Heating device and method for operating a heating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating device (1) with at least one reaction unit (2) for generating heat from a reaction gas mixture which comprises hydrogen, gaseous hydrocarbon and / or oxygen, wherein the reaction unit (2) has at least one hydrogen catalytic converter (6) for flameless combustion of the hydrogen-comprising reaction gas mixture, and wherein the reaction unit (2) has at least one inlet (23) for the reaction gas mixture and / or the oxygen, and at least one outlet (24) for a heated exhaust gas mixture. According to the invention, the heating device (1) comprises at least one connecting portion (25) which fluidically connects the at least one inlet (23) and the at least one outlet (24) to one another, with the result that the heated exhaust gas mixture can be fed at least partially to the at least one inlet (23). The invention also relates to a method for operating a heating device (1).

Description

[0001] Heating device and method for operating a heating device

[0002] The present invention relates to a heating device having at least one reaction unit for generating heat from a reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen, gaseous hydrocarbon, and / or oxygen, wherein the at least one reaction unit has at least one hydrogen catalyst for flameless combustion of the reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen, and wherein the reaction unit has at least one inlet for the reaction gas mixture and / or the oxygen and at least one outlet for a heated exhaust gas mixture.

[0003] WO 2005 / 024301 A1 discloses a method and a burner in which hydrogen and air are mixed and burned in a combustion chamber on a catalyst at low temperature and without ignition. The disadvantage of this is that a large amount of thermal energy is released into the environment. Additionally or alternatively, it is disadvantageous that only a reaction gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen can be burned. If the reaction gas mixture contains other combustible gases, these are not burned or are released directly into the environment. If the reaction gas mixture contains, for example, gaseous hydrocarbon, this is released unburned into the environment, for example via an exhaust gas discharge. On the one hand, this has the disadvantage that the energy content or calorific value of the gaseous hydrocarbon is not utilized. On the other hand, releasing the gaseous hydrocarbon can result in increased environmental pollution.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art. This object is achieved by a heating device and / or a method for operating the heating device having the features of the independent patent claims.

[0005] Proposed is a heating device with at least one reaction unit for generating heat from a reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen, gaseous hydrocarbon, and / or oxygen. The gaseous hydrocarbon can comprise, for example, methane, ethane, propane, butane, natural gas, and / or biogas. The heating device is preferably designed as a building heating device and / or for heating at least one building.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the heating device can be used to heat heating water and / or domestic water in the building. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one heating device can be used to heat a supply air flow of an air heating device. It is also conceivable to use the heating device to heat multiple buildings and / or for the at least one heating device and / or several of the heating devices to be designed as a district heating device and / or district heating power plant. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for the heating device to be used as an additional power plant, peak-load power plant and / or expansion power plant for a district heating network. Thus, the heating device according to the invention is used as a peak-load power plant at high loads. This allows other district heating power plants to be dimensioned smaller.If the heating device according to the invention is used as an extension power plant, the range of the heating network can be increased by arranging the power plant according to the invention between the at least one building and the district heating power plant.

[0007] The at least one reaction unit comprises at least one hydrogen catalyst for flameless combustion of the reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen. Additionally or alternatively, the reaction unit comprises at least one inlet for the reaction gas mixture and / or the oxygen and at least one outlet for a heated exhaust gas mixture.

[0008] As already described above, the reaction gas mixture comprises, among other things, hydrogen and oxygen or a hydrogen-oxygen mixture. The hydrogen can be flamelessly combusted in combination with the oxygen by the first reaction section, in particular the hydrogen catalyst. The hydrogen content of the supplied reaction gas mixture or the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is preferably outside the explosive range, in particular below 4 vol.%. This prevents an explosion of the reaction gas mixture.

[0009] According to the invention, the heating device comprises at least one connecting section that fluidically connects the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, so that the heated exhaust gas mixture can be at least partially supplied to the at least one inlet. The at least one outlet is fluidly connected to the at least one inlet via the at least one connecting section.

[0010] The inlet and outlet can be the flow-through openings of the reaction unit. The inlet preferably connects to the treatment section. The outlet preferably connects to the first chamber of the first heat exchanger and / or to the connecting section.

[0011] Through the at least one connecting section, the thermal energy of the heated exhaust gas mixture can be directly reused for the reaction gas mixture. Although the heated exhaust gas mixture contains a reduced oxygen concentration, this is usually still sufficient to ensure a renewed reaction in the reaction unit. This ensures continued stoichiometric combustion. Once the oxygen from the heated exhaust gas mixture has been consumed, the necessary oxygen can be supplied for further stoichiometric combustion.

[0012] It is advantageous if the at least one connecting section is designed as a gas guide channel and / or gas line.

[0013] It is also advantageous if a flow direction of the reaction gas mixture and / or the heated exhaust gas mixture within the reaction unit is directed from the inlet to the outlet and / or within the connecting section from the outlet to the inlet.

[0014] The flow direction is understood to be the direction of the primary flow. Thus, the flow direction is the flow of the reaction gas mixture and / or the exhaust gas mixture within the heating device, in particular in the reaction unit, the heat exchanger, the connecting section, and / or the processing section. The flow direction thus defines the direction of flow within the gas circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one reaction gas mixture flows through the at least one hydrogen catalyst and / or the at least one hydrocarbon catalyst along the flow direction.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one treatment section with the aid of which the oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture can be increased, wherein the at least one treatment section is preferably arranged along the flow direction between the at least one connecting section and the at least one reaction unit.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the heating device, in particular the processing section, comprises at least one oxygen supply, in particular designed as a fresh air supply, and / or at least one exhaust gas outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the exhaust gas outlet is arranged between the outlet of the reaction unit and the connecting section and / or between the first heat exchanger and the connecting section and / or in one of the chambers of the first heat exchanger. With the aid of the exhaust gas outlet, at least a portion of the exhaust gas mixture can be discharged from the gas circuit. Preferably, the exhaust gas outlet and the oxygen supply are operatively connected to one another in such a way that the amount of exhaust gas mixture discharged is equal to the amount of oxygen and / or air introduced.

