Device for heating a medium, particularly water

Abstract

A device for heating a medium, particularly water, comprising at least one accumulation tank (3) for receiving the medium, equipped with an inlet (7) for the medium and an outlet (8) for the medium, and at least one heat exchanger (2) provided with a tubular coil (1), where the heat exchanger (2) includes an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) for the medium. The device further comprises at least one accumulation layer (13) for energy storage located in proximity to the accumulation tank (3). The accumulation layer (13) is separated from the accumulation tank (3) by a primary insulation layer (16) with variable heat permeability, and where the accumulation layer (13) comprises at least one heating element (17) powered by a photovoltaic system (4) and / or a battery (12) and / or via an input (10) for electrical energy from the power grid. The accumulation tank (3) and the accumulation layer (13) are at least partially embedded in a secondary insulation layer (22) provided with a protective casing (15), and a working insulation chamber (20) is created between the primary insulation layer (16) and the accumulation tank (3).

Description

Device for heating a medium, particularly waterTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical solution concerns a device for heating a medium, particularly water, using a combination of heating from alternative energy sources, especially photovoltaic power plants. The device includes at least one accumulation tank with at least one heat exchanger with a tubular coil or spiral coils, in which at least one heating element is located. Each accumulation tank is situated near an accumulation layer, preferably above it, to take advantage of the natural heat radiation direction. The accumulation tank and the accumulation layer are separated by a primary insulation layer with variable thermal insulation properties. Excess energy Is stored in the accumulation layer, and its escape to undesirable surrounding areas is prevented by a secondary insulation layer, which at least partially surrounds both the accumulation layer and the accumulation tank.

[0002] The device facilitates heating of the medium, especially wash water, designated for washing and simultaneously heating the medium, particularly water for heating purposes. The device falls into the category of ecological heaters, predominantly, but not exclusively, utilizing solar energy, hence producing no smoke or emissions. Furthermore, as it employs alternative energy sources, it qualifies as a energy-efficient appliance.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Currently, the market offers devices for heating media, particularly water, which typically use electric energy from the power grid, gas, or solid fuels for heating. To minimize heating costs, grid-powered devices may include a heat pump to reduce electricity consumption. These devices are designed to receive electric energy as needed to achieve the required medium temperature, assuming access to a consistent energy source, whether gas, solid fuel, or electric energy from the grid or battery systems.

[0004] Some devices combine multiple energy sources for heating the medium, e.g., heating via an electric coil while also using a screw or other shaped tubular heat exchanger located in a accumulation tank. The tubular heat exchanger cycles heated medium from an independent heat source (e.g., solid fuel boiler) to transfer heat to themedium in the accumulation tank. However, this exchanger is not connected to a secondary circuit for direct medium use, leading to significant energy losses.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention describes a device for heating a medium, particularly water, that structurally combines multiple energy sources for medium heating and efficiently utilizes energy from photovoltaic panels through an accumulation layer. This eliminates the need to supply energy for heating from the photovoltaic system’s battery source. When insufficient electric energy is available from the photovoltaic system or battery, heating is ensured directly from the power grid.

[0006] This technical solution achieves thermal energy retention and insulation in a specific location and time — in this case, in the accumulation layer—until the medium temperature drops below the set value. At that point, the primary insulation layer activates and effectively stops isolating thermal energy in the accumulation layer, allowing this energy to pass into the medium in the accumulation tank. Upon reaching the set medium temperature, the primary active insulation layer closes.

[0007] This device, when combined with a photovoltaic system, is suitable for reducing electricity consumption from the grid, alleviating the load on the energy transmission network during periods of high production from alternative energy sources. It also reduces the demand for battery storage capacity or even eliminates the need for a battery system altogether, significantly lowering the costs associated with acquiring a photovoltaic system with a backup energy source. In an alternative embodiment, a system of solar collectors for heating the medium can be connected to the device, especially when such a system is already present at the installation site.

