Device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water network, and storage water heater comprising such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for connecting a water heater (40) to a water network (50), the device allowing: a first configuration which connects a water inlet port (13) to a first access port (11) and a second access port (12) to a water outlet port (14); and a second configuration which connects the first access port (12) to the water outlet port (14) and an air exchange member (15) to the second access port (12). The invention also relates to a water heater comprising a device for connecting it to a water network, the device allowing: a first configuration which connects a water inlet port to a first access port and a second access point to a second access port; and a second configuration which connects a third access point to the second access port and an air exchange member to a fourth access point.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic hot water network and storage water heater comprising such a device

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] [1] The field of the invention is that of heating and storing water in domestic water networks.

[0005] [2] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water network, a storage water heater comprising such a device and a domestic water network comprising such a storage water heater.

[0006] [3] In particular, the invention relates, on the one hand, to such a device intended to equip a pre-existing storage water heater, and on the other hand, to such a device intended to equip a storage water heater from its manufacture.

[0007] [4] The invention also relates to a method of heating and / or storing hot water implemented by such storage water heaters.

[0008] [5] The invention finds applications in particular in residential, industrial, or tertiary buildings, as well as in habitable vehicles, including a sanitary water network.

[0009] STATE OF THE ART

[0010] [6] H is known from the prior art of storage water heater devices for heating and storing domestic hot water, sometimes also called "cumulus" or "hot water tank". These devices are often connected to the domestic water supply of a dwelling or a commercial, industrial, or office building, where they provide hot water.

[0011] [7] A typical storage water heater device in the prior art includes a sealed tank for holding domestic hot water. This tank is designed to minimize heat loss and may be surrounded by a layer of thermal insulation for this purpose. The device also includes a cold water inlet, usually positioned near the base of the tank, for supplying cold water, and a hot water outlet located in the upper part of the tank, generally opening from the lower part of the water heater, to deliver hot water to the points of use.

[0012] [8] Such a storage water heater has a heating element, usually an electric resistance, located at the bottom of the tank. This element heats the cold water entering through the cold water inlet. As the water is heated, it rises to the top of the tank, from where it is distributed to the hot water system via the hot water tap. Thus, this type of storage water heater simultaneously heats and stores water for immediate use.

[0013] [9] However, conventional storage water heaters are limited in terms of storage volume modularity. Indeed, hot water needs fluctuate both according to the number of users and according to the seasons, particularly between summer and winter.

[0014]

[0010] Furthermore, the water stored in a storage water heater must be heated and maintained at a minimum temperature for sanitary reasons, in particular to prevent the growth of salmonella in the domestic hot water. This minimum temperature is generally around 55°C.

[0015]

[0011] It follows that, whatever the actual needs of the user(s) of the storage water heater device, a significant volume of water, corresponding to a nominal volume of the tank, must be continuously heated at least to maintain such a minimum temperature.

[0016]

[0012] There is therefore a need to provide a storage water heater device that is configured to offer modularity in its storage volume.

[0017]

[0013] In addition, since the lifespan of a storage water heater is generally between 10 and 15 years, it is also desirable to be able to provide modularity of storage volume to pre-existing storage water heaters, comprising tanks of fixed volume.

[0018] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019]

[0014] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0020]

[0015] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention aims at a device for fluidly connecting a storage water heater to a domestic water network, the water heater being of the type comprising a water tank having a nominal volume and having a first fluid access point and a second fluid access point, and the network being of the type comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off;the device comprising on the one hand a first fluid access port and a second fluid access port, configured to be connected respectively to said first fluid access point and said second fluid access point of the water heater, and comprising on the other hand a water inlet port and a water outlet port, configured to be connected respectively to said cold water supply and hot water draw-off, and further comprising an air exchange element configured at least for the introduction and evacuation of air into the water heater tank; the device admitting a first configuration, for the draw-off of hot water and the filling of cold water in a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the second fluid access port is fluidly connected to the water outlet port;and a second configuration, for drawing hot water in a second reduced-volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the first fluid inlet port is fluidly connected to the water outlet port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid inlet port.

[0021]

[0016] Thus, the device according to the invention makes it possible to connect an otherwise conventional storage water heater to a domestic water network by allowing two modes of operation of the water heater.

[0022]

[0017] When the device is in its first configuration, a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater is possible, the fluid connection between the domestic water network and the water heater corresponding to a conventional fluid connection.

[0023]

[0018] In the nominal volume operating mode, so-called cold water, for example between 5°C and 30°C depending on the surrounding conditions, can be introduced into the tank through a fluidic channel established between the water inlet port and the first fluid access port.

[0024]

[0019] Hot water, for example between 50 and 60°C, preferably around 55°C, can be drawn from the tank through a fluid channel established between the second fluid inlet port and the water outlet port.

[0020] When the device is in its second configuration, a second operating mode with reduced volume of the storage water heater is possible.

[0025]

[0021] In the second reduced volume operating mode, cold water, introduced punctually into the tank which is then filled with a volume of water less than the nominal volume of the tank, can be heated and drawn out through a fluidic channel established between the first fluid access port and the water outlet port in the second configuration of the device.

[0026]

[0022] Air, possibly pressurized and / or heated, can be introduced into the tank by means of the air exchange element and via a fluidic channel established between the air exchange element and the second fluid access port.

[0027]

[0023] This allows sufficient pressure to be established in the tank when used at reduced volume.

