temperature-controlled water supply system

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature-controlled water supply system (10) comprising a tank (6) suitable for containing water intended to be cooled and / or heated, means for measuring the temperature of the water contained in the tank (6), mixing means (25), first means for conveying water (2) between an inlet port (1) of the system (10) and a first inlet port (14) of the mixing means (25), second means for conveying water (18) between a first outlet port of the tank (11) and a second inlet port (15) of the mixing means (25), third means for conveying water (19) between the outlet port (16) of the mixing means (25) and an outlet port of the system (10), means for cooling and / or heating the water contained in the tank (6),the mixing means (25) being capable of mixing the water flowing in the first water conveying means (2) and the water flowing in the second water conveying means (18) so that the water flowing in the third water conveying means (19) comes from this mixture. Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Temperature-controlled water supply system. Technical field.

[0001] The invention, which belongs to the field of agri-food, relates to the production of dough, and more specifically to the production of dough to be cooked.

[0002] To make dough, various ingredients are generally needed, such as flour, salt, and yeast. To ensure the binding between these different ingredients, it is also important to add water, which will allow the dough to take shape during the kneading process.

[0003] Thus, the invention relates in particular to a water supply system intended for the preparation of a paste. Preamble

[0004] During the process of preparing a paste, it is necessary to add water in sufficient proportion to obtain a paste of satisfactory texture.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known that the temperature of the water used is of particular importance. Indeed, adding water that is too low or too high can impair kneading and affect the fermentation and baking of the dough. In other words, using water that is too hot or too cold has a negative impact on the quality of the finished product.

[0006] Obviously, the quantity and temperature of the water to be added depends on the type of flour used and the type of dough to be made: bread dough, pizza dough, pasta.

[0007] To determine the optimal water temperature to use, a baker also takes into account the type and temperature of flour he uses, the temperature of his kneading trough and the ambient temperature of the room in which it is located.

[0008] Once the temperature to be reached has been determined, it is necessary to control and act on the temperature of the water used to prepare the dough, and this in a constant manner, in order to ensure that it remains equal to the desired temperature.

[0009] This operation is delicate because a bakery, whether artisanal or industrial, produces a significant quantity of bread daily, which means it uses a similarly large quantity of water, generally sourced from the mains water supply. However, one difficulty lies in the fact that the temperature of the mains water varies from day to day and season to season, depending in particular on the outside temperature.

[0010] A bakery must therefore be equipped with a water supply system capable of continuously controlling and regulating the water from the sanitary network which it takes in, in order to deliver out water which is at the temperature desired by the baker.

[0011] There are chilled water supply systems that utilize large-volume open tanks equipped with a cooling coil to directly cool the water within the tank. However, these known systems generally have complex structures, making their installation time-consuming and their maintenance difficult and costly. Furthermore, these systems are energy-intensive because they require the cooling of a large quantity of water, and they do not allow for high outlet flow rates because all the water must first be cooled to the desired temperature before being delivered.

[0012] In addition, although the network water generally needs to be cooled by the system, it is sometimes necessary, particularly in winter when it is very cold, to heat it up in order to reach the desired temperature. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present application aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a temperature-controlled water supply system comprising:

[0015] -A tank suitable for containing water intended to be cooled and / or heated, said tank comprising a first tank inlet port through which the tank is suitable for being supplied with water, a first tank outlet port from which the water contained in the tank is suitable for being discharged out of the tank;

[0016] - First means of temperature measurement capable of measuring the temperature of the water contained in the tank;

[0017] - Mixing means comprising a first inlet port of means mixing, a second inlet port for mixing means and an outlet port for mixing means;

[0018] - First means of conveying water between an entry port of the system and the first port of entry for mixing means;

[0019] - Second means of conveying water between the first port of exit of tank and the second inlet port for mixing means,

[0020] - Third means of conveying water between the port of exit of means of mixing and a system output port;

[0021] - Means of cooling and / or heating the water contained in the tank, the mixing means being suitable for mixing water flowing in the first water conveying means and water flowing in the second water conveying means.

