the electrolyzer to the device.

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