Method for releasing latently stored heat, emulsion heater for carrying out the method, and application in energy management

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for releasing latently stored heat, to an emulsion heater for carrying out the method, and to an application in energy management. Disadvantageously, chemical heat accumulators are often irreversible; purely physical heat accumulators have a delayed and non-uniform heat release during cooling processes; and established heat management systems disadvantageously do not avoid load peaks. The aim of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. This is achieved by means of a method in which heat is stored in a stable emulsion during the production thereof, an emulsion heater according to the method, and a heat management system which supplies a plurality of emulsion heaters with power in a staggered energization process. For the first time, heat can thus be released and made available as required using a physico-chemical system in a precisely controllable process, analogously to a heat pump. A compact and local supplementation of energy management systems using emulsion heaters is thus possible for the first time. An emulsion heater can already expediently feed thermal energy into a water-based heating circuit with a space requirement of 1 to 2 cubic meters in an SFR. A staggered, concerted energization can reduce load peaks by up to 90%.

Description

[0001] -10-2025-43981001-Main Post Office-0015 20- 10-2025-43981001-Main Post Office-0015 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0002] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 1 of 31

[0003] Method for releasing latently stored heat, emulsion boiler for carrying out the method and use in energy management

[0004] 5 SCIENTIFIC AREA

[0005] The invention is situated in the field of heat and energy management. While at the beginning of the 2000s, discussions in this area focused primarily on insulation and soundproofing measures, this invention now addresses the issue of heat and energy management.

[0006] While 10 were initially considered, holistic concepts are increasingly gaining ground, which view humans and their accompanying civilizational components as a whole, aiming to develop them as efficiently as possible into a system that does not burden the environment, or at least to the greatest extent possible. For example, consider...

[0007] 15. The FlexQuartier project of the Technical University of Central Hesse was referenced (MSc Felix Holy, 2021-11-16, 'The Hybrid Storage in the FlexQuartier', project presentation focusing on high-temperature storage). Research on corresponding devices includes synthesis, construction, use, and efficiency of

[0008] 20 heat storage systems, heat sources, heating systems, heat pumps, solar thermal modules, heat converters, pressure-volume storage systems, Stirling modules, coordinated control loops, integrated measuring points up to control, regulation and programming, as well as the use of research results in the operation of comprehensive systems

[0009] 25 distribution concepts for area-wide and urban areas and properties, incorporating TES storage systems for different temperature ranges and various heat storage systems, heat carriers and associated reversible and irreversible heat converters.

[0010] 30 GENERAL BACKGROUND

[0011] The present invention relates to a method for releasing latently stored heat according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0012] 35. 'Lately stored heat' refers to physically and / or

[0013] CONFIRMATION COPY -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0016 20- 10-2025-43381001-Hau P t Pos t -0016 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0014] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 2 of 31 Chemically releasable heat that is contained in a system and can be accessed.

[0015] From US 1 565 510 A, an 'exothermic heater' is known, in which

[0016] 5. A chemical reaction is used to heat water: In a shielding housing, water vapor is generated, which can be used to fix a permanent wave.

[0017] US Patent 2 004 076 discloses an insulated oil boiler which can be heated via a metallic heating element; at a temperature specific to the respective oil mixture, an irreversible decomposition and / or reaction process is triggered, which causes the oil temperature to rise rapidly.

[0018] From GB 1 092 412 A a device is known in which an oil as part of a two-circuit oil-water heat cycle serves as a heat storage and heat reserve, via which water can be heated as needed and fed into an established heating circuit.

[0019] In DD 252 664 Al, it is additionally proposed that heat storage systems – possibly with additional heat-storing processes such as mass or phase transformation – be designed to be mobile and transported to the respective place of need after charging.

[0020] For the purposes of this description, heat quantities that are metastably contained in a system and can be released by targeted measures such as temperature changes, activator addition or catalyst addition are referred to as latent heats.

[0021] Furthermore, a thermal boiler is proposed for implementing the procedure. A thermal boiler generally refers to a heat source for heat management. A typical example would be a heating boiler for one or more apartments or buildings. Such thermal boilers,

[0022] 35 Heat pumps, as well as their usual components and their integration, can be found, for example, in documents such as DE 23 55 167 Al, EP 0 -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0017 20- 10-2025-43881001 - H au P -t Po s -t - 0017 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0023] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 3 of 31

[0024] 825 392 A, WO 1997 042 675 Al and WO 2002 036 896 Al .

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0026] 5 generic processes are based on a heat-containing oil that serves as a heat supplier.

[0027] Typical thermal baths are based on an emulsion which provides the heat storage function.

[0028] 10

[0029] Generic processes integrate emulsion boilers into a concerted energy management system.

[0030] From DE 31 26 534 Al is a multi-circuit device comprising

[0031] 15. An oil and a water circuit, known, in which oil is heated as part of an engine cooling system and can be used to heat the driver's living area via a water circuit connected by a heat exchanger. The oil thus absorbs heat from a chemical process - here the combustion of

[0032] 20% of the fuel in the engine was withdrawn again.

[0033] A disadvantage of these methods is that the heat is generated in an irreversible process. Integrating these methods into a comprehensive energy management system is therefore difficult.

[0034] 25. Difficult from an ecological perspective: Irreversible processes always generate emissions / waste of an energetic and chemical nature.

[0035] A disadvantage of these types of devices is that...