[0008] The principle of operation of this device involves storing excess energy, particularly that obtained from alternative energy sources, in the accumulation layer, which is located within an accumulation chamber serving to store the material of the accumulation layer. Energy storage occurs either after the medium in the accumulation tank has been heated to the desired temperature or simultaneously with the heating of the medium in the accumulation tank.

[0009] The accumulation layer is surrounded by a primary insulation layer that separates it from the accumulation tank, minimizing thermal losses. The remaining external surface of the accumulation layer is surrounded by a secondary insulation layer. This configuration ensures that the energy stored in the accumulation layer is effectively retained and released into the medium in the accumulation tank when needed.

[0010] The heating of the medium and the accumulation layer is primarily achieved through heating elements with heating coils or cables, powered by electricity primarily from photovoltaic systems. These systems typically derive power directly from photovoltaic panels and / or battery storage systems.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment where the device contains only one heating element or cable, this component is preferably located in the accumulation layer, from which heat is then delivered to the accumulation tank as required.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heating elements convert electrical energy into heat and transfer it to the medium and the accumulation layer. In cases of insufficient energy from alternative sources or a malfunction of the photovoltaic system, heating is ensured directly from the electrical grid.

[0013] An example embodiment of this technical solution is captured schematically in Figure 1, where both heating elements pass through the device’s casing and the secondary insulation layer, with one element entering the accumulation layer and the other entering the accumulation tank, which serves as the primary reservoir for the medium, particularly water.

[0014] The advantage of this solution lies in the ability to store thermal energy in the accumulation layer at temperatures close to the melting point of the material forming the accumulation layer.

[0015] For consistent heating of the accumulation layer, components such as a heating cable with a thermostat connected to the device's control unit can also be used.

[0016] The accumulation layer comprises a suitable material with high thermal capacity, with sand of various grain sizes and compositions being preferred for economic and practical reasons. However, sand is not the most optimal material from a purely physical standpoint.

[0017] Regarding the state of the accumulation layer material, a solid generally has a significantly lower thermal capacity compared to a liquid such as water. A major advantage over a liquid, like water, is the ability to store thermal energy in a solid at significantly higher temperatures.

[0018] If sand is chosen as the material, various types of sand can be used based on the preferred application and volume of the accumulation tank. A detailed description of the possible composition of the accumulation layer will be provided further.

[0019] Thermal energy in the accumulation layer is stored due to the characteristic properties of the chosen material and is sealed against leakage into the surroundings by a combination of primary and secondary insulation layers, where the primary insulation layer has variable insulation properties depending on the need to transfer heat from the accumulation layer to the accumulation tank. The mechanism for changing these properties will be described further.

[0020] The accumulation tank is equipped with an inlet for cold medium and an outlet for heated medium. Each accumulation tank can also be divided into multiple independent reservoirs with corresponding inlets and outlets for the medium into other parts of the device and controlled medium circulation, increasing the number of independent circuits usable for other purposes, such as creating additional heating circuits within a single object where the device is located.

[0021] The operation of the device can be demonstrated through the following model scenario:1) The medium in the accumulation tank, e.g., water, is heated to 70 °C using a heating element, such as a coil or cable.2) After the medium cools, the warm medium is released, and cold medium is added. When the medium temperature in the accumulation tank does not exceed the desiredvalue, e.g., 40 °C, the heating element in the accumulation tank starts supplying thermal energy to the medium to reach the desired value, e.g., 70 °C. If an alternative energy source does not supply energy at the required moment, the primary insulation layer activates, allowing stored thermal energy to transfer from the accumulation layer to the medium in the accumulation tank. Once the desired medium temperature, e.g,, 70 °C, is reached, the primary insulation layer deactivates (closes), and no further thermal energy is transferred until the medium cools to the lower temperature limit, e.g., 40 °C. Reheating the accumulation layer can then occur under favorable conditions when energy from an alternative source is available, even after the thermal energy in the accumulation layer is depleted.3) Thermal energy is supplied to the accumulation layer using a heating element, such as a coil and / or heating cable. This process accumulates thermal energy in the accumulation layer. It is advantageous to supply thermal energy to the accumulation layer at higher temperatures than the boiling point of the medium. Thermal energy supplied to the accumulation layer can reach temperatures just below the melting point of the material comprising the accumulation layer.Preferred composition of the accumulation layer:

