FLEXIBLE THERMAL STORAGE TANK

Abstract

FLEXIBLE THERMAL STORAGE TANK The invention relates to a flexible thermal storage tank (100) intended to be fluidly connected to a heating circuit of a building comprising a secondary water outlet and a secondary water inlet, said flexible thermal storage tank (100) comprising: a flexible membrane (110) delimiting boundaries of a thermal storage space; a primary water inlet (120) arranged on the flexible membrane (110), and intended to be connected to said secondary water outlet so as to allow, a conveyance of a volume of primary water from the inlet of said secondary water outlet to said primary water inlet (120);a primary water outlet (130) arranged on the flexible membrane (110) and fluidly connected to the primary water inlet (120), and intended to be connected to said secondary water inlet, so as to allow a volume of primary water to be conveyed from said primary water outlet (130) to said secondary water inlet. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1;

Description

Title of the invention: FLEXIBLE THERMAL STORAGE TANK Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of thermal energy storage systems.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to the field of thermal energy storage systems intended to be fluidically connected to a building's heating circuit. State of the art

[0003] Various heating solutions for buildings, particularly collective residential buildings and those in the tertiary sector, are known in the prior art.

[0004] These solutions generally require the installation, inside or in the immediate vicinity of the building, of large-capacity water tanks, sized to meet the heating and domestic hot water needs of the occupants. The storage capacities of these tanks vary depending on the type of building and the needs, but can generally reach several cubic meters of water.

[0005] Prior art storage tanks have several drawbacks. These tanks are generally made of heavy materials, such as steel. Consequently, due to the large volumes of water they must be able to store, they can weigh up to several hundred kilograms when empty. As a result, their transport, handling, and installation are complex and require specific and costly civil engineering, particularly for reinforcing the foundations. Therefore, they are often integrated during the initial construction of buildings or during the design of independent boiler rooms.Furthermore, their lifespan can be affected by numerous parameters, such as the quality of the water they contain, the materials used to manufacture them, the treatments and paints applied to them, their frequency of use and maintenance, as well as the environment in which they are installed, all of which are factors that can contribute to accelerating their deterioration.

[0006] Thus, the cost, shape, dimensions, and weight of state-of-the-art storage tanks make their integration into existing buildings, particularly residential buildings, difficult. In particular, their installation requires extensive engineering studies and renovation work, or even demolition and reconstruction, to install them in existing technical spaces, when this is possible or economically viable.

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to limit the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a flexible thermal storage tank intended to be fluidly connected to a building heating circuit comprising a secondary water outlet and a secondary water inlet, said flexible thermal storage tank comprising: • a flexible membrane delimiting the boundaries of a thermal storage space; • a primary water inlet arranged on the flexible membrane, and intended to be fluidly connected to said secondary water outlet so as to allow, in an installed configuration of the flexible thermal storage tank, a conveyance of a volume of primary water from the inlet of said secondary water outlet to said primary water inlet; • a primary water outlet arranged on the flexible membrane and fluidly connected to the primary water inlet, and intended to be fluidly connected to said secondary water inlet, so as to allow, in the installed configuration of the flexible thermal storage tank, a conveyance of a volume of primary water from said primary water outlet to said secondary water inlet;

[0009] in which: • The flexible membrane is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space, a thermal storage volume of at least one cubic meter at a thermal storage temperature of at least sixty degrees Celsius.

[0010] According to one design, the flexible membrane or the combination of the flexible membrane with other materials is made so as to withstand a pressure of at least 3 bars relative to the external environment.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank is intended to be fluidly connected to a heating circuit supplying a plurality of respective heating circuits of a plurality of independent living spaces in a collective residential building, said flexible tank being intended to be arranged in a space isolated from said plurality of independent living spaces.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space, a thermal storage volume of at least two cubic meters.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space, a thermal storage volume of at least three cubic meters.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space, a thermal storage volume of at least four cubic meters.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space, a thermal storage volume at a thermal storage temperature of at least sixty-five degrees Celsius.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane is capable of containing, within the thermal storage space, a thermal storage volume at a thermal storage temperature of at least seventy degrees Celsius

