Passive-active solar heating system and associated control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar heating system (100), characterized in that it comprises: a solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51), including a water storage tank (50a, 51a) with a cold water inlet (50b, 51b) and a hot water outlet (50c, 51c), and a transparent surface (50d, 51d); a vacuum tube solar collector (40, 41), including a head collector (40a, 41a) with a cold heat transfer fluid inlet (40b, 41b) and a hot heat transfer fluid outlet (40c, 41c), and a plurality of vacuum tubes (40d, 41d), connected to the head collector (40a, 41a), containing a heat transfer fluid. The vacuum tubes (40d, 41d) extend above the transparent surface (50d, 51d), and the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51) includes an internal heat exchanger (60, 61). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Passive-active solar heating system and associated control method. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of heating devices using solar energy, in particular for domestic water heating.

[0002] More specifically, it relates to the field of combined solar systems, also known as "solar combisystems" in English.

[0003] The invention thus relates to a combined solar heating system, as well as a method for controlling such a solar heating system. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Solar heating, used particularly for the production of hot water and / or the heating of a given space, is a now well-established technical solution that offers numerous advantages, notably in economic terms due to the use of free solar energy, and in ecological terms due to the use of a renewable and non-polluting energy source. Several types of installations exist to enable solar heating.

[0005] Among these, a combined solar system (CSS) is a solar heating system that provides both hot water and heat to warm a space. In particular, a combined solar system is generally intended for the production of domestic hot water (DHW) and for supplemental heating of one or more rooms in a dwelling using solar energy. Combined solar systems are a technological solution that is both economical and environmentally friendly, and can cover a large part of a home's heating and domestic hot water needs.

[0006] These combined solar systems include means for capturing the sun's heat, for example, solar thermal panels, typically used to heat a heat transfer fluid which then transfers heat to a heating water circuit. They are usually coupled with one or more auxiliary devices, for example, a gas or biomass boiler, which can take over when the sun is not present, for example at night, in order to ensure a constant energy production.

[0007] Various technologies exist to enable the conversion of solar energy into heat energy, particularly for water heating.

[0008] Flat-plate solar collectors, also known as "flat-plate collectors (FPC)" in English, comprise a flat, dark plate that absorbs the thermal energy transferred to a working fluid. Transparent structures cover the absorber. to allow sunlight to penetrate and limit losses by convection and radiation, and the thermal insulation of the sensor housing reduces losses by conduction.

[0009] Furthermore, the integrated collector and storage solar water heater (ICSSWH) is a water heating device that converts solar radiation directly into heat for use in heating water. It is a compact system with a simple design and no copper tube structures, which unnecessarily lead to heat loss and leakage problems. Its collection efficiency is generally higher than that of flat-plate solar collectors (FPCs).

[0010] Furthermore, an evacuated tube solar collector (ETC) is typically made of two tubes formed from extremely strong borosilicate glass, exhibiting high resistance to thermal and chemical shock. The outer tube is transparent with minimal reflection, allowing sunlight to pass through. The exterior of the tube is coated with a selective sprayed solar coating that offers exceptional solar absorption and lower thermal emittance. The tubes are fused on their upper surfaces, and the air between the two glass layers in the annular space is evacuated to minimize heat loss by convection and conduction. The upper surface of the parallel tubes is attached to the internal storage tank. Evacuated tubes are more efficient at transferring heat because there is considerably less heat loss due to the vacuum between the tubes.

[0011] The technologies used in combined solar systems, including those described above, constantly need to evolve to become ever more efficient, economical, environmentally friendly, and compact. Therefore, there is a need to further improve this type of combined solar system. In particular, there is a need to increase the contribution of solar energy to heating, especially domestic hot water, while maintaining the same surface area used, or to reduce the surface area required for residential solar thermal collection while maintaining the same solar energy contribution. Description of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to remedy at least partially the needs mentioned above and the disadvantages relating to the achievements of the prior art.