[0022] Sand is a treated mineral raw material with standardized chemical and physical properties. It is characterized by high chemical purity and its SIO2 content is approximately 99%. Different types of sands can be mentioned, e.g.:» Glass sand;® Foundry sand;« Filter sand / sand for construction and construction chemicals;• Construction and concrete sand.

[0023] The most suitable composition of the accumulation layer does not depend so much on the type of sand used, according to chemical parameters, but primarily on the grain size of the sand. The most advantageous materials are fine-grained sands, quartz powders, and alternatively clays such as bentonite.

[0024] Sands for creating an accumulation layer with favorable properties can be combined, both based on sand type and grain size. Sands can also be combined withother materials, depending on the specific design of the device, its suitability, and performance for the given operation.

[0025] Concerning grain size, the following types of sand are suitable for use in the accumulation layer (according to grain size):· Coarse-grained sand from 0.63 to 2.0 mm;· Medium-grained sand from 0.2 to 0.63 mm;* Fine-grained sand from 0.063 to 0.2 mm.[002S] More expensive but suitable solid materials for the accumulation layer are:« Coarse-grained silt from 0.02 to 0.063 mm;« Medium-grained silt from 0.0063 to 0.02 mm;* Fine-grained silt from 0.002 to 0.0063 mm:* Clay up to 0.002 mm.

[0027] The primary insulation layer must withstand high temperatures in the accumulation layer, optimally up to 700 °C, or even higher. These temperatures are also encountered by the secondary insulation layer partially surrounding the accumulation layer.

[0026] The secondary insulation layer is made of well-known materials that exhibit good insulating properties. For example, ceramic mats (formerly referred to as SIBRAL) are made from biologically degradable fibers by fiberizing alkaline earth oxides and silicon. These mats provide effective solutions for various high-temperature applications. These products do not adversely affect health, and the mats contain little or no percentage of organic binders. Ceramic mat is a fibrous material that is soft, fluffy, or compressed into a rigid board. This product, made from aluminosilicate fibers, is characterized by low thermal conductivity, high thermal resistance, low density, resistance to thermal shock, low heat accumulation, and chemical stability even at higher temperatures. It is resistant to temperatures up to +1200 °C and contains no asbestos.

[0029] It can therefore be concluded that for the most common applications, fine-grained sand is the optimal material for forming the accumulation layer, as it has a very low acquisition cost and is readily available. For other applications, the aforementionedeconomically more demanding alternatives, such as silt and clay, or combinations of all the mentioned materials, can be used.

[0030] It is known that the properties of sand remain stable over long periods. Sand can remain intact for thousands of years, provided the temperature does not exceed 1300 °C. At this point, sand melts. However, if the properties of sand are used to our advantage, such as its heat accumulation ability, its properties remain unchanged.

[0031] The problem with the current state of the art lies in the large quantities of sand required for heat accumulation and heating buildings, which significantly limits its application. There are sand battery systems for storing heat; however, these solutions are very space-demanding and cannot, for example, be applied to existing buildings.

[0032] For instance, for the needs of an average family house, a volume of one hundred cubic meters of sand is required to store 10 MVVh of heat (10 m3- up to 1 MWh of energy). Only five to ten percent of the heat is lost from the sand over seven months. Therefore, this amount of heat is sufficient to provide heating for the entire winter.

[0033] If heat is supplemented from an alternative or other source under favorable conditions, smaller amounts of sand can be used, which is a significant advantage of this technical solution. It is a compact solution that does not require much space, and the heating process is not a one-time action, such as storing heat into a sand battery during a favorable season. Instead, heat is continuously supplied, particularly from alternative sources during surplus periods, which does not need to be directed into a battery system or the power grid but is stored in the accumulation layer of the heating device according to this technical solution.