[0036] 30 emulsions with a uniform boiling point of the mixture for dissipating heat power as established systems; only more complex devices are available.

[0037] A disadvantage of generic processes is that they...

[0038] 35 Do not provide for the incorporation of emulsion-based thermals. -10-2025-43981001 -MainPost-0018 20-10-2025-43981001-HauPtPast-0018 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0039] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 4 of 31

[0040] The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a reversible mechanism that offers a meaningful and environmentally less burdensome addition to a holistic energy management system.

[0041] 5 is able to provide; as well as: to propose a boiler which, despite its simple design, is able to provide a reliable dissipation of heat output; and: to propose a method which is able to utilize the advantages of the method and the boiler within the framework of energy management.

[0042] 10

[0043] This problem is solved according to the features of the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0044] 15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0045] According to the invention, a method for releasing latently stored heat comprises the steps

[0046] 20 a) Mixing a solid heat storage material with low and / or high melting and / or boiling materials; b) Adding heat and melting the heat storage material until an emulsion with latently stored heat is obtained.

[0047] 25 cl) Breaking the emulsion by driving off low-boiling components into a gas phase part, leaving a remaining liquid, broken emulsion part and

[0048] 30 c2) Extraction of the latently stored heat from the broken emulsion part which forms solid heat storage material particles while releasing heat, while maintaining a dispersion.

[0049] According to the invention, a process comprising an emulsion bath comprises

[0050] 35 at least one container, at least one heating element, at least one emulsion chamber and at least one gas chamber, wherein the gas- -10-2025-43981001 -Main Post-0019 20-10- 2025-43981001 - Ha u P t Po st - 0019 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0051] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 5 of 31

[0052] The space is connected to the emulsion space.

[0053] According to the invention, a heat management method integrates a plurality of emulsion boilers into a coordinated peak load control system and

[0054] 5 staggers the electrical heating power so that a plurality, preferably up to 10, emulsion boilers are successively energized, thereby reducing the electrical power requirement by up to 90%, while the boilers additionally and staggeredly release at least an emulsively stored energy surplus.

[0055] 10

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES

[0057] According to the invention, the method for releasing latently stored heat comprises several steps. In one step a) is

[0058] 15 first a solid heat storage material mixed with low and / or high melting and / or boiling materials.

[0059] Preferably, at least one paraffin-based heat storage material is used; the other components can be selected from the widely and cheaply available saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons; a completely biogenic mixture of renewable raw materials is particularly preferred.

[0060] In step bl) heat is supplied until the melting of the

[0061] 25. Heat storage material is completed; optional homogenization of the liquid phases with mechanical and / or energy-injecting systems such as stirrers, cavitation shear mixers, ultrasonic and / or high-pressure homogenizers can advantageously shorten the time to obtain an emulsion with latently stored heat.

[0062] Heat from at least one natural heat reservoir is particularly preferred, including geothermal heat, solar thermal heat, waste heat from industrial processes, waste heat from households, waste heat from generators, heat from passive heat storage systems, waste heat from

[0063] 35 data centers, heat supplied from high-temperature storage systems, heat supplied from central thermal storage systems. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0020 20- 10-2025-43981001-H au pt Po st -0020 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0064] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 6 of 31

[0065] In step cl), the emulsion is broken down by driving off low-boiling components into a gas phase part; this occurs while retaining a liquid component.

[0066] 5 broken emulsion parts.

[0067] Preferably, the more easily boiling components are driven off by a combination of measures, including, in addition to normal heating, at least one additional measure selected from the

[0068] Group 10 comprising heating by induction, vacuum separation, heating by microwaves, heating by pressure-volume work, heating by physisorption, heating by chemisorption, heating by an additional PCM material, heating by photons, heating by cavitation.

[0069] 15

[0070] The remaining, liquid, broken emulsion is now unstable in its composition. The previously molten heat storage material will solidify again and release the supplied melting energy.

[0071] 20

[0072] Therefore, step c2) immediately follows step cl: Extracting the latently stored heat from the broken emulsion part, which forms solid heat storage material particles while releasing heat, while maintaining a dispersion.

[0073] 25

[0074] The essential point is that the starting materials are recovered with only a minimal amount of side reactions.

[0075] This opens up the possibility of using the simplest, most established and well

[0076] 30 available systems, such as the oil sump of a two-circuit heat circuit mentioned in the state of the art, absorb heat similar to a heat pump, store it and release it again when needed with minimal additional energy expenditure.

[0077] 35 By means of conventional plates, pipes and heat exchanger assemblies, the heat can be released locally as appropriate and / or transferred to further heat- -10-2025-43981001-Main Post Office-0021 20“ 10-2025-43981001 -H au P t Po s -t - 0021 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0078] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 7 of 31 transporting media, preferably water-based heating circuits, preferably from building heating systems, are transferred.

[0079] Preferably, the procedure further includes the steps

[0080] 5 dl) Condensation of the gas phase component to form a condensate; el) Combining of condensate and dispersion and return to

[0081] 10 steps bl.

[0082] Preferably, in step al of the process, at least one long-chain saturated hydrocarbon is used as a heat storage material with a higher boiling point and low volatility.

[0083] 15 melting and boiling hydrocarbons mixed.

[0084] Heating oils are hydrocarbon mixtures designed for stability and durability; as such, they are relatively inert and can readily accept additives such as paraffins without additional side reactions.