[0028]

[0024] The device according to the invention makes it possible to provide modularity of the volume of water heated in a storage water heater having a fixed volume tank, thus making it possible to achieve significant energy savings.

[0029]

[0025] The device according to the invention also allows the upgrading of pre-existing water heaters to give them such modularity, in particular without requiring modifications to the storage water heater tank.

[0030]

[0026] Other preferential and particularly advantageous features of the device are described below.

[0031]

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further admits a third configuration, for filling with cold water in the second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port.

[0032]

[0028] The third configuration of the device, used in the second reduced volume operating mode, allows the tank to be filled with cold water.

[0033]

[0029] In particular, the device can be configured to admit the third configuration occasionally and / or during periods in which the domestic water network is not or little used, to fill the tank before admitting the second configuration again and allowing the drawing of hot water.

[0034]

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may include a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, and a third three-way valve, each valve having a first and second position for diverting fluid; the first valve fluidly connecting the first fluid access port and the water inlet port in its first position and fluidly connecting the first fluid access port and the second valve in its second position; the second valve fluidly connecting the water outlet port and the third valve in its first position and fluidly connecting the water outlet port and the first valve in its second position; and the third valve fluidly connecting the second fluid access port and the second valve in its first position and connecting the second fluid access port and the air exchange element in its second position.

[0035]

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, in the first configuration of the device, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are each in their first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are each in their second position.

[0036]

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, in the third configuration of the device, the first valve is in its first position, the second valve is in any one of its first and second positions, and the third valve is in its second position.

[0037]

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are motorized valves or solenoid valves.

[0038]

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the air exchange unit includes an air heating means and / or an air pressurization means.

[0039]

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is configured to admit by default the first configuration when a power outage or fault in the water heater and / or device is detected by the device.

[0040]

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may further include a first flow meter disposed on the water inlet port and a second flow meter disposed on the water outlet port.

[0041]

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may include a measuring element configured to determine the water level in the tank.

[0042]

[0038] This allows us to deduce the volume of water in the tank.

[0043]

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a measuring tube having a lower access opening and a higher access opening, a lower conduit which fluidly connects the first fluid access port to the lower access opening, and a higher conduit which fluidly connects the second fluid access port to the higher access opening, the measuring element being arranged in the measuring tube at the level of the higher access opening.

[0044]

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring tube is configured to extend substantially along the reservoir substantially parallel to it, and preferably substantially vertically substantially parallel to it.

[0045]

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring tube is wholly or partly transparent.

[0046]

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring element is a laser sensor configured to measure a distance between the sensor and a water surface in the measuring tube.

[0047]

[0043] The measuring element can also more generally be an optical sensor, or be an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure or hydrostatic sensor, a float sensor, etc.

[0048]

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further includes an interface for selecting a water heater operating mode and / or a display element for a selected operating mode.

[0049]

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes a programming module, configured to determine, from a predetermined heating time range, setpoint temperature of water to be heated, and volume of water to be heated, a heating power smoothed over the entire heating time range, which corresponds to the power to be supplied by a water heater heating means so that the volume of water reaches the setpoint temperature at the end of the heating time range.

[0050]

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the smoothed heating power can correspond to the power that is to be supplied by the heating means so that the volume of water reaches the setpoint temperature substantially before the end of the heating time period, including a safety time margin, for example of about half an hour or one tenth of the heating time period.

[0051]

[0047] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a storage water heater comprising a device as described above, the first fluid access point of the tank being connected to the first fluid access port of the device and the second fluid access point of the tank being connected to the second fluid access port of the device.

[0052]

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank comprises a so-called lower part and a so-called upper part in a vertical direction in use, the water heater comprises a heating means disposed in the lower part of the tank.

[0053]

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the first fluid access point is located in the lower part of the tank and the second fluid access point is located in an upper part of the tank.

[0054]

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fluid access point is formed by a pipe extending from outside the tank through the lower part of the tank and opening into the upper part of the tank.

[0055]

[0051] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a domestic water network comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off, and a storage water heater as described above, comprising said water inlet port of the device which is fluidly connected to said supply and said water outlet port of the device which is fluidly connected to said draw-off.

[0056]

[0052] The invention also relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a storage water heater comprising a water tank having a nominal volume and comprising a so-called lower part and a so-called upper part in a vertical direction in use, the tank having a first fluid access point, preferably in the lower part of the tank, a second fluid access point in the upper part of the tank, a third fluid access point in the lower part of the tank, and a fourth fluid access point in the upper part of the tank; the water heater further comprising a device for connecting the tank to a domestic water network of the type comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off, the device comprising on the one hand a water inlet port and a water outlet port,configured to be fluidly connected respectively to said cold water supply and said hot water draw-off, and comprising on the other hand a first fluid access port configured to be fluidly connected to said first fluid access point, and a second fluid access port configured to be fluidly connected selectively to said second fluid access point and said third fluid access point (i.e., selectively connected either to the second fluid access point or to the third fluid access point), and comprising an air exchange element configured to be fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point and configured at least for the introduction and evacuation of air into the tank, the device admitting a first configuration, for the draw-off of hot water and the filling of cold water in a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater,in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the second fluid access point is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port, which is itself fluidly connected to the water outlet port; and a second configuration, for drawing hot water in a second reduced-volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the third fluid access point is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port, which is itself fluidly connected to the water outlet port, and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point.

[0057]

[0053] When the device is in its first configuration, a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater is possible, the fluid connection between the domestic water network and the water heater corresponding to a conventional fluid connection.