[0013] The invention thus relates, according to one of its aspects, to a solar heating system, characterized in that it comprises:

[0014] - a solar water heater with integrated collector and storage, comprising:

[0015] - a water storage tank, comprising a cold water inlet and an outlet hot water,

[0016] - a transparent surface, located above the water storage tank for passively capture solar radiation and heat the water contained in the water storage tank,

[0017] - a vacuum tube solar collector, comprising:

[0018] - a head manifold, comprising a cold heat transfer fluid inlet and a hot transfer fluid outlet,

[0019] - a plurality of vacuum tubes, connected to the head manifold, containing a fluid heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid in the head collector,

[0020] in which the vacuum tubes extend above the transparent surface of the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage to allow the passage of solar radiation between the vacuum tubes,

[0021] and in which the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage includes an internal heat exchanger,

[0022] the hot transfer fluid outlet of the head manifold being fluidly connected to an active heating inlet formed in the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage and fluidly connected to the internal heat exchanger, and the cold transfer fluid inlet of the head manifold being fluidly connected to an active heating outlet formed in the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage and fluidly connected to the internal heat exchanger.

[0023] The solar heating system according to the invention may further include one or more of the following characteristics taken individually or in any possible technical combinations.

[0024] The solar heating system may include a pump for circulating the transfer fluid, in particular located between the active heating outlet and the cold transfer fluid inlet.

[0025] The water storage tank of the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage can be delimited by an insulated casing which defines with the glazed surface a water storage volume in the form of a triangular prism.

[0026] In addition, the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage may include, between the transparent surface and the water storage tank, an absorbing surface and an air cavity.

[0027] The cold water inlet and hot water outlet of the water storage tank can be formed on the same side of the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage.

[0028] Advantageously, the solar heating system can be a combined solar system.

[0029] The solar heating system may include a first cold water inlet from a domestic water supply network, a first hot water outlet to provide domestic hot water, a second cold water inlet from a domestic heating system, for example a radiator, and a second hot water outlet to provide domestic heating hot water, for example to a radiator.

[0030] Preferably, the solar heating system may comprise:

[0031] - a first solar heating assembly, comprising:

[0032] - a first solar water heater with integrated collector and storage, comprising:

[0033] - a first water storage tank, comprising a first water inlet cold water and a first flow of hot water,

[0034] - a first transparent surface, located above the first reservoir of water storage to passively capture solar radiation and heat the water contained in the first water storage tank,

[0035] - a first internal heat exchanger,

[0036] - a first vacuum tube solar collector, comprising:

[0037] - a first head manifold, comprising a first transfer fluid inlet of cold heat, fluidly connected to a first active heating outlet and the first internal heat exchanger, and a first hot transfer fluid outlet, fluidly connected to a first active heating inlet and the first internal heat exchanger,

[0038] - a plurality of first vacuum tubes, extending above the first transparent surface, connected to the first head manifold, containing a first heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid in the first head manifold,

[0039] and,

[0040] - a second solar heating unit, comprising:

[0041] - a second solar water heater with integrated collector and storage, comprising:

[0042] - a second water storage tank, comprising a second water inlet cold water and a second hot water outlet,

[0043] - a second transparent surface, located above the second reservoir of water storage to passively capture solar radiation and heat the water contained in the second water storage tank,

[0044] - a second internal heat exchanger,

[0045] - a second vacuum tube solar collector, comprising:

[0046] - a second head manifold, comprising a second fluid inlet cold heat transfer fluid, fluidly connected to a second active heating outlet and the second internal heat exchanger, and a second hot transfer fluid outlet, fluidly connected to a second active heating inlet and the second internal heat exchanger,

[0047] - a plurality of second vacuum tubes, extending above the second transparent surface, connected to the second head collector, containing a second heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid in the second head collector.

[0048] In addition, the solar heating system may include a first 3-way bypass valve connecting the first active heating outlet, the first cold heat transfer fluid inlet and the second cold heat transfer fluid inlet to selectively supply transfer fluid to the first head manifold and the second head manifold.

[0049] The solar heating system may further include a second 3-way bypass valve connecting the second active heating outlet, the first active heating inlet, and the first and second hot transfer fluid outlets to selectively supply transfer fluid to the first internal heat exchanger and the second internal heat exchanger.

[0050] Furthermore, the first active heating output and the second active heating input can be fluidly connected to each other.

[0051] Similarly, the first hot transfer fluid outlet and the second hot transfer fluid outlet can be fluidly connected to each other.