[0022] Compared to existing solutions, the first means of water delivery allow the system of the invention to directly supply water from the sanitary water network, without the need to cool or heat it.

[0023] Thanks to the presence of the mixing means, the user has great flexibility to obtain water at the desired temperature at the outlet, since said mixing means allow him to adapt the proportions of water coming directly from the domestic water network and water coming from the tank.

[0024] Adjusting the proportions at the mixing point depends in particular on the desired water temperature at the system outlet, and also on the temperature of the water in the tank. The colder the tank, the less water will be needed at the outlet to cool the mains water down to the desired temperature. Conversely, the user can choose to use more water from the tank and cool it less. In both cases, the system has the advantage of being flexible and energy-efficient.

[0025] The system according to the invention therefore has the advantage of being energy-efficient, while also allowing for the continuous delivery of water at a higher flow rate compared to prior art systems. In other words, the system of the invention provides a greater capacity for producing water at a regulated temperature than existing systems.

[0026] Due to its efficiency, the system of the invention has the advantage of cooling the water faster than existing systems, and it is therefore possible to turn it off during periods of inactivity, even short ones, since upon restarting, it will quickly be able to deliver cooled water.

[0027] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "tank" is synonymous with "reservoir" or "cistern", and generally designates any device capable of storing a liquid, for example water.

[0028] For the purposes of the present invention, the expression "means of conveying water" generally refers to a pipe or conduit or assembly of pipes or conduits, made of any suitable material and arranged to allow the circulation of water.

[0029] The temperature-controlled water supply system may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes means for cooling and means for heating the water contained in the tank.

[0031] Compared to existing solutions which only allow the water to be cooled, the system of the invention therefore has the advantage of being able to deliver, on demand, water that is cooled or heated relative to the water circulating in the first means of water delivery.

[0032] This particularly advantageous embodiment makes it possible to heat the water in the tank, if necessary, when the water circulating in the initial water delivery means is at a temperature lower than the desired temperature at the outlet of the water supply system. This can occur, for example, in winter, when the outside temperature is very low.

[0033] According to one possibility, the water circulating in the first means of water conveyance comes from the sanitary water network.

[0034] Generally, the water flowing in the first water conveying means is intended to flow exclusively in the direction from the inlet port of the system to the first inlet port of the mixing means.

[0035] According to one possibility, the first means of conveying water form a main water circuit of the temperature-controlled water supply system.

[0036] According to one possibility, the system includes second temperature measurement means suitable for measuring the temperature of the water circulating in the first water conveying means.

[0037] According to another possibility, the temperature of the water circulating in the first water conveying means is determined by other means, for example using models based on the outside air temperature.

[0038] According to one possibility, the second temperature measurement means are arranged at the end of the first water conveying means, in the immediate vicinity and upstream of the mixing means. This takes into account any potential changes in the water temperature during its circulation in the first water conveying means.

[0039] According to one possibility, the water contained in the tank comes from the domestic water supply.

[0040] According to one possibility, the system of the invention can operate in two modes: a summer mode in which the system is able to deliver water at a temperature lower than the temperature of the water in the domestic water network, and a winter mode in which the system is able to deliver water at a temperature higher than the temperature of the water in the domestic water network.

[0041] When the system is operating in summer mode, the heating means are deactivated and the water in the tank can only be cooled by means of the cooling means.

[0042] When the system is operating in winter mode, the cooling means are deactivated and the water in the tank can only be heated by means of the heating means.

[0043] Generally, the mixing means being capable of mixing the water circulating in the first water conveying means and the water circulating in the second means of water conveyance in such a way that the water flowing in the third means of water conveyance comes from this mixture.

[0044] In other words, the mixing means make it possible to mix the water from the first water conveying means with the water from the second water conveying means, which is cooled or heated relative to the water circulating in the first water conveying means, so as to obtain, at the outlet of the mixing means, water resulting from this mixing, which then circulates in the third water conveying means towards an outlet port of the temperature-controlled water supply system.