[0034] The method of heating a medium using the described technical solution is unique in that it utilizes a combination of heating the medium in the accumulation tank and heating the material in the accumulation layer, followed by a controlled transfer of thermal energy from the material In the accumulation layer to the medium.

[0035] Controlling the transfer of thermal energy from the accumulation layer to the medium demonstrates the advantage of this solution, with the primary insulation layer functioning to ensure smooth heat transfer.

[0036] Existing solutions provide no means to handle high temperatures of the accumulation layer. If the accumulation layer is heated to, for example, 500 to 700 °C or higher and then releases thermal energy into the medium in the accumulation tank (typically water), the water will boil or turn into steam. This phenomenon is undesirable unless the goal is to produce electricity from steam.

[0037] This technical solution prevents this undesirable phenomenon by enabling the gradual opening and closing of the primary insulation layer, which is monitored and controlled by a control system or unit. Once the desired medium temperature, e.g., 70 °C, is reached, the primary insulation layer closes. The water is heated quickly without the need for constantly turning the power source on and off, which would otherwise cause sudden spikes In electricity consumption.

[0038] By minimizing these startup processes, also known as current consumption “peaks,” the device according to this technical solution becomes more economically efficient and environmentally friendly. The accumulation layer can supply thermal energy repeatedly in necessary cycles without needing reheating to maximum temperature.

[0039] When sufficient solar energy is available, the primary active insulation layer remains closed because there is enough energy to heat the water in the accumulation tank using the heating element placed in it. In this case, water is used as the most efficient medium tor storing thermal energy, but only below the boiling point of water. This variant applies if the device contains two heating elements, typically coils and / or cables, making it an advantageous design. In the basic design with one heating element, the heating element must be placed in the accumulation layer to maintain the device's functionality. After the medium in the accumulation tank is heated, the primary insulation layer separating the accumulation tank from the accumulation layer closes, and the accumulation layer Is reheated to a designated temperature, e.g., 700 °C. Once the cycle Is complete, any excess electrical energy is stored in batteries, and the device remains in standby mode until the next activation.Medium in the accumulation tank

[0040] For the most common applications of the device, a substance with sufficiently high thermal capacity and low cost is suitable as the medium in the accumulation tank. Water, with a specific heat capacity of 4.2 kJ / (kg.K), is the best fit for this requirement.

[0041] In Figure 1 , a schematic is shown featuring multiple heating elements. This schematic does not limit the technical solution, as the device can include multiple accumulation tanks, multiple heating elements with heating coils, and each accumulation tank can also contain multiple heat exchangers. The heat exchanger is connected to an inlet for cold medium and an outlet for heated medium at the preferred temperature. The heating of the medium occurs mainly through the walls of the heat exchanger from the medium present in the accumulation tank, but alternatively, as shown in Figure 1 , also through the heating coil connected to or in close contact with the exchanger to achieve efficient energy transfer from the heating coil to the medium flowing through the exchanger. The inclusion of multiple heat exchangers increases the number of usable medium circuits, such as for heating domestic water and water for heating systems. One accumulation tank can therefore contain multiple heat exchangers, or each heat exchanger can be housed in a separate accumulation tank. However, they can also be placed in the accumulation layer, especially if the device includes at least one heat exchanger already installed in the accumulation tank.

[0042] The core of the solution is that at least one accumulation tank is separated from the accumulation layer by a primary insulation layer with active variable insulation and heat transfer. The primary insulation layer is located near or in direct contact with the accumulation layer. Both the accumulation tank and the accumulation layer are enclosed within a secondary insulation layer, which is encased In a shell that protects the secondary insulation layer from damage. If multiple accumulation tanks are present, they may touch each other, meaning the accumulation layer does not necessarily need to be placed between them. However, it is desirable for sufficient surface area of at least one accumulation tank, or the tanks as a whole, to be positioned near the accumulation layer to ensure energy transfer from the accumulation layer to the accumulation tank. It is advantageous if the accumulation layer is positioned beneath the accumulation tank, asshown in Figure 1 , as energy transfer from the accumulation layer occurs via radiation, with heat rising upward.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, each heating element can be connected independently to a different energy source mentioned earlier, allowing for faster medium heating and independent energy draw control for each source.