[0052] Furthermore, the invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a method for controlling a solar heating system as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0053] - if the following two conditions relating to the first solar heating assembly are checked:

[0054] - the temperature of the first and second vacuum tube solar collectors is higher than the average water temperature in the first water storage tank by a predefined value, in particular on the order of 8°C,

[0055] - the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank is lower than a predefined value, in particular around 95°C,

[0056] then actively circulate the hot transfer fluid from the first and second head manifolds to the first active heating inlet,

[0057] - if the following three conditions relating to the second heating set solar panels are checked:

[0058] - the two conditions relating to the first solar heating assembly are not verified

[0059] - the temperature of the first and second vacuum tube solar collectors is higher than the average water temperature in the second water storage tank by a predefined value, in particular on the order of 8°C,

[0060] - the average temperature of the water in the second water storage tank is lower than a predefined value, in particular around 50°C,

[0061] then actively circulate the hot transfer fluid from the first and second head manifolds to the second active heating outlet.

[0062] The process may further include the step of supplying heat to the first water storage tank and / or the second water storage tank by means of an auxiliary heating system respectively if the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank is less than a predefined value and / or if the temperature of the water in the second water storage tank is less than a predefined value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] Other advantages, purposes and special features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: • Figure 1 represents, in a very schematic perspective view, an example of an embodiment of a solar heating system according to the invention, in the form of a combined solar system comprising two solar heating units and illustrating a step of the control process according to the invention, and • [Fig.2] represents the solar heating system of [Fig.1] illustrating another step of the control process according to the invention.

[0064] Throughout these figures, identical references may designate identical or analogous elements.

[0065] Furthermore, the different parts shown in the figures are not necessarily to a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more legible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, we will describe an example of the realization of a solar heating system 100 according to the invention, Figures 1 and 2 being illustrative of two different stages of a control process according to the invention.

[0067] The solar heating system 100 is characterized by a principle aimed at combining both a solar water heater with integrated collector and storage 50, 51, also called an ICSSWH device for "integrated collector storage solar water heater" in English, and a vacuum tube solar collector 40, 41, also called an ETC device for "evacuated tube solar collector" in English.

[0068] Thus, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the solar heating system 100 first comprises a first solar heating unit El. In this example, this first solar heating unit El is dedicated to the supply of domestic hot water (DHW).

[0069] The first solar heating set El comprises a first solar water heater with integrated collector and storage 50, or ICSSWH device 50, and a first vacuum tube solar collector 40, or ETC device 40.

[0070] The first ICSSWH 50 device comprises a first water storage tank 50a with a first cold water inlet 50b and a first hot water outlet 50c. The cold water comes, for example, from the water supply network of a dwelling, for example from a tap, and the hot water is domestic hot water (DHW).

[0071] The first ICSSWH 50 device further comprises a first transparent surface 50d, located above the first water storage tank 50a to passively capture solar radiation and heat the water contained in the first water storage tank 50a. The first transparent surface 50d is, for example, glazed and inclined with respect to the horizontal, in particular at an angle substantially equal to 45°.

[0072] In addition, the first ICSSWH 50 device further includes a first internal heat exchanger 60 intended to supply heat from the vacuum tubes, described later, to the first water storage tank 50a.

[0073] The first water storage tank 50a of the first ICSSWH device 50 is further delimited by a first insulated housing 50e which defines with the first transparent surface 50d a water storage volume, for example in the form of a triangular prism.

[0074] In addition, although not shown here, the first ICSSWH 50 device may include, between the first transparent surface 50d and the first water storage tank 50a, an absorbing surface and an air cavity.

[0075] Advantageously, the first cold water inlet 50b and the first hot water outlet 50c of the first water storage tank 50a are formed on the same side of the first ICSSWH device 50.

[0076] Furthermore, the first ETC device 40 comprises, firstly, a first head manifold 40a, including a first inlet of cold heat transfer fluid 40b, or "high transfer fluid (HTF)", fluidically connected to a first active heating outlet 60b formed in the housing 50e and connected to the first internal heat exchanger 60, and a first outlet of hot transfer fluid 40c, connected fluidly to a first active heating inlet 60a formed in the casing 50e, on the other side, and connected to the first internal heat exchanger 60.

[0077] Furthermore, the first ETC 40 device comprises a plurality of first vacuum tubes 40d, extending over the first transparent surface 50d, connected to the first head collector 40a, and containing a first heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid FT in the first head collector 40a.

[0078] Although not shown, each vacuum tube 40d may include an absorbent plate and a heat conduit through which the first heat transfer fluid circulates.

[0079] Advantageously, the first vacuum tubes 40d extend over the first transparent surface 50d of the first ICSSWH 50 device to allow the passage of solar radiation between the first vacuum tubes 40d.