[0045] The water circulating in the third water conveying means is therefore at a temperature distinct from that circulating in the first water conveying means, the latter being cooled or heated by the water coming from the tank and circulating in the second water conveying means.

[0046] According to one possibility, the mixing means are suitable for mixing water from the first water delivery means and water from the second water delivery means in particular proportions, and for example predetermined proportions, which are known to a user of the temperature-controlled water supply system.

[0047] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes third temperature measurement means suitable for measuring the temperature of the water circulating in the third water delivery means.

[0048] According to another possibility, the temperature of the water circulating in the third water conveying means is determined and / or estimated by other means, for example from the temperature of the water contained in the tank measured by means of the first temperature measuring means, the temperature of the water circulating in the first water conveying means, and the proportions in which the mixing means carry out the mixing.

[0049] According to one possibility, the system includes means for controlling the mixing means, said control means being configured to allow variation in the proportions in which the water from the first water conveying means and the water from the second water conveying means are mixed.

[0050] According to one possibility, the control means for the mixing means are mechanical, and manual action by a user is required to vary the proportions in which the water from the first water delivery means and the water from the second water delivery means are mixed.

[0051] According to one possibility, the control means for the mixing means are electronic and remotely controllable by a user.

[0052] According to one possibility, the control means of the mixing means allow a user of the system to know at any time the proportions in which the water from the first water delivery means and the water from the second water delivery means are mixed.

[0053] Thus, the temperature-controlled water supply system according to the invention is capable of delivering water at the desired temperature throughout the year.

[0054] Generally, the water circulating in the second water conveying means is intended to circulate exclusively in the direction from the first tank outlet port to the second mixing means inlet port.

[0055] Generally, the water flowing in the third water conveying means is intended to flow exclusively in the direction from the outlet port of the mixing means to the outlet port of the system.

[0056] According to one possibility, the mixing means include a three-way valve.

[0057] According to another possibility, the mixing means include a thermostatic valve.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the cooling means are arranged to cool the water contained in the tank outside of the tank.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the water contained in the tank is not cooled directly in the tank, but outside the tank.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the tank includes a second tank outlet port and a second tank inlet port, the system including fourth means for conveying water between the second tank outlet port and the second tank inlet port.

[0061] Generally, the water flowing in the fourth water conveying means is intended to flow exclusively in the direction from the second tank outlet port to the second tank inlet port.

[0062] According to one possibility, the fourth means of conveying water form a water cooling circuit.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the water cooling means include fluid conveying means.

[0064] According to one possibility, the fluid conveying means are suitable for cooling the water circulating in the fourth water conveying means.

[0065] Thus, the water contained in the tank is only cooled when it circulates in the fourth water conveying means, which form the water cooling circuit.

[0066] According to one possibility, the means of conveying fluid form a refrigeration circuit.

[0067] According to one possibility, the refrigeration circuit is a closed circuit.

[0068] According to one possibility, said fluid is a refrigerant, which is capable of circulating within the refrigeration circuit.

[0069] According to one possibility, the refrigerant is a HydroFluoro-Olefin fluid, commonly referred to as HFO fluid.

[0070] According to another possibility, the refrigerant is a natural fluid, of the propane R290 type.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first water conveying means comprise a diversion point, the system comprising fifth water conveying means between said diversion point and the first tank inlet port.

[0072] For the purposes of the present invention, a branch point means a particular arrangement of pipes or conduits allowing the arrangement, downstream of the branch point, of two separate pipes from a single pipe arranged upstream of the branch point.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the water circulating in the first water conveying means and the water contained in the tank come from the same inlet port of the system.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the system includes means for introducing salt into the water circulating in the first water conveying means and / or into the water contained in the tank.

[0075] According to one possibility, the salt introduction means are arranged upstream of the diversion point of the first water conveyance means. Thus, the water supplying the tank is salted in the same proportion as the water circulating in the first water conveyance means.