[0044] In another alternative embodiment, if the device contains at least two accumulation tanks, each tank is equipped with its own heating element powered by a different energy source. For instance, water for heating can be heated using an alternative energy source, while domestic water can be heated using a battery source or the electrical grid, or vice versa. For mediums where high temperatures are unnecessary, the control unit (described below) can determine the energy source for the heating element based on the availability of alternative energy and the cost of grid electricity. If sufficient electricity from the photovoltaic system is available, it is generally advantageous to heat the medium in all accumulation tanks.

[0045] A control unit manages the heating element(s), regulating the energy sources based on the required heating level and the availability of energy from alternative sources. In the standard configuration, the device prioritizes energy from photovoltaic panels, followed by battery storage, and lastly, the electrical grid. Upon user request, the energy preference can be changed, e.g., the user may prioritize grid electricity during periods of expected shortages from alternative sources or may prefer selling excess generated energy to the grid depending on electricity market prices. The control unit can operate automatically based on predictive values, considering factors such as typical medium consumption during specific periods, expected energy gains from alternative sources based on weather forecasts, and daily market energy price trends. This design also allows the use of multiple heating elements as described above.

[0046] The accumulation layer serves to store excess thermal energy provided by the heating element, usually a heating coil and / or cable, for later use in medium heating. A device equipped with this layer thus functions as a thermal batery. Surpluses from alternative energy sources are stored for later use, eliminating the need for batery or grid energy. This approach also partially resolves the issue of storing energy surpluses in theenergy grid, reducing the load on power lines and improving photovoltaic utilization in the given area. A significant advantage is the direct use of energy at its generation site via alternative sources.

[0047] The accumulation layer is placed near the accumulation tank, enabling efficient storage of thermal energy at temperatures higher than the boiling point of the medium in the tank. As detailed earlier, various materials can be used for energy absorption without disproportionately increasing the device's cost. Suitable materials include sand, clay, ash, frit (glass granules), chamotte, cement- and lime-based materials, crushed plastics, crushed wood and cellulose materials, crushed gravel and silica materials, and both organic and inorganic substances, including combinations of these materials.Primary insulation layer

[0048] The primary insulation layer is an active insulating layer with variable insulating properties.To regulate its insulating properties, the primary insulation layer is controlled by a control unit that manages the opening and closing of heat transfer through the layer. The principle of opening and closing heat transfer through the primary insulation layer can be mechanical or rely on materials that react to temperature changes, i.e., it may involve physical and / or chemical properties of the material. Alternatively, the heat transfer may be modified through a combination of mechanical and physical / chemical effects. Changes in heat transfer through this layer can also be controlled solely by the control unit, especially in cases where a mechanical control mechanism is employed.

[0049] In general, the primary insulation layer must withstand high temperatures and prevent unwanted heat transfer when closed. The primary insulation layer can be made entirely or partly of fireproof, thermal-insulating, or heat-resistant materials.

[8050] If a mechanical principle is used, the layer can be constructed as a mechanical device, such as one with rotating or sliding slats. The materials used must be resistant to mechanical wear if the mechanism involves the opening (activation) and closing (deactivation) of the primary insulation layer.

[0051] If the primary insulation layer is activated and deactivated by changes in temperature or other physical or chemical conditions, it can be designed without moving parts. For instance, it can include openings that close as the temperature rises. The methods and forms of constructing this layer are not limited by this solution.