[0017] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank further comprises an auxiliary inlet and an auxiliary outlet arranged on the flexible membrane and fluidically connected to each other, and intended to be fluidly connected to an auxiliary heat source via an auxiliary thermodynamic circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, so as to allow heat exchange between said heat transfer fluid and the thermal storage volume.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane comprises at least one elastomer.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane comprises an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane comprises a weave of polyester yarns.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank further comprises a thermal insulation sheath arranged around the flexible membrane.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank further comprises at least one phase change material arranged in the thermal storage space.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the phase change material comprises a mixture of salts and water in crystalline form.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank includes an emergency fire escape, and in which the phase change material includes a material having extinguishing properties.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the phase-change material comprises a sodium sulfate decahydrate.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank further comprises a secondary tank arranged in the thermal storage space, and comprising a plurality of containers of said phase-change material arranged in said secondary tank.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank further comprises a heat exchanger comprising at least one composite material, said phase change material being arranged in the heat exchanger, said phase change material comprising a hydrated salt.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the composite material of the heat exchanger comprises carbon fibers.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the flexible thermal storage tank comprises a toroidal shape.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a thermal storage device comprising a plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks of the invention, and further comprises a formwork element comprising a plurality of compartments for containing said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a building comprising a flexible thermal storage tank of the invention.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the building is a collective residential building comprising a plurality of independent living spaces, said building comprising at least one heating circuit for said plurality of independent living spaces, said building further comprising a room isolated from said plurality of independent living spaces, the flexible thermal storage tank being arranged in said room.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a room isolated from a living space in a collective residential building, comprising at least one flexible thermal storage tank.

[0034] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for installing a thermal storage device of the invention in a building, the installation method comprising: • first installation of formwork comprising a plurality of housing units in a room of the building; • second installation of a plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks in said plurality of housings of said formwork; • filling said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks with the thermal storage volume; • initial establishment of a first fluidic connection between the tanks of said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks, • second installation of a second fluid connection between said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks and the building's heating circuit. Brief description of the figures

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying figures which illustrate:

[0036] [Fig-1]: a schematic representation of a flexible reservoir according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig.2]: a cross-sectional view of a flexible reservoir according to the invention, in a mode of realization in which it comprises a plurality of containers encapsulating a phase-change material.

[0038] [Fig.3]: a schematic representation of a thermal storage device according to one aspect of the invention, in an embodiment in which it comprises two flexible tanks connected fluidly by a hydraulic link.

[0039] [Fig.4]: a schematic representation of the thermal storage device, in a embodiment in which it includes a formwork element.

[0040] [Fig.5]: A schematic view of the interior of a building, comprising a room in which the thermal storage device is installed.

[0041] [Fig.6]: Steps of a method for installing the thermal storage device according to one aspect of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.7]: a first example of a flexible thermal storage tank having a toroidal shape in cross-section;

[0043] [Fig.8]: a top view of the first example of [Fig.7],

[0044] [Fig.9]: an example of a movable flange strainer used in the cistern example flexible of the [Fig.7];

[0045] [Fig. 10]: a second example of flexible thermal storage tanks stacked within a support structure, each having a toroidal shape in cross-section. Detailed description of the invention

[0046] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a flexible thermal storage tank 100 intended to be fluidly connected to a heating circuit Cthi of a building 300 comprising a secondary water outlet 301 and a secondary water inlet 302, said flexible thermal storage tank 100 comprising: • a flexible membrane 110 delimiting the boundaries of a thermal storage space Zi; • a primary water inlet 120 arranged on the flexible membrane 110, and intended to be fluidly connected to said secondary water outlet 301 so as to allow, in an installed configuration of the flexible thermal storage tank 100, a conveyance of a volume of primary water inlet VAthi from said secondary water outlet 301 to said primary water inlet 120; • a primary water outlet 130 arranged on the flexible membrane 110 and fluidly connected to the primary water inlet 120, and intended to be fluidly connected to said secondary water inlet 302, so as to allow, in the installed configuration of the flexible thermal storage tank 100, a conveyance of a volume of primary water outlet VBthl from said primary water outlet 130 to said secondary water inlet 302;

[0047] in which: • The flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in its thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZi of at least one cubic meter at a thermal storage temperature TZi of at least sixty degrees Celsius.