[0017] If air is added to the gas circuit, the volume flow of the supplied air can be twelve times lower than the volume flow of the reaction gas mixture and / or the exhaust gas mixture moving within the gas circuit. For example, the volume flow of the supplied air and / or the exhaust gas mixture can be approximately 5 m 3 / h. The volume flow of the reaction gas mixture and / or exhaust gas mixture flowing within the gas circuit is approximately 60 m 3 / h.

[0018] It is advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one first heat exchanger, particularly one designed as an air-water heat exchanger, with the aid of which the heat of the reaction unit can be transferred from a heated exhaust gas mixture to a heating fluid arranged within and / or flowing through the at least one first heat exchanger. The heating fluid can be, for example, heating water, service water, and / or supply air from an air heating device in a building.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one second heat exchanger, in particular designed as an air-to-air heat exchanger, wherein the second heat exchanger preferably comprises the at least one oxygen supply and / or the at least one exhaust gas outlet, so that the heat of the exhausted exhaust gas flow can be transferred to the incoming oxygen flow, in particular the fresh air flow. It is also advantageous if the at least one first heat exchanger and / or the at least one second heat exchanger comprises at least two, in particular interconnected, chambers. It is advantageous if the at least one connecting section is arranged on a first chamber and / or at least one exhaust gas outlet is arranged on a second chamber. At least part of the exhaust gas mixture can be discharged from the heating device through the exhaust gas outlet.Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the first chamber adjoins the outlet of the at least one reaction unit and / or the second chamber adjoins the at least one connecting section.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidly connected via at least one flow opening. This ensures that the exhaust gas mixture flows through both the first and second chambers and / or transfers as much heat energy as possible to the heating fluid.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one gas supply for supplying the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or the hydrogen and / or at least one mixing chamber and / or an intermediate chamber for mixing the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or the hydrogen with the oxygen to form the at least one reaction gas mixture.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the at least one gas supply, the at least one oxygen supply, and / or the at least one exhaust gas discharge comprises at least one adjusting device, so that the amount of supplied oxygen, hydrogen, and / or gaseous hydrocarbon and / or discharged exhaust gas mixture can be adjusted. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one mixing chamber, the reaction unit, the at least one heat exchanger, the at least one connecting section, and / or the at least one processing section form a gas circuit. The gas circuit can, for example, be gas-tight.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the gas circuit is interrupted, in particular exclusively, by the at least one oxygen supply, the at least one gas supply, and / or the at least one exhaust gas discharge. The gas circuit is preferably designed to be gas-tight to the ambient air.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one inlet of the reaction unit connects to the at least one treatment section and / or the at least one connecting section and / or the at least one outlet of the reaction unit connects to the at least one first heat exchanger and / or the at least one connecting section. The inlet is thus understood to be the section through which the reaction gas mixture flows before entering the reaction unit. The outlet is thus understood to be the section through which the heated exhaust gas mixture flows after it has flowed through the reaction unit.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one sensor, in particular at least one oxygen sensor, temperature sensor and / or hydrogen sensor, wherein the at least one sensor, in particular the at least one oxygen sensor, is arranged within the connecting section, within the exchange section and / or at the exhaust gas outlet for detecting the oxygen content in the exhaust gas mixture. Preferably, the temperature sensor is arranged within the heat exchanger and / or the reaction unit and / or downstream of the outlet along the flow direction. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen sensor is arranged within the at least one mixing section.It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one control device with at least one data interface, wherein the at least one control device is preferably in data communication with the at least one oxygen supply, with the at least one gas supply, with the at least one exhaust gas discharge, with the at least one actuating device and / or with the at least one sensor via the at least one data interface.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one reaction unit comprises at least one first reaction section comprising the hydrogen catalyst for generating heat from the hydrogen, and / or at least one second reaction section for generating heat from the gaseous hydrocarbon, wherein the at least one second reaction section preferably comprises at least one hydrocarbon burner for flame combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or a hydrocarbon catalyst for flameless combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one reaction unit comprises at least one second reaction section for combusting the gaseous hydrocarbon. Additionally or alternatively, the heating device comprises at least one separating device for separating the gaseous hydrocarbon and the hydrogen.

[0028] As already described above, the reaction gas mixture can additionally comprise the gaseous hydrocarbon in addition to the hydrogen and oxygen. The gaseous hydrocarbon can be burned by the second reaction section. If the reaction unit thus comprises the first reaction section and the second reaction section, the reaction gas mixture, which comprises, among other things, hydrogen and gaseous hydrocarbon, can be converted into heat. If the heating device additionally or alternatively comprises at least one separating device, the separated hydrogen and gaseous hydrocarbon can be used independently of one another. The hydrogen is preferably supplied to the first reaction section. The gaseous hydrocarbon can, for example, be supplied to the second reaction section and / or an alternative device, such as an existing heating system in a building.

[0029] For example, it is possible for hydrogen to be added to or supplied to a gas network, particularly a gas supply network for buildings, in addition to or as an alternative to the gaseous hydrocarbon already used today. It is conceivable that a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbon and hydrogen could be supplied to the heating device via the gas network. Through this heating device, both the gaseous hydrocarbon and the hydrogen could be used for heating, utilized for other purposes, and / or returned to the gas network.

[0030] A separation device is understood to be a device that can separate the gaseous hydrocarbon and the hydrogen from each other. For example, the separation device can comprise at least one membrane, in particular a semipermeable membrane, with the aid of which the small hydrogen molecules can be separated from the larger hydrocarbon molecules. The membrane is preferably designed as a tubular carbon membrane. Additionally or alternatively, the separation device comprises several membranes, in particular connected in series. This can enhance the separation effect.

[0031] It is advantageous if the at least one second reaction section comprises at least one hydrocarbon burner for flame combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or a hydrocarbon catalyst for flameless combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon. It is also advantageous if the at least one reaction unit comprises at least one base body, wherein the at least one base body preferably comprises the at least one first reaction section, in particular the hydrogen catalyst, and / or the at least one second reaction section, in particular the hydrocarbon catalyst.

