Heating system for a heat-based beverage-production installation

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating system (1) for a heat-based beverage-production installation (20), comprising at least one first tank (2) for receiving vapour, in particular water vapour, and at least one first compressor (3), wherein: a suction side of the first compressor (3) is connected to the first tank (2); vapour at a higher pressure and higher temperature than the vapour in the first tank (2) can be produced by means of the first compressor (3); and the vapour in the first tank (2) is at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

Description

[0001] Scw / Thm / mc

[0002] September 5, 2025

[0003] 'Heating system for a heat-based beverage production device'

[0004] The invention relates to a heating system for a heat-based beverage production device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] In heat-based beverage production facilities, such as brewhouses or distilleries, there is a demand for heat, with the temperature level of the heat demand varying depending on the process. These processes are typically heated either with steam to approximately 120°C to 150°C or with hot water to approximately 80°C to 100°C. Simultaneously, various processes generate excess heat, which can be utilized for the heat-demanding processes, particularly with the aid of heat exchangers. However, it is a known problem that the heat supply at specific temperature levels differs, at least temporarily, from the required temperature level. In the prior art, it is known to compensate for this discrepancy by storing heated water at the different temperature levels. This is achieved either using separate tanks or a stratified storage tank.

[0006] Furthermore, it is common practice in the prior art to supply processes requiring heat at a temperature level below 100°C with water at or slightly above the required temperature level. In this case, only the heat energy provided by the temperature difference can be transferred.

[0007] From EP 1 985 947 A2 it is known to use heat pumps, particularly in vapor compression through evaporation and mechanical compression, to raise the supplied heat to a higher temperature level when heat of such a high temperature level is not available. This is used, for example, to heat the wort kettle.

[0008] A paper drying process is known from WO 2024 / 056998, in which two tanks are connected by means of at least one compressor such that the compressor compresses water vapor from the first tank into the second tank, thereby raising its temperature. This makes it possible to provide water vapor at different temperature levels. However, a disadvantage of this prior art is that it is tailored to the paper industry and the water vapor temperatures are generally too high. For example, breweries would require heat sources below 100°C, at which water vapor already condenses under atmospheric pressure.A further disadvantage is that in the paper industry, drying processes are continuous, while the heat requirement in heat-based beverage production equipment is usually intermittent and is subject to fluctuations even in non-intermittent processes.

[0009] There is therefore a great need for a heating system for a heat-based beverage production device that can provide heat transfer fluids easily and reliably at different temperature levels, with the temperature levels being adapted to the requirements of the heat-based beverage production device. The different temperature levels should be available as independently as possible from available heat sources. Nevertheless, such heat sources should be used optimally, and the heat transfer to the individual processes should be efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. Further attention is paid to the quality of the beverage being produced. The invention aims to provide such a heating system for a heat-based beverage production device in order to overcome the aforementioned difficulties.

[0010] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple but effective way by a heating system for a heat-based beverage production device according to the teaching of main claim 1.

[0011] According to the invention, a heating system for a heat-based beverage production device is proposed, comprising at least one first tank for receiving steam, in particular water vapor, and at least one first compressor, wherein the first compressor is connected to the first tank via a suction side and wherein steam at a higher pressure and temperature than the steam in the first tank can be produced with the first compressor. The heating system is characterized in that the steam in the first tank is at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, it has been recognized that certain processes in heat-based beverage production require temperatures below the boiling point of the medium used in the heating system, where the medium is liquid at atmospheric pressure and not available as vapor in a gaseous state. The fundamental concept of the invention is therefore that by providing the medium as vapor below atmospheric pressure, the vapor can have a temperature below the boiling point of the medium at atmospheric pressure, i.e., 1.01325 bar. This makes it possible to provide vapor at a temperature level adapted to the specific processes and to supply heat to them. This eliminates the risk of overheating the processes, which would impair the quality of the final product. Furthermore, if the vapor is supplied as a liquid, particularly efficient heat transfer is possible.Furthermore, steam can be provided at a higher temperature level because it can be compressed to a higher temperature level at any time in the first compressor. This compression is independent of the availability of heat sources. Therefore, steam is available at both temperature levels at all times. Alternatively or additionally, as described elsewhere, a second condenser can be provided. The first condenser supplies the processes with steam at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, while the second condenser provides steam at a second pressure level. In this way, steam can also be provided at at least two pressure levels, one of which is below atmospheric pressure, thus compensating for any mismatch between heat supply and demand.It is conceivable that the direct supply of steam to processes from the first tank is not intended.