[0085] 20 too sluggish.

[0086] In this process, lower melting and boiling hydrocarbons are preferably provided by adding heating oil; heating oil is readily and cheaply available and also includes lower melting and boiling hydrocarbons.

[0087] 25 boiling components which can advantageously lower the melting point of a mixture with paraffin further.

[0088] Particularly advantageous in combination with a heating oil, mixtures can be obtained in which paraffin is significantly reduced.

[0089] It can be liquefied and emulsified at a temperature 30 degrees lower by absorbing heat.

[0090] Preferably, the process comprises a heating oil containing unsaturated and / or aromatic hydrocarbons. Aromatic

[0091] 35 hydrocarbons form stable mixtures and expellable azeotropes with saturated alkanes over a wide range. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0022 20-10-2025-43981001-HauPtPos t-0022 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0092] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 8 of 31

[0093] Emulsified systems and emulsifiers, such as those disclosed in WO1996 / 33252 Al 5 and JP 2005 082787 A, are particularly advantageous in combination with paraffin-based mixtures and lower boiling components.

[0094] Preferably, the process comprises a heating oil containing residues from a refining process measuring 1 to 100 micrometers in size; finely particulate suspended solids and turbidity can advantageously serve as crystallization nuclei 10 and support the formation of solid particles with heat release in the fractured emulsion. Hysteresis effects and, in particular, the formation of supercooled, unstable mixtures are thus avoided, and the heat release is more reliable and uniform.

[0095] 15

[0096] Preferably, the process includes a coarse particle separation stage that removes particles larger than 100 micrometers. Industrial oil products are frequently adjusted to desired product parameters using inexpensive adjusting and auxiliary additives. Such additives can decompose and form macroscopic agglomerates, which can adversely hinder the formation of fine particles. Coarse particle separation removes these agglomerates, ensuring that the process efficiency is maintained even with the most favorable operating materials.

[0097] 25

[0098] Preferably, the heat supply method utilizes at least one heat-extracting heating element with a graphite-based heating layer. Uniform, uniform heat supply avoids the problems associated with high power density and

[0099] 30 Local temperature possible side effects. Operating fluids last longer as a result and heat dissipation is more even.

[0100] A surface heating system according to WO2016 / 134705 is particularly preferred; printed systems can provide electrotechnical functions very cost-effectively with layer thicknesses as low as 35 mm; combined with purely inorganic, durable materials -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0023 20- 10-2025-43381001 -Hau P i Po st - 0023 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0101] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 9 of 31

[0102] Using base materials and durable carriers from the field of labels for engines and automotive components, a full-surface and extremely durable heating function can meaningfully contribute to a commercially attractive heat management product.

[0103] 5

[0104] Preferably, the expulsion method includes at least one heating rod with a surface temperature that can be increased to over 100°C within 90 seconds. A rapidly increasing local temperature allows for the direct formation of gas bubbles on 10% of the surface, which then break off and are expelled hot into the

[0105] The emulsion rises; at a suitably set inlet temperature, the rising gas bubbles also destabilize the emulsion, and the breaking of the emulsion can advantageously be extended to larger parts of the flow volume. This leads to a more uniform breaking of the emulsion under concerted conditions.

[0106] Heat emission.

[0107] According to the invention, the thermal bath is an emulsion thermal bath based on the method described above. 'Emulsion thermal bath' here refers to a thermal bath in which heat can be stored in an emulsion and broken down by heating to an elevated temperature range. Thermal breaking of the emulsion with components having significantly different boiling points then releases the emulsion heat into separate substances.

[0108] 25

[0109] This can be carried out in at least one container with at least one heating element. For emulsion components with significantly different boiling points, which differ in a range of up to 150°C, preferably 10°C to 120°C, and particularly preferably at least 30°C, a breaking process with proportional heat fluxes can be observed: In at least one emulsion chamber, the liquid emulsion breaks, releasing at least one lower-boiling gas mixture and at least one higher-boiling liquid and / or solid component. The gas passes into at least one gas chamber, which is connected to the emulsion chamber. Thus, the emulsion space and the gas space communicate and -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0024 20-10-2025-43981001-HauPtPost-0024 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0110] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 10 of 31 the gas phase in the gas space can be in physical and chemical equilibrium with the emulsion.

[0111] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one cooling circuit.

[0112] 5 on. The cooling circuit can extract heat from the boiler. Advantageously, it is a gas heat exchanger, from which heat can at least be extracted from the gas space.

[0113] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one heating circuit.

[0114] 10 on. Advantageously, it is a liquid heat exchanger, through which heat can at least be supplied to the emulsion chamber.

[0115] Preferably, the container has at least one jacketed heat exchanger.

[0116] 15. A jacketed heat exchanger is arranged in the jacket area of ​​at least one container, i.e., at least in the jacket area of ​​the at least one container. The jacket area comprises at least a portion of the inner and / or outer volume close to the container wall. Heat can be supplied via a jacketed heat exchanger.

[0117] 20 or removable.

[0118] It is advantageous if the flow, preferably a convective flow, is controllable and / or adjustable.

[0119] 25 Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one flow control and / or regulation system. Flows can be convective in nature and / or controllable and / or regulated via pumps and conveying media comprising pipes, baffles, agitators, and also magnetic stirrers. Particularly preferably, pumps allow the conveyance of the fluid.