[0032] It is also advantageous if the at least one reaction unit comprises the one base body, wherein the one base body preferably comprises the first reaction section and the at least one second reaction section and / or the at least one first reaction section and the at least one second reaction section are adjacent to one another, in particular directly.

[0033] It is also advantageous if the at least one reaction unit comprises at least two base bodies, wherein a first base body preferably comprises the at least one first reaction section and / or a second base body comprises the at least one second reaction section. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the first base body is spaced apart from the second base body along a flow direction.

[0034] It is also advantageous if the reaction unit has at least one reaction chamber, wherein preferably a first reaction chamber comprises the first reaction section and / or a second reaction chamber comprises the second reaction section.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one second reaction section and / or the second reaction chamber is arranged downstream of the at least one first reaction section and / or the first reaction chamber along the flow direction and / or the two reaction sections and / or reaction chambers are designed to be fluidically separated from one another and / or are arranged parallel to one another.

[0036] It is also advantageous if the base body is preferably made of metal, monolith and / or ceramic, in particular of cordierite and / or AlMg silicate, and / or comprises at least one metal oxide coating to enlarge the surface.

[0037] It is also advantageous if the base body is permeable, in particular as a grid, and / or comprises at least one tubular and / or honeycomb-shaped reaction channel.

[0038] It is also advantageous if the hydrogen catalyst comprises at least a first catalytically active layer, in particular with a composition of platinum, palladium, nickel, iron, platinum-iridium, indium and / or cobalt. Platinum is an outstanding catalyst for hydrogen and is frequently used. The oxidation of hydrogen on platinum already takes place at room temperature. This has the advantage that no additional external heating is required. However, palladium is another noble metal that is frequently used in hydrogen technology. It is used in hydrogen upgrading processes and also plays an important role in organic chemistry in the hydrogenation of compounds. Nickel catalysts are frequently used in hydrogen production, particularly in the steam reforming of methane. Nickel is also a main component of hydrogen diffusion membranes.Iron catalysts are used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to convert synthesis gas (H2 and CO) into hydrocarbons. Platinum-iridium is an alloy that can be used in high-temperature hydrogen fuel cells and offers a good combination of activity and stability. Indium catalysts are used in various electrolysis processes, including water oxidation in water electrolysis applications. Cobalt catalysts are used in some industrial processes for hydrogen production from renewable sources, such as alkaline hydrogen electrolysis. The selection of the best catalyst depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, reaction rate, cost, and compatibility with other components in the system.In many applications, especially in the present use as the hydrogen catalyst of the heater, platinum and palladium remain the preferred catalysts due to their high catalytic activity and stability, although research is constantly developing new materials and approaches to improve catalyst efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the hydrocarbon catalyst comprises at least a second catalytically active layer, in particular with a composition of palladium, platinum, rhodium, manganese oxide, copper oxide, iron oxide, and / or perovskite oxide. For example, LaMnO3 and / or LaFeO3 can be used as the perovskite oxide. The aforementioned materials are known for their effectiveness in converting gaseous hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The choice of composition depends on various factors, including the desired reaction conditions and the specific application. The temperature required for the flameless combustion of gaseous hydrocarbons depends on this composition. For example, the flameless combustion of gaseous hydrocarbons with palladium and platinum requires between 200 °C and 400 °C.Preferably, the composition is chosen such that the lowest possible combustion temperature is required to achieve stable and complete oxidation, thus eliminating the need for additional external heating. Palladium and, to some extent, platinum are particularly suitable for these low temperatures.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the compositions of the first catalytically active layer and the second catalytically active layer preferably differ from one another. Preferably, the first catalytically active layer and the second catalytically active layer have the composition with a concentration in the order mentioned. Additionally or alternatively, the first catalytically active layer comprises platinum as the main catalyst and / or the second catalytically active layer comprises palladium as the main catalyst. Platinum as the main catalyst for the hydrogen catalyst has the advantage that flameless combustion of the hydrogen can occur even at room temperature. The hydrocarbon catalyst, on the other hand, requires an elevated temperature, of approximately 200°C to 400°C.It is therefore advantageous if the hydrocarbon catalyst follows the hydrogen catalyst along the flow direction so that the heated exhaust gas mixture of the hydrogen catalyst can be used to heat the hydrocarbon catalyst.

[0041] It is also advantageous if the heating device, in particular the at least one separating device, comprises at least one gas supply for supplying the hydrogen and / or the gaseous hydrocarbon.

[0042] It is also advantageous if the at least one separation device comprises at least one hydrocarbon outlet for the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or at least one hydrogen outlet for the hydrogen.

[0043] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one, in particular electric, auxiliary heater, wherein the at least one auxiliary heater is preferably assigned to the at least one reaction unit, in particular to the first reaction section and / or the second reaction section, so that a reaction temperature can be reached and / or maintained. The auxiliary heater can, for example, comprise at least one glow plug, an electrically heated support grid of the catalyst, electrical heating elements within the catalyst or in the catalyst core, a heating coil around the catalyst, a preheating flame, and / or a hot air stream. The catalyst is understood to mean the hydrogen catalyst and / or the hydrocarbon catalyst.In particular, it is conceivable that the support grid of the at least one base body comprises the at least one additional heater and / or the at least one additional heater wraps around the at least one base body and / or is arranged within the base body.

[0044] It is also advantageous if the heating device, in particular the reaction unit, comprises at least one intermediate chamber and / or at least one mixing chamber for mixing the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or the hydrogen with the oxygen, wherein the intermediate chamber is preferably arranged between the first reaction section and the second reaction section and / or the first reaction section and / or the second reaction section is preferably arranged downstream of the at least one mixing chamber, in particular a first mixing chamber and / or a second mixing chamber, along the flow direction.