[0013] The heating system serves to supply steam at at least two temperature levels to the heat-based beverage production apparatus. To heat various processes within the heat-based beverage production apparatus, the steam is supplied to the equipment of the individual processes, preferably via a heat exchanger system. Equipment required in a heat-based beverage production apparatus includes, for example, but by no means exclusively, a mash tun, a raw grain cooker, a wort kettle, a rectification column, a still, and / or a distillery. The heating system according to the invention provides steam at at least two different temperature levels for at least two, preferably three, four, five, or all processes. This makes it possible to condense the steam, thus enabling a higher heat transfer.The steam is preferably supplied via a pipe system connected to the first tank and / or the discharge side of the first compressor. The distribution of the steam can be assisted by blowers arranged within the pipe system. The steam is generated by evaporating a liquid medium. Evaporation occurs by reducing the pressure and / or increasing the temperature of the liquid medium.

[0014] Furthermore, the heating system includes a first tank in which steam, in particular water vapor, is stored. The first tank serves to store the steam and preferably to thermally insulate it so that it loses its temperature slowly or preferably not at all. According to the invention, the steam in the first tank has a pressure below atmospheric pressure and can therefore be used as steam for processes that require temperatures below the boiling point of the medium at atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the boiling point of the medium is 100°C. The first tank must be sufficiently robust to maintain the pressure difference to the surroundings without damage. Tanks designed accordingly are known to those skilled in the art. The first tank also includes an outlet for releasing the steam. The outlet is preferably connected to the pipe system.The steam in the first tank can be heated to the intended temperature level by process heat generated elsewhere in a distillery or brewhouse.

[0015] A first compressor is connected to the first tank at a suction side such that the first compressor can draw steam from the first tank, preferably via the outlet. If the first compressor draws steam, or if steam from the first tank is routed elsewhere into the heat-based beverage production device for heat transfer, the steam in the first tank must be replenished accordingly. Possible embodiments that enable the refilling of steam are disclosed in the dependent claims. The compressor also ensures the sub-atmospheric pressure in the first tank.

[0016] The steam compressed by the first compressor is brought to a higher pressure and temperature level and is therefore available for processes that require a higher temperature than the temperature of the steam in the first tank. How this steam at the higher temperature level is used in heat-based beverage production is ultimately arbitrary; however, it is preferably condensed on a mash vessel for heat transfer. The first compressor can produce the steam at the higher pressure and temperature level from the steam in the first tank as needed. Preferably, the first compressor is a vacuum pump, a blower, and / or a mechanical vapor compressor. The heating system preferably includes a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth compressor, which may have different configurations.

[0017] The term "heat-based beverage production equipment" refers to a device for producing a beverage in which at least one process requires the input of heat. The device can be multi-part and / or subdivided. In particular, a distillery or a brewhouse is a heat-based beverage production device.

[0018] The term "compressor" refers to a machine that mechanically compresses steam supplied at a suction side to a discharge side by supplying work. The compressor is particularly suitable for reducing the pressure in the first tank.

[0019] The term "medium" refers to a heat transfer medium in the form of a liquid and / or vapor, which enables the heating system to transport, absorb, and release thermal energy. The medium is preferably water, which may contain additives. The term "bar" refers to a unit of measurement for pressure and is based on absolute pressure.