[0058]

[0054] In the nominal volume operating mode, so-called cold water, for example between 5°C and 30°C depending on the surrounding conditions, can be introduced into the tank through a fluidic channel established between the water inlet port and the first fluid access port.

[0059]

[0055] Hot water, for example between 50 and 60°C, preferably around 55°C, can be drawn from the reservoir through a fluidic channel established between the second fluid access point and the water outlet port, via the second fluid access port.

[0060]

[0056] When the device is in its second configuration, a second reduced volume operating mode of the storage water heater is possible.

[0061]

[0057] In the second reduced volume operating mode, cold water, introduced punctually into the tank (the water inlet port is not, however, fluidically connected to the first fluid access port during normal reduced volume use) which is then filled with a volume of water less than the nominal volume of the tank, can be heated and drawn off through a fluidic channel established between the third fluid access point and the water outlet port, via the second fluid access port, in the second configuration of the device.

[0062]

[0058] Air, possibly heated, can be introduced and possibly pressurized into the tank by means of the air exchange element and via a fluidic channel established between the air exchange element and the fourth fluid access point.

[0063]

[0059] This allows sufficient pressure to be established in the tank when used at reduced volume.

[0064]

[0060] The device according to the invention makes it possible to provide modularity of the volume of water heated in a storage water heater having a fixed volume tank, thus making it possible to achieve significant energy savings.

[0065]

[0061] Other preferential and particularly advantageous characteristics of the water heater are described below.

[0066]

[0062] In the second configuration of the device, for drawing hot water in the second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, the water inlet port is fluidly disconnected from the first fluid access port.

[0067]

[0063] It should be noted, however, that in the reduced volume operating mode, the water inlet port can be temporarily connected fluidly to the first fluid access port to fill the tank when needed.

[0068]

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the air exchange element is fluidically connected to the fourth fluid access point also in the first configuration of the device.

[0069]

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a three-way type valve admitting a first position and a second position of fluid bypass, and fluidly connecting the second fluid access point and the second fluid access port in its first position and fluidly connecting the third fluid access point and the second fluid access port in its second position.

[0070]

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, in the first configuration of the device, the three-way valve is in its first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the three-way valve is in its second position.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the device may comprise a first two-way valve having a first and a second fluid bypass position, and fluidly connecting the first fluid access port and the water inlet port in its first position and fluidly disconnecting the first fluid access port and the water inlet port in its second position.

[0071]

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, in the first configuration of the device, the first two-way valve is in its first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the first two-way valve is in its second position.

[0072]

[0069] During tank filling in reduced volume operating mode, the first two-way type valve may temporarily admit its first position.

[0073]

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes a second two-way valve admitting a first position and a second position for diverting fluid, and fluidly connecting the fourth fluid access point and the air exchange element in its first position and fluidly disconnecting the fourth fluid access point and the air exchange element in its second position.

[0074]

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve or valves may be motorized valves or solenoid valves.

[0075]

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the air exchange unit includes an air heating means and / or an air pressurization means.

[0076]

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is configured to admit by default the first configuration when a power outage or fault in the water heater and / or device is detected.

[0077]

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the water heater further comprises a first flow meter disposed on the water inlet port and a second flow meter disposed on the water outlet port.

[0078]

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the water heater further includes an interface for selecting a water heater operating mode and / or a display element for a selected operating mode.

[0079]

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the water heater includes a heating element located in the lower part of the tank.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, the water heater includes a programming module, configured to determine, based on a predetermined heating time range, a setpoint temperature for the water to be heated, and a volume of water to be heated, a heating power smoothed over the entire heating time range, which corresponds to the power that must be supplied by the heating element for the water volume to reach the setpoint temperature at the end of the heating time range.

[0080]

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, the smoothed heating power can correspond to the power that is to be supplied by the heating means so that the volume of water reaches the setpoint temperature substantially before the end of the heating time period, including a safety time margin, for example of about half an hour or one tenth of the heating time period.

[0081]

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fluid access point is formed by a pipe extending from outside the tank through the lower part of the tank and opening into the upper part of the tank.

[0082]

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the water heater further includes a measuring device configured to determine the water level in the tank.

[0083]

[0081] This allows us to deduce the volume of water in the tank.

[0084]

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring element is arranged inside the tank in the upper part thereof.

[0085]

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring element is a laser sensor configured to measure a distance between the sensor and a water surface in the tank.

[0086]

[0084] The measuring element can also more generally be an optical sensor, or be an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure or hydrostatic sensor, a float sensor, etc.

[0087]

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the water heater is configured to determine the volume of water in the tank based on a measurement of the water level in the tank by means of the measuring device, as well as a table comprising a plurality of value pairs associating a water level in the tank with a water volume in the tank and / or a relationship between the water level in the tank and the water volume in the tank, the table and / or the relationship being stored electronically in the device.

[0086] For example, the pairs are of the type water level - water volume in the tank.

[0088]

[0087] For example, the relationship is of the type water volume = water height x A, A being the area of ​​the cross-section of the reservoir.

[0089]

[0088] The invention also relates, according to a fifth aspect, to a domestic water network comprising a so-called cold water supply and a so-called hot water draw-off, and a storage water heater as described above, comprising said water inlet port of the device which is fluidly connected to said supply and said water outlet port of the device which is fluidly connected to said draw-off.

