Device for smoothly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water supply.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for fluidly connecting a storage water heater (40) comprising a tank (41) to a domestic water network (50); comprising a first and a second access port (11, 12), configured to be connected respectively to a first and second access point (45, 46) of the tank, and a water inlet port (13) and a water outlet port (14), configured to be connected respectively to a supply (51) and a draw-off (52) of the network, and comprising an air exchange element (15); and admitting a first configuration, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first access port and the second access port is fluidly connected to the water outlet port; and a second configuration, in which the first inlet port is fluidically connected to the water outlet port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second inlet port. (See Figure 3 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water supply TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention is that of heating and storing water in domestic water networks.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water network, a storage water heater comprising such a device and a domestic water network comprising such a storage water heater.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method of heating and / or storing hot water implemented by such a storage water heater.

[0004] The invention finds particular applications in residential, industrial, or tertiary buildings, as well as in habitable vehicles, including a sanitary water network. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Storage water heater devices for heating and storing domestic hot water are known in the prior art; these are sometimes also called "storage tanks" or "hot water tanks." These devices are often connected to the domestic water supply of a dwelling or a commercial, industrial, or office building, where they provide hot water.

[0006] A typical prior art storage water heater comprises a sealed tank for holding domestic hot water. This tank is designed to minimize heat loss and may be surrounded by a thermal insulation layer for this purpose. The device also includes a cold water inlet, generally positioned near the base of the tank, for supplying cold water, and a hot water outlet located in the upper part of the tank, generally opening from the lower part of the water heater, to deliver hot water to the points of use.

[0007] Such a storage water heater has a heating element, generally an electric resistance, located in the lower part of the tank. This element heats the cold water introduced through the cold water inlet. As the water is heated, it rises to the upper part of the tank, from where it is distributed to the hot water system via the hot water outlet. Thus, this type of storage water heater simultaneously heats and stores water for immediate use.

[0008] However, conventional storage water heaters are limited in terms of the modularity of the storage volume. Indeed, hot water needs fluctuate both according to the number of users and according to the seasons, particularly between summer and winter.

[0009] Furthermore, the water stored in a storage water heater must be heated and maintained at a minimum temperature for sanitary reasons, in particular to prevent the growth of salmonella in the domestic hot water. This minimum temperature is generally around 55°C.

[0010] It follows that, whatever the actual needs of the user(s) of the storage water heater device, a significant volume of water, corresponding to a nominal volume of the tank, must be continuously heated at least to maintain such a minimum temperature.

[0011] In addition, since the lifespan of a storage water heater is generally between 10 and 15 years, it is desirable to be able to provide modularity of storage volume to pre-existing storage water heaters, comprising tanks of fixed volume. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water network, the water heater being of the type comprising a water tank having a nominal volume and having a first fluid access point and a second fluid access point, and the network being of the type comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off;the device comprising, on the one hand, a first fluid access port and a second fluid access port, configured to be connected respectively to said first fluid access point and said second fluid access point of the water heater, and comprising, on the other hand, a water inlet port and a water outlet port, configured to be connected respectively to said cold water supply and hot water outlet, and further comprising an air exchange element configured at least for the introduction and evacuation of air into the water heater tank; the device admitting a first configuration, for drawing hot water and filling cold water in a first mode of operation at nominal volume of the water heater, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the second fluid access port is fluidly connected to the water outlet port; and a second configuration, for drawing hot water in a second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the first fluid access port is fluidly connected to the water outlet port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port.

[0014] Thus, the device according to the invention makes it possible to connect an otherwise conventional storage water heater to a domestic water network by allowing two modes of operation of the water heater.

[0015] When the device is in its first configuration, a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater is possible, the fluid connection between the domestic water network and the water heater corresponding to a conventional fluid connection.

[0016] In the nominal volume operating mode, so-called cold water, for example between 5°C and 30°C depending on the surrounding conditions, can be introduced into the tank through a fluidic channel established between the water inlet port and the first fluid access port.

[0017] Hot water, for example between 50 and 60°C, preferably around 55°C, can be drawn from the reservoir through a fluidic channel established between the second fluid access port and the water outlet port.

[0018] When the device is in its second configuration, a second reduced volume operating mode of the storage water heater is possible.

[0019] In the second reduced volume operating mode, cold water, introduced punctually into the tank which is then filled with a volume of water less than the nominal volume of the tank, can be heated and drawn out through a fluidic channel established between the first fluid access port and the water outlet port in the second configuration of the device.