[0020] The invention makes it possible to easily compensate for a discrepancy between the supply and demand of heat transfer fluids at different temperature levels, while simultaneously providing steam at at least two different temperature levels cost-effectively, reliably, and safely at any given time. An advantage of the lower temperature level in the first tank is that processes requiring heat at a low temperature level below the boiling point of the heating system medium at atmospheric pressure can also be heated additionally by condensation, thereby increasing efficiency and saving costs. Furthermore, various heat sources can be used to produce the steam or the liquid from which the steam is derived, even if there is no immediate demand for steam at that temperature level, and to store it in the first tank.At the same time, it is possible to ensure the quality of the beverages produced by the beverage production equipment. Furthermore, the simple design of the heating system makes retrofitting existing heat-based beverage production equipment easy, quick, and cost-effective.

[0021] Advantageous further developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0022] It is conceivable that the steam pressure in the first tank is between 0.5 bar and 0.7 bar and / or the steam temperature is between 80°C and 95°C. This temperature range is required for at least one process in the heat-based beverage production equipment, particularly the brewhouse or distillery. Storing this range is therefore especially advantageous to ensure a reliable supply of steam at this temperature for this process. If the medium used to operate the heating system is water, with or without additives, it is gaseous when it has a pressure in the range of 0.5 bar to 0.7 bar and a temperature in the range of 80°C to 95°C. Supplying or heating the process with steam at a temperature within this range is possible, thus achieving the advantages described elsewhere. Fluctuations in pressure and temperature within the tank are possible and tolerable due to the nature of the process.Particularly preferably, the pressure in the first tank is at least 0.50 bar, 0.51 bar, 0.52 bar, 0.53 bar, 0.54 bar, 0.55 bar, 0.56 bar.

[0023] 0.57 bar, 0.58 bar, 0.59 bar, 0.60 bar, 0.61 bar, 0.62 bar, 0.63 bar,

[0024] 0.64 bar, 0.65 bar, 0.66 bar, 0.67 bar, 0.68 bar or 0.69 bar, and / or a maximum of 0.70 bar, 0.69 bar, 0.68 bar, 0.67 bar, 0.66 bar, 0.65 bar,

[0025] 0.64 bar, 0.63 bar, 0.62 bar, 0.61 bar, 0.60 bar, 0.59 bar, 0.58 bar,

[0026] 0.57 bar, 0.56 bar, 0.55 bar, 0.54 bar, 0.53 bar, 0.52 bar or 0.51 bar.

[0027] Even more preferably, the temperature in the first tank is at least 80°C, 81°C, 82°C, 83°C, 84°C, 85°C, 86°C, 87°C, 88°C, 89°C, 90°C, 91°C, 92°C, 93°C or 94°C and / or a maximum of 95°C, 94°C, 93°C, 92°C, 91°C, 90°C, 89°C, 88°C, 87°C, 86°C, 85°C, 84°C, 83°C, 82°C or 81°C.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the steam delivered by the first compressor has a pressure below atmospheric pressure, i.e., below 1 bar. Within the scope of the invention, it has been recognized that in the field of heat-based beverage production equipment, temperatures are required at least at two stages, each requiring a temperature level below the boiling point of the medium at atmospheric pressure. In other words, there are at least two different processes at different temperature levels, both of which require a heat input below the boiling point of the medium. Therefore, in order to maintain steam at both temperature levels and achieve the associated advantages, it is advantageous to maintain steam at two different sub-atmospheric pressures and correspondingly low temperatures.It is particularly preferred that the pressure of the steam discharged from the first compressor is between 0.75 bar and 0.95 bar and / or that the temperature of the steam discharged from the first compressor is between 90°C and 100°C. Particularly preferred is the pressure of the steam discharged from the first compressor at least 0.75 bar, 0.76 bar, 0.77 bar, 0.78 bar, 0.79 bar, 0.80 bar, 0.81 bar, 0.82 bar, 0.83 bar, 0.84 bar, or 0.85 bar.