[0120] 30 of fluid with heat transfer within hybrid or multi-functional district heating networks.

[0121] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one access point to the gas storage room. This access point includes access for maintenance or

[0122] 35 Repair as well as access in the tax-technical and / or control-technical sense. Advantageously, access includes a -10-2025-43981001 -Main post-0025 20- 10-2025-43981001 -Main -t Post -t -0025 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0123] ERZ -EH-PCT Page 11 of 31 controllable and / or adjustable valve, via which at least the gas space can be connected to other containers and pipes.

[0124] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one assembly for

[0125] 5. The controlled and / or regulated supply and / or removal of emulsion and / or gas. The fill level, composition and equilibrium of the emulsion and the supernatant gases are thus controllable and / or regulated.

[0126] 10. Advantageously, the assembly can be coupled with other containers, including a water-heat storage tank; thus, hot emulsion and / or gas phase can be conveyed through a water volume via a spiral pipe in a particularly robust design, and heat can be used in addition to the core function of process and / or drinking water.

[0127] 15 will be temporarily stored.

[0128] Advantageously, the assembly for the controlled and / or regulated supply and / or removal of emulsion and / or gas features a digital control system, which allows for the control of air during initial operation.

[0129] 20 and / or gases are equilibrable with the emulsion; particularly advantageous in initial operation is the adjustability of the gas activity and the content of emulsifying products by targeted introduction of gases, preferably at or near the heating element and / or via the gas space. Advantageous

[0130] 25. This allows the volume of the filled emulsion space, the volume of the gas space, and the partial pressure / activity of chemically interacting gases to be adjusted to an optimal ratio during initial operation and readjusted during ongoing operation depending on the composition of the emulsion and supernatant gas in order to store and

[0131] To keep the maximum amount of releasable energy 30% and / or to prevent side reactions and by-products.

[0132] In the corresponding procedure, the emulsion is combined with the gas phase and its properties are determined using sensor technology.

[0133] 35 adjusted via addition or removal of gas and / or emulsion and in the ongoing, heat pump-analogous cycle for energy absorption -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0026 20-10-2025-43981001-HauP-tPos-t-0026 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0134] ERZ -EH-PCT Page 12 of 31 and / or -Abbagbe adjusted to optimal operating conditions.

[0135] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is selected individually or in combination.

[0136] 5 from the group of sensors consisting of temperature sensor, gas sensor, O2 sensor, CO sensor, CO2 sensor, H2 sensor, viscosity sensor, turbidity sensor, conductivity sensor, voltage sensor for electrostatic charges, heat capacity sensor, solids content sensor, voltage sensor, current sensor, power sensor

[0137] 10 sensors, energy balance sensor, indoor temperature sensor, outdoor temperature sensor, apartment temperature sensor, room temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pH sensor. Further environmental and temperature conditions, as well as parallel energy management systems, can be recorded and planned via these sensors.

[0138] 15

[0139] Particularly advantageous is the use of surplus electricity from renewable energies and / or the capacity of supplementary heat storage systems. Comprehensive PCM-based heat storage systems can be used individually or in combination for the most efficient and cost-effective operation possible.

[0140] 20 emulsion thermals are used.

[0141] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has a remote maintenance module. This allows the operating parameters of the emulsion boiler to be monitored and evaluated remotely. This advantageously allows

[0142] 25. Integration into concerted IoT systems and / or services. Particularly advantageous is improved quality assurance, extending to predictive maintenance with more precise cost planning.

[0143] 30 Advantageously, the remote maintenance module with at least one sensor includes supplementary equipment for predictive maintenance, also known as 'predictive maintenance'. Such equipment includes, for example, sensors and safety switches for overtemperature, overpressure, and critical operating parameters.

[0144] 35 critical operating noises. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0027 20- 10-2025-43981001-HauP t Pos i-0027 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0145] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 13 of 31

[0146] Preferably, the emulsion boiler has at least one connection point for further energy conversion and / or energy management systems – preferably systems for the supplementary conversion of or to electrical energy, phase change energy, hydrodynamic energy, positional energy,

[0147] 5. Energy, heat energy, electrical energy from renewable energy sources. These connection points make the emulsion boiler particularly suitable for large-scale energy management systems such as municipal energy networks, heating networks, or heat cycles in industry or larger buildings.

[0148] 10 can be embedded.

[0149] According to the invention, a heat management method integrates a plurality of emulsion boilers into a coordinated peak load control system and staggers the electrical heating power, so that a plurality,

[0150] 15 preferably up to 10, emulsion boilers are successively energized, thereby reducing the electrical power requirement by up to 90%, while the boilers additionally and staggeredly release at least one emulsively stored energy surplus.

[0151] 20. Further advantages will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments. It is understood that the features and advantages described above and the following exemplary embodiments are not to be considered limiting. Within the scope of the independent claims, additional advantageous features and additional combinations of features, such as those described above, may be included.

[0152] 25 explained in the description and established according to the cited documents, are realized in the claimed subject matter both individually and in a different combination without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0153] 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

[0154] The figures – abbreviated as Fig. – illustrate, using schematic diagrams:

[0155] Fig. 1 Advantageous embodiment of a device for carrying out the method in continuous operation. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0028 20-10-2025-43981001-HauP*Pos-t-0028 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0156] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 14 of 31

[0157] Fig. 2 advantageous embodiment of an emulsion boiler in operating mode with container, heating element, emulsion chamber, gas chamber, cooling circuit and heating circuit.