[0076] Advantageously, salting the water intended to supply the tank also makes it possible to reach, if necessary, a water temperature below 0 degrees Celsius in said tank without risk of ice formation, since the freezing point of salt water is below 0°C.

[0077] According to one possibility, the means for introducing salt include a liquid salt injection device.

[0078] According to one possibility, the liquid salt injection device includes a liquid salt reservoir and a dosing device.

[0079] According to one possibility, the dosing device is a Venturi effect dosing device, also referred to as a Venturi dosing device. The liquid salt injection device makes it possible in particular to ensure homogeneous dissolution of the salt in the water, which improves the quality of kneading the dough since the ingredients like salt and water are mixed optimally.

[0080] According to one possibility, the Venturi effect dispenser is adjustable. Thus, the user can adjust the dosage of salt in the water to be used.

[0081] According to one possibility, the second temperature measurement means are arranged downstream of the salt introduction means. According to this possibility, the potential temperature variation due to the introduction of salt into the water is taken into account.

[0082] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes means for measuring a water flow rate, which are suitable for measuring the flow rate of water circulating in the first water conveying means.

[0083] According to one possibility, the means for measuring a water flow rate include a flow meter.

[0084] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes first opening and / or closing means capable of opening and / or cutting off the water supply within the first water delivery means.

[0085] According to this possibility, said first opening and / or closing means are arranged at the inlet port of the temperature-controlled water supply system.

[0086] According to this possibility, the water supply to the system can be cut off in certain circumstances, for safety reasons during system maintenance operations or after the detection of a water or fluid leak within the system, or during a prolonged period of system inactivity.

[0087] According to one possibility, the first means of opening and / or closing include a stop valve.

[0088] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes second opening and / or closing means disposed near the system outlet port and capable of occupying an open position and a closed position.

[0089] According to this possibility, the second opening and / or closing means, when they occupy said open position, allow the supply of water at regulated temperature, while they prevent the supply of water at regulated temperature at the outlet of the system when they occupy said closed position.

[0090] According to one possibility, the second means of opening and / or closing include a water solenoid valve, and for example a variable flow water solenoid valve.

[0091] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes filtering means suitable for filtering the water flowing in the first water conveying means.

[0092] According to one possibility, the filter means are arranged upstream of the bypass point.

[0093] According to this possibility, it is ensured that all the water delivered at the outlet of the system of the invention is of good quality.

[0094] According to one possibility, the filtering means include a water filter.

[0095] According to one possibility, the system includes means for reducing pressure capable of maintaining maximum pressure within the primary means of water delivery.

[0096] According to one possibility, the pressure reducing means are arranged upstream of the diversion point, which also makes it possible to maintain a maximum pressure within the fifth water conveying means.

[0097] According to one possibility, the pressure reduction means include a pressure reducer.

[0098] According to one possibility, the system includes means suitable for preventing a reflux of water from the tank towards the first means of conveying water.

[0099] According to one possibility, the means suitable for preventing water reflux include a check valve, which is disposed at the level of the fifth water conveying means, downstream of the diversion point.

[0100] Thus, the non-return valve prevents any backflow of water from the tank to the first means of water delivery.

[0101] Generally, the water flowing in the fifth water conveying means is intended to flow exclusively in the direction from the point of diversion to the first tank inlet port.

[0102] According to one possibility, the tank is closed, which makes it possible to keep the water in the tank under pressure and to guarantee a good level of hygiene in the tank.

[0103] According to one possibility, the tank is at least partially made of stainless steel.

[0104] According to one possibility, the heating means are arranged on or in the tank.

[0105] According to another possibility, the heating means are arranged in contact with the tank.

[0106] According to yet another possibility, the heating means are arranged near the tank.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the heating means include a heating element.

[0108] According to one possibility, the system includes mixing means suitable for mixing the water present in the tank.

[0109] According to one possibility, the mixing means operate continuously.

[0110] According to another possibility, the mixing means operate intermittently, on demand.