[0080] Furthermore, the first hot transfer fluid outlet 40c of the first head manifold 40a is fluidly connected to the first active heating inlet 60a formed in the first ICSSWH device 50 and thus fluidly connected to the first internal heat exchanger 60. Similarly, the first cold transfer fluid inlet 40b of the first head manifold 40a is fluidly connected to the first active heating outlet 60b formed in the first ICSSWH device 50 and thus fluidly connected to the first internal heat exchanger 60.

[0081] Furthermore, the solar heating system 100 includes a second solar heating unit E2. In this example, this second solar heating unit E2 is dedicated to heating a given space, for example a dwelling, by means of at least one radiator 90.

[0082] The second solar heating set E2 includes a second solar water heater with integrated collector and storage 51, or ICSSWH device 51, and a second vacuum tube solar collector 41, or ETC device 41.

[0083] The second ICSSWH 51 device includes a second water storage tank 51a with a second cold water inlet 51b and a second hot water outlet 51c. The cold water comes, for example, from a home heating system, such as the radiator 90, and the hot water is intended to circulate in a home heating system, such as the radiator 90.

[0084] The second ICSSWH 51 device further comprises a second transparent surface 51d, located above the second water storage tank 51a to passively capture solar radiation and heat the water contained in the second water storage tank 51a. The second transparent surface 51d is, for example, glazed and inclined with respect to the horizontal, in particular at an angle substantially equal to 45°.

[0085] In addition, the second ICSSWH 51 device further includes a second internal heat exchanger 61 intended to supply heat from the vacuum tubes, described later, to the second water storage tank 51a.

[0086] The second water storage tank 5la of the second ICSSWH device 51 is further delimited by a second insulated housing 51e which defines with the second transparent surface 51d a water storage volume in the form of a triangular prism.

[0087] In addition, although not shown here, the second ICSSWH 51 device may include, between the second transparent surface 51d and the second water storage tank 51a, an absorbing surface and an air cavity.

[0088] Advantageously, the second cold water inlet 51b and the second hot water outlet 51c of the second water storage tank 51a are formed on the same side of the second ICSSWH device 51.

[0089] In addition, the second ETC device 41 includes first of all a second head manifold 41a, comprising a second cold heat transfer fluid inlet 41b, or "high transfer fluid (HTF)", fluidly connected to a second active heating outlet 61b formed in the housing 51e and connected to the second internal heat exchanger 61, and a second hot transfer fluid outlet 41c, fluidly connected to a second active heating inlet 61a formed in the housing 51e, on the other side, and connected to the second internal heat exchanger 61.

[0090] In addition, the second ETC device 41 comprises a plurality of second vacuum tubes 41d, extending over the second transparent surface 51d, connected to the second head collector 41a, and containing a second heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid FT in the second head collector 41a.

[0091] Although not shown, each vacuum tube 41d may include an absorption plate and a heat conduit through which the second heat transfer fluid circulates. Note that the first and second heat transfer fluids are preferably identical.

[0092] Advantageously, the second vacuum tubes 41d extend over the second transparent surface 51d of the second ICSSWH device 51 to allow the passage of solar radiation between the second vacuum tubes 41d.

[0093] Furthermore, the second hot transfer fluid outlet 41c of the second head manifold 41a is fluidly connected to the second active heating inlet 61a formed in the second ICSSWH device 51 and thus fluidly connected to the second internal heat exchanger 61. Similarly, the second cold transfer fluid inlet 41b of the second head manifold 41a is fluidly connected to the second active heating outlet 61b formed in the second ICSSWH device 51 and thus fluidly connected to the second internal heat exchanger 61.

[0094] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the first active heating outlet 60b and the second active heating inlet 61a are fluidically connected. Similarly, the first hot transfer fluid outlet 40c and the second hot transfer fluid outlet 41c are fluidically connected.

[0095] In association with the first El and second E2 solar heating assemblies, the solar heating system 100 further includes at least one pump 70 for circulating the transfer fluid FT, this being located here between the first active heating outlet 60b and the first cold transfer fluid inlet 40b.

[0096] In addition, electrical elements 30 and 31 are respectively connected to the first vacuum tubes 40d and the second vacuum tubes 41d.

[0097] The solar heating system 100 is here, in the example of figures 1 and 2, a combined solar system allowing both the supply of domestic hot water (DHW) and heating of a space, here a dwelling.