[0020] Air can be introduced into the tank by means of the air exchange element and via a fluidic channel established between the air exchange element and the second fluid access port.

[0021] This allows sufficient pressure to be established in the tank when used at reduced volume.

[0022] The device according to the invention makes it possible to provide a modularity of the volume of water heated in a fixed volume storage water heater, thus making it possible to achieve significant energy savings.

[0023] The device according to the invention also allows the upgrading of pre-existing water heaters to give them such modularity, in particular without requiring modifications to the storage water heater tank.

[0024] Other preferential and particularly advantageous features of the device are described below.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further admits a third configuration, for filling with cold water in the second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port.

[0026] The third configuration of the device, used in the second reduced volume operating mode, allows the tank to be filled with cold water.

[0027] In particular, the device can be configured to admit the third configuration occasionally and / or during periods in which the domestic water network is not or little used, to fill the tank before admitting the second configuration again and allowing the drawing of hot water.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the device can further admit a third configuration, for filling with cold water in the second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may include a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, and a third three-way valve, each valve admitting a first and second position for fluid diversion; the first valve fluidly connecting the first fluid access port and the water inlet port in its first position and fluidly connecting the first fluid access port and the second valve in its second position; the second valve fluidly connecting the water outlet port and the third valve in its first position and fluidly connecting the water outlet port and the first valve in its second position; and the third valve fluidly connecting the second fluid access port and the second valve in its first position and connecting the second fluid access port and the air exchange element in its second position.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, in the first configuration of the device, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are each in their first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are each in their second position.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, in the third configuration of the device, the first valve is in its first position, the second valve is in any one of its first and second positions, and the third valve is in its second position.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are motorized valves or solenoid valves.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the air exchange unit includes an air heating means and / or an air pressurization means.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may further include a first flow meter disposed on the water inlet port and a second flow meter disposed on the water outlet port.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further includes an interface for selecting a water heater operating mode and / or a display element for a selected operating mode.

[0036] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a storage water heater comprising a device as described above, the first fluid access point of the tank being connected to the first fluid access port of the device and the second fluid access point of the tank being connected to the second fluid access port of the device.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank comprises a so-called lower part and a so-called upper part in a vertical direction in use, the water heater comprises a heating means disposed in the lower part of the tank, the first fluid access point being located in the lower part of the tank and the second fluid access point being located in an upper part of the tank.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fluid access point is formed by a pipe extending from outside the tank through the lower part of the tank and opening into the upper part of the tank.

[0039] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a domestic water network comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off, and a storage water heater as described above, comprising said water inlet port of the device which is fluidly connected to said supply and said water outlet port of the device which is fluidly connected to said draw-off.

[0040] The invention also relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a storage water heater comprising a water tank having a first fluid access point, a second fluid access point preferably in a so-called upper part of the tank, a third fluid access point in a so-called lower part of the tank, and a fourth fluid access point in the upper part of the tank; the water heater further comprising a device for connecting the tank to a domestic water network of the type comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off, the device comprising on the one hand a water inlet port and a water outlet port, configured to be connected respectively to said cold water supply and audit hot water draw-off, and comprising on the other hand a first fluid access port configured to be fluidly connected to audit first fluid access point, and a second fluid access port configured to be fluidly selectively connected to audit second fluid access point of the water heater and audit third fluid access point of the water heater, and comprising an air exchange element fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point of the water heater; the device admitting a first configuration, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the second fluid access point of the tank is fluidly connected to the water outlet port; and a second configuration, in which the third fluid access point of the tank is fluidly connected to the water outlet port and the air exchange unit is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point of the tank.

[0041] The air exchange unit can be fluidically connected to the fourth fluid access point of the tank also in the first configuration.

[0042] The device may include a three-way type valve fluidly connecting the second fluid access point and the water outlet port in its first position and fluidly connecting the third fluid access point and the second valve in its second position.

[0043] The device may include a two-way type valve fluidly connecting the first fluid access port and the water inlet port in its first position and fluidly disconnecting the first fluid access port and the water inlet port in its second position.

[0044] The device may include a two-way valve fluidly connecting the fourth fluid access point and the air exchange element in its first position and fluidly disconnecting the fourth fluid access point and the air exchange element in its second position.