[0158] Fig. 3 shows the performance values ​​of an emulsion boiler with a 15kW electric heater (solid line) and the house heating system operated above it (dotted line) as determined in a control procedure.

[0159] 10

[0160] DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION USING EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0161] In an advantageous apparatus according to Fig. 1 for carrying out the method 15 according to the invention, a hydrocarbon-based heat storage material in a mixture with a heat oil and lower-boiling components is placed in a container similar to an oil pan. The container is illustrated as a central, transversely extending rectangle with rounded corners; analogous to an oil pan, 20 the transition to the seal and the final, preferably pressure-tight, screwed-on lid is illustrated as a transversely oriented double line above a fill level.

[0162] Preferably, all additional assemblies and devices 25 are detachably mounted in and / or on the lid and can be lifted out directly together with the lid after loosening any existing screw connection and serviced and / or replaced.

[0163] An energy source encompassing renewable energies is located to the left of the 30 containers, shaped like a rectangle with rounded corners and featuring sun and leaf shapes.

[0164] Symbol illustrates. A pump is shown to the right of the container as a circle with a triangle drawn inside; the downward-pointing tip of the triangle indicates the direction of delivery.

[0165] 35. Common heat consumers in a household and / or building are located to the right of the container as a rectangle with rounded corners with a -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0029 20-10-2025-43981001-HauP-tPos-t-0029 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0166] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 15 of 31

[0167] House symbol illustrated. As a preparatory step, a solid heat storage material containing a heat oil and lower boiling components is placed in the container.

[0168] Step 5: Preferably, a homogenization aid illustrated as a figure eight with a surrounding double circle can be used to support the mixing until a uniform mixture is obtained.

[0169] Step 10: By supplying heat via at least two heating elements illustrated as vertically oriented, vertically extended rectangles, heat can be supplied until a uniform, liquid and completely dissolved emulsion is present in which the supplied melting energy is latently stored.

[0170] 15

[0171] By increasing the temperature at the right-hand heating element (illustrated), the emulsion can be broken up in step 11); the low-boiling components of the mixture are driven out into a gas phase, illustrated as round circles or bubbles. The locally formed bubbles rise and break up the emulsion in a larger flow volume. In step 2, heat storage material particles are formed in the region of the broken emulsion, releasing the heat of fusion. The particles have a higher density and sink as a dispersion in a stream of particles. An advantageous guide plate is arranged below the heating element, which directs the particle stream to the left.

[0172] The released heat heats the liquid in the area of ​​particle formation. To the right of the guide plate and below the right heating element, a suction point for the feed pump is located. This preferred arrangement of the suction point prevents the intake of coarser, newly formed particles or decomposition products from side reactions; it also prevents the intake of rising, low-boiling gases. This design prevents the pump from being exposed to flammable gases.

[0173] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 16 of 31

[0174] Gases, low-boiling liquids or particles are avoided; this allows the pump to run longer and more reliably, and dangerous malfunctions or blockages are avoided.

[0175] 5. The heated medium is supplied for heat recovery in a household and / or building and returned to the oil pan in its cooled state. The inlet point is located near the left heating element; preferably, the now cooler mixture is first passed through a rectangular opening arranged inside the lid.

[0176] The water is directed to the 10 illustrated cooling elements before being pumped to an outlet point just below the fill level.

[0177] Advantageously, the low-boiling components driven out into the gas phase condense in one step on the cooling element dl).

[0178] 15 drops condense back into the mixture.

[0179] The homogenization aid combines condensate and dispersion in one step (el) and, with the addition of heat, preferably from renewable energy sources, via the left heating element, is renewed.

[0180] 20 in one step bl) obtain a homogeneous emulsion with latently stored heat.

[0181] In continuous operation, three combined material flows, illustrated as dashed arrows, thus transport heat to the

[0182] 25. Suction point: The emulsion, with its lowered mixing melting point, latently stores heat and transports it to the right, hot heating element; the hot heating element breaks the emulsion and releases the heat, generating a gas stream and a particle stream; the released heat is extracted and used.

[0183] 30 and the cool liquid is returned. The gas stream and particle stream are recombined with the returned liquid and the heat transfer can begin again as described above with step bl).

[0184] 35 An emulsion boiler according to the invention, in an advantageous embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 2, comprises at least one -10-2025-43981001-Hauptpost-0031 20- 10-2025-43981001 -Hau P i Po st -0031 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0185] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 17 of 31

[0186] Container, at least one heating element, at least one emulsion chamber, at least one gas chamber, wherein the gas chamber is directly connected to the emulsion chamber.

[0187] 5. Furthermore, the emulsion boiler has at least one cooling circuit, which dissipates heat into a sink such as a building / house; and at least one heating circuit, which uses lower-temperature heat, preferably from renewable sources – illustrated as the sun / leaf – to restore a

[0188] can provide 10 broken emulsions.

[0189] The emulsion is thermally breakable via the heating element and can break down into at least one gaseous component – ​​illustrated as rising gas bubbles – while releasing additional heat.

[0190] 15 - and at least one higher-boiling component - illustrated as descending colons - are divided. The at least one gaseous component is thus illustrated by small circles near the heating element, while the higher-boiling component is illustrated by colons.