[0052] The primary insulation layer can be implemented as a system of specially shaped slats that lock into staggered grooves and / or slots upon closure, sealing the entire surface above the accumulation layer. Individual slats can be equipped with pivot pins in their axes of rotation and can be moved and rotated into either a vertical (open) or horizontal (closed) position. The slats may be made of corrosion-resistant and / or heat-resistant and / or high-temperature-resistant materials, such as those conforming to standards CSN 17246, CSN 17349, CSN 17251 , CSN 17255, DIN 1.4541, DIN 1.4404, DIN 1.4876, and DIN 1.4828, which are chromium-nickel-austenitic materials resistant to oxidative environments and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 800 to 1200 °C. Alternatively, the slats may be made of ferritic materials conforming to standards CSN 17047, CSN 17061, and CSN 17153, which resist reductive and carburizing environments and withstand temperatures up to 1000 ”C. These materials can also be used for other design variations of the primary insulation layer described below.

[0053] Materials for the slats can be selected based on the type of fill material in the accumulation layer and the environment (oxidative or reductive) affecting the slat material.

[0054] Each slat can be constructed as a hollow profile made of the materials mentioned above and filled with insulating material, such as ceramic mats (formerly known as SIBRAL). This material is typically made from biodegradable alkaline earth silicate fibers and has no adverse health effects, containing minimal organic binders. Ceramic mats are fibrous products that can be soft and fluffy or compressed into rigid boards. A slat prepared in this way can withstand temperatures up to 1000 °C without difficulty.

[0055] In another embodiment, the primary insulation layer can be constructed as a system of two disks with circular or differently shaped openings, one fixed and the other rotatable on its axis. When the movable disk is rotated so that the openings of both disks align, the primary insulation layer allows heat transfer (open). Conversely, when themovable disk is rotated so that the openings are covered by solid sections of the disks, heat transfer is blocked (closed).

[0056] The disks can have a sandwich structure, where the rotatable disk with openings throughout its cross-section consists of a top sheet of corrosion-resistant and / or heat- resistant material, a middle filling of ceramic mat, and a bottom sheet of corrosion- resistant and / or heat-resistant material. A central pivot shaft is installed in the axis of the disc to drive the disc rotation to the desired open / ciosed position. The fixed disc with holes throughout its cross-section includes a top sheet of corrosion-resistant and / or heat- resistant, the centre filling being of ceramic mat and the bottom sheet of corrosionresistant and / or heat-resistant and / or heat-resistant material. The fixed disk is constructed similarly and is firmly embedded in the device structure to align with the rotatable disk.

[0057] In another embodiment, the primary insulation layer may be designed as a system of two closed drums surrounding the accumulation tank, with one drum rotatable and the other fixed. Both drums have circular or differently shaped openings. When the openings of the two drums align, heat transfer is allowed. If the first drum is rotated so the openings are covered by solid sections of the drums, heat transfer is blocked (closed).

[0058] The rotatable drum may feature openings across its entire surface and a layered structure of sheet-mat-sheet, where the outer sheet is made of corrosion-resistant and / or heat-resistant material, the middle filling of ceramic mat, and the inner sheet of corrosion- resistant and / or heat-resistant material. A central pivot shaft facilitates drum rotation between open and closed positions. The fixed drum may be constructed with holes throughout the entire cross-sectional area, the construction of which may be a combination of layers in the sequence sheet-mat-sheet, where the outer sheet is formed of corrosion-resistant and / or heat-resistant, the central filling is formed of ceramic mat and the inner sheet is formed of corrosion-resistant and / or heat-resistant materials. The fixed drum can be constructed similarly and is firmly mounted to align with the rotatable drum. This drum design is advantageous when the working insulation chamber surrounds the entire accumulation tank.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 illustrates a crass-sectional view of the device according to this technical solution in its basic variant, featuring a single accumulation tank, a single accumulation chamber containing the material of the accumulation layer, and two heating elements powered optionally from three different energy sources. One heating element is located inside the accumulation tank, surrounded by a tubular coil of the heat exchanger, and heats the medium. The second heating element is inside the accumulation chamber and heats the material forming the accumulation layer. Between the accumulation chamber and the accumulation tank, a primary active insulation layer with regulated heat transfer is established within the working insulation chamber.