[0045] The valves can be motorized valves or solenoid valves.

[0046] The invention also relates, according to a fifth aspect, to a method for heating and / or storing hot water implemented by a storage water heater as described above, comprising: - a step of selecting a water heater operating mode from a nominal volume operating mode and a reduced volume operating mode; - an admission step of the first configuration by the device, to draw hot water and / or supply the tank with cold water when the nominal volume operating mode is selected; - a step of admitting the second configuration by the device, to draw hot water when the reduced volume operating mode is selected.

[0047] Preferably, the method comprises, when the reduced-volume operating mode is selected: - a step of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than a nominal volume of the tank; - a filling sequence, comprising a step in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port, an initial filling or emptying step of the tank so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the selected reduced water volume, and a heating step of the reduced water volume until a setpoint temperature is reached, preferably substantially equal to 55°C; - a withdrawal sequence, including the step of admitting the second configuration by the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0048] Other advantages, purposes and particular features of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: • [Fig.1] schematically represents a storage water heater equipped with a fluidic connection device according to the invention, in a first configuration of the device; • [Fig.2] represents the water heater of [Fig.1] into which hot water is drawn and cold water is introduced into the storage water heater; • [Fig.3] represents the water heater in a second configuration of the device; • [Fig.4] represents the water heater in [Fig.3] from which hot water has been drawn; • [Fig.5] represents the water heater of [Fig.3] in a third configuration of the device, in which cold water is introduced into the water heater; • [Fig.6] is a flowchart of a process for heating and / or storing hot water according to the invention; • [Fig.7] schematically represents a storage water heater equipped with a fluidic connection device according to the invention, according to a second embodiment, in a nominal volume operating mode; • [Fig.8] represents the water heater of [Fig.7], in a reduced volume operating mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] It is recalled that the present description is given as a non-limiting example of an embodiment.

[0050] It should be noted from the outset that the figures are not necessarily to scale.

[0051] Figures 1 to 5 represent a domestic hot water heating and storage system, comprising a storage water heater 40, hereinafter also referred to as water heater 40, and a device 10 which fluidly connects the water heater 40 to a domestic hot water network 50.

[0052] Figures 1 and 2 represent the system with device 10 in a first configuration, the water heater 40 being in a first operating mode at nominal volume, and Figures 3 and 4 represent the system with device 10 in a second configuration, the water heater 40 being in a second operating mode at reduced volume, during a draw-off period, and [Fig.5] represents the system with device 10 in a third configuration, the water heater 40 also being in the second operating mode at reduced volume, during a filling period.

[0053] The device 10 according to the invention is intended to fluidly connect a water heater 40 to a domestic water supply 50, particularly in residential, commercial, or industrial applications. In this type of installation, the domestic water supply 50 generally includes a cold water supply 51 connected to a water source, such as a public distribution network or a cistern. The cold water from the supply circulates in the domestic water supply 50 and can be directed to various treatment and heating equipment, including water heaters.

[0054] The water heater 40 includes a water storage tank 41, designed to store and heat domestic hot water to the desired temperature for its use.

[0055] It is specified here that the water heater 40 is thus of the storage type and differs in particular from so-called instantaneous water heaters, which do not have a water storage tank, or from water heaters which have a tank with a very small capacity of a few liters, called micro-storage or semi-instantaneous water heaters.

[0056] The tank 41 has a fixed nominal storage volume. For example, the nominal storage volume can be between 100 and 300 liters.

[0057] In a known manner, the reservoir 41 can be thermally insulated in order to retain the heat stored in it.

[0058] The tank 41 extends here along a vertical direction, when the water heater 40 is in use, and comprises a so-called lower part 42 and a so-called upper part 43.

[0059] The water heater 40 includes a heating element 44, for example an electric heating element, which is located at least partially in the lower part 42 of the tank 41, where it raises the temperature of the incoming water. Due to the difference in density between the hot and cold water, the heated water is displaced towards the upper part 43 of the tank 41. This phenomenon is known as stratification.

[0060] The tank 41 of the water heater 40 is equipped with two fluid access points, generally consisting of a first fluid access point 45, located in the lower part 42, for the cold water inlet, and a second fluid access point 46, located in the upper part 43 for the hot water outlet.

[0061] It is specified from the outset that the second fluid access point 46, located in the upper part 43 of the reservoir 41, can be redirected to a lower part of the water heater 40 near the first fluid access point 45, as described below.