[0191] 20

[0192] The gaseous component passes into the gas space. The released heat can be used via the cooling circuit in the emulsion and / or in the gas space, illustrated here as a house / apartment / property which has a

[0193] 25 heat exchangers can be supplied with heat.

[0194] By removing the heat, the gaseous component condenses and can be returned in liquid form to the emulsion chamber. Higher-boiling components and...

[0195] The 30 lower boiling point component can be re-emulsified; the heat required for this can be supplied via the heating circuit – preferably from renewable energy sources. The emulsion can thus be broken according to the arrows shown in the container, the components can be recombined, and under

[0196] 35 Absorption of emulsion heat, re-emulsifiable; in this sequence, the emulsion boiler can be operated analogously to a heat pump. -10-2025-43981001 -Main post-0032 20-10-2025- 43981001 -Main Post- 0032 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0197] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 18 of 31

[0198] Compared to established heat pumps, this principle does not require complex and costly mechanisms to manufacture, install, or operate; it is uncomplicated, cost-effective, and

[0199] 5. Environmentally friendly. The emulsion boiler provides an affordable alternative and a sensible addition to established heating systems and boilers such as gas boilers.

[0200] The advantage of an emulsion boiler is that it can be installed in the house at least at one

[0201] 10 hot water heat storage tanks and connected to renewable energy sources on the heating circuit side, and are controlled and regulated via IoT components depending on current energy prices.

[0202] With the modules heating, hot water storage and electricity from

[0203] With 15 renewable energy sources, optimal energy efficiency and a significant reduction in energy costs can be achieved through intelligent, digital control. The modules are optimally coordinated through an intelligent, user-friendly control system. A graphical user interface (not

[0204] (20 shown) allows the user to easily and directly adjust operating parameters; preferably this is combined with AI-based data analysis.

[0205] The regulation only supplies at least one heating element with

[0206] 25 Electricity is used when the stored / existing heat drops to a defined value and generates heat without delaying lead times.

[0207] The cooling circuit is designed to be compatible with established heating systems and allows integration into

[0208] 30 established, existing heating systems.

[0209] Furthermore, a data interface allows for integration into existing smart home systems, up to and including complete control and connection to the smart home systems already present in a household.

[0210] 35 Technology. The streamlined principle enables a modular, space-saving room design, which can be constructed in just one day without any openings. -10-2025-43981001 -Main post-0033 20- 10-2025-43981001-Main Post-0033 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0211] ERZ-EH-PCT page 19 of 31 or separate access points can be installed and connected to an existing hot water network of a house boiler.

[0212] Both replacement and supplementation of an existing home boiler are

[0213] 5. This is possible so cost-effectively and quickly with minimal man-time.

[0214] Preferably, in an emulsion boiler, the container and / or a hot water container is designed as a thin-walled metal container with additional fiber stabilization; such containers are lighter,

[0215] 10 times more stable and cheaper to manufacture and operate.

[0216] Preferably, in an emulsion boiler, at least one heating element is designed as a heating rod with an outer stainless steel sheath; advantageously in combination with a hydrocarbon-based emulsion.

[0217] 15. Such heating elements show no damaging corrosion in the long term with reliably and reversibly releaseable emulsion heat.

[0218] Preferably, in an emulsion boiler, a hydrocarbon-based emulsion can be heated to around 150°C for a short period of time in order to...

[0219] to release 20 emulsion heats. A heating pulse lasts a maximum of 2.5 minutes; this time domain allows for a rapid start to heat release and reliably prevents dangerous overheating.

[0220] 25 Advantageously, the balancing of the heating element, cooling circuit and heating circuit is pre-programmed during installation and initial operation, depending on the living area and different rooms, preferably including a comprehensive hydraulic balancing performed by the control unit during the first start-up; programming in

[0221] 30 Initial operation ensures that a minimum efficiency can always be guaranteed, regardless of user behavior.

[0222] Remote maintenance, data interface, remote diagnostics and software updates complete a permanent, continuous and efficient system.

[0223] 35 operation. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0034 20-10- 2025- 43981001 -H au P t Post -0034 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0224] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 20 of 31

[0225] Weighing only roughly 70 kg, a compact emulsion boiler can already provide 3 to 15 kW of heating power.

[0226] 5 Supplemented with a compact, standard control cabinet, an emulsion boiler can replace / supplement a typical house or apartment boiler within one day.

[0227] A key advantage is emulsion storage: Here, heat is stored.

[0228] 10. The heat can be released by reaching an elevated temperature; it is therefore safely stored and cannot be lost due to temporarily lower ambient temperatures. Consequently, losses due to inadequate insulation of a storage / tank are significantly lower, and the system is also more compact in this respect.

[0229] 15. More efficient planning; weight, acquisition, maintenance and energy costs can therefore be kept significantly lower in comparison; operated with electricity from renewable energy sources, the CO2 footprint and environmental burden are further reduced.

[0230] 20 The emulsion ion boiler 1 thus offers considerable ecological and economic advantages in its manufacture, installation, operation and ultimately also in the amount of materials to be recycled over its entire life cycle.

[0231] 25 According to Figure 3, at a university, in accordance with standards, the heating power supplied via 15kW electric heating elements and the extractable amount of heat that could be used for a house were measured in a measuring system designed for heat pumps.