[0060] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device according to this technical solution, similar to Figure 1 , except that the accumulation tank is entirely surrounded by the working insulation chamber.EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTIONExample 1

[0061] The basic embodiment of the device, as shown in Figure 1 , includes one accumulation tank 3 for heating the medium 21 , which is partially embedded in a secondary insulation layer 14. The accumulation tank 3 is provided with an inlet for incoming medium 7 and an outlet for outgoing heated medium 8, both of which pass through the walls of the accumulation tank 3, the secondary insulation layer 14, and the protective casing 15 of the device.

[0062] Inside the accumulation tank 3, a heat exchanger 2 with a tubular coil 1 is installed, wherein the coil 1 is advantageously coiled around the first heating element 11 The heat exchanger 2 and tubular coil 1 form a single unit and constitute a secondary circuit for heating the medium passing through the heat exchanger 2 and tubular coil 1. The inlet 5 for the medium to the heat exchanger 2 and the outlet 6 from the heat exchanger 2 pass through the walls of the accumulation tank 3, layer 14, and the protective casing 15 of the entire device.

[0063]

[0064] The first heating element 11 is introduced into the accumulation tank 3 through the casing 15, the secondary insulation layer 14, and the wall of the accumulation tank 3. The first heating element 11 is connected to an input 9 for electrical energy supplied by the photovoltaic system 4, which may include solar cells or panels. It is also connected to an energy input 10 from the power grid or, optionally, a battery 12, Below the accumulation tank 3 lies a working insulation chamber 20, where the primary insulation layer 16 is located. Here, the primary insulation layer 16 undergoes activation (opening) and deactivation (closing). The primary insulation layer 16 is controlled by a control unit based on the need to regulate the temperature of the medium 21 in the accumulation tank 3, typically influenced by actual and anticipated energy gains from the photovoltaic system 4 or by the preference for grid energy usage during economically favorable tariffs. Artificial intelligence can advantageously be used to manage and monitor all factors, enabling the most economically efficient solution.

[0065] The primary insulation layer 16 and the working insulation chamber 20 effectively separate the medium 21 in the accumulation tank 3 from the accumulation layer 13 , which typically has a higher temperature than the medium 21 , Activating or deactivating the primary insulation layer 16 regulates the heat transfer from the accumulation layer 13 to the medium 21 in both the primary and secondary circuits.

[0066] The first circuit of the medium includes the accumulation tank 3 and the medium 21 it contains. The second circuit includes the heat exchanger 2 with the tubular coil 1 and the medium contained therein.

[0067] Below the working insulation chamber 20 lies the accumulation chamber 22, which houses the accumulation layer 13 (or the material of the accumulation layer) that stores heat supplied by the second heating element 17 and / or heating cables 19. The second heating element 17 passes through the protective casing 15, layer 14, and the wall of the accumulation chamber 22, terminating within the accumulation layer 13. The second heating element 17 is connected to an input 18 for electrical energy supplied by the photovoltaic system 4, typically solar panels or collectors. It is also connected to an input 10 for electrical energy from the power grid or, optionally, a battery 12.

[0068] Akumuladni nadrz 3, pracovni izolacni komora 20, akumulacm komora 22 a primarnl izolacnl vrstva 16 je ulozena do sekundarnl izolacnl vrstvy 14, ktera je opatrena ochrannym plastem 15.Example 2

[0069] The device is as shown in Figure 2 and described in Example 1, except that the accumulation tank 3 is entirely surrounded by the working insulation chamber 20.Example 3

[0070] The device is as described in Example 1 , except that the accumulation tank 3 is divided into two independent medium reservoirs, each with its own inlet 7 and outlet 8 outside the device, forming part of separate independent medium circuits.Example 4

[0071] The device is as described in Example 1, except that it includes two accumulation tanks 3, each with its own inlet 7 and outlet 8 outside the device, forming part of separate independent medium circuits.Example 5