[0090]

[0089] The invention also relates, according to a sixth aspect, to a method for heating and / or storing hot water implemented by a storage water heater as described above in any one of the embodiments, comprising:

[0091] - a step of selecting a water heater operating mode from a nominal volume operating mode and a reduced volume operating mode;

[0092] - an admission step of the first configuration by the device, to draw hot water and / or supply the tank with cold water when the nominal volume operating mode is selected;

[0093] - a step of admitting the second configuration by the device, to draw hot water when the reduced volume operating mode is selected.

[0094]

[0090] Preferably, the method comprises, for the water heater described above according to the second aspect, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected:

[0095] - a step of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than the nominal volume of the tank;

[0096] - a filling sequence, including a step in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port, an initial filling or emptying step of the tank so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the selected reduced water volume, and a heating step of the reduced water volume until a setpoint temperature is reached, preferably substantially equal to 55°C; - a drawing-off sequence, including the admission step of the second configuration by the device.

[0097]

[0091] Preferably, the method comprises, for the water heater described above according to the fourth aspect, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected:

[0098] - a step of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than the nominal volume of the tank;

[0099] - a filling sequence, comprising a step in which the water inlet port is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port and the air exchange element is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point, an initial filling or emptying step of the tank so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the selected reduced water volume, and a heating step of the reduced water volume until a setpoint temperature is reached, preferably substantially equal to 55°C;

[0100] - a withdrawal sequence, including the step of admitting the second configuration by the device.

[0101] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0102]

[0092] Other advantages, purposes and particular features of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0103] - Figure 1 schematically represents a storage water heater equipped with a fluid connection device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration of the device;

[0104] - Figure 2 represents the water heater from Figure 1 from which hot water is drawn and cold water is introduced into the storage water heater

[0105] - Figure 3 represents the water heater in a second configuration of the device;

[0106] - Figure 4 represents the water heater of Figure 3 from which hot water has been drawn; - Figure 5 represents the water heater of Figure 3 in a third configuration of the device, in which cold water is introduced into the water heater;

[0107] - Figure 6 is a flowchart of a process for heating and / or storing hot water according to the invention;

[0108] - Figure 7 schematically represents a storage water heater equipped with a fluid connection device according to the invention, according to a second embodiment, in a nominal volume operating mode;

[0109] - Figure 8 represents the water heater from Figure 7, in a reduced volume operating mode.

[0110] - Figure 9 schematically represents a simplified variant of the storage water heater equipped with a fluid connection device according to the second embodiment.

[0111] - Figure 10 schematically represents the water heater equipped with a fluid connection device from Figures 1 to 5, also including a device for measuring the water level in the water heater.

[0112] - Figure 11 schematically represents the water heater equipped with a fluid connection device from Figures 7 and 8, also including a device for measuring the water level in the water heater.

[0113] - Figure 12 schematically represents the water heater equipped with a fluid connection device from Figure 9, also including a device for measuring the water level in the water heater.

[0114] - Figure 13 is a time diagram of the energy consumption of the water heater over a heating time range, with the water being heated at maximum power.

[0115] - Figure 14 is a time diagram of the energy consumption of the water heater over a heating time range, the water heater according to the invention comprising a programming module and the heating of the water being carried out at moderate power by means of the programming module.

[0116] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0117]

[0093] It should be noted that the present description is given by way of non-limiting example of embodiment.

[0094] It should be noted from the outset that the figures are not necessarily to scale.

[0118]

[0095] Figures 1 to 5 represent a domestic hot water heating and storage system, comprising a storage water heater 40, hereinafter also referred to as water heater 40, and a device 10 which fluidly connects the water heater 40 to a domestic hot water network 50.

[0119]

[0096] Figures 1 and 2 represent the system with device 10 in a first configuration, the water heater 40 being in a first operating mode at nominal volume, and Figures 3 and 4 represent the system with device 10 in a second configuration, the water heater 40 being in a second operating mode at reduced volume, during a draw-off period, and Figure 5 represents the system with device 10 in a third configuration, the water heater 40 also being in the second operating mode at reduced volume, during a filling period.

[0120]

[0097] The device 10 according to the invention is intended to fluidly connect a water heater 40 to a domestic water supply 50, particularly in residential, commercial, or industrial applications. In this type of installation, the domestic water supply 50 generally includes a cold water supply 51 connected to a water source, such as a public distribution network or a cistern. The cold water from the supply circulates in the domestic water supply 50 and can be directed to various treatment and heating equipment, including water heaters.

[0121]

[0098] The water heater 40 includes a water storage tank 41, designed to store and heat domestic hot water to the desired temperature for its use.

[0122]

[0099] It is specified here that the water heater 40 is thus of the storage type and differs in particular from so-called instantaneous water heaters, which do not have a water storage tank, or from water heaters which have a tank with a very small capacity of a few liters, called micro-storage or semi-instantaneous water heaters.

[0123]

[0100] The tank 41 has a fixed nominal storage volume. For example, the nominal storage volume can be between 100 and 300 litres.

[0124]

[0101] As is known, the tank 41 can be thermally insulated to retain the heat stored in it.

[0102] The tank 41 extends here along a vertical direction, when the water heater 40 is in use, and comprises a so-called lower part 42 and an so-called upper part 43.

[0125]

[0103] The water heater 40 includes a heating element 44, for example an electric heating element, which is located at least partially in the lower part 42 of the tank 41, where it raises the temperature of the incoming water. Due to the difference in density between the hot water and the cooler water, the heated water is displaced towards the upper part 43 of the tank 41. This phenomenon is known as stratification.