[0048] One advantage of the invention is that it allows for simplified installation, within a building, of a large-capacity tank intended to supply a heating circuit. Indeed, a challenge for installers of such tanks is access to a room in the building designated for such an installation. In a real-world on-site installation, the flexibility of the tank 100 according to the invention makes it possible to fold it, and thus reduce its dimensions, thereby facilitating its integration into the building without requiring any alteration to the building's openings, as would be the case, for an equivalent storage volume, for the integration of a rigid tank such as those known in the prior art.

[0049] Another advantage of the invention is to simplify the transport of the tank 100. Indeed, the flexibility of the tank 100 according to the invention makes it possible to reduce its weight and dimensions compared with a rigid tank of the prior art of equivalent storage capacity.

[0050] Another advantage of the invention is that it simplifies the maintenance and replacement of the tank 100. Indeed, the flexibility of the tank 100 of the invention gives it improved lightness and maneuverability, at equivalent volume, compared to large capacity tanks of the prior art, which represents a considerable advantage for installers, as well as for operators responsible for the maintenance of the building's heating system.

[0051] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows for the improvement of the energy efficiency of a building's heating system.

[0052] Another advantage of the invention is that it increases the lifespan of the tank compared to prior art tanks. Indeed, prior art tanks are generally made of metals, which can be susceptible to rust, and their lifespan can therefore be affected by factors such as the quality of the water they contain, the quality of the material treatments, and the environment in which they are installed.

[0053] Another advantage of the invention is to reduce manufacturing, installation and maintenance costs compared to large capacity tanks of the prior art.

[0054] In summary, the flexible thermal storage tank 100 according to the invention has the following main and non-exclusive advantages compared to prior art thermal storage tanks intended for supplying building heating circuits: - simplified on-site integration resulting from the mechanical properties of the tank giving it its flexibility; - an improvement in energy efficiency resulting from the possibility of installing tanks containing larger volumes of thermal storage, capable of withstanding high temperatures, and capable of being coupled to ancillary systems, such as, but not limited to, a boiler, a heat pump, a solar thermal installation, a geothermal source; - an overall reduction in costs, whether during manufacturing, transport or installation, or during maintenance which is simplified and less frequently required; - an increased lifespan.

[0055] In this description, "Cthi heating circuit" means a fluidic circuit used for heating or cooling applications in a building 300.

[0056] Fig. 1 illustrates a flexible thermal storage tank 100 according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0057] In this description, for the sake of brevity, the "flexible thermal storage tank 100" may also be referred to as "tank 100" or "flexible tank 100".

[0058] The flexible reservoir 100 comprises a flexible membrane 110. The term "flexible membrane" means that the membrane 110 has mechanical properties such that it is capable of elastic deformation when subjected to mechanical stresses. The term "elastic deformation" means that the membrane 110 is capable of reversible deformation, such that it is capable of returning to its original shape when it is no longer subjected to one or more stresses that caused its initial deformation.

[0059] Examples of mechanical stresses that may apply to the flexible membrane 110 include, but are not limited to, pressure exerted on the membrane 110, for example, pressure exerted by the thermal storage volume VZi present in the tank 100 when the latter is in an installed configuration, or one or more successive foldings of the tank 100, for example, implemented in order to of a transport, installation or maintenance operation of the tank 100 in a building 300. It may also be a constraint resulting from filling the tank 100 by means of the thermal storage volume Vz i, which includes for example a volume of water, a volume of a phase change material, or any other volume suitable for a thermal storage function for a building heating application.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 comprises at least one polymer material. The flexible membrane 110 comprises, for example, at least one elastomeric material. This is, for example, a synthetic rubber. Examples include, but are not limited to, ethylene propylene diene monomer, also referred to by the acronym "EPDM" in the literature, polyurethane, silicone, polybutadiene, and polyvinyl chloride, also referred to by the acronym "PVC" in the literature. The invention is not limited to the aforementioned examples and covers any other material, category of material, or combination of materials whose mechanical properties allow reversible deformation of the membrane 110, for example, during operations involving folding the membrane or filling said membrane 110 with a thermal storage volume VZA.A combination of materials will make it possible to control the mechanical stresses exerted on the flexible membrane during its deformation.

[0061] One advantage is to allow the tank 110 to deform and return to its original dimensions without damage.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 comprises an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer.

[0063] One advantage is the ability to easily enable the realization of complex shapes in space, such as, for example, a self-supporting torus-shaped tank under pressure.