[0045] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one hydrogen bypass, with the aid of which hydrogen can be supplied to the second reaction section, wherein the hydrogen bypass preferably fluidically connects the at least one mixing chamber, in particular the first mixing chamber, the hydrogen outlet and / or the gas supply to the second reaction section, the second reaction chamber and / or the intermediate chamber.

[0046] Certain compositions of the second catalytically active layer of the hydrocarbon catalyst can age and / or lose effectiveness over time. This can also be referred to as catalyst poisoning and / or carbon deposition. To prevent and / or minimize this, the heating device of the illustrated embodiment comprises at least one hydrogen bypass. The hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrocarbon catalyst with the aid of the hydrogen bypass. If the hydrogen is oxidized in the hydrocarbon catalyst, the aforementioned catalyst poisoning and / or carbon deposition can be reduced, avoided, and / or eliminated. This can be done automatically and / or manually.

[0047] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one first heat exchanger, with the aid of which the heat of the reaction unit can be transferred from a heated exhaust gas mixture to a heating fluid arranged within and / or flowing through the at least one first heat exchanger. The heating fluid can be, for example, heating water, service water, and / or supply air from an air heating device in a building.

[0048] It is also advantageous if the reaction unit, in particular the at least one reaction chamber, has at least one inlet for the at least one reaction gas mixture and / or the oxygen and at least one outlet for a heated exhaust gas mixture, wherein at least one connecting section preferably fluidically connects the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. Within the reaction unit, the flow direction is directed from the inlet to the outlet. Within the connecting section, the flow direction is directed from the outlet to the inlet.

[0049] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one oxygen supply, in particular designed as a fresh air supply, wherein the at least one mixing chamber and / or the reaction unit is arranged downstream of the at least one oxygen supply along the flow direction. The oxygen supply can be used to supply oxygen to the heating device. If the oxygen supply is designed as an air supply, air is supplied to the heating device. Since the air comprises the oxygen and is usually available in the vicinity of the heating device, this ensures a very simple supply of oxygen.It is also advantageous if the heating device has at least one fan wheel for accelerating the gaseous hydrocarbon, the hydrogen, the oxygen, the exhaust gas mixture and / or the at least one reaction gas mixture, wherein the at least one fan wheel is preferably arranged downstream of the at least one connecting section and / or the at least one oxygen supply along the flow direction and / or is arranged within the at least one mixing chamber.

[0050] It is also advantageous if the at least one mixing chamber, the at least one additional heater, the reaction unit, the at least one first heat exchanger, and / or the at least one connecting section form a gas circuit. The gas circuit is preferably self-contained and / or closable.

[0051] It is also advantageous if the gas circuit is interrupted, in particular exclusively and / or solely, by the at least one oxygen supply, the at least one gas supply and / or the at least one exhaust gas discharge.

[0052] It is also advantageous if the first heat exchanger within the gas circuit and / or the second heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the at least one exhaust gas outlet along the flow direction.

[0053] It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one further separating device, particularly arranged in the region of the at least one exhaust gas outlet and / or the at least one first heat exchanger, for separating the oxygen from the exhaust gas mixture, so that the oxygen can be at least partially supplied to the gas circuit, particularly to the connecting section. Furthermore, the heating device can be used to heat at least one building. The heating device is designed according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

[0054] At least one hydrocarbon outlet of the at least one separating device of the heating device is fluidically connected to at least one existing heating system of the building, so that the hydrocarbon is at least partially diverted to the existing heating system of the building.

[0055] The existing heating system can, for example, be a gas boiler. This allows the gaseous hydrocarbon to be preferably utilized by the existing heating system. The heating device according to the invention preferably utilizes the hydrogen. As a result, the heating device only needs to comprise the first reaction section.

[0056] Furthermore, a method for operating a heating device is proposed, in which a reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen is flamelessly combusted by means of at least one hydrogen catalyst of a reaction unit.

[0057] According to the invention, a heated exhaust gas mixture flowing out of an outlet of the reaction unit is at least partially fed to at least one inlet of the reaction unit.

[0058] Preferably, the heating device is designed according to the previous description, wherein the features mentioned can be present individually or in any combination.

[0059] It is advantageous if a reaction gas mixture comprising gaseous hydrocarbon is burned by means of a second reaction section of the reaction unit, and / or the gaseous hydrocarbon and the hydrogen are separated by means of at least one separation device.

[0060] It is also advantageous if an actual value of an oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture and / or the reaction gas mixture is determined with the aid of the at least one oxygen sensor, wherein the actual value is preferably compared with a target value and / or a target value range.

[0061] It is also advantageous if the oxygen supply is increased with the aid of the oxygen supply and / or the at least one adjusting device if the actual value falls below the target value and / or the target value range.

[0062] It is also advantageous if the oxygen supply is reduced with the aid of the oxygen supply and / or the at least one adjusting device if the actual value exceeds the target value and / or the target value range.

[0063] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0064] Figure 1 is a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device according to a first embodiment,

[0065] Figure 2 is a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device according to a second embodiment, and

[0066] Figure 3 is a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device according to a third embodiment.

[0067] In the following description of the figures, identical reference numerals are used for identical and / or at least comparable features in the various figures. The individual features, their design, and / or mode of operation are usually only explained in detail when first mentioned. If individual features are not explained in detail again, their design and / or mode of operation correspond to the design and mode of operation of the features with the same or identical functions already described.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The heating device 1 comprises at least one reaction unit 2 for generating heat from a reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen, gaseous hydrocarbon, and / or oxygen. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a mixed gas is supplied to the heating device 1 via a gas supply 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mixed gas comprises the hydrogen and the gaseous hydrocarbon. This mixed gas is supplied together with oxygen to the at least one reaction unit 2.

[0069] To separate the mixed gas or the hydrogen and the gaseous hydrocarbon, the heating device 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises at least one separation device 5. The separation device 5 can, for example, comprise a membrane for separating the mixed gas. To discharge the hydrogen, the at least one separation device 5 comprises at least one hydrogen outlet 16. To discharge the gaseous hydrocarbon, the at least one separation device 5 comprises at least one hydrocarbon outlet 15. The at least one hydrogen outlet 16 and / or the at least one hydrocarbon outlet 15 is fluidly connected to the reaction unit 2. Thus, the hydrogen and the gaseous hydrocarbon can be supplied to the reaction unit 2 independently of one another.