[0062] The first fluid access point 45 allows cold water to enter the tank 41, in a nominal operating mode of the water heater.

[0063] The first fluid access point 45 is generally identified by a blue color.

[0064] The second fluid access point 46 is here formed by a pipe 47, which extends from the lower part 42 of the tank 41 from the outside of it, and crosses the lower part 42 until it opens into the upper part 43 of the tank 41, where the hot water is accumulated by thermal stratification.

[0065] The second fluid access point 46 allows the flow of heated water to the domestic water network 50 via a hot water draw-off 52, i.e. a hot water outlet from the network, in a nominal operating mode of the water heater.

[0066] The second fluid access point 46 is generally identified by a red color.

[0067] The fluid connection device 10 is installed between the water heater 40 and the sanitary water network 50.

[0068] The device 10 is designed to ensure the fluid connection between, on the one hand, the fluid access points 45 and 46 of the water heater and, on the other hand, the supply 51 and the draw-off 52 of the domestic water network 50.

[0069] The device 10 includes on the one hand a first fluid access port 11 and a second fluid access port 12, configured to be fluidically connected respectively to the first fluid access point 45 and the second fluid access point 46 of the water heater.

[0070] On the other hand, the device 10 includes a water inlet port 13, configured to be fluidly connected to the cold water supply 51 of the network, and a water outlet port 14 configured to be fluidly connected to the hot water draw-off 52 leading to the consumption points of the domestic water network 50.

[0071] It is specified here that in the present description, “fluidically” means “in a fluidic manner”.

[0072] Thus, the device 10 fluidly connects the water heater 40 to the domestic water network 50, the cold water entering from the tank 41, respectively the hot water leaving from the tank 41, passing through the device 10.

[0073] The device 10 also includes an air exchange element 15.

[0074] The device 10 is configured to direct the flows of cold water entering the tank 41 and the flows of hot water leaving the tank 41 according to the operating mode of the water heater 40 which is selected.

[0075] As described above, the device 10 admits a first configuration in which the water heater can operate in a first operating mode at nominal volume and a second and third configuration in which the water heater can operate in a second operating mode at reduced volume.

[0076] In the first configuration ([Fig.1] and [Fig.2]) of the device 10, the water inlet port 13 is fluidically connected to the first fluid access port 11 and the second fluid access port 12 is fluidly connected to the water outlet port 14.

[0077] In the first configuration, the device 10 thus fluidly connects the supply 51 to the first fluid access point 45 of the tank 41, thereby forming a water inlet to the tank 41, and the withdrawal 52 to the second fluid access point 46 of the tank 41, thus forming a water outlet from the tank 4L

[0078] In this configuration, the air exchange unit 15 is not connected to any port and is unused.

[0079] In other words, in the first configuration, the device 10 makes a classic fluid connection between the domestic water network 50 and the water heater 40.

[0080] It follows that in the first configuration, the water heater 40 can be used in a nominal operating mode, at nominal storage capacity, like any similar water heater without a fluid connection device 10.

[0081] In particular, with the supply 51 connected to the first fluid access point 45, the filling of the tank 41 with cold water is carried out continuously as soon as hot water is drawn off.

[0082] In the second configuration ([Fig.3] and [Fig.4]) of the device 10, the first fluid access port 11 is fluidically connected to the water outlet port 14 and the air exchange member 15 is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port 12.

[0083] In the second configuration, the device 10 thus fluidly connects the withdrawal 52 to the first fluid access point 45 of the reservoir 41, thereby forming a water outlet from the reservoir 4L

[0084] The water inlet port 13 is not connected to any other port and is closed in this configuration. In other words, no continuous filling of the tank 41 with cold water takes place in this configuration.

[0085] The air exchange organ 15 is fluidly connected with the reservoir 41, here with the upper part 43.

[0086] The air exchange organ 15 is configured to inject air into a remaining volume when the reservoir 41 is only partially filled with water.

[0087] The device 10 admits a third configuration ([Fig.5]), in which, compared to the second configuration, the water inlet port 13, rather than the water outlet port 14, is fluidically connected to the first fluid access port 11.

[0088] In this third configuration, the tank 41 can occasionally be filled with cold water when the water heater 40 is used in its second reduced volume operating mode.

[0089] The fluid connection device 10 includes a first valve 16, a second valve 17, and a third valve 18, each of the three-way type.