[0232] 30 Consistent with the procedure presented here, the emulsion exhibits a clear hysteresis upon breaking: Only after several minutes does a maximum appear, generated by the decomposition of the emulsion. This maximum significantly exceeds the previous power of the electric heating element. This can be attributed to the additional

[0233] 35 Released heat of emulsion can be explained: Upon reaching the breaking temperature, the emulsion gradually increases through the -10-2025-43981001 -Main post-0035 20- 10-2025-43981001 -Main post -0035 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0234] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 21 of 31 The released heat raises the temperature – starting from the outer surface of the heating element – ​​in an increasingly larger volume above the transition temperature at which the emulsion begins to break down. As a result, the available power increases in a progressively larger volume.

[0235] 5. The self-propelling process continues until the heat that can be released is no longer sufficient to exceed the transition temperature compared to the emulsion temperature.

[0236] When accounting for the energy fed into the grid in comparison to

[0237] Depending on the amount of emulsion previously re-emulsified, an energy surplus of 30% to 100% could be observed from the energy extracted. A heat management procedure based on this characteristic staggers a number of emulsion boilers in a coordinated peak load control system; it

[0238] 15 staggers the electrical heating power, so that a plurality, preferably up to 10, emulsion boilers are successively energized, thereby reducing the electrical power requirement by up to 90%, while the boilers additionally and staggeredly release at least one emulsionally stored energy surplus.

[0239] 20

[0240] Preferably, an emulsion boiler has a communication unit which – preferably via the power line – can send communication signals to nearby emulsion boilers in the vicinity / in neighboring households in order to directly and locally control peak loads.

[0241] 25 to be able to implement automatically.

[0242] Preferably, an emulsion boiler has a power control which can be tuned with a flow control; advantageously, the total volume in which the emulsion breaks down can thus be controlled.

[0243] 30 and can be controlled as needed.

[0244] Preferably, an emulsion boiler includes continuous power control for electric heating elements, which allows heating elements to be controlled precisely and according to demand, both individually and in groups.

[0245] 35 in their temperature and become adjustable. Particularly advantageous is the ability to selectively break down partial volumes of an emulsion. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0036 20- 10-2025-43381001-HauP t Pos i-0036 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0246] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 22 of 31 and heat are released.

[0247] Preferably, an emulsion boiler includes a rotary valve at the bottom for the discharge of substances during long-term operation.

[0248] 5 failing decomposition and / or crosslinking products.

[0249] Preferably, an emulsion boiler has several sensors which measure power output individually or in combination as a function of time, temperature, temperature distribution, and activity.

[0250] 10 gases in the gas space, the activity of gases in the emulsion, the concentration of substances in the emulsion, the amount of suspended particles / solids in the emulsion, the viscosity of the emulsion, the regionally required heating power, the regionally available electricity, the electricity price, the electricity supply from

[0251] It is adjustable from 15 different sources.

[0252] Preferably, an emulsion boiler is combined with an energy and / or heat storage system and an electricity tariff with optimized cost control – a so-called 'least-cost control'.

[0253] 20 in order to be able to store excess electrical energy or heat in a storage system.

[0254] Preferably, an emulsion boiler can be coupled with hybrid energy networks, in which, depending on the available type and quantity of energy,

[0255] 25 conversions into more advantageous or better storable or currently needed energy types, including electrical energy in accumulators and / or capacitors, potential energy, pneumatic energy, hydrodynamic energy, momentum energy, etc., are optimized and controllable.

[0256] 30

[0257] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0258] The invention relates to a method for releasing latently stored heat and a device for carrying out the

[0259] 35. Procedures. Chemical heat storage systems are often irreversible, which is a disadvantage; purely physical heat storage systems, on the other hand, require -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0037 20-10-2025-43981001-HauPiPos -t-0037 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0260] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 23 of 31 releases heat in a delayed and uneven manner during cooling processes.

[0261] The task is to overcome these disadvantages. The solution is achieved using a process in which heat is introduced into a stable emulsion during its

[0262] 5. The heat generated is stored. Subsequent breaking of the emulsion leads to reliable phase separation, releasing the previously stored heat. For the first time, a physicochemical system can thus release and make available additional heat on demand, analogous to a heat pump, without relying on the

[0263] would depend on the complex and vulnerable components of a heat pump.

[0264] The most cost-effective and established systems from the field of oil-based heat exchangers and coolers can be used. A compact and

[0265] Local integration of energy management systems is now possible for the first time. A suitable device, requiring only 1 to 2 cubic meters of space, can efficiently feed heat energy into a water-based heating circuit in a single-family home.

[0266] 20 Established boilers such as oil or gas boilers, in contrast, are mechanically complex, heavy, maintenance-intensive, energy-inefficient, inflexible in operation and complex to recycle; the addition of heat pumps further increases the control-related and mechanical complexity.

[0267] 25

[0268] A further task is to propose a thermal boiler procedure that overcomes these disadvantages. As a solution, an emulsion boiler is provided, comprising a tank, heating element, emulsion chamber, gas chamber, cooling circuit, and heating circuit, in which the following processes are analogous:

[0269] 30 to a heat pump without necessary mechanical components. Energy from renewable sources can be stored as emulsion heat in a cycle process, made available for living areas through thermal breaking of the emulsion, and can be released again through re-emulsification of the separated emulsion components to generate renewable energy.