[0111] Thus, the water contained in the tank is regularly stirred in order to avoid any thermal stratification, which therefore ensures that the temperature of the water present in the tank is perfectly homogeneous.

[0112] According to one possibility, the system includes means for emptying the tank.

[0113] Advantageously, said draining means allow the water to be completely emptied from the tank in order to carry out cleaning or repair operations on the tank and / or other parts of the regulated temperature water supply system.

[0114] According to one possibility, the means for draining the tank include a drain valve.

[0115] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes water circulation means suitable for circulating water within the fourth water conveying means forming the water cooling circuit.

[0116] According to one possibility, the means for putting water into circulation include means for circulating water.

[0117] According to one possibility, the water pumping means include a pump, for example a magnetic pump capable of pumping the water contained in the tank in order to circulate it within the fourth water conveying means.

[0118] According to one possibility, the system includes safety means suitable for ensuring proper and safe operation of the fourth water conveying means forming the water cooling circuit.

[0119] According to one possibility, the safety means include means for detecting a water flow, which are capable of detecting a flow of water circulating in the fourth water conveying means, in order to ensure proper operation and the safety of the means of circulation.

[0120] According to one possibility, the means for detecting a water flow include means for measuring a water flow, such as for example a flow meter.

[0121] According to one possibility, the safety means further include an expansion vessel capable of absorbing and / or compensating for undesirable pressure variations within the water cooling circuit, which may occur during drops or increases in the temperature of the water circulating in the water cooling circuit.

[0122] According to one possibility, the safety means include a safety valve suitable for preventing unwanted overpressure within the water cooling circuit.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes energy transfer means capable of implementing energy transfer between the water flowing in the fourth water conveying means and the fluid flowing in the fluid conveying means.

[0124] According to one possibility, the energy transfer means are capable of carrying out a heat transfer from the water flowing in the fourth water conveying means to the fluid flowing in the fluid conveying means.

[0125] In other words, the fluid is able to absorb heat from the water circulating in the water cooling circuit in order to cool it, which has the effect of increasing the temperature of the fluid and causing it to change into a gaseous state.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the energy transfer means include a plate heat exchanger.

[0127] According to one possibility, the plate heat exchanger comprises 316L steel.

[0128] According to one possibility, the fluid passes from the liquid state to the gaseous state during the energy transfer process implemented by the energy transfer means.

[0129] According to one possibility, the system includes means for circulating fluid suitable for ensuring the circulation of the fluid within the means for conveying fluid.

[0130] According to one possibility, the means for circulating the fluid include compression means capable of compressing the fluid in the gaseous state produced at the outlet of the energy transfer means.

[0131] According to one possibility, the compression means include a compressor.

[0132] According to one possibility, the means for circulating fluid include condensation means capable of condensing the refrigerant in the gaseous state produced at the outlet of the compression means.

[0133] According to this possibility, the condensation means progressively transfer heat between the refrigerant in the gaseous state produced at the outlet of the compression means, which is compressed and therefore at high pressure and high temperature, and the outside air.

[0134] More specifically, condensation means allow the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant to be gradually lowered so as to bring it back to a liquid state.

[0135] According to one possibility, the condensation means include a condenser.

[0136] According to one possibility, the means of circulating the refrigerant include means for expanding the refrigerant in the liquid state produced at the outlet of the condenser in order to supply the energy transfer means with liquid refrigerant at an appropriate pressure.

[0137] According to one possibility, the means of relaxation include a regulator.

[0138] According to one possibility, the temperature-controlled water supply system includes second means for controlling the water circulation means within the fourth means for conveying water.

[0139] According to one possibility, said second control means are capable of controlling said water pumping means, in order for example to allow their activation or deactivation.

[0140] According to one possibility, said second control means are capable of adjusting the flow rate of water pumped by the magnetic pump.

[0141] In general, the second control means allow a cooling cycle to be implemented for the water contained in the tank, in particular when it is determined that the temperature of the water contained in the tank is higher than a target temperature determined by a user of the system.