[0064] One advantage is that it allows the membrane to withstand high temperatures, such as temperatures above 150°C. Thus, in the context of the invention, a membrane comprising such a material has a particular advantage, both because of its elastic properties and because of its thermal resistance properties, allowing it to withstand temperatures higher than the usual temperatures of fluids used for building heating applications, which are for example between 40°C and 80°C.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 comprises a combination of at least one polymer material and at least one reinforcing material. This is, for example, a combination of an elastomeric material, such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, and a polyester, for example in the form of woven polyester yarns.

[0066] One advantage is to improve the resistance of the membrane 110 to stresses imposed by large volumes of thermal storage, for example volumes of several cubic meters, for example a volume of five cubic meters of water.

[0067] Another advantage is to improve the resistance of the membrane 110 to high temperatures, for example temperatures above 70°C.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the membrane 110 comprises at least one layer produced by means of a vulcanization process.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is able to be in an "installed configuration" in which it is fluidly connected to the heating circuit Cthi of the building 300.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in the installed configuration in which it includes the thermal storage volume VZi.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in the installed configuration in which it is fluidly connected to at least one other tank 100. This is, for example, an adjacent tank arranged in the same room as the tank 100. The tank 100 is, for example, suitable for being fluidly connected to one or more tanks by means of a hydraulic connection. An example of such a configuration is illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0072] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which its length is between 100 centimeters and 600 centimeters.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which its width is between 50 centimeters and 100 centimeters.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which its width is between 100 centimeters and 200 centimeters.

[0075] One advantage of such dimensions is to allow a "flat" installation of one or more tanks 100 in a room of a building 300.

[0076] Another advantage of such dimensions is to allow the "upright" installation of one or more tanks 100 in a room of a building 300.

[0077] The tank 100 of the invention is also capable of having larger or smaller dimensions in its installed configuration, provided that these dimensions are adapted to contain a thermal storage volume intended to supply a heating circuit Cthi of a building 300.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is capable of being in an "empty configuration" in which it is not installed in the building 300. This is, for example, a configuration in which the tank 100 is not connected fluidically to the Cthi heating circuit of building 300. According to another example, this is a configuration in which tank 100 is not fluidically connected to another tank 100 via a hydraulic link. Such a configuration of the tank 100 of the invention corresponds for example to its configuration upstream of the installation, for example at the time of its transport to the site upstream of its installation, or following a replacement of said tank 100 following a maintenance operation.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is capable of being in a "folded" configuration. For example, the tank 100 is capable of being in a folded configuration in which it has undergone one or more successive folds. This is, for example, a particular configuration of the empty configuration of the tank 100, resulting, for example, from an action by an operator.

[0080] One advantage is to temporarily and reversibly reduce the dimensions of the tank 100, for example for the purpose of transporting said tank 100 to an installation site.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is able to be in a folded configuration in which its length is between 50 centimeters and 100 centimeters.

[0082] One advantage is to simplify the transport and handling of the thermal storage tank 100. Such a configuration advantageously allows, for example, the insertion of the tank 100 inside a vehicle, for example for transport to an installation site.

[0083] Advantageously, the mass of the flexible tank 100, in its empty configuration, is between 10 kilograms and 50 kilograms, for example 30 kilograms. The mass of the tank 100 depends in particular on the composition of the flexible membrane. For example, the use of an ethyl propylene diene monomer in the composition of the flexible membrane 110 contributes advantageously, in addition to its elastic and thermal properties, to the lightness of the tank 100. Such a material has, in particular, a surface mass of 1150 g / m² plus or minus 5% according to standard NF EN 1849-2 dated July 2019, which aims to characterize sealing sheets, in particular elastomers.

[0084] The flexible membrane 110 delimits the boundaries of a thermal storage space Zp. The flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zi, a thermal storage volume VZi.