[0098] The solar heating system 100 allows here to gain in efficiency, economy, ecological benefits and space by the principle of combining ICSSWH 50, 51 devices and ETC 40, 4L II devices can then make it possible to increase the contribution of solar energy to heating while maintaining the same surface area used or to reduce the surface area required for solar collection while maintaining the same contribution of solar energy.

[0099] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the solar heating system 100 includes a first 3-way bypass valve 80 connecting the first active heating outlet 60b, the first cold heat transfer fluid inlet 40b, and the second cold heat transfer fluid inlet 41b. Advantageously, this first bypass valve 80 allows for the selective supply of heat transfer fluid FT to the first head manifold 40a and the second head manifold 41a, as described below with reference to the control method according to the invention.

[0100] Furthermore, the solar heating system 100 also includes a second 3-way bypass valve 81 connecting the second active heating outlet 61b, the first active heating inlet 60a, and the first 40c and second 41c hot transfer fluid outlets, which are joined together by means of a single conduit. Advantageously, this second bypass valve 81 allows the first internal heat exchanger 60 and the second internal heat exchanger 61 to be selectively supplied with heat transfer fluid FT, as described hereafter with reference to the control method according to the invention.

[0101] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.1], a first step of a method for controlling the solar heating system 100 according to the invention.

[0102] It should be noted that regardless of whether the conditions stated below are verified or not, the first two El and second E2 solar heating assemblies are configured to passively and continuously receive as much solar energy as possible.

[0103] According to the first step of the control method according to the invention, the following two conditions must be verified:

[0104] - the temperature of the first ETC 40 device and the temperature of the second The temperature of the ETC 41 device is higher than the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a by a predefined value, which may be between 5°C and 10°C, and in particular around 8°C.

[0105] - the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank 50a is less than a predefined value, at most 100°C, the boiling point at atmospheric pressure, in particular around 95°C.

[0106] If these two conditions are verified, then the first step of the control process consists of actively circulating the hot transfer fluid FT from the first 40a and second 41a head manifolds to the first active heating inlet 60a, by activating the pump 70 and the bypass valves 80, 81.

[0107] Fig. 1 represents, by means of arrows FT, the path taken by the transfer fluid FT to actively supply the first water storage tank 50a through a heat transfer carried out by means of the first heat exchanger 60 which allows the water in the first water storage tank 50a to be heated.

[0108] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.2], a second step of a method for controlling the solar heating system 100 according to the invention.

[0109] According to the second step of the control method according to the invention, the following three conditions must be verified:

[0110] - the two preceding conditions relating to the first solar heating assembly They are not verified.

[0111] - the temperature of the first ETC 40 device and the temperature of the second The temperature of the ETC 41 device is higher than the average water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a by a predefined value, which may be between 5°C and 10°C, in particular around 8°C.

[0112] - the average temperature of the water in the second water storage tank 51a is less than a predefined value, at most 100°C, the boiling point at atmospheric pressure, in particular around 50°C.

[0113] If these three conditions are verified, then the second step of the control process consists of actively circulating the hot transfer fluid FT from the first 40a and second 41a head manifolds to the second active heating outlet 61b, by activating the pump 70 and the bypass valves 80, 81.

[0114] Fig. 2 represents, by means of arrows FT, the path taken by the transfer fluid FT to actively supply the second water storage tank 51a by means of a heat transfer carried out by means of the second heat exchanger 61 which allows the water in the second water storage tank 51a to be heated.

[0115] It may be possible that the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a is lower than a first predefined value and / or that the water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a is lower than a first predefined value. In this case, the control method may further include a third step consisting of supplying heat to the first water storage tank 50a and / or the second water storage tank 51a via an auxiliary heating system, for example, an auxiliary boiler. The auxiliary heating system may then be switched off when the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a is higher than a second predefined value and / or when the water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a is higher than a second predefined value.

[0116] The first predefined value for the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a and the first predefined value for the average water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a are preferably different. Similarly, the second predefined value for the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a and the second predefined value for the average water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a are preferably different.

[0117] The first predefined value for the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a and the first predefined value for the average water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a can be defined with respect to a first auxiliary predefined value, in particular associated with a first dead band value. Similarly, the second predefined value for the average water temperature in the first water storage tank 50a and the second predefined value for the average water temperature in the second water storage tank 51a can be defined with respect to a second auxiliary predefined value, in particular associated with a second dead band value.