[0070] In this case, it is possible that the at least one separation device 5 does not completely separate the hydrogen and the gaseous hydrocarbon, but rather a small amount of gaseous hydrocarbon remains in the hydrogen and / or a small amount of hydrogen remains in the gaseous hydrocarbon. To reduce this amount, the heating device 1 can comprise multiple separation devices 5 and / or the one separation device 5 can comprise multiple membranes.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the hydrogen and the gaseous hydrocarbon are thus fed separately to the reaction unit 2 with the aid of the at least one separation device 5. The reaction unit 2 comprises at least one first reaction section 3 with at least one hydrogen catalyst 6, with the aid of which the hydrogen can be combusted flamelessly. Furthermore, the reaction unit 2 in the illustrated embodiment comprises at least one second reaction section 4 for combusting the gaseous hydrocarbon. Thus, the heating device 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises both the at least one optional second reaction section 4 and the at least one optional separation device 5.

[0072] However, it is also conceivable for the reaction unit 2 not to comprise a second reaction section 4, so that the gaseous hydrocarbon separated by the separation device 5 is used for another purpose and / or is fed back to the gas supply 14 and / or remains in the gas supply 14. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable for the heating device 1 not to comprise a separation device 5, so that the mixed gas is fed unseparated to the reaction unit 2. Since the at least one first reaction section 3 with the at least one hydrogen catalyst 6 is designed to burn only the hydrogen flamelessly, the gaseous hydrocarbon reaches the at least one second reaction section 4 unburned. It is also conceivable for only hydrogen to be supplied by means of the at least one gas supply 14, which is burned flamelessly with the aid of the at least one hydrogen catalyst 6.For flameless combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon, the at least one second reaction section 4 comprises a hydrocarbon catalyst 8. The hydrogen catalyst 6 and the hydrocarbon catalyst 8 preferably differ in the composition of a catalytically active layer. Thus, the hydrogen catalyst 6 comprises at least a first catalytically active layer with a composition of platinum, palladium, nickel, iron, platinum-iridium, indium, and / or cobalt. The hydrocarbon catalyst 8 comprises at least a second catalytically active layer with a composition of palladium, platinum, rhodium, manganese oxide, copper oxide, iron oxide, and / or perovskite oxide. The first catalytically active layer of the hydrogen catalyst preferably comprises platinum as the main catalyst. Using platinum as the main catalyst makes it possible for hydrogen to be burned flameless at room temperature.The second catalytically active layer of the hydrocarbon catalyst preferably comprises palladium as the main catalyst.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reaction unit 2 comprises two base bodies 9, 10, wherein a first base body 9 preferably comprises the at least one first reaction section 3 and / or a second base body 10 comprises the at least one second reaction section 4. The two base bodies 9, 10 preferably provide the support structure for the hydrogen catalyst 6 and / or the hydrocarbon catalyst 8. The first base body 9 is preferably coated with the first catalytically active layer and thus forms the hydrogen catalyst 6. The second base body 10 is preferably coated with the second catalytically active layer and thus forms the hydrocarbon catalyst 8. To enlarge the surface area, the first base body 9 and / or the second base body 10 can comprise a metal oxide coating.Additionally or alternatively, the first base body 9 and / or second base body 10 can be permeable, in particular designed as a grid, and / or comprise at least one tubular and / or honeycomb-shaped reaction channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the two base bodies 9, 10 are spaced apart from one another along a flow direction 11.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the reaction unit 2 comprises the first reaction section 3 and the second reaction section 4, so that the reaction gas mixture, which comprises hydrogen, oxygen, and gaseous hydrocarbons, can be combusted, in particular flamelessly. The reaction unit 2 preferably comprises at least one inlet 23 for the reaction gas mixture, the oxygen, and / or air. Furthermore, the reaction unit 2 preferably comprises at least one outlet 24 for a heated exhaust gas mixture. The heated exhaust gas mixture may comprise oxygen, although the oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture is lower than that of the reaction gas mixture.

[0075] For supplying oxygen, the heating device 1 comprises at least one oxygen supply 29. With the aid of the oxygen supply 29, for example, pure oxygen and / or air can be supplied to the heating device 1. The hydrogen is preferably supplied to the heating device 1 in the region of a first mixing chamber 19. The hydrogen can be mixed with the oxygen with the aid of the first mixing chamber 19. This hydrogen-oxygen mixture can be referred to as a reaction gas mixture. The reaction gas mixture is then supplied to the first reaction section 3 through the inlet 23. It is also conceivable for the reaction unit 2 to comprise the at least one first mixing chamber 19, so that the inlet 23 is arranged upstream of the first mixing chamber 19 along the flow direction 11.

[0076] The first reaction section 3 with the hydrogen catalyst 6 can be arranged in a first reaction chamber 12. Subsequently, the gaseous hydrocarbon is fed to the already heated gas mixture and preferably mixed in a second mixing chamber 20 and / or in an intermediate chamber 18. By feeding and / or mixing the gaseous hydrocarbon, a reaction gas mixture is again formed as a hydrocarbon-oxygen mixture. This reaction gas mixture is then fed to the second reaction section 4. The second reaction section 4 with the hydrocarbon catalyst 8 can be arranged in a second reaction chamber 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first reaction chamber 12 and the second reaction chamber 13 are designed as connected chambers. The heated exhaust gas mixture formed from the combusted reaction gas mixture then exits the outlet 24 of the reaction unit 2.