[0085] The term “thermal storage volume VZi” means any material, any combination of materials, any mixture or any other element or combination of elements occupying a given volume of the thermal storage space Zi inside the flexible tank 100, and being capable of storing thermal energy.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 is capable of containing at least a portion of the thermal storage volume VZi in the form of a sensible heat storage volume. A "sensible heat storage volume" is understood to be a volume capable of storing and releasing thermal energy without undergoing a phase change. In this case, the thermal storage volume VZ1 comprises, for example, a volume of water or an organic oil.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 is capable of containing at least a portion of the thermal storage volume VZi in the form of a latent heat storage volume. A "latent heat storage volume" is understood to be a volume capable of storing and releasing thermal energy during phase changes within said volume. In this case, the thermal storage volume VZi comprises, for example, a phase-change material, such as paraffin, a fatty acid, or a hydrated salt, for example, sodium sulfate decahydrate.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for an installed configuration in which it includes a thermal storage volume VZ1 comprising a volume of water. This is, for example, a volume of water intended to circulate directly in the heating circuit Cthi of the building 300. This is, for example, a volume of water having a temperature between 60°C and 80°C, for example 70°C.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which it includes a thermal storage volume VZ1 comprising at least one phase change material 140. Examples of phase change materials that may make up the thermal storage volume VZi include, but are not limited to, organic materials such as paraffins or fatty acids, inorganic materials such as salts or salt hydrates, or a eutectic mixture.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 comprises at least one compartment arranged within the thermal storage space Zb II; for example, a compartment intended to contain at least a portion of the thermal storage volume Vzl. This compartment may, for example, contain a material capable of exchanging heat with at least a portion of the thermal storage volume VZi, for example, a phase-change material 140 capable of storing and releasing energy in the form of latent heat.

[0091] One advantage is to increase the thermal storage capacity in the tank 100.

[0092] Another advantage is to regulate temperature fluctuations in tank 100.

[0093] Another advantage is to improve the energy efficiency of the heating system.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 comprises at least one opening arranged on the membrane 110 and leading to the thermal storage space Zb

[0095] One advantage is to allow the filling or emptying of the tank 100 with the thermal storage volume VZi.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 comprises at least one opening 142 leading to at least one compartment arranged in the thermal storage space Zi II. This compartment is, for example, capable of containing a portion of the thermal storage volume Vzb and isolated from at least another portion of the thermal storage volume Vzl. For example, it is an opening leading to a compartment intended to contain a phase-change material 140, for example encapsulated, and isolated from a volume of water contained and / or circulating in said thermal storage space Vzl, as illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0097] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for the installed configuration in which it includes the thermal storage volume VZi. The thermal storage volume VZ1 is, for example, introduced into the tank 100 during its installation in the building 300.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in the installed configuration in which it is connected to the heating circuit Cthi of the building 300, and in which it includes the thermal storage volume VZA.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is capable of being in an installed configuration in which the dimensions of the membrane 110 are greater than the dimensions of said membrane 110 when the tank 100 is in its empty configuration. In this case, the tank 100 has, for example, a longer, wider, or taller dimension compared to the empty configuration of the tank 100. Such a variation in dimensions results, for example, from the introduction of the storage volume VZA into the tank 100.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the thermal storage volume VZi comprises a plurality of containers encapsulating at least one phase change material 140. The phase change material 140 is for example encapsulated in a plurality of nodules, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0101] One advantage of using a plurality of phase change material containers 140 in combination with a flexible tank is to increase the thermal storage volume as well as the exchange surface.

[0102] The flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZi of at least one cubic meter.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZid' of at least two cubic meters.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZid' of at least three cubic meters.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZid' of at least four cubic meters.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZid' of at least five cubic meters.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume Vzi comprised between one cubic meter and five cubic meters.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume Vzi comprised between one cubic meter and ten cubic meters.

[0109] The flexible membrane 110 is suitable for containing, in the thermal storage space Zi, a thermal storage volume VZ1 at a temperature of at least sixty degrees Celsius.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZ1 at a temperature of at least sixty-five degrees Celsius.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZi at a temperature of at least seventy degrees Celsius.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZ1 at a temperature of at least seventy-five degrees Celsius.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the flexible membrane 110 is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space Zb, a thermal storage volume VZi at a temperature of at least eighty degrees Celsius.

[0114] The tank 100 is intended to be fluidically connected to a Cthi heating circuit of a building 300. A "Cthi heating circuit" is understood to mean a fluidic circuit used for heating or cooling applications of a building 300.

[0115] For this purpose, the tank 100 comprises: • a primary water inlet 120 through which, in the installed configuration of the tank 100, a volume of water from the heating circuit Cthi of the building 300 is conveyed to the tank 100, and includes; • a primary water outlet 130 through which, in the installed configuration of the tank 100, a volume of heated water from the tank 100 is conveyed to the heating circuit of the Cthi building.