[0142] According to one possibility, the second control means, upon receiving information from the first temperature measurement means indicating that the temperature of the water in the tank is above the target temperature, automatically activate the water circulation means to circulate the water in the tank through the fourth water conveying means. Once the temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, the second control means cause the water circulation means to stop and / or the refrigerant circulation within the refrigeration circuit to stop.

[0143] According to one possibility, the second control means are capable of controlling the operation of the mixing means.

[0144] According to one possibility, the second control means operate the start-up of the stirring means so as to stir the water contained in the tank, when the water circulation means are stopped and / or when the circulation of the refrigerant is stopped within the refrigeration circuit.

[0145] According to one possibility, the second control means operate the stopping of the mixing means so as to cease the mixing of the water contained in the tank, when the water circulation means are in operation.

[0146] According to one possibility, the second control means are capable of controlling the heating means.

[0147] According to one possibility, the second control means start the heating means upon receiving information indicating that the temperature of the water in the tank is below the target temperature. Once the temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, the second control means stop the heating means. Brief description of the figures

[0148] Fig. 1 represents a temperature-controlled water supply system according to an example of an embodiment of the invention, which is presented by way of non-limiting purpose. Detailed description

[0149] The invention will be better understood by observing the temperature-controlled water supply system, hereinafter referred to as system 10, shown in [Fig. 1].

[0150] First water conveying means 2, which form a main water circuit of the system 10, extend between an inlet port 1 of the system 10 and a first inlet port 14 of a three-way valve 25. The first water conveying means 2 allow water to be conveyed from the inlet port 1 of the system 10 to the first inlet port 14 of the three-way valve 25.

[0151] The water supplied at inlet 1 of system 10 comes from the domestic water network. Thus, the water circulating in the first water conveying means 2 comes from the domestic water network.

[0152] A tank 6 is suitable for containing water, said tank 6 being closed and maintained under pressure. The tank 6 is notably made of stainless steel.

[0153] The tank 6 has a first tank inlet port 8 through which the tank is supplied with water, and a first tank outlet port 11 from which the water from the tank 6 is conveyed to a second inlet 15 of the three-way valve 25 by circulating in second water conveying means 18.

[0154] Third means of conveying water 19 further allow water to be conveyed between an outlet 16 of the three-way valve 25 and an outlet 17 of the system 10.

[0155] A temperature sensor 30 is suitable for measuring the temperature of the water circulating in the third water conveying means 19.

[0156] A water solenoid valve 26 is capable of allowing or preventing the supply of water at the system outlet, occupying respectively an open or closed position. Thus, the water supply at outlet 17 of system 10 is conditional upon the solenoid valve 26 being in the open position.

[0157] The tank 6 also has a second outlet port 12 and a second inlet port 13 between which extend, outside the tank, fourth water conveying means 3 forming a water cooling circuit.

[0158] The fourth water conveying means 3 allow water to be conveyed exclusively in the direction from the second tank outlet port 12 to the second tank inlet port 13.

[0159] Tank 6 is also capable of being supplied with water, at the level of the first tank inlet port 8, by means of fifth water conveying means 37 capable of circulating water between a branch point 9 of the main water circuit and the first tank inlet port 8.

[0160] The diversion point 9 allows the water circulating in the first water conveying means 2 to be captured in order to supply the tank 6.

[0161] Thus, the water supplying tank 6 has the same origin as the water supplying the first means of water delivery 2. As mentioned above, this water comes from the sanitary water network.

[0162] The system 10 further includes mixing means (not shown) suitable for mixing the water present in the tank 6, in order to ensure the homogeneity of the temperature of the water in the tank 6.

[0163] Fluid conveying means 4 forming a refrigeration circuit are arranged to allow the water circulating in the fourth water conveying means 3 to be cooled. More specifically, the refrigeration circuit is a closed circuit, comprising an assembly of copper pipes, within which a refrigerant fluid, for example of the HFO type, is suitable for circulating.