[0029] 0.86 bar, 0.87 bar, 0.88 bar, 0.89 bar, 0.90 bar, 0.91 bar, 0.92 bar,

[0030] 0.93 bar or 0.94 bar and / or a maximum of 0.95 bar, 0.94 bar, 0.93 bar, 0.92 bar, 0.91 bar, 0.90 bar, 0.89 bar, 0.88 bar, 0.87 bar, 0.86 bar,

[0031] 0.85 bar, 0.84 bar, 0.83 bar, 0.82 bar, 0.81 bar, 0.80 bar, 0.79 bar,

[0032] 0.78 bar, 0.77 bar or 0.76 bar. Even more preferably, the temperature of the steam discharged from the first compressor is at least 90°C, 91°C, 92°C, 93°C, 94°C, 95°C, 96°C, 97°C, 98°C or 99°C and / or at most 100°C, 99°C, 98°C, 97°C, 96°C, 95°C, 94°C, 93°C, 92°C or 91°C.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, it is conceivable that the first tank can be supplied with liquid and / or steam and / or contains liquid and steam. Preferably, the liquid is water and the steam is steam. By also storing liquid in the first tank, when the tank temperature is kept constant or regulated to a setpoint, the steam withdrawn is replaced by the evaporation of the liquid. The withdrawal of steam causes the pressure in the tank to drop, at least temporarily, thereby lowering the boiling point of the liquid in the tank to such an extent that some of this liquid evaporates, causing the pressure in the tank to rise again until thermodynamic equilibrium is restored. The evaporation cools the liquid. Fluctuations in temperature and pressure can be tolerated, particularly within the ranges described elsewhere.This allows for the decoupling of heat input and vapor extraction. To keep the liquid temperature as constant as possible, it is particularly preferred if the first tank has an energy input system and / or if liquid is introduced into the tank at a higher temperature level. If the first tank is fed with liquid at a higher temperature level, it is particularly preferred if the first tank includes a nozzle for introducing the liquid. Introducing the liquid via a nozzle allows for flash evaporation, in which a portion of the introduced liquid evaporates upon introduction, thereby cooling the remaining liquid portion. In this way, the pressure and temperature levels in the first tank can be easily, quickly, and precisely adjusted.

[0034] In a further development scenario, it is also conceivable that the first tank includes a connection for liquid dispensing. Besides the heat requirement at the temperature level prevailing in the first tank, heat-based beverage production equipment generally also requires heated liquid. If the liquid in the first tank can be drawn off, it does not need to be stored elsewhere. Furthermore, the liquid can be used elsewhere in the heating system. It is conceivable that the liquid could be heated to a higher temperature level via the connection using a heat exchanger and then either returned to the first tank for temperature maintenance and / or temperature control, and / or fed into the heating system at another point.

[0035] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first compressor is connected to a second tank on one of its discharge sides. This allows steam to be stored at a second temperature and / or pressure level. This enables more precise control of the temperature and pressure levels both in the first tank and on the discharge side of the first compressor. A pressure of 0.75 bar to 0.95 bar and / or a temperature of 90°C to 100°C is particularly preferred in the second tank. The pressure in the second tank is particularly preferably at least 0.75 bar, 0.76 bar, 0.77 bar, 0.78 bar, 0.79 bar, 0.80 bar, 0.81 bar, 0.82 bar, 0.83 bar, 0.84 bar, or 0.85 bar.

[0036] 0.86 bar, 0.87 bar, 0.88 bar, 0.89 bar, 0.90 bar, 0.91 bar, 0.92 bar,

[0037] 0.93 bar or 0.94 bar and / or a maximum of 0.95 bar, 0.94 bar, 0.93 bar, 0.92 bar, 0.91 bar, 0.90 bar, 0.89 bar, 0.88 bar, 0.87 bar, 0.86 bar,

[0038] 0.85 bar, 0.84 bar, 0.83 bar, 0.82 bar, 0.81 bar, 0.80 bar, 0.79 bar,

[0039] 0.78 bar, 0.77 bar, or 0.76 bar. More preferably, the temperature in the second tank is at least 90°C, 91°C, 92°C, 93°C, 94°C, 95°C, 96°C, 97°C, 98°C, or 99°C and / or at most 100°C, 99°C, 98°C, 97°C, 96°C, 95°C, 94°C, 93°C, 92°C, or 91°C. Most preferably, the temperature in the second tank is between 5°C and 15°C higher than in the first tank.