[0126]

[0104] The tank 41 of the water heater 40 is equipped with two fluid access points, generally consisting of a first fluid access point 45, located in the lower part 42, for the cold water inlet, and a second fluid access point 46, located in the upper part 43 for the hot water outlet.

[0127]

[0105] It is specified from the outset that the second fluid access point 46, located in the upper part 43 of the reservoir 41, can be redirected to a lower part of the water heater 40 near the first fluid access point 45, as described below.

[0128]

[0106] The first fluid access point 45 allows cold water to enter the tank 41, in a nominal operating mode of the water heater.

[0129]

[0107] The first fluid access point 45 is generally identified by a blue color.

[0130]

[0108] The second fluid access point 46 is here formed by a pipe 47, which extends from the lower part 42 of the tank 41 from the outside of it, and crosses the lower part 42 until it opens into the upper part 43 of the tank 41, where the hot water is accumulated by thermal stratification.

[0131]

[0109] The second fluid access point 46 allows the flow of heated water to the domestic water network 50 via a hot water draw-off 52, i.e. a hot water outlet from the network, in a nominal operating mode of the water heater.

[0132]

[0110] The second fluid access point 46 is generally identified by a red color.

[0133]

[0111] The fluid connection device 10 is installed between the water heater 40 and the domestic water network 50.

[0112] The device 10 is designed to ensure the fluid connection between, on the one hand, the fluid access points 45 and 46 of the water heater and, on the other hand, the supply 51 and the draw-off 52 of the domestic water network 50.

[0134]

[0113] The device 10 comprises on the one hand a first fluid access port 11 and a second fluid access port 12, configured to be fluidically connected respectively to the first fluid access point 45 and the second fluid access point 46 of the water heater.

[0135]

[0114] On the other hand, the device 10 includes a water inlet port 13, configured to be fluidly connected to the cold water supply 51 of the network, and a water outlet port 14 configured to be fluidly connected to the hot water draw-off 52 leading to the consumption points of the domestic water network 50.

[0136]

[0115] It is specified here that in the present description, “fluidically” means “in a fluidic manner”.

[0137]

[0116] Thus, the device 10 fluidly connects the water heater 40 to the domestic water network 50, the cold water entering from the tank 41, respectively the hot water leaving, from the tank 41, passing through the device 10.

[0138]

[0117] The device 10 also includes an air exchange element 15.

[0139]

[0118] The device 10 is configured to direct the flows of cold water entering the tank 41 and the flows of hot water leaving the tank 41 according to the operating mode of the water heater 40 which is selected.

[0140]

[0119] As described above, the device 10 admits a first configuration in which the water heater can operate in a first operating mode at nominal volume and a second and third configuration in which the water heater can operate in a second operating mode at reduced volume.

[0141]

[0120] In the first configuration (Figure 1 and Figure 2) of the device 10, the water inlet port 13 is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port 11 and the second fluid access port 12 is fluidly connected to the water outlet port 14.

[0142]

[0121] In the first configuration, the device 10 thus fluidly connects the supply 51 to the first fluid access point 45 of the tank 41, thus forming a water inlet of the tank 41, and the withdrawal 52 to the second fluid access point 46 of the tank 41, thus forming a water outlet of the tank 41.

[0122] In this configuration, the air exchange element 15 is not connected to any port and is unused.

[0143]

[0123] In other words, in the first configuration, the device 10 makes a classic fluidic connection between the domestic water network 50 and the water heater 40.

[0144]

[0124] It follows that in the first configuration, the water heater 40 can be used in a nominal operating mode, at nominal storage capacity, like any similar water heater without a fluid connection device 10.

[0145]

[0125] In particular, with the supply 51 connected to the first fluid access point 45, the filling of the tank 41 with cold water is carried out continuously as soon as hot water is drawn off.

[0146]

[0126] In the second configuration (Figure 3 and Figure 4) of the device 10, the first fluid access port 11 is fluidically connected to the water outlet port 14 and the air exchange member 15 is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port 12.

[0147]

[0127] In the second configuration, the device 10 thus fluidly connects the draw-off 52 to the first fluid access point 45 of the reservoir 41, thus forming a water outlet from the reservoir 41.

[0148]

[0128] The water inlet port 13 is not connected to any other port and is closed in this configuration. In other words, no continuous filling of the tank 41 with cold water takes place in this configuration.

[0149]

[0129] The air exchange organ 15 is fluidly connected with the reservoir 41, here with the upper part 43.

[0150]

[0130] The air exchange organ 15 is configured to inject air into a remaining volume when the reservoir 41 is only partially filled with water.

[0151]

[0131] The device 10 admits a third configuration (figure 5), in which, compared to the second configuration, the water inlet port 13, rather than the water outlet port 14, is fluidically connected to the first fluid access port 11.

[0152]

[0132] In this third configuration, the tank 41 can occasionally be filled with cold water when the water heater 40 is used in its second reduced volume operating mode.

[0153]

[0133] The fluid connection device 10 comprises a first valve 16, a second valve 17, and a third valve 18, each of the three-way type.

[0134] The valves 16, 17, and 18 are configured to control the fluid flow between the water heater 40 and the domestic water supply 50 to allow the device 10 to adopt its first, second, and third configurations described above.

[0154]

[0135] Each valve 16, 17, and 18 admits a first fluid bypass position and a second fluid bypass position, distinct from each other.