[0116] The primary water inlet 120 of the tank 100 is intended to be fluidly connected to a water inlet of the building's heating circuit 300, referred to as the secondary water outlet 301. The primary water outlet 130 of the tank 100 is intended to be fluidly connected to an inlet of the building's heating circuit Cthi, referred to as the secondary water inlet 302, so as to supply the building's heating circuit Cthi with hot water to meet needs such as heating and domestic hot water requirements. The primary water inlet 120 is fluidly connected to the primary water outlet 130.Thus, in the so-called "installed" configuration of tank 100, this advantageously allows a volume of water from the heating circuit of building Cthi to enter tank 100 via the primary water inlet 120, and circulate in said tank 100 until the primary water outlet 130 to return to the heating circuit Cthi of building 300.

[0117] Advantageously, in the installed configuration, the volume of water circulating in the reservoir 100 from the primary water inlet 120 to the primary water outlet 130 captures calories by heat transfer in the thermal storage space Zb such that the temperature of the volume of water at the outlet of the reservoir 100 is greater than the temperature of the volume of water at the inlet of the reservoir 100.

[0118] The primary water inlet volume VAthi is defined as the volume of water from the heating circuit Cthi of the building 300 which, in the installed configuration, enters the tank 100 through the primary water inlet 120.

[0119] The primary outlet water volume VBthl is the volume of water which, in the installed configuration, leaves the tank 100 to return to the heating circuit Cthi of the building 300.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which the primary outlet water volume VBthi results from a heat exchange between the primary inlet water volume VAthi and the thermal storage volume VZ1 in the thermal storage space Zb

[0121] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which the thermal storage volume VZ1 comprises the primary inlet water volume VAthi-

[0122] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 is suitable for being in an installed configuration in which the thermal storage volume VZ1 includes the primary outlet water volume VBthi.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 is suitable for fluid connection with at least one auxiliary heat source 600. This includes, for example, but not limited to, a boiler, a heat pump, a solar thermal system, or a hybrid source. For this purpose, the reservoir 100 includes, for example, at least one auxiliary inlet and at least one auxiliary outlet. The auxiliary inlet and outlet are, for example, arranged on the flexible membrane 110.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 includes an emergency vent. This is, for example, a vent whose activation allows all or part of the storage volume VZ1 of the tank 100 to be evacuated.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 100 comprises at least one heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is, for example, arranged in the thermal storage space 100.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 includes at least one heat exchanger made of composite material.

[0127] One advantage is to reduce corrosion phenomena caused by the use of certain categories of materials, such as phase change materials in the form of hydrated salts.

[0128] Another advantage is to optimize heat exchange.

[0129] Another advantage is to reduce the mass of the system.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the tank 100 includes a heat exchanger in a composite material in which a hydrated salt circulates, also called "Glauber's salt" in the literature. This is, for example, sodium sulfate decahydrate.

[0131] According to an illustrative example, the hydrated salt circulating in the exchanger comprises a combination of salts and water in crystalline form in the solid state. For example, it is a mixture of sodium sulfate and water. For example, it is a mixture of 44% sodium sulfate and 56% water.

[0132] According to another example, the hydrated salt circulating in the exchanger comprises a combination of sodium carbonate and water.

[0133] One advantage of such a mixture is that it allows for the storage of a greater amount of calorie due to a significant latent heat of change of state.

[0134] Another advantage is to reduce the expansion phenomenon related to the liquid-solid phase transition compared to the use of an organic phase change material.

[0135] Another advantage is to improve thermal conductivity.

[0136] Another advantage is to use a compound that is part of the composition of fire-fighting foams.

[0137] Thus, the use of such materials in a thermal storage tank within a building offers the advantage of both storing a large quantity of heat for heating applications and providing an effective fire reserve in case of emergency. This effect is particularly advantageous compared to the use of certain organic phase-change materials such as paraffins, which would, on the contrary, promote the spread of fire in the event of an emergency evacuation of the tank's contents.

[0138] According to another aspect illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the invention relates to a thermal storage device 200 comprising a plurality of flexible tanks 100.

[0139] One advantage of such a thermal storage device 200 is to improve the energy performance of the building's heating system by increasing the storage capacity when the device 200 is in an installed configuration.