[0040] In a further development, it is preferred that the second tank can be fed with liquid and / or steam and / or contains liquid and steam. In this way, the advantages described elsewhere can be achieved. In particular, new steam can be generated after steam withdrawal through the processes described elsewhere. It is also preferred that the second tank includes a nozzle for introducing the liquid. This allows the flash evaporation described elsewhere to be achieved. In particular, flash evaporation allows the pressure and / or temperature in the second tank to be easily kept constant and / or adjusted by introducing liquid at a temperature level above that provided in the second tank. It is even more preferred that the second tank includes a connection for liquid discharge.In particular, the liquid discharge connection of the second tank can be connected to the first tank in such a way that liquid can be transferred from the second tank to the first. The liquid in the second tank has a higher temperature than the liquid in the first tank. By mixing liquid from the second tank into the first tank, the temperature in the first tank can be increased to adjust the pressure and / or temperature in the first tank. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a suction side of a second compressor is arranged directly or indirectly on the discharge side of the first compressor, with the second compressor capable of producing steam at a higher pressure and temperature than the steam produced by the first compressor.In this way, steam can be provided at a further, even higher temperature and / or pressure level and used in the heat-based beverage production device. The steam delivered by the second compressor preferably has a pressure between 0.95 bar and 1.20 bar and / or a temperature between 100°C and 110°C. Particularly preferably, the pressure of the steam delivered by the second compressor is at least 0.95 bar or 0.96 bar.

[0041] 0.97 bar, 0.98 bar, 0.99 bar, 1.00 bar, 1.01 bar, 1.02 bar, 1.03 bar,

[0042] 1.04 bar, 1.05 bar, 1.06 bar, 1.07 bar, 1.08 bar, 1.09 bar, 1.10 bar,

[0043] 1.11 bar, 1.12 bar, 1.13 bar, 1.14 bar, 1.15 bar, 1.16 bar, 1.17 bar,

[0044] 1.18 bar or 1.19 bar and / or a maximum of 1.20 bar, 1.19 bar, 1.18 bar, 1.17 bar, 1.16 bar, 1.15 bar, 1.14 bar, 1.13 bar, 1.12 bar, 1.11 bar, 1.10 bar, 1.09 bar, 1.08 bar, 1.07 bar, 1.06 bar, 1.05 bar, 1.04 bar, 1.03 bar, 1.02 bar, 1.01 bar, 1.00 bar, 0.99 bar, 0.98 bar, 0.97 bar or 0.96 bar. Even more preferably, the temperature of the steam discharged by the second compressor is at least 100°C, 101°C, 102°C, 103°C, 104°C, 105°C, 106°C, 107°C, 108°C, or 109°C and / or at most 109°C, 108°C, 107°C, 106°C, 105°C, 104°C, 103°C, 102°C, or 101°C. The discharge side of the first compressor is located directly adjacent to the suction side of the second compressor if there is a direct connection between the discharge side of the first compressor and the suction side of the second compressor, for example, a direct connection via a pipeline.The discharge side of the first compressor is indirectly located at the suction side of the second compressor if there is an indirect connection between the discharge side of the first compressor and the suction side of the second compressor, for example, if the second tank is located between the discharge side of the first compressor and the suction side of the second compressor.

[0045] In a further development, it is conceivable that the second compressor is connected to a third tank on the delivery side. This allows steam to be stored at a third temperature level and / or pressure level and supplied to the process as needed. Preferably, the third tank is also feedable with liquid and / or steam and / or contains liquid and steam. Most preferably, the third tank includes a nozzle for introducing liquid and / or a connection for discharging liquid. This allows the advantages disclosed elsewhere to be achieved. The pressure in the third tank is particularly preferably between 0.95 bar and 1.20 bar and / or the temperature between 100°C and 110°C. Particularly preferably, the pressure in the third tank is at least 0.95 bar, 0.96 bar, 0.97 bar, 0.98 bar, 0.99 bar, 1.00 bar, or 1.01 bar.