[0155]

[0136] In its first position, the first valve 16 connects, or links, fluidly the first fluid access port 11 to the water inlet port 13.

[0156]

[0137] In its second position, the first valve 16 connects, or links, fluidly the first fluid access port 11 with the second valve 17.

[0157]

[0138] In its first position, the second valve 17 connects, or links, fluidly the water outlet port 14 to the third valve 18.

[0158]

[0139] In its second position, the second valve 17 connects, or links, fluidly the water outlet port 14 to the first valve 16.

[0159]

[0140] In its first position, the third valve 18 connects, or links, fluidly the second fluid access port 12 to the second valve 17.

[0160]

[0141] In its second position, the third valve 18 connects, or links, fluidly the second fluid access port 12 and the air exchange member 15.

[0161]

[0142] Thus, in the first configuration of device 10 (figure 1 and figure 2), valves 16 to 18 admit their first position, and in the second configuration of device 10 (figure 3 and figure 4), valves 16 to 18 admit their second position, to achieve the aforementioned fluidic connections.

[0162]

[0143] In the third configuration (figure 5), valve 16 is in its first position and valve 18 is in its second position, valve 17 is in its second position, although it may also possibly be in its first position.

[0163]

[0144] Preferably, the air exchange element 15 includes an air pressurization means, configured to generate a slight overpressure in the tank 41, for example, of one to two bars relative to the atmosphere. This ensures sufficient water pressure at the draw-off point 52, particularly when hot water needs to be delivered at a height relative to the water heater 40.

[0164]

[0145] Preferably also, the air exchange element 15 includes an air heating means, configured to heat air before its introduction into the tank 41, for example to a temperature between 30 and 60 °C. This prevents the heated water from cooling down by maintaining a layer of hot air above the water stored in the tank 41.

[0165]

[0146] The reservoir 41 may also include a valve, for example a one-way valve, allowing air to be vented from the reservoir 41 to the outside for safety reasons. This helps to prevent overpressure in the reservoir 41 during filling.

[0166]

[0147] The device 10 may include a control module 20, comprising for example a microcontroller and a non-volatile storage memory, and which is configured to control the valves 16 to 18 according to instructions stored in the non-volatile storage memory.

[0167]

[0148] Valves 16 to 18 can be motorized valves or solenoid valves, and can be controlled by a control current from the control module 20.

[0168]

[0149] Preferably, device 10 can be configured to accept the first configuration by default.

[0169]

[0150] In other words, device 10 can be configured so that valves 16 to 18 are recalled by default to their first position.

[0170]

[0151] For example, valves 16 to 18 may each include a return means, for example a return spring, returning each of the respective valves to their first position when not electrically powered.

[0171]

[0152] It follows that when the device 10 is disconnected from its power supply, or when the device 10 is faulty, it returns by default to its nominal volume operation.

[0172]

[0153] The device 10 may also include a display element 21 such as a screen or digital display, allowing in particular to indicate a current operating mode of the water heater 40 as well as possibly the reduced volume of water to be heated in the reduced volume operating mode.

[0173]

[0154] The device 10 may also include a human-machine interface 22, such as a control panel, allowing in particular the selection of an operating mode of the water heater as well as possibly the reduced volume of water to be heated in the reduced volume operating mode.

[0174]

[0155] In addition, the device 10 here includes a first flow meter 25 and a second flow meter 26.

[0156] The first flow meter 25 is disposed on the water inlet port 13, and is configured to measure the flow of cold water entering the tank 41.

[0175]

[0157] The second flow meter 26 is disposed on the water outlet port 14, and is configured to measure the flow of hot water leaving the tank 41.

[0176]

[0158] The first flow meter 25 and the second flow meter 26 are here connected by a data connection to the control module 20 which is configured to determine the quantity of water in the tank 41 from the volumes of cold water introduced into the tank 41 and the volumes of hot water leaving the tank 41.

[0177]

[0159] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 10 comprises two second flow meters 26 (the second flow meter 26 is not shown) connected in series.

[0178]

[0160] A first of the second flow meters is configured for measuring so-called low flow rates, for example between a lower flow rate threshold and an intermediate flow rate threshold, which are predefined.

[0179]

[0161] A second of the second flow meters is configured for the measurement of so-called large flow rates, for example between the intermediate flow rate threshold and an upper flow rate threshold, which is predefined, or for example for any flow rate above the intermediate flow rate threshold.

[0180]

[0162] This makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the difference between, on the one hand, the volume of water in the tank 41 which is estimated by the measurement of the flow rates, and on the other hand, the actual volume of water in the tank 41, over the course of the uses of the water heater 40, and which would be due to the measurement and repeatability errors of a single second flow meter 26 which should cover a wide measurement range, covering both low and high flow rates of hot water withdrawal.

[0181]

[0163] The operation of device 10 and of water heater 40 equipped with such device 10 will now be described in more detail.

[0182]

[0164] According to one aspect, the invention also relates to a method 100 for heating and / or storing hot water implemented by a water heater 40 equipped with a device 10, illustrated by the synoptic diagram in Figure 6.

[0183]

[0165] The method 100 includes a step 110 of selecting an operating mode for the water heater 40 from among a nominal volume operating mode and a reduced volume operating mode.

[0166] For example, the selection can be made using the human-machine interface 22 and the selected mode can be displayed on the display unit 21.