[0118] The first predefined auxiliary value may, in particular, be between 50°C and 60°C, in particular around 55°C. The first deadband value may, in particular, be between 4°C and 10°C, in particular around 5°C.

[0119] The second auxiliary predefined value can notably be between 21°C and 49°C depending on the outside temperature, particularly in the order of 32°C. The The second dead band value can notably be between 4°C and 10°C, particularly in the order of 4°C.

[0120] Thus, for example, if the first auxiliary preset value is set at 55°C for the first water storage tank 50a with a first dead band value of 10°C, when the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank 50a is less than the first preset value equal to 55°C - 5°C = 50°C, an auxiliary heating system can be switched on and remain active as long as the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank 50a is not greater than the second preset value equal to 55°C + 5°C = 60°C.

[0121] Similarly, if the second auxiliary preset value is set at 32°C for the second water storage tank 51a with a second dead band value of 4°C, when the average temperature of the water in the second water storage tank 5la is less than the first preset value equal to 32°C - 2°C = 30°C, an auxiliary heating system can be switched on and remain active as long as the average temperature of the water in the second water storage tank 51a is not greater than the second preset value equal to 32°C + 2°C = 34°C.

[0122] A case study, conducted on a relatively sunny day with an ambient temperature between 0°C and 12°C, for the supply of heating and domestic hot water to an apartment of approximately 100 m², demonstrated a significant contribution of solar heat obtained through the combined system of the invention. The heat contribution for heating the apartment is maximized when the ambient temperature is lower, while when the ambient temperature is higher, the heat contribution is primarily dedicated to the supply of domestic hot water.

[0123] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments just described. Various modifications can be made to them by a person skilled in the art.

[0124] In particular, although a solar heating system 100 has been previously described in the form of a combined solar system providing both domestic hot water (DHW) and heating of a space such as a dwelling, here via the radiator 90, this is by no means limiting. For example, a solar heating system 100 according to the invention may provide only domestic hot water (DHW) and thus lack the cold water inlet 51b and the hot water outlet 51c.

[0125] Furthermore, although a solar heating system 100 comprising two solar heating units El and E2 has been described previously, this is by no means limiting. For example, a solar heating system 100 according to the invention may comprise a single solar heating unit El. This single solar heating unit El may, for example, be a combined solar system allowing both the supply of domestic hot water (DHW) and the heating of a space such as a dwelling.

Claims

Demands

1. A solar heating system (100), characterized in that it comprises: - a solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51), including: - a water storage tank (50a, 51a), comprising a cold water inlet (50b, 51b) and a hot water outlet (50c, 51c), - a transparent surface (50d, 51d), located above the water storage tank (50a, 51a) for passively capturing solar radiation and heating the water contained in the water storage tank (50a, 51a), - a vacuum tube solar collector (40, 41), including: - a head collector (40a, 41a), comprising a cold heat transfer fluid inlet (40b, 41b) and a hot heat transfer fluid outlet (40c, 41c), - a plurality of vacuum tubes (40d, 41d), connected to the head manifold (40a, 41a), containing a heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid in the head manifold (40a,41a), wherein the vacuum tubes (40d, 41d) extend above the transparent surface (50d, 51d) of the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51) to allow the passage of solar radiation between the vacuum tubes (40d, 41d), and wherein the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51) includes an internal heat exchanger (60, 61), the hot transfer fluid outlet (40c, 41c) of the head collector (40a, 41a) being fluidly connected to an active heating inlet (60a, 61a) formed in the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51) and fluidly connected to the internal heat exchanger (60, 61), and the cold transfer fluid inlet (40b, 41b) of the head collector (40a, 41a) being fluidly connected to an active heating outlet (60b, 61b) formed in the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50, 51) and fluidly connected to the internal heat exchanger (60, 61).

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the solar heating system (100) comprises a pump (70) for circulating the transfer fluid (TF), in particular located between the active heating outlet (60b, 61b) and cold transfer fluid inlet (40b, 41b).

3. System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solar heating system (100) is a combined solar system, comprising a first cold water inlet (50b) from a domestic water supply network, a first hot water outlet (50c) for supplying domestic hot water, a second cold water inlet (51b) from a domestic heating system, for example a radiator, and a second hot water outlet (51c) for supplying domestic heating hot water, for example to a radiator.

4. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar heating system (100) comprises: - a first solar heating assembly (El), comprising: - the solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50) forming a first solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (50), comprising: - the water storage tank (50a) forming a first water storage tank (50a), comprising the cold water inlet (50b) forming a first cold water inlet (50b) and the hot water outlet (50c) forming a first hot water outlet (50c), - the transparent surface (50d) forming a first transparent surface (50d), located above the first water storage tank (50a) for passively capturing solar radiation and heating the water contained in the first water storage tank (50a), - the internal heat exchanger (60) forming a first heat exchanger internal heat (60),- the vacuum tube solar collector (40) forming a first vacuum tube solar collector (40), comprising: - the head collector (40a) forming a first head collector (40a), comprising the cold heat transfer fluid inlet (40b) forming a first cold heat transfer fluid inlet (40b), fluidly connected to the active heating outlet (60b) forming a first active heating outlet (60b) and to the first internal heat exchanger (60), and the hot transfer fluid outlet (40c) forming a first hot transfer fluid outlet,

5. (40c), fluidly connected to the active heating inlet (60a) forming a first active heating inlet (60a) and to the first internal heat exchanger (60), - the plurality of vacuum tubes (40d) forming a plurality of first vacuum tubes (40d), extending above the first transparent surface (50d), connected to the first head manifold (40a), containing the heat transfer fluid forming a first heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid (FT) in the first head manifold (40a), and, - a second solar heating system (E2), comprising: - a second solar water heater with integrated collector and storage (51), comprising: - a second water storage tank (51a), comprising a second cold water inlet (51b) and a second hot water outlet (51c), - a second transparent surface (51d), located above the second water storage tank (51a) to passively capture solar radiation and heat the water contained in the second water storage tank (51a), - a second internal heat exchanger (61), - a second vacuum tube solar collector (41), comprising: - a second head collector (41a), comprising a second cold heat transfer fluid inlet (41b), fluidly connected to a second active heating outlet (61b) and to the second internal heat exchanger (61), and a second hot heat transfer fluid outlet (41c), fluidly connected to a second active heating inlet (61a) and to the second internal heat exchanger (61), - a plurality of second vacuum tubes (41d), extending over the second transparent surface (50d), connected to the second head manifold (40a), containing a second heat transfer fluid, to passively capture solar radiation and heat the heat transfer fluid (FT) in the second head manifold (40a). System (100) according to claim 4, wherein the solar heating system (100) comprises a first bypass valve 3-way (80) connecting the first active heating outlet (60b), the first cold heat transfer fluid inlet (40b) and the second cold heat transfer fluid inlet (41b) to selectively supply transfer fluid to the first head manifold (40a) and the second head manifold (41a).

6. System (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the solar heating system (100) includes a second 3-way bypass valve (81) connecting the second active heating outlet (61b), the first active heating inlet (60a), and the first (40c) and second (41c) hot transfer fluid outlets to selectively supply transfer fluid to the first internal heat exchanger (60) and the second internal heat exchanger (61).

7. System (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first active heating outlet (60b) and the second active heating inlet (61a) are fluidly connected to each other.

8. System (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first hot transfer fluid outlet (40c) and the second hot transfer fluid outlet (41c) are fluidically connected to each other.

9. A method for controlling a solar heating system (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - if the following two conditions relating to the first solar heating assembly (E1) are met: - the temperature of the first (40) and second (41) evacuated tube solar collectors is higher than the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank (50a) by a predefined value, in particular on the order of 8°C, - the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank (50a) is lower than a predefined value, in particular on the order of 95°C, then actively circulate the hot transfer fluid (TF) from the first (40a) and second (41a) head collectors to the first active heating inlet (60a), - if the following three conditions relating to the second solar heating assembly (E2) are met:

10. - the two conditions relating to the first solar heating system (El) are not met, - the temperature of the first (40) and second (41) evacuated tube solar collectors is higher than the average temperature of the water in the second water storage tank (51a) by a predefined value, in particular on the order of 8°C, - the average water temperature in the second water storage tank (5 la) is below a predefined value, in particular around 50°C, then actively circulate the hot transfer fluid (FT) from the first (40a) and second (41a) head manifolds to the second active heating outlet (61b). A method according to claim 9, wherein it comprises the step of supplying heat to the first water storage tank (50a) and / or the second water storage tank (51a) by means of an auxiliary heating system respectively if the average temperature of the water in the first water storage tank (50a) is less than a predefined value and / or if the temperature of the water in the second water storage tank (51a) is less than a predefined value.

Images