[0077] The second reaction section 4 usually requires an elevated temperature to enable flameless combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon. This elevated temperature can be ensured, for example, simply by heating the reaction gas mixture due to the flameless combustion of the hydrogen. It is therefore advantageous for the second reaction section 4 to follow the first reaction section 3 along the flow direction 11. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the heating device 1 to comprise at least one additional heater 17 that preheats the reaction gas mixture. The at least one additional heater 17 can also preheat the reaction gas mixture for the first reaction section 3, so that the flameless combustion of the hydrogen can be improved.

[0078] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the hydrogen is fed to the first mixing chamber 19 and the gaseous hydrocarbon to the second mixing chamber 20. It is also possible for both the hydrogen and the gaseous hydrocarbon to be fed to the first mixing chamber 19 or the second mixing chamber 20. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen and / or the gaseous hydrocarbon can be fed to an alternative position in the reaction unit 2, in particular directly at the first reaction section 3 and / or the second reaction section 4. Certain compositions of the second catalytically active layer of the hydrocarbon catalyst 8 can age and / or lose effectiveness over time. This can also be referred to as catalyst poisoning and / or carbon deposition. To prevent and / or minimize this, the heating device 1 of the exemplary embodiment shown comprises at least one hydrogen bypass 21.With the help of the hydrogen bypass 21, hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrocarbon catalyst 8. If the hydrogen is oxidized in the hydrocarbon catalyst 8, the aforementioned catalyst poisoning and / or carbon deposits can be reduced, avoided, and / or eliminated. This can be done automatically and / or manually.

[0079] After the heated exhaust gas exits the reaction unit 2, it is passed through a first heat exchanger 22 of the heating device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heat exchanger 22 is arranged downstream of the reaction unit 2 along the flow direction 11. A heating fluid, in particular a heating liquid, flows within the first heat exchanger 22, with the aid of which a buffer storage tank 42 can be heated. Thus, with the aid of the first heat exchanger 22, the heating fluid in the heating device 1 is heated and transfers the heat to the buffer storage tank 42 of a building. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer storage tank 42 can be a component of the heating device 1. The buffer storage tank 42 can provide the heating water and / or domestic water for the building. Additionally or alternatively, the first heat exchanger 22 can directly heat the heating water, the domestic water and / or air for the building.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the at least one first heat exchanger 22 comprises a first chamber 26 and a second chamber 27, wherein the first chamber 26 and the second chamber 27 are preferably flow-connected by a flow opening 34. The first chamber 26 of the at least one first heat exchanger 22 is preferably arranged in a gas circuit 35 of the heating device 1 and / or directly downstream of the reaction unit 2, in particular the outlet 24, along the flow direction 11. A very high temperature thus prevails within the first chamber 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown, only a small portion of the heated exhaust gas mixture flows into the second chamber 27. This portion of the heated exhaust gas mixture is discharged from an exhaust gas discharge 28 of the heating device 1 following the second chamber 27.

[0081] So that the remaining oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture can be used for a further reaction, the heating device 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a further separation device 30. Similar to the first separation device 5, the further separation device 30 can also comprise a membrane. The further separation device 30 preferably separates the oxygen from the exhaust gas mixture. This oxygen can be fed back into the gas circuit 35 of the heating device 1.

[0082] In addition, the heating device 1 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a connecting section 25 according to the invention. The connecting section 25 is designed as a gas guide channel and / or gas line in the illustrated embodiment. With the aid of the connecting section 25, the outlet 24 of the reaction unit 2 can be flow-connected or fluidly connected to the inlet 23 of the reaction unit 2. With the aid of the at least one connecting section 25, the heated exhaust gas mixture from the outlet 24 can be at least partially fed to the reaction gas mixture for the inlet 23. The thermal energy of the exhaust gas mixture and / or the separated oxygen of the further separation device 30 still present after the at least one first heat exchanger 22 can thus be fed to the reaction gas mixture.

[0083] The gas circuit 35 is preferably interrupted exclusively by the exhaust gas discharge 28, the flow opening 34, the at least one gas supply 14, and / or the oxygen supply 29. The reaction unit 2, the at least one first heat exchanger 22, the at least one connecting section 25, at least one treatment section 32, and / or the at least one mixing chamber 19, 20 preferably form the gas circuit 35. The gas circuit 35 preferably forms a self-contained circuit. The supplied hydrogen, oxygen, and / or gaseous hydrocarbon is preferably compensated for with the discharged exhaust gas mixture. For example, it is conceivable that the supplied hydrogen, oxygen, and / or gaseous hydrocarbon creates excess pressure, which leads to the discharge of part of the exhaust gas mixture.

[0084] The heating device 1 preferably comprises at least one fan wheel 33, by means of which the reaction gas mixture and / or the exhaust gas mixture is moved along the flow direction 11 or the pressure losses within the gas circuit 35 are compensated. Additionally or alternatively, an overpressure of the oxygen supply 29 and / or the gas supply 14 and / or a negative pressure of the exhaust gas discharge 28 can move the reaction gas mixture and / or the exhaust gas mixture along the flow direction 11.

[0085] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the heating device 1 comprises a control device 40 with at least one data interface 41. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two data interfaces 41 are shown, in particular a radio interface and a cable interface. Via the at least one data interface 41, the control device 40 is preferably in data communication with the at least one oxygen supply 29, with the at least one gas supply 14, with the at least one exhaust gas outlet 28, with the at least one actuating device 36, with at least one oxygen sensor 37, with at least one temperature sensor 38, with the at least one buffer storage 42 and / or with at least one hydrogen sensor 39.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the at least one oxygen sensor 37 is arranged within the connecting section 25. In this way, the oxygen content in the exhaust gas mixture can be detected. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one oxygen sensor 37 can be arranged between the connecting section 25 and the at least one first reaction section 3. In this way, the oxygen content of the supplied reaction gas mixture can be measured. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the at least one temperature sensor 38 is arranged downstream of the reaction unit 2 or between the reaction unit 2 and the first heat exchanger 22. In this way, the temperature of the heated exhaust gas mixture exiting from the outlet 24 can be determined. The hydrogen sensor 39 is preferably arranged within the first mixing chamber 19 and / or between the first mixing chamber 19 and the first reaction section 3.In this way, the hydrogen content within the reaction gas mixture for the first reaction section 3 can be determined.