[0184]

[0167] Step 110 may be preceded by a step 105 of selecting a time slot for water heating, for example a time slot of the "off-peak hours" type of electricity supply, or a time slot corresponding to a period during which hot water is not or is used very little, for example a night time slot.

[0185]

[0168] Then, depending on the operating mode selected during step 110, the device 10 admits one or the other of its first and second configurations.

[0186]

[0169] On the one hand, the method 100 includes a step 120 of admission of the first configuration by the device 10, when the nominal volume operating mode is selected during step 110.

[0187]

[0170] In nominal volume operating mode, the tank 41 is continuously filled with its nominal volume of water.

[0188]

[0171] The supply 51 is fluidly connected to the first fluid access point 45 of the water heater 40, and allows the tank 41 to be filled at the level of the lower part 42 as soon as hot water is drawn from the level of the upper part 43.

[0189]

[0172] This mode of operation corresponds to the classic mode of operation of a water heater or storage tank, and is not described in more detail here.

[0190]

[0173] It is specified that if the process includes the step of selecting a time range for water heating, the water heating may only be carried out within the selected time range.

[0191]

[0174] Preferably, therefore, we avoid defining a time range of the type "off-peak hours" at the level of an electricity meter of an installation supplying the water heater, but rather directly on the latter.

[0192]

[0175] Otherwise, the water can be heated continuously.

[0193]

[0176] On the other hand, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected, the process may include a step 130 of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than a nominal volume of the tank 41.

[0177] For example, the selection of the reduced volume may be carried out by means of the human-machine interface 22 and the selected reduced volume may be displayed on the display element 21.

[0194]

[0178] Depending on the operating mode and / or the filling of the tank 41 prior to the selection of the reduced volume operating mode, the tank 41 may contain a volume greater or less than the selected reduced volume.

[0195]

[0179] The process 100 further comprises a filling sequence 140 and a draining sequence 150.

[0196]

[0180] The filling sequence 140 includes a step 160 of admission of the third configuration by the device 10.

[0197]

[0181] This step may include filling the tank 41 so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the reduced volume of water selected.

[0198]

[0182] This may, for example, be an admission of cold water into the tank 41, the first valve 16 being in its first position.

[0199]

[0183] Conversely, the filling sequence 140 may include draining water contained in the reservoir 41, with the device 10 then switching to its second configuration to draw water from the lower part 42.

[0200]

[0184] Of course, for reasons of water and energy saving, the emptying can be carried out on a delayed basis when hot water is used at a point of consumption of the sanitary water network 50.

[0201]

[0185] Following the admission of the third configuration by the device 10, the process 100 includes a step 170 of heating the reduced volume of water until a setpoint temperature is reached, which is preferably substantially equal to 55°C to avoid the appearance of salmonella in the water.

[0202]

[0186] The process 100 may also include a step 180 of introducing air by means of the air exchange member 15 into the tank 41.

[0203]

[0187] In particular, the air introduced through the second fluid access point 46 into the tank 41 can be heated, for example to 50°C, and / or pressurized so as to introduce an adjustable overpressure of about 1 to 2 bars relative to the atmosphere at the surface of the water contained in the tank 41.

[0204]

[0188] The filling sequence 140 then ends and the process 100 is continued with the withdrawal sequence 150.

[0189] The withdrawal sequence 150 includes a step 190 of admission of the second configuration by the device 10.

[0205]

[0190] Hot water can be drawn off as needed from the first fluid access point 45.

[0206]

[0191] With the supply 51 disconnected from the tank 41, the volume of hot water in the tank 41 decreases during the use of the water heater.

[0207]

[0192] The withdrawal sequence 150 may also include a step of introducing air, in particular heated air, by means of the air exchange organ 15 into the tank 41.

[0208]

[0193] This step can be analogous to step 180, which can be maintained following filling sequence 140.

[0209]

[0194] The filling sequence 140 can then be implemented when the tank 41 is empty or periodically, for example during the night or when the need for hot water in the domestic water network 50 is low, for example according to the heating time range selected during step 105.

[0210]

[0195] The process 100 can at any time return to the selection step 110 and switch from one operating mode to another.

[0211]

[0196] The control of device 10, and in particular of valves 16 to 18, is here carried out by the control module 20.

[0212]

[0197] The control module 20 is configured to determine the current volume of water contained in the tank 41 from the measurement of the incoming or outgoing water volumes measured by the flow meters 25 and 26.

[0213]

[0198] In general, the device 10 as described above can equip a pre-existing generic water heater 40, by being connected between the water heater 40 and the domestic water network 50.

[0214]

[0199] In figures 1 to 5, the device 10 includes a housing 19 in which all the elements, in particular the valves 16 to 18 and the air exchange element 15, are housed, and which can be compared to a pre-existing water heater 40.

[0215]

[0200] The device 10 can also originally be part of a water heater, for example by being integrated into it from its design and manufacture.

[0216]

[0201] Figure 7 and Figure 8 schematically illustrate, respectively in a nominal volume and reduced volume operating mode, an embodiment comprising a device 1010 similar to the device 10 described above, and a water heater 400 originally equipped with the device 1010 and specifically designed to operate with such a device.

[0217]

[0202] It is noted that device 1010 may also include preferred or undescribed features above in connection with device 10, insofar as they are technically compatible, and / or may, mutatis mutandis, implement process 100 described above.

[0218]

[0203] Unlike the water heater 40 of Figures 1 to 5, the water heater 400 here includes two additional fluid ports or access points, namely a third fluid access point 48 and a fourth fluid access point 49.