[0072] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that it includes an additional heating element 17 embedded in the accumulation layer 13 for supplemental heating or tempering of the accumulation layer 13.Example 6

[0073] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that it includes a dedicated heating element j_1 for each energy source to enable faster heating of the medium and simultaneous independent energy consumption management.Example 7

[0074] The device is as described in Examples 3 to 6, except that each accumulation tank 3 is equipped with a dedicated heating element 11 powered by a different energy source.Example 8

[0075] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that it includes a control unit for managing the energy supply from inputs 9, 10 and battery 12 powering the heating elements 11 , 17. The control unit operates manually, based on user settings, or automatically, based on predictive values, considering factors such as typical medium consumption during specific periods, including its temperature, anticipated energy gains from alternative sources based on weather forecasts, and energy price trends in the daily market.Example 9

[0076] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that it includes at least one additional heat exchanger 2 and another tubular coil 1 in the accumulation tank 3.Example 10

[0077] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that the heat exchanger 2 or multiple heat exchangers 2 with tubular coils 1 pass through the accumulation layer 13 or are embedded solely in the accumulation layer 13.Example 11

[0078] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that the heat exchanger 2 or multiple heat exchangers 2 with tubular coils 1 pass through both the accumulation layer 13 and the accumulation tank 3.Example 12

[0079] The device is as described in any of the preceding examples, except that the primary insulation layer 16 includes rotating and / or sliding slats for regulating heat transfer. Alternatively, the slats of the primary insulation layer 16 are filled with insulating material containing ceramic fibers.INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION

[0080] The technical solution is industrially applicable, particularly in households and other facilities for heating a medium, especially water. The device allows for the use of two or more independent circuits for different purposes, such as water for washing and water for heating the building. It provides an ecological and economical alternative to heating sources based on gas, heating oil, and solid fuels, particularly in areas where the use of these heat sources is not feasible.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 02 June 2025 (02.06.2025)1. A device for heating a medium, particularly water, comprising at least one accumulation tank (3) for receiving the medium, equipped with an inlet (7) for the medium and an outlet (8) for the medium, and at least one heat exchanger (2) provided with a tubular coil (1 ), where the heat exchanger (2) includes an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) for the medium, characterized in that it further comprises at least one accumulation layer (13) for energy storage located in proximity to the accumulation tank (3), where the accumulation layer (13) is separated from the accumulation tank (3) by a primary insulation layer (16) with variable heat permeability, and where the accumulation layer (13) comprises at least one heating element (17) adapted to be powered by a photovoltaic system (4) and / or a battery (12) and / or via an input (10) for electrical energy from the power grid, wherein the accumulation tank (3) and the accumulation layer (13) are at least partially embedded in a secondary insulation layer (22) provided with a protective casing (15), and a working insulation chamber (20) is created between the primary insulation layer (16) and the accumulation tank (3), wherein the primary insulation layer (16) includes rotating and / or sliding slats for regulating heat transfer.

2. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the accumulation layer (13) is located beneath the accumulation tank (3).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the accumulation tank (3) contains at least one heating element (11 ) for heating the medium in the tank (3), which is adapted to be powered by a photovoltaic system (4) and / or a battery (12) and / or via an input (10) for electrical energy from the power grid.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that each heating element (11 ) is adapted to be powered by a different energy source.

5. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a heating cable (19) is introduced into the accumulation layer (13).

6. The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the accumulation layer (13) contains sand, particularly fine-grained sand with a grain size of0.063 to 0.2 mm, and / or contains clay, particularly clay with a grain size of up to 0.002 mm.

7. The device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the accumulation tank (3) contains at least two chambers for separating the medium.

8. The device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is equipped with a control unit for managing the energy flow from individual energy sources used to heat the heating element (11 ) and / or the heating element (17).

9. The device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the accumulation tank (3) is entirely embedded in the working insulation chamber (20).

10. The device according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the slat of the primary insulation layer (16) is filled with insulating material containing ceramic fibers.

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