[0164] A stop valve 21, disposed just after the inlet port 1 of the system 10, is able to occupy respectively a closed position and an open position.

[0165] When in the closed position, the stop valve 21 allows the water supply to be cut off in the first water delivery means 2. Thus, the user can cut off the water supply during prolonged periods of inactivity of the system 10, or when carrying out maintenance operations on the system 10.

[0166] When it is in the open position, which is the case during the operating periods of the system 10, the stop valve 21 allows the water supply to be opened within the first water delivery means 2.

[0167] A filter 22 filters the water entering the first water conveying means 2 forming the main water circuit of the system 10. The arrangement of the filter 22 upstream of the branch point 9 allows it to filter not only the water flowing in the first water conveying means 2, but also the water flowing in the fifth water conveying means 37 supplying the tank 6. Thus, the filter 22 ensures the quality of all the water that will be delivered at the outlet 17 of the system 10.

[0168] A pressure reducer 23 allows a maximum pressure to be maintained within the first water conveying means 2 forming the main water circuit of the system 10.

[0169] A flow meter 28 allows for continuous measurement of the value of the flow rate of the water circulating within the first water conveying means 2 forming the main water circuit of the system 10.

[0170] A liquid salt injection device 5 is suitable for injecting liquid salt into the water flowing in the first water conveying means 2. The liquid salt injection device 5 is disposed upstream of the diversion point 9.

[0171] Thus, the liquid salt injection device 5 makes it possible to ensure a measured and homogeneous salting not only of the water circulating in the first means water conveyance 2, but also water circulating in the fifth means of water conveyance 37 intended to supply tank 6.

[0172] This ensures that salt water is available at outlet 17 of system 10, in a precise and appropriate dosage. Advantageously, it is therefore no longer necessary to salt the dough during kneading.

[0173] More specifically, the liquid salt injection device 5 includes a liquid salt reservoir 52 and a Venturi effect doser 51.

[0174] A temperature sensor 29 is suitable for continuously measuring the temperature of the water flowing in the first water conveying means 2. Advantageously, the temperature sensor 29 is positioned upstream and near the first inlet port 14 of the three-way valve 25, so as to measure the water temperature at the outlet of the main water circuit, as close as possible to the three-way valve 25.

[0175] A non-return valve 24 is disposed downstream of the diversion point 9, on the fifth water conveying means 37 which convey the water to the first tank inlet port 8. The non-return valve 24 prevents any untimely backflow of water from the tank 6 and to the first water conveying means 2.

[0176] A drain valve 27 is arranged to allow the tank 6 to be drained.

[0177] The drain valve 27 is capable of occupying an open position allowing the tank 6 to empty itself of the water it contains, and a closed position, in which the water is retained in the tank 6.

[0178] Complete emptying of tank 6 allows, for example, the implementation of tank 6 cleaning, or maintenance operations on system 10.

[0179] A temperature sensor 36 allows the temperature of the water present in the tank 6 to be measured continuously.

[0180] A heating element 7 is suitable for heating the water present in the tank 6, which can therefore be heated by means of this heating element 7, or cooled by the action of the refrigeration circuit when it circulates in the fourth water conveying means 3.

[0181] At the level of the fourth water conveying means 3, the system 10 includes in particular a magnetic pump 31, a flow meter 32, an expansion vessel 33 and a safety valve 34.

[0182] The magnetic pump 31 is capable of circulating water contained in the tank 6 in order to circulate it through the fourth water conveying means 3 forming the water cooling circuit. When this is the case, the refrigerant, circulating within the fluid conveying means 4 forming the refrigeration circuit, gradually cools the water circulating in the fourth water conveying means 3, which has the effect of gradually cooling the water in the tank 6.

[0183] Control means (not shown) allow the magnetic pump 31 to be switched on and / or off, depending on the temperature of the water contained in the tank 6 and the requirements in terms of water temperature at the outlet of the system 10.