[0046] 1.02 bar, 1.03 bar, 1.04 bar, 1.05 bar, 1.06 bar, 1.07 bar, 1.08 bar,

[0047] 1.09 bar, 1.10 bar, 1.11 bar, 1.12 bar, 1.13 bar, 1.14 bar, 1.15 bar,

[0048] 1.16 bar, 1.17 bar, 1.18 bar or 1.19 bar and / or a maximum of 1.20 bar,

[0049] 1.19 bar, 1.18 bar, 1.17 bar, 1.16 bar, 1.15 bar, 1.14, 1.13 bar, 1.12 bar,

[0050] 1.11 bar, 1.10 bar, 1.09 bar, 1.08 bar, 1.07 bar, 1.06 bar, 1.05 bar,

[0051] 1.04 bar, 1.03 bar, 1.02 bar, 1.01 bar, 1.00 bar, 0.99 bar, 0.98 bar,

[0052] 0.97 bar or 0.96 bar. Even more preferably, the temperature in the third tank is at least 100°C, 101°C, 102°C, 103°C, 104°C, 105°C, 106°C, 107°C, 108°C, or 109°C and / or at most 109°C, 108°C, 107°C, 106°C, 105°C, 104°C, 103°C, 102°C or 101°C.

[0053] It is conceivable that the heating system includes at least one energy input system. This energy input system can directly heat the first, second, and / or third tank and / or be indirectly heated by the medium supplied to the first, second, and / or third tank as a liquid and / or steam. This allows the pressure and / or temperature in the first, second, and / or third tank to be set and / or kept constant.

[0054] In a further development, it is conceivable that the energy input system comprises at least one heat exchanger. Particularly preferably, the energy input system comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten heat exchangers, which can be identical or differently configured and preferably each supplied from different sources. The heat exchanger makes it possible to utilize process heat generated elsewhere to heat the medium of the heating system. The first, second, and / or third tank facilitates the storage and subsequent use of the generated process heat. This optimizes the overall efficiency of the heat-based beverage production equipment. Possible sources of process heat include waste heat from a cold storage facility, a refrigeration system, a ladle vapor condenser, a wort kettle, a vapor condenser, a combined heat and power plant, and / or a wort chiller.Preferably, heat for energy input systems is generated by burning energy carriers such as wood, oil, biomass and / or gas, in particular biogas, by heat transfer, by using a renewable energy source, a heat pump, an immersion heater and / or steam. The energy input system preferably comprises a heater, in particular an electric heater, an indoor cooker, an outdoor cooker, an evaporator, a compressor, in particular a vapor compressor, a compressor, a heat pump, a battery, an accumulator, an inverter, a solar thermal system, a photovoltaic system, a wind turbine, a hydroelectric power plant, a geothermal system, a biogas plant, a fuel cell and / or a combination thereof.

[0055] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the heating system is closed.

[0056] The closed-loop design of the heating system allows the use of liquids other than water, or the addition of additives to the water, or the removal of substances normally found in brewing water. This allows for optimal adjustment of the desired boiling point of the liquid at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the liquid can possess characteristics that are particularly advantageous for operating the heating system. In particular, it is conceivable that the water is low in calcium or calcium-free. This prevents limescale buildup in the heating system. It is especially preferred that liquid can be drawn from the first, second, and / or third tank and returned to another tank.

[0057] The term "closed" refers to a heating system in which, considering the system as a whole, no amount of medium is added or removed as a result of the process. Removal for maintenance, repair, and / or monitoring purposes, as well as addition to replace lost medium, is not taken into account. It is known to those skilled in the art that minor losses of medium can occur in a heating system and cannot be prevented, or only with disproportionately high effort.

[0058] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their function.