[0087] With the aid of the at least one control device 40, the heating device 1 can be controlled such that a sufficiently high oxygen content is always present in the reaction gas mixture. For example, an adjusting device 36 within the oxygen supply 29 can be controlled such that a larger amount of oxygen is supplied if the oxygen content is too low. For this purpose, an actual value of the oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture and / or the reaction gas mixture is determined, for example with the aid of the oxygen sensor 37, and preferably compared with a predetermined target value. The oxygen supply through the oxygen supply 29 is increased, for example, by the at least one adjusting device 36 if the actual value falls below the target value. If the actual value exceeds the target value, the oxygen supply can be reduced.This ensures that the required amount of oxygen is always present within the gas circuit 35. Additionally or alternatively, it can prevent excessive amounts of the heated exhaust gas mixture from escaping from the exhaust gas outlet 28.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the escaping heat flow is indirectly determined by the supply of oxygen, hydrogen, and / or gaseous hydrocarbon. It is also conceivable for the at least one adjusting device 36 and / or a further adjusting device 36 to be arranged on the exhaust gas outlet 28, so that the escaping exhaust gas mixture can be actively controlled. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one adjusting device 36 and / or a further adjusting device 36 can be arranged on the at least one gas supply 14, on the at least one hydrogen outlet 16, on the at least one hydrocarbon outlet 15, on the at least one separating device 5, and / or on the at least one hydrogen bypass 21.

[0089] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 40 can control the heating device 1 such that sufficient heat energy is always transferred through the at least one first heat exchanger 22 to the buffer storage 42. For example, the control device 40 can be connected to the buffer storage 42 via the data interface 41. Thus, the heating device 1 can be operated precisely when the buffer storage 42 requires the heat energy.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the control device 40 can control the heating device 1 such that the hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen-oxygen mixture always remains below the ignitable concentration. If the hydrogen concentration is too high, the hydrogen outlet 16 can stop the hydrogen supply to the reaction unit 2 and / or throttle the auxiliary heater 17.

[0091] Through the at least one connecting section 25 of the heating device 1, at least a portion of the exhaust gas mixture can be used to preheat the reaction gas mixture for the reaction unit 2. Since this occurs directly through the exhaust gas mixture, this can be referred to as direct preheating. Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first reaction section 3 with the hydrogen catalyst 6 and the optional second reaction section 4 with a hydrocarbon burner 7 are arranged in a row along the flow direction 11. The hydrogen catalyst 6 is arranged in a first reaction chamber 12, and the hydrocarbon burner 7 in a second reaction chamber 13.If only hydrogen is supplied by means of the gas supply 14, the reaction unit 2 comprises only the first reaction section 3 with the hydrogen catalyst 6.

[0092] Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figure 2, as well as in the embodiment of Figure 3, the control device 40 according to the embodiment of Figure 1 is not shown. However, it is conceivable that the heating device 1 of the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 also includes the control device 40 according to the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0093] The first heat exchanger 22, similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, comprises a first chamber 26 and a second chamber 27. Here, the first chamber 26 and the second chamber 27 are fluidly connected by means of the flow opening 34. In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1, in the embodiment of Figure 2, the connecting section 25 borders the second chamber 27 of the first heat exchanger 22. Thus, the entire exhaust gas mixture flows through the first chamber 26 and the second chamber 27. The exhaust gas discharge 28 borders the treatment section 32. In addition, the first heat exchanger 22 in the embodiment shown comprises at least one condensate outlet 44.

[0094] In addition, the heating device 1 of the exemplary embodiment in Figure 2 comprises a second heat exchanger 43. In contrast to the first heat exchanger 22, which is preferably designed as an air-water heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger 43 is preferably designed as an air-air heat exchanger. With the aid of the second heat exchanger 43, the exhaust gas mixture flowing out through the exhaust gas outlet 28 can at least partially transfer its remaining thermal energy to the oxygen flowing in through the oxygen supply 29.

[0095] Figure 3 shows a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device 1 according to a third exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the heating device 1 or the reaction unit 2 of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3 comprises only the first reaction section 3. The at least one optional separating device 5 is also not a component of the heating device 1.

[0096] The second reaction section 4 is arranged, so to speak, within an existing heating system 31, which is not a component of the heating device 1. For this purpose, the hydrocarbon outlet 15 of the separation device 5 is fluidly connected to the existing heating system 31 of the building. The optional separation device 5 can, for example, be designed as an independent device, as a component of the heating device 1 and / or as a component of the existing heating system 31. The separated gaseous hydrocarbon can, for example, be supplied to the existing heating system 31. In the exemplary embodiment shown, only the hydrogen and the oxygen are thus supplied to the reaction unit 2 of the heating device 1. Here, too, the hydrogen is combusted flamelessly according to the invention with the aid of the first reaction section 3 or by means of the hydrogen catalyst 6 of the first reaction section 3.

[0097] The existing heating system 31 is, for example, an existing heating system, in particular a gas boiler, of a building. It is thus conceivable for the existing heating system 31 of the building to be supplemented with the heating device 1 according to the invention, so that in addition to the gaseous hydrocarbon, the hydrogen can also be converted into thermal energy. In the illustrated embodiment, both the existing heating system 31 and the heating device 1 according to the invention heat the buffer storage tank 42 of the building. However, the heating device 1 can also be operated or used to generate thermal energy from hydrogen without the existing heating system 31 and / or the separation device 5.

[0098] Here, too, it should be noted that the heating device 1 can be designed according to the previous exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 and / or include individual features of these exemplary embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, each of the heating devices 1 of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 2 can be used together with an existing heating system 31 and / or in a building with an existing heating system 31.