[0090] The valves 16, 17 and 18 are configured to control the fluid flows between the water heater 40 and the domestic water network 50 to allow the device 10 to adopt its first, second and third configuration described above.

[0091] Each valve 16, 17, and 18 admits a first fluid bypass position and a second fluid bypass position, distinct from each other.

[0092] In its first position, the first valve 16 fluidly connects the first fluid access port 11 to the water inlet port 13.

[0093] In its second position, the first valve 16 fluidly connects the first fluid access port 11 with the second valve 17.

[0094] In its first position, the second valve 17 fluidly connects the water outlet port 14 to the third valve 18.

[0095] In its second position, the second valve 17 fluidly connects the water outlet port 14 to the first valve 16.

[0096] In its first position, the third valve 18 fluidly connects the second fluid access port 12 to the second valve 17.

[0097] In its second position, the third valve 18 fluidly connects the second fluid access port 12 and the air exchange member 15.

[0098] Thus, in the first configuration of device 10 ([Fig.1] and [Fig.2]), valves 16 to 18 admit their first position, and in the second configuration of device 10 ([Fig.3] and [Fig.4]), valves 16 to 18 admit their second position, to achieve the aforementioned fluidic connections.

[0099] In the third configuration ([Fig.5]), valve 16 is in its first position and valve 18 is in its second position, valve 17 is in its second position, although it may also possibly be in its first position.

[0100] Preferably, the air exchange element 15 includes an air pressurization means, configured to generate a slight overpressure in the reservoir 41, for example of one to two bars relative to the atmosphere. This ensures sufficient water pressure at the draw-off point 52, particularly when hot water needs to be delivered at an altitude relative to the water heater 40.

[0101] Preferably, the air exchange element 15 also includes an air heating means, configured to heat air before its introduction into the tank 41, for example to a temperature between 30 and 60 °C. This prevents the heated water from cooling down by maintaining a layer of hot air above the water stored in the tank 41.

[0102] The reservoir 41 may also include a valve, for example a one-way valve, allowing air to be vented from the reservoir 41 to the outside for safety reasons. This helps to prevent overpressure in the reservoir 41 during filling.

[0103] The device 10 may include a control module 20, comprising for example a microcontroller and a non-volatile storage memory, and which is configured to control the valves 16 to 18 according to instructions stored in the non-volatile storage memory.

[0104] Valves 16 to 18 can be motorized valves or solenoid valves, and can be controlled by a control current from the control module 20.

[0105] The device 10 may also include a display element 21 such as a screen or digital display, allowing in particular to indicate a current operating mode of the water heater 40 as well as possibly the reduced volume of water to be heated in the reduced volume operating mode.

[0106] The device 10 may also include a human-machine interface 22, such as a control panel, allowing in particular the selection of an operating mode of the water heater as well as possibly the reduced volume of water to be heated in the reduced volume operating mode.

[0107] In addition, the device 10 here comprises a first flow meter 25 and a second flow meter 26.

[0108] The first flow meter 25 is disposed on the water inlet port 13, and is configured to measure the flow rate of cold water entering the 4L tank

[0109] The second flow meter 26 is disposed on the water outlet port 14, and is configured to measure the flow rate of hot water leaving the 4L tank

[0110] The first flow meter 25 and the second flow meter 26 are here connected by a data connection to the control module 20 which is configured to determine the quantity of water in the tank 41 from the volumes of cold water introduced into the tank 41 and the volumes of hot water leaving the tank 4L

[0111] The operation of the device 10 and of the water heater 40 equipped with such a device 10 will now be described in more detail.

[0112] According to one aspect, the invention also relates to a method 100 of heating and / or storing hot water implemented by a water heater 40 equipped with a device 10, illustrated by the synoptic diagram in [Fig.6].

[0113] The process 100 includes a step 110 of selecting an operating mode of the water heater 40 from among a nominal volume operating mode and a reduced volume operating mode.

[0114] For example, the selection can be made using the human-machine interface 22 and the selected mode can be displayed on the display unit 21.

[0115] Step 110 may be preceded by a step 105 of selecting a time slot for water heating, for example a time slot of the "off-peak hours" type of electricity supply, or a time slot corresponding to a period during which hot water is not or is used very little, for example a night time slot.

[0116] Then, depending on the operating mode selected during step 110, the device 10 admits one or the other of its first and second configurations.