[0059] In detail, they show

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a heating system according to the invention; and Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a heating system according to the invention.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a heating system 1 according to the invention. The heating system 1 is part of a heat-based beverage production device 20 in the form of a brewhouse. The heating system 1 comprises a first tank 2, which contains water and steam. The steam has a pressure of approximately 0.6 bar and a temperature of approximately 85°C. The aforementioned values ​​are average values ​​that may fluctuate due to the process. The first tank 2 has an outlet at its top, allowing steam to be drawn off. A first compressor 3 is connected with its suction side to the outlet of the first tank 2 such that the first compressor 3 can extract steam from the first tank 2 and compress it. By drawing steam from the first tank 2, the first compressor 3 can generate sub-atmospheric pressure in the first tank 2. The heating system 1 further comprises a second tank 4, which is supplied by the first compressor 3.The second tank 4 also contains water and steam. The pressure in the second tank 4 corresponds to the pressure supplied by the first compressor 3, namely approximately 0.8 bar, and the temperature is approximately 95 °C. Steam can also be drawn off from an outlet on the top of the second tank 4. This outlet is connected to a second compressor 5 such that the second compressor 5 can also compress and thus heat the steam from the second tank 4. The second compressor 5 can reduce the pressure in the second tank 4. The second compressor 5 releases the compressed steam, among other things, to a third tank 6, which preferably has an atmospheric pressure of approximately 1 bar and a temperature of approximately 100 °C. The second compressor 5 is also capable of regulating the pressure in the second tank 4.Water vapor can also be extracted from the third tank 6 through an outlet and fed to a third compressor 7. This compressor further compresses the water vapor to approximately...

[0062] 1.5 bar and thereby heats it to a temperature of approximately 110°C.

[0063] The steam emitted by the first compressor 3 is fed to a mash tun 23. The mash tun 23 is heated by the steam, which is condensed in a condenser. The water produced during condensation is returned to the first tank 2 to increase the water level and / or temperature in the first tank 2 as needed. The steam emitted by the second compressor 5 is fed to a raw grain cooker 22 of the brewhouse and condensed by means of a condenser, transferring the heat to the mash in the raw grain cooker 22. The water produced during condensation is fed to the second tank 4 and / or the third tank 6 to increase the water level and / or temperature in these tanks 4 and 6. The steam emitted by the third compressor 7 is fed to a wort kettle 21 to heat it by condensation via a shell-and-tube condenser.The condensed water can be returned to the first tank 2, the second tank 4 and / or the third tank 6.