[0140] According to one embodiment, in an installed configuration of the thermal storage device 200, at least one tank 100 is fluidly connected with at least one other tank 100 of said device 200 via a hydraulic link. An example of a thermal storage device comprising two tanks connected to each other via a hydraulic link is illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0141] According to one embodiment, in an installed configuration of the thermal storage device 200, each tank 100 is fluidly connected with at least one other tank 100 via a hydraulic link.

[0142] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], the thermal storage device 200 comprises a formwork element. The formwork element is intended to contain a plurality of tanks 100. The formwork element comprises, for example, a metal structure.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the formwork element comprises a plurality of compartments, each capable of containing a flexible tank 100.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the formwork element comprises a plurality of compartments arranged at different heights relative to the ground along the same vertical axis.

[0145] One advantage of such a configuration is that it allows for the installation of multiple tanks one above the other, thereby optimizing the overall size of the device by reducing the floor space occupied. Thus, according to this configuration, the storage volume can be advantageously optimized in a confined space.

[0146] According to another embodiment (not shown), the formwork element comprises a plurality of adjacent compartments arranged at the same height relative to the ground.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the formwork element comprises a plurality of adjacent compartments arranged at the same height relative to the ground along the same horizontal axis and a plurality of superimposed compartments arranged at different heights relative to the ground along the same vertical axis.

[0148] One advantage is to allow the thermal storage volume of the system to be increased.

[0149] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a room comprising at least one flexible tank 100. The term "room" means any space allowing the installation of a flexible tank 100. This includes, for example, any space having an access allowing a fluid connection of the tank 100 to the heating circuit of the building 300.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the room is isolated from a living space in building 300.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the room is located outside building 300.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the room is arranged on the roof of building 300.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the room is arranged at an altitude lower than the level from the ground.

[0154] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a building 300 comprising at least one flexible tank 100.

[0155] According to one embodiment, building 300 is a building. For example, it is a multi-unit residential building comprising a plurality of dwelling units.

[0156] According to one embodiment, building 300 is a tertiary building.

[0157] According to another aspect, with reference to [Fig. 6], the invention relates to a method for installing 400 a thermal storage device 200 in a building 300 comprising: • first INSi installation of a 201 formwork comprising a plurality of housing units in a room of building 300; • second installation INS2 of a plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks 100 in said plurality of dwellings of said formwork 201; • filling REPi of said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks 100 with the thermal storage volume VZi; • first MEPi implementation of a first fluidic connection between the 100 tanks of said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks 100, • second MEP2 installation of a second fluidic connection between said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks 100 and the Cthi heating circuit of building 300.

[0158] Figure 7 shows an example of a flexible thermal storage tank 100 in the shape of a torus. The tank 100 comprises a set of phase-change material containers 140. In this example, the toroidal tank 100 has outlets for connecting hydraulic fittings. According to one example, these connections are made by means of a movable flanged strainer 300.

[0159] According to one example, the flexible tank, once installed and filled, is self-supporting.

[0160] Fig. 8 represents a top view of such a reservoir 100 of which has acquired its toroidal shape.

[0161] Fig. 9 represents an example of a movable flanged strainer 300 comprising a portion having openings for the passage of a fluid and a portion allowing the fixing of the connector having circumferential openings for the passage of screws for example.

[0162] Fig. 10 represents an example of stacking 100 flexible thermal storage tanks in the shape of a torus within a support allowing the different tanks to be stacked.

[0163] According to one embodiment, each tiered flexible tank 100 includes at least one connection 350 to another adjacent tank located on the tier below or above. Thus, each flexible tank 100 communicates fluidly with another flexible tank 100 in order to increase the storage capacity.

[0164] The 380 support may include compartments for isolating each level. The 380 support may also include a main mast for maintaining the stability of the stack.

[0165] At least two reservoirs 100 include outlets 300 for connecting hydraulic fittings. According to one example, these connections are operated by means of a movable flanged strainer 300.

[0166] In the example of [Fig. 10] each tank comprises a set of phase change material containers 140. Each flexible tank 100 located on a given floor may comprise different sets of phase change material containers 140 or identical containers.