[0184] The flow meter 32 allows continuous measurement of the flow rate of water circulating in the fourth water conveying means 3 forming the water cooling circuit.

[0185] The expansion vessel 33 is suitable for absorbing and / or compensating for undesirable pressure variations that may occur within the fourth water conveying means 3 forming the water cooling circuit, in particular during temperature variations affecting the water circulating therein.

[0186] The safety valve 34 is suitable for preventing undesirable overpressure within the fourth water conveying means 3 forming the water cooling circuit.

[0187] Thus, the expansion vessel 33 and the safety valve 34 are devices that ensure the safety of the water cooling circuit.

[0188] At the level of the fluid conveying means 4 forming the refrigeration circuit in which a refrigerant of the HFO type circulates, the system includes a plate heat exchanger 35, a compressor 41, an air condenser 42 and an expansion valve 43.

[0189] The plate heat exchanger 35, which fulfills the function of evaporator, allows for the implementation of a heat transfer between the water circulating in the fourth water conveying means 3 and the refrigerant circulating in the fluid conveying means 4, said refrigerant becoming gaseous or partially gaseous under the action of the rise in its temperature caused by the heat transfer.

[0190] The compressor 41 allows the gaseous refrigerant obtained at the outlet of the plate heat exchanger 35 to be compressed.

[0191] The air-cooled condenser 42 is capable of transferring heat between the refrigerant in a gaseous state, compressed by the compressor 41, and the outside air. Under the action of the air-cooled condenser 42, the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant drops and it gradually returns to a liquid state.

[0192] Finally, the expansion valve 43 allows the liquid refrigerant obtained at the outlet of the air condenser 42 to be expanded.

[0193] Throughout the cooling cycle just described, the refrigerant circulates within the fluid conveying means 4 forming the refrigeration circuit, which therefore constitutes a closed circuit in which the refrigerant passes successively from the liquid state to the gaseous state and vice versa.

[0194] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], and encompasses all conceivable embodiment variants for a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Demands System (10) for supplying water at a regulated temperature and intended for the preparation of dough, for example bread dough, the system (10) comprising: - A tank (6) suitable for containing water intended to be cooled and heated, said tank (6) comprising: • A first tank inlet port (8) through which the tank (6) is suitable for being supplied with water and a second tank inlet port (13); • A first tank outlet port (11) from which the water contained in the tank (6) is able to flow out of the tank (6) and a second tank outlet port (12); - First means of temperature measurement (36) suitable for measuring the temperature of the water contained in the tank (6); - Mixing means (25) comprising a first mixing means inlet port (14), a second mixing means inlet port (15) and a mixing means outlet port (16); - First means of conveying water (2) between an inlet port (1) of the system (10) and the first inlet port of mixing means (14); - Second means of conveying water (18) between the first tank outlet port (11) and the second mixing means inlet port (15), - Third means of conveying water (19) between the outlet port of mixing means (16) and an outlet port (17) of the system (10); - Fourth means of conveying water (3) between the second tank outlet port (12) and the second tank inlet port (13); - Means for cooling the water contained in the tank (6), the cooling means comprising means for conveying fluid (4) suitable for cooling the water circulating in the fourth means for conveying water (3); - Means of heating the water contained in the tank (6), the heating means comprising a heating element (7);

2.

3.

4.

5. The mixing means (25) are adapted to mix water flowing in the first water conveying means (2) and water flowing in the second water conveying means (18). A system (10) according to claim 1 comprises energy transfer means adapted to carry out energy transfer between the water flowing in the fourth water conveying means (3) and the fluid flowing in the fluid conveying means (4). System (10) according to claim 2, wherein the energy transfer means comprise a plate exchanger (35). System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first water conveying means (2) comprise a diversion point (9), the system comprising fifth water conveying means (37) between said diversion point (9) and the first tank inlet port (8). System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes means for introducing salt (5) into the water circulating in the first water conveying means (2) and / or into the water contained in the tank (6).

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