[0064] To regulate the temperatures, and thus indirectly the pressure, in the first tank 2, the heating system 1 includes an energy input system comprising a condenser and several heat exchangers 9, 10, through which heat can be transferred to the water. When the first compressor 3 extracts water vapor from the first tank 2, some of the water in the first tank 2 boils, causing the water to cool until pressure equilibrium is reached in the first tank 2. Due to this cooling, the water must then be brought back up to the specified temperature of 80°C in the first tank 2. It is possible to briefly heat the water to over 80°C and / or introduce water hotter than 80°C so that the pressure equilibrium settles at the specified values. The temperatures and pressures in the second tank 4 and the third tank 6 can be regulated similarly.A first heat source is a heat pump 8, which is used as a chiller for a refrigeration system, in particular a fermentation cellar and / or a storage cellar, and which can transfer heat to the water in the heating system 1 via one of the heat exchangers 10. The heat extracted from the refrigeration system is transferred to the water, which is heated accordingly. The heated water is preferably returned to the first tank 2 via a nozzle. Another heat source is a burner, which can in particular be part of a combined heat and power plant. Alternatively, it is conceivable to burn biogas or biomass. The heat from the burner is transferred to the water of the heating system via a burner heat exchanger 9. A third source is a wort chiller 14, by means of which heated wort is cooled, the heat energy being transferred to the water, which is returned to the first tank.A final energy source is a pan vapor condenser 11, by means of which the wort vapor generated during boiling in the wort kettle 21 is condensed and the condensed wort is returned to the wort kettle 21 or to another location in the brewhouse. The water is heated to a significantly higher temperature than in the other processes, so that it can be introduced into all tanks 2, 4, and 6 to regulate the temperature there. Ultimately, the temperature and pressure, particularly in the first tank 2, are regulated by the individual heating stages and further by the extraction of steam by the first compressor 3. Since the water or steam circulates in the system, and no extraction or introduction of steam or water is required at any point due to the process, it is a closed system.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a heating system 1 according to the invention. The heating system is also used in a heat-based beverage device 20 designed as a brewhouse. The heating system 1 shown comprises a first tank 2 in which a pressure of approximately 0.8 bar and a temperature of approximately 95 °C prevail. The first tank 2 contains steam and water. Steam can be drawn from the first tank 2 at an outlet on the top side through the suction side of a first compressor 3, which delivers the compressed steam to a second compressor 5, where the second compressor 5 further compresses the steam. The doubly compressed steam is fed to a third compressor 7 and then to a fourth compressor 12. Through compression, the steam is also heated and warms up by 5 °C to 15 °C per compression stage.The steam heated and compressed by this cascade of compressors 3, 5, 7, 12 is used to heat a mash tun 23, a cane cooker 22, and a wort kettle 21. The steam is then directed to a wort heater 24. The wort heater 24 is designed as a condenser. Its purpose is to preheat the wort before it is introduced into the wort kettle 21. During this process, the steam condenses on the respective components 21, 22, 23, 24, and the heat is transferred. The different temperature levels are regulated by the amount of steam supplied. The water condensed on the components 21, 22, 23, 24 is fed to the first tank 2 via a nozzle. To keep the temperature and pressure levels in the first tank 2 constant, respectively.To maintain the temperature within a predetermined range, the heating system 1 also includes a heat pump 8, which is used as a chiller for a cold storage facility and which can transfer heat to the water in the heating system 1 via one of the heat exchangers 10, a burner which is connected to the pipes of the heating system 1 by means of a burner heat exchanger 9, which heats the water particularly when no other heat is available from other process parts of the brewhouse, a wort chiller 14, which is used to cool the wort, and a pan vapor condenser 1 1, which is used to cool the wort vapor produced during wort boiling in the wort pan 21 and to condense it.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Heating system ( 1 ) for a heat-based beverage production device (20), comprising at least one first tank (2) for receiving steam, in particular water vapor, and at least one first compressor (3), wherein the first compressor (3) is connected to the first tank (2) via a suction side, wherein steam with a higher pressure and higher temperature than the steam in the first tank (2) can be produced with the first compressor (3), characterized in that the steam in the first tank (2) is at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

2. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the pressure of the steam in the first tank (2) is 0.5 bar to 0.7 bar and / or the temperature of the steam is 80°C to 95°C.

3. Heating system (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the steam delivered by the first compressor (3) has a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

4. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 3 , characterized in that the pressure of the steam delivered by the first compressor (3) is 0.75 bar to 0.95 bar and / or the temperature of the steam delivered by the first compressor (3) is 90°C to 100°C.

5. Heating system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tank (2) can be fed with liquid and steam and / or contains liquid and steam.

6. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first tank (2) comprises a nozzle for introducing liquid.

7. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first tank (2) comprises a connection for liquid dispensing.

8. Heating system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first compressor (3) is connected to a second tank (4) on a delivery side.

9. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the second tank (4) can be fed with liquid and steam and / or contains liquid and steam.

10. Heating system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a suction side of a second compressor (5) is arranged directly or indirectly on the discharge side of the first compressor (3), wherein steam with a higher pressure and higher temperature than the pressure and temperature of the steam produced with the first compressor (3) can be produced with the second compressor (5). 1 1. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the pressure of the steam delivered by the second compressor (5) is 0.95 bar to 1.20 bar and / or the temperature of the steam delivered by the second compressor (5) is 100°C to 110°C.

12. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 10 or 1 1 , characterized in that the second compressor (5) is connected to a third tank (6) on the delivery side.

13. Heating system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating system ( 1 ) comprises at least one energy input system.

14. Heating system ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the energy input system comprises at least one heat exchanger (9, 10, 14).

15. Heating system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating system (1) is closed.

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