[0099] List of reference symbols

[0100] 1 heater

[0101] 2 reaction unit

[0102] 3 first reaction section

[0103] 4 second reaction section

[0104] 5 Separator

[0105] 6 Hydrogen catalyst

[0106] 7 hydrocarbon burners

[0107] 8 Hydrocarbon catalyst

[0108] 9 first basic body

[0109] 10 second basic body

[0110] 11 Flow direction

[0111] 12 first reaction chamber

[0112] 13 second reaction chamber

[0113] 14 Gas supply

[0114] 15 Hydrocarbon outlet

[0115] 16 Hydrogen outlet

[0116] 17 Additional heating

[0117] 18 Intermediate chamber

[0118] 19 first mixing chamber

[0119] 20 second mixing chamber

[0120] 21 Hydrogen bypass

[0121] 22 first heat exchanger

[0122] 23 Entrance

[0123] 24 Outlet

[0124] 25 connecting section

[0125] 26 first chamber

[0126] 27 Second Chamber

[0127] 28 Exhaust gas discharge 29 Oxygen supply

[0128] 30 additional separating devices

[0129] 31 Existing heating system

[0130] 32 Treatment section 33 Fan wheel

[0131] 34 Flow opening

[0132] 35 Gas circuit

[0133] 36 Adjusting device

[0134] 37 Oxygen sensor 38 Temperature sensor

[0135] 39 Hydrogen sensor

[0136] 40 Control device

[0137] 41 Data interface

[0138] 42 buffer tank 43 second heat exchanger

[0139] 44 Condensate outlet

Claims

Patent claims 1. Heating device (1) with at least one reaction unit (2) for generating heat from a reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen, gaseous hydrocarbon and / or oxygen, wherein the reaction unit (2) has at least one hydrogen catalyst (6) for flameless combustion of the reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen, and wherein the reaction unit (2) has at least one inlet (23) for the reaction gas mixture and / or the oxygen and at least one outlet (24) for a heated exhaust gas mixture, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one connecting section (25) which fluidically connects the at least one inlet (23) and the at least one outlet (24) to one another, so that the heated exhaust gas mixture can be fed at least partially to the at least one inlet (23).

2. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow direction (11) of the reaction gas mixture and / or of the heated exhaust gas mixture within the reaction unit (2) is directed from the inlet (23) to the outlet (24) and / or within the connecting section (25) from the outlet (24) to the inlet (23).

3. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one processing section (32) with the aid of which the oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture can be increased, wherein the at least one processing section (32) preferably is arranged along the flow direction (11) between the at least one connecting section (25) and the at least one reaction unit (2).

4. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1), in particular the processing section (32), comprises at least one oxygen supply (29), in particular designed as a fresh air supply, and / or at least one exhaust gas discharge (28).

5. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one first heat exchanger (22), in particular designed as an air-water heat exchanger, with the aid of which the heat of the reaction unit (2) can be transferred from a heated exhaust gas mixture to a heating fluid arranged within and / or flowing through the at least one first heat exchanger.

6. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one second heat exchanger (43), in particular designed as an air-air heat exchanger, wherein the second heat exchanger (43) preferably comprises the at least one oxygen supply (29) and / or the at least one exhaust gas discharge (28), so that the heat of the discharged exhaust gas flow can be transferred to the inflowing oxygen flow, in particular fresh air flow.

7. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first heat exchanger (22) and / or the at least one second heat exchanger (43) comprises at least two chambers (26, 27), wherein preferably a first chamber (26) is connected to the outlet (24) of the at least one reaction unit (2) and / or preferably a second chamber (27) adjoins the at least one connecting section (25).

8. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one gas supply (14) for supplying the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or the hydrogen and / or at least one mixing chamber (19, 20) and / or an intermediate chamber (18) for mixing the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or the hydrogen with the oxygen to form the at least one reaction gas mixture.

9. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one gas supply (14), the at least one oxygen supply (29) and / or the at least one exhaust gas discharge (28) comprises at least one adjusting device (36) so that the amount of supplied oxygen, hydrogen and / or gaseous hydrocarbon and / or discharged exhaust gas mixture can be adjusted.

10. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one mixing chamber (19, 20), the reaction unit (2), the at least one heat exchanger (22, 43), the at least one connecting section (25) and / or the at least one processing section (32) form a gas circuit (35), wherein the gas circuit (35) is preferably interrupted by the at least one oxygen supply (29), the at least one gas supply (14) and / or the at least one exhaust gas discharge (28).

11. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one inlet (23) of the reaction unit (2) connects to the at least one processing section (32) and / or the at least one connecting section (25) and / or the at least one outlet (24) of the reaction unit (2) connects to the at least one first heat exchanger (22) and / or the at least one connecting section (25).

12. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one sensor (37, 38, 39), in particular at least one oxygen sensor (37), temperature sensor (38) and / or hydrogen sensor (39), wherein the at least one sensor (37, 38, 39), in particular the at least one oxygen sensor (37), is arranged within the connecting section (25), within the exchange section and / or on the exhaust gas discharge (28) for detecting the oxygen content in the exhaust gas mixture.

13. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one control device (40) with at least one data interface (41), wherein the at least one control device (40) is in data connection via the at least one data interface (41) preferably with the at least one oxygen supply (29), with the at least one gas supply (14), with the at least one exhaust gas discharge (28), with the at least one actuating device (36) and / or with the at least one sensor (37, 38, 39).

14. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one reaction unit (2) comprises at least one first reaction section (3) comprising the hydrogen catalyst (6) for generating heat from the hydrogen, and / or at least one second reaction section (4) for generating heat from the gaseous hydrocarbon, wherein the at least one second reaction section (4) preferably comprises at least one hydrocarbon burner (7) for flame combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon and / or a hydrocarbon catalyst (8) for flameless combustion of the gaseous hydrocarbon.

15. Method for operating a heating device (1), in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which a reaction gas mixture comprising hydrogen is flamelessly combusted by means of at least one hydrogen catalyst (6) of a reaction unit (2), characterized in that a heated exhaust gas mixture flowing out of an outlet (24) of the reaction unit (2) is at least partially fed to at least one inlet (23) of the reaction unit (2).

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