[0117] On the one hand, the process 100 includes a step 120 of admission of the first configuration by the device 10, when the nominal volume operating mode is selected during step 110.

[0118] In nominal volume operating mode, the tank 41 is continuously filled with its nominal volume of water.

[0119] The supply 51 is fluidly connected to the first fluid access point 45 of the water heater 40, and allows the tank 41 to be filled at the level of the lower part 42 as soon as hot water is drawn from the level of the upper part 43.

[0120] This mode of operation corresponds to the classic mode of operation of a water heater or storage tank, and is not described in more detail here.

[0121] It is specified that if the process includes the step of selecting a time range for water heating, the water heating may only be carried out within the selected time range.

[0122] Preferably, therefore, we avoid defining a time range of the type "off-peak hours" at the level of an electricity meter of an installation supplying the water heater, but rather directly on the latter.

[0123] Otherwise, the water can be heated continuously.

[0124] On the other hand, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected, the process may include a step 130 of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than a nominal volume of the 4L tank

[0125] For example, the reduced volume can be selected using the human-machine interface 22 and the selected reduced volume can be displayed on the display unit 21.

[0126] Depending on the operating mode and / or the filling of the tank 41 prior to the selection of the reduced volume operating mode, the tank 41 may contain a volume greater or less than the selected reduced volume.

[0127] The process 100 further comprises a filling sequence 140 and a draining sequence 150.

[0128] The filling sequence 140 includes a step 160 of admission of the third configuration by the device 10.

[0129] This step may include filling the tank 41 so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the reduced volume of water selected.

[0130] This may, for example, be an admission of cold water into the tank 41, the first valve 16 being in its first position.

[0131] Conversely, the filling sequence 140 may include draining water contained in the reservoir 41, with the device 10 then switching to its second configuration to draw water from the lower part 42.

[0132] Of course, for reasons of water and energy saving, the emptying can be carried out in a deferred manner on the occasion of the use of hot water at a point of consumption of the sanitary water network 50.

[0133] Following the admission of the third configuration by the device 10, the process 100 includes a step 170 of heating the reduced volume of water until a setpoint temperature is reached, which is preferably substantially equal to 55°C to avoid the appearance of salmonella in the water.

[0134] The process 100 may also include a step 180 of introducing air by means of the air exchange element 15 into the 4L tank

[0135] In particular, the air introduced through the second fluid access point 46 into the tank 41 can be heated, for example to 50°C, and / or pressurized so as to introduce an adjustable overpressure of approximately 1 to 2 bar relative to the atmosphere at the surface of the water contained in the tank 4L

[0136] The filling sequence 140 then ends and the process 100 is continued with the withdrawal sequence 150.

[0137] The withdrawal sequence 150 includes a step 190 of admission of the second configuration by the device 10.

[0138] Hot water can be drawn off as needed from the first fluid access point 45.

[0139] With the supply 51 disconnected from the tank 41, the volume of hot water in the tank 41 decreases during the use of the water heater.

[0140] The withdrawal sequence 150 may also include a step of introducing air, in particular heated air, by means of the air exchange organ 15 into the tank 41.

[0141] This step can be analogous to step 180, which can be maintained following the filling sequence 140.

[0142] The filling sequence 140 can then be implemented when the tank 41 is empty or periodically, for example during the night or when the need for hot water in the domestic water network 50 is low, for example according to the heating time range selected during step 105.

[0143] The process 100 can at any time return to the selection step 110 and switch from one operating mode to another.

[0144] The control of device 10, and in particular of valves 16 to 18, is here carried out by the control module 20.

[0145] The control module 20 is configured to determine the current volume of water contained in the tank 41 from the measurement of the incoming or outgoing water volumes measured by the flow meters 25 and 26.

[0146] In general, the device 10 as described above can equip a pre-existing generic water heater 40, by being connected between the water heater 40 and the domestic water network 50.

[0147] In figures 1 to 5, the device 10 includes a housing 19 in which all the elements, in particular the valves 16 to 18 and the air exchange element 15, are housed, and which can be compared to a pre-existing water heater 40.

[0148] The device 10 can also originally be part of a water heater, for example by being integrated into it from its design and manufacture.

[0149] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 schematically illustrate, respectively in a nominal volume and reduced volume operating mode, an embodiment comprising a device 1010 similar to the device 10 described above, and a water heater 400 originally equipped with the device 1010 and specifically designed to operate with such a device.