[0270] 35 storable. Supplementing and / or replacing existing boilers is thus for the first time with combined boiler and heat pump function with -10-2025-43981001 -Main Post-0038 20- 10-2025-43881001 -Hau P i Po si -0038 PCT / DE2025 / 000102

[0271] ERZ-EH-PCT Page 24 of 31: A minimum of mechanical and equipment components is available, offering significant ecological and economic advantages. Conventional heat management systems hardly consider peak load avoidance.

[0272] 5

[0273] A further task was to propose a use that takes the innovative process into account. A heat management process based on the emulsion thermal characteristics stages a multiple emulsion thermal units in a coordinated manner.

[0274] 10 of a peak load control; it staggers the electrical heating power so that a plurality, preferably up to 10, emulsion boilers are successively energized, thereby reducing the electrical power requirement by up to 90%, while the boilers store at least one emulsionally stored energy surplus.

[0275] Release 15 additionally and in stages.

Claims

-10-2025-43981001-Main Post Office-0040 20" 10~2025“43981001~Main Post Office t Pos t“0040 PCT / DE2025 / 000102 ERZ-EH-PCT Page 25 of 31 REQUIREMENTS 1. Method for releasing latently stored heat comprising 5. The steps are: a) Mixing a solid heat storage material with low and / or high melting and / or boiling materials; b) Adding heat and melting the heat storage material until an emulsion with latently stored heat is obtained. 10 cl) Breaking the emulsion by driving off low-boiling components into a gas phase part, obtaining a remaining liquid, broken emulsion part, and c2) Extracting the latently stored heat from the broken emulsion part, which, upon releasing heat, forms solid heat storage material particles, obtaining a dispersion.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps dl) condensation of the gas phase component to form a 20 Condensate; el) Combining condensate and dispersion and recycling to step bl; includes . 25 3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step al at least one long-chain saturated hydrocarbon is mixed as a heat storage material with a higher boiling heat oil and with lower melting and boiling hydrocarbons.

4. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that lower melting and boiling hydrocarbons are provided by adding heating oil. 35 5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the heating oil contains unsaturated and / or aromatic -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0041 20- 10-2025-43881001-HauP iPos *-0041 PCT / DE2025 / 000102 ERZ-EH-PCT Page 26 of 31 Includes hydrocarbons.

6. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the heating oil has a particle size of 1 to 100 micrometers. It includes 5 major residues from a refining process.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises a coarse material separation which separates particles larger than 100 micrometers. 10 8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heat-extracting heating element with a graphite-based heating layer is provided for supplying heat. 15 9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heating rod with a surface temperature that can be increased to over 100°C within 90 seconds is provided for the expulsion. 20 10. Device for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Emulsion boiler according to the preceding claim, comprising: 25 at least one container, at least one heating element, at least one emulsion chamber and at least one gas chamber, wherein the gas chamber is connected to the emulsion chamber.

12. Emulsion boiler according to the preceding claim, wherein 30 characterized in that the emulsion boiler has at least one cooling circuit, preferably a gas heat exchanger.

13. Emulsion boiler according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler 35 has at least one heating circuit, preferably a liquid heat exchanger. -10-2025-43981001 -Hau ptpost-0042 20- 10-2025-43981001 -Hau Pi Pos t-0042 PCT / DE2025 / 000102 Page 27 of 31 14. Emulsion boiler according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) has at least one jacket heat exchanger.

15. Emulsion boiler according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler has at least one flow control and / or regulation.

16. Emulsion boiler according to one of the five preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler has at least one access to the gas space, preferably a controllable and / or adjustable valve.

17. Emulsion boiler according to one of the six preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler has at least one assembly for the controlled and / or regulated supply and / or removal of emulsion and / or gas, preferably connectable to further containers comprising a water heat storage tank.

18. Emulsion boiler 1 according to one of the seven preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler has at least one sensor which includes at least one sensor selected individually or in combination from the group of sensors consisting of temperature sensor, gas sensor, O2 sensor, CO sensor, CO2 sensor, H2 sensor, viscosity sensor, turbidity sensor, conductivity sensor, voltage sensor for electrostatic charges, heat capacity sensor, solids content sensor, voltage sensor, current sensor, power sensor, energy balance sensor, indoor temperature sensor, outdoor temperature sensor, apartment temperature sensor, room temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pH sensor.

19. Emulsion boiler according to one of the eight preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler is a -10-2025-43981001 -Main Post Office-0043 20- 10-2025-43881001 -Main Post Office— 0043 PCT / DE2025 / 000102 ERZ-EH-PCT Page 28 of 31 remote maintenance module, preferably a remote maintenance module with at least one additional sensor for predictive maintenance.

20. Emulsion boiler according to one of the nine preceding, preferably according to all nine preceding, claims, characterized in that the emulsion boiler has at least one connection point for further energy conversion and / or energy management systems - preferably systems for the supplementary conversion of or to electrical energy, phase change energy, hydrodynamic energy, potential energy, heat energy, electrical energy from renewable energy sources.

21. Use of a device according to one of the 10 preceding claims, wherein a heat management method integrates a plurality of devices into a peak load control system; the electrical heating power of the devices is staggered, wherein the plurality, preferably up to 10, of devices are successively energized, thereby reducing the maximum electrical power requirement by up to 90%, while the devices staggeredly release and utilize at least one emulsively stored energy surplus.

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