Claims

Demands

1. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) intended to be fluidly connected to a building heating circuit (Cthi) comprising a secondary water outlet (301) and a secondary water inlet (302), said flexible thermal storage tank (100) comprising: • a flexible membrane (110) delimiting boundaries of a thermal storage space (Zi); • a primary water inlet (120) arranged on the flexible membrane (110), and intended to be fluidly connected to said secondary water outlet (301) so as to allow, in an installed configuration of the flexible thermal storage tank (100), a conveyance of a volume of primary inlet water (VAthi) from said secondary water outlet (301) to said primary water inlet (120);• a primary water outlet (130) arranged on the flexible membrane (110) and fluidly connected to the primary water inlet (120), and intended to be fluidly connected to said secondary water inlet (302), so as to permit, in the installed configuration of the flexible thermal storage tank (100), the conveyance of a volume of primary water outlet (VBthi) from said primary water outlet (130) to said secondary water inlet (302); wherein: • the flexible membrane (110) is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space (Zi), a thermal storage volume (VZi) of at least one cubic meter at a thermal storage temperature (TZi) of at least sixty degrees Celsius.

2. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to claim 1, intended to be fluidly connected to a heating circuit supplying a plurality of respective heating circuits of a plurality of independent living spaces in a multi-unit residential building, said flexible tank (100) being intended to be arranged in a space isolated from said plurality of independent living spaces.

3. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (110) is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space (Zi), a thermal storage volume (VZi) of at least two cubic meters.

4. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (110) is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space (Zi), a thermal storage volume (VZi) of at least three cubic meters.

5. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flexible membrane (110) is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space (Zi), a thermal storage volume (VZi) of at least four cubic meters.

6. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (110) is capable of containing, in the thermal storage space (Zi), a thermal storage volume (VZi) at a thermal storage temperature of at least sixty-five degrees Celsius.

7. A flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (110) is capable of containing, within the thermal storage space (Zi), a thermal storage volume (VZi) at a thermal storage temperature of at least seventy degrees Celsius

8. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an auxiliary inlet and an auxiliary outlet arranged on the flexible membrane (110) and fluidically connected to each other, and intended to be fluidly connected to an auxiliary heat source via an auxiliary thermodynamic circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, so as to permit heat exchange between said heat transfer fluid and the thermal storage volume (VZi).

9. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (110) comprises at least one elastomer.

10. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to claim 9, wherein the flexible membrane (110) comprises an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber.

11. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the flexible membrane (110) comprises a weave of polyester yarns.

12. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a thermal insulation sheath arranged around the flexible membrane (110).

13. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one phase change material (140) arranged in the thermal storage space (Zi).

14. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to claim 13, in which the phase change material (140) comprises a mixture of salts and water in crystalline form.

15. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, comprising an emergency fire escape, and in which the phase change material (140) comprises a material having extinguishing properties.

16. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to claim 15, wherein the phase change material (140) comprises a sodium sulfate decahydrate.

17. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a secondary tank arranged in the thermal storage space (Zi), and comprising a plurality of containers of said phase-change material (140) arranged in said secondary tank.

18. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a heat exchanger comprising at least one composite material, said phase change material (140) being arranged in the heat exchanger, said phase change material (140) comprising a hydrated salt.

19. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to claim 18, wherein the composite material of the heat exchanger comprises carbon fibers.

20. Flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a toroidal shape.

21. Thermal storage device (200) comprising a plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and further comprising a formwork element (201) comprising a plurality of compartments for containing said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks (100).

22. Building (300) comprising a flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. Building (300) according to claim 22, wherein the building (300) is a multi-family residential building comprising a plurality of independent living spaces, said building (300) comprising at least one heating circuit (Cthi) of said plurality of independent living spaces, said building (300) further comprising a room (301) isolated from said plurality of independent living spaces, the flexible thermal storage tank (100) being arranged in said room (301).

24. Local (300) isolated from a dwelling place in a collective residential building, comprising at least one flexible thermal storage tank (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

25. A method of installing (400) a thermal storage device (200) according to claim 21 in a building (300) according to any one of claims 22 to 23, the installation method (400) comprising: • first installation (INS1) of a casing (201) having a plurality of housings in a room of the building (300); • second installation (INS2) of a plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks (100) in said plurality of housings of said casing (201); • filling (REPi) of said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks (100) with the thermal storage volume (VZi); first installation (MEPi) of a first fluidic connection between the tanks of said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks (100), second installation (MEP2) of a second fluidic connection between said plurality of flexible thermal storage tanks (100) and the heating circuit (Cthi) of the building (300).

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