[0150] Unlike the water heater 40 of Figures 1 to 5, the water heater 400 here includes two additional fluid ports or access points, namely a third fluid access point 48 and a fourth fluid access point 49.

[0151] The third fluid access point 48 is preferably located in the lower part 42 of the water heater 400.

[0152] The fourth fluid access point 49 is preferably located in the upper part 43 of the tank 41 of the water heater 400.

[0153] The air exchange element 15 is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point 49, and may optionally be equipped with a two-way valve (not shown), allowing the fourth fluid access point 49 and the air exchange unit 15 to be connected or disconnected fluidly.

[0154] The second fluid access point 46 and the third fluid access point 48 are each configured to form ports or water outlet points of the water heater 400, respectively in the lower part 42 and the upper part 43, according to the operating mode of the water heater 400 which is selected.

[0155] The device 1010 is here configured to fluidly connect the water inlet port 13 only to the first fluid access port 11.

[0156] The device 1010 may include a valve (not shown), this time two-way, allowing the water inlet port 13 to be fluidly connected or disconnected from the first fluid access port 11.

[0157] The device 1010 is further configured to admit a first configuration in which the second fluid access point 46 and the water outlet port 14 are fluidically connected, and a second configuration in which the third fluid access point 48 and the water outlet port 14 are fluidly connected.

[0158] The device 1010 may include a three-way type valve 29, fluidly connected to the second fluid access port 12, selectively allowing fluid connection either between the second fluid access point 46 and the water outlet port 14, or between the third fluid access point 48 and the water outlet port 14.

[0159] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the device 1010 comprises a housing 19 in which only some of the components, in particular the flow meters 25 and 26 and the control module 20, are housed. Other components of the device 1010, in particular the air exchange element 15, are arranged around the periphery of the 4L tank.

[0160] In addition, the reservoir 41 may also include a valve 54, for example a one-way valve, allowing air to be vented from the reservoir 41 to the outside. This helps, in particular, to prevent overpressure in the reservoir 41 during its filling.

[0161] The operation of device 1010 is otherwise similar to the operation of device 10 described above.

[0162] The water heater 400 having two hot water outlets respectively in the upper and lower parts, hot water can be drawn from the top of the tank 41 in the nominal volume operating mode, by keeping the cold water inlet open and deactivating the air exchange element 15, and drawn from the bottom of the tank 41 in the reduced volume operating mode, by cutting off the cold water inlet and activating the air exchange element 15 to ensure sufficient draw-off pressure.

[0163] In addition, the 40 or 400 water heater and / or the 10 or 1010 device can integrate other classic features, such as peak / off-peak hours features, absence programming, frost protection mode, etc.

[0164] The device allows for significant energy savings, due to the reduced volume of water that needs to be heated and maintained at temperature for its use in the domestic water network.

[0165] For example, a water heater with a 300-litre tank requires approximately 14,000 Watt-hours (Wh) of energy to be heated from 15°C to 55°C.

[0166] Such a water heater generally suffers an energy loss of around 2000 Watt-hours over half a day, corresponding to a temperature loss of about 5 to 6 °C, which is usually compensated by switching on the heating means to maintain the water at 55°C.

[0167] When, out of a nominal volume of 300 litres, only a fraction of the water is used, for example 50 litres, this means in the example considered that approximately 1650 Watt-hours are unnecessarily spent maintaining a superfluous quantity of water at temperature.

[0168] In the case of a water heater equipped with a device according to the invention, not only is less energy used for the initial heating of the volume of water actually required, but the maintenance of unused water at temperature is also limited.

[0169] In the example above, considering a reduced volume of 50 litres for a water heater with a nominal volume of 300 litres, the energy required to initially heat the reduced volume is only about 2300 Watt-hours, and furthermore the consumption of about 1650 Watt-hours to maintain an unused volume of water at temperature can be avoided.

[0170] In summary, the device according to the invention allows for significant energy savings, while allowing for significant modularity of the water heater it occupies, and also allowing for the upgrading of pre-existing water heaters with fixed volume tanks, as well as the equipping of water heaters from their manufacture.

[0171] It is more generally recalled that the invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (10) for fluidly connecting a storage water heater (40) to a domestic water network (50), the water heater being of the type comprising a water tank (41) having a nominal volume and having a first fluid access point (45) and a second fluid access point (46), and the network being of the type comprising a supply (51) of so-called cold water and a withdrawal (52) of so-called hot water;the device (10) comprising on the one hand a first fluid access port (11) and a second fluid access port (12), configured to be connected respectively to said first fluid access point (45) and said second fluid access point (46) of the water heater, and comprising on the other hand a water inlet port (13) and a water outlet port (14), configured to be connected respectively to said cold water supply (51) and hot water outlet (52), and further comprising an air exchange element (15) configured at least for the introduction and evacuation of air into the tank (41) of the water heater;the device (10) admitting a first configuration, for drawing off hot water and filling cold water in a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater, in which the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the second fluid access port (12) is fluidly connected to the water outlet port (14); and a second configuration, for drawing off hot water in a second operating mode at reduced volume of the water heater, in which the first fluid access port (11) is fluidly connected to the water outlet port (14) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port (12).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, further admitting a third configuration, for filling with cold water in the second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port (12).

3. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a first three-way valve (16), a a second three-way valve (17), and a third three-way valve (18), each valve having a first and second position for diverting fluid; the first valve (16) fluidly connecting the first fluid access port (11) and the water inlet port (13) in its first position and fluidly connecting the first fluid access port (11) and the second valve (17) in its second position; the second valve (17) fluidly connecting the water outlet port (14) and the third valve (18) in its first position and fluidly connecting the water outlet port (14) and the first valve (16) in its second position; and the third valve (18) fluidly connecting the second fluid access port (12) and the second valve (17) in its first position and connecting the second fluid access port (12) and the air exchange member (15) in its second position.

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, wherein, in the first configuration of the device, the first valve (16), the second valve (17) and the third valve (18) are each in their first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the first valve (16), the second valve (17) and the third valve (18) are each in their second position.

5. Device (10) according to claim 2 and any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein, in the third configuration of the device, the first valve (16) is in its first position, the second valve (17) is in any one of its first and second positions, and the third valve (18) is in its second position.

6. Device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first valve (16), the second valve (17) and the third valve (18) are motorized valves or solenoid valves.

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air exchange member (15) comprises an air heating means and / or an air pressurization means.

8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a first flow meter (25) disposed on the water inlet port (13) and a second flow meter (26) disposed on the water outlet port (14).

9. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an interface (22) for selecting a water heater operating mode and / or a display element (21) for a selected operating mode.

10. Storage water heater (40) comprising a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the first fluid access point (45) of the tank (41) being connected to the first fluid access port (11) of the device (10) and the second fluid access point (46) of the tank (41) being connected to the second fluid access port (12) of the device (10).

11. Storage water heater (40) according to claim 10, the tank (41) comprising a lower part (42) and an upper part (43) in a vertical direction in use, the water heater comprising a heating means (44) disposed in the lower part (42) of the tank (41), the first fluid access point (45) being located in the lower part (42) of the tank (41) and the second fluid access point (46) being located in an upper part (43) of the tank (41).

12. Storage water heater (40) according to claim 11, wherein the second fluid access point (46) is formed by a pipe (47) extending from outside the tank (41) through the lower part (42) of the tank and opening into the upper part (43) of the tank.

13. Domestic water network (50) comprising a cold water supply (51) and a hot water outlet (52), and a storage water heater (40) according to any one of claims 10 to 12 comprising said water inlet port (13) of the device (10) which is fluidly connected to said supply (51) and said water outlet port (14) of the device (10) which is fluidly connected to said outlet (52).

14. A method for heating and / or storing hot water implemented by a storage water heater (40) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: - a step (110) of selecting an operating mode of the water heater from a nominal volume operating mode and a reduced volume operating mode; - a step (120) of admitting the first configuration by the device, to draw hot water and / or supply the storage tank

15. with cold water when the nominal volume operating mode is selected; - an admission step (190) of the second configuration by the device, to draw hot water when the reduced volume operating mode is selected. Method (100) according to claim 14, comprising, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected: - a step (130) of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than a nominal volume of the tank; - a filling sequence (140), comprising a step (160) in which the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port (12), an initial filling or emptying step of the tank so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the selected reduced water volume, and a step (170) of heating the reduced water volume until a setpoint temperature is reached, preferably substantially equal to 55°C; - a withdrawal sequence (150), including the step (190) of admitting the second configuration by the device (10).