[0219]

[0204] The third fluid access point 48 is preferably located in the lower part 42 of the water heater 400.

[0220]

[0205] The fourth fluid access point 49 is preferably located in the upper part 43 of the tank 41 of the water heater 400.

[0221]

[0206] The air exchange element 15 is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point 49, and may optionally be equipped with a valve (not shown), two-way, or a tap, allowing the fourth fluid access point 49 and the air exchange element 15 to be fluidly connected or disconnected.

[0222]

[0207] The second fluid access point 46 and the third fluid access point 48 are each configured to form ports or water outlet points of the water heater 400, respectively in the upper part 43 and the lower part 42, according to the operating mode of the water heater 400 which is selected.

[0223]

[0208] The device 1010 is here configured to fluidly connect the water inlet port 13 only to the first fluid access port 11.

[0224]

[0209] The device 1010 may include a valve (not shown), two-way this time, or a tap, allowing the water inlet port 13 to be fluidly connected or disconnected from the first fluid access port 11.

[0225]

[0210] The device 1010 is further configured to admit a first configuration in which the second fluid access point 46 and the water outlet port 14 are fluidically connected, and a second configuration in which the third fluid access point 48 and the water outlet port 14 are fluidly connected.

[0226]

[0211] The device 1010 may include a three-way type valve 29, fluidly connected to the second fluid access port 12, selectively allowing fluid connection either between the second fluid access point 46 and the water outlet port 14, or between the third fluid access point 48 and the water outlet port 14.

[0227]

[0212] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the device 1010 comprises a housing 19 in which only some of the elements, in particular the flow meters 25 and 26 and the control module 20, are housed. Other elements of the device 1010, in particular the air exchange element 15, are arranged on the periphery of the reservoir 41.

[0228]

[0213] The embodiment of figures 7 and 8 allows, in the nominal volume operating mode, the consideration of water stratification and the withdrawal of the hottest water in the upper part 43.

[0229]

[0214] Figure 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the water heater 400 having a device 1010 integrated from the outset, in which the water heater 400 includes only a third fluid access point 48 in the lower part 42.

[0230]

[0215] In particular, the water heater 400 is devoid of a rod 47.

[0231]

[0216] In this simplified embodiment of the water heater 400, the hot water is drawn off in the lower part 42 also in the nominal volume operating mode, and does not allow the stratification effect of the water to be taken into account.

[0232]

[0217] However, it appears that the water located in the lower part 42 of the reservoir 41, although colder than the water located in the upper part 43 of the reservoir 41, is nevertheless generally hot enough for normal sanitary use (for example, around 45°C).

[0233]

[0218] In particular, regardless of the embodiment variant, the device 1010 may include two second flow meters 26 (only one is shown), in a manner similar to that described above for the device 10 in Figures 1 to 5.

[0234]

[0219] In addition, the reservoir 41 may also include a valve 54, for example a one-way valve, allowing air to be vented from the reservoir 41 to the outside (not shown in Figure 9). This helps, in particular, to prevent overpressure in the reservoir 41 during its filling.

[0235]

[0220] The operation of device 1010 is otherwise similar to the operation of device 10 described above.

[0236]

[0221] The water heater 400 having two hot water outlets respectively in the upper and lower parts, hot water can be drawn from the top of the tank 41 in the nominal volume operating mode, by keeping the cold water inlet open and deactivating the air exchange element 15, and drawn from the bottom of the tank 41 in the reduced volume operating mode, by cutting off the cold water inlet and activating the air exchange element 15 to ensure sufficient draw-off pressure.

[0237]

[0222] It is noted that the pressure inside the tank 41 can be regulated by the air exchange device 15 so as to ensure adequate water pressure at the outlet in the domestic water network 50.

[0238]

[0223] With reference to figures 10 to 12, regardless of the embodiment of the device, i.e. whether it is a device 10 adaptable to a pre-existing water heater or a device 1010 originally fitted to a water heater, the device may include a measuring element 60 to determine the quantity of water in the tank 41.

[0239]

[0224] In particular, the measuring member 60 is configured to measure the height of a water column representative of the water level contained in the reservoir 41.

[0240]

[0225] For example, the measuring element 60 includes a laser sensor configured to measure the distance between the sensor and a water surface. However, it may also be any other suitable sensor.

[0241]

[0226] Figure 10 schematically represents a water heater 40 and a device 10 similar to that of Figures 1 to 5 (shown in the state of Figure 4), but including here a measuring element 60.

[0242]

[0227] Here, the device 10 includes a measuring tube 61 having a lower access opening 62 and an upper access opening 63.

[0243]

[0228] For example, the measuring tube 61 extends substantially vertically, along the reservoir 41 substantially parallel to it, substantially from its lower part 42 to its upper part 43.

[0244]

[0229] The device 10 includes a lower conduit 64 which fluidly connects the first fluid access port 11, and thus the first fluid access point 45, to the lower access opening 62.

[0245]

[0230] The device 10 includes an upper conduit 65 which fluidly connects the second fluid access port 12, and thus the second fluid access point 46, to the upper access opening 63.

[0246]

[0231] Thus, the measuring tube 61 is fluidically connected on one side to the lower part 42 and on the other side to the upper part 43 of the reservoir 41, and the water column in the measuring tube 61 is directly representative of the water height in the reservoir 41.

[0247]

[0232] For example, the measuring tube 61 may be wholly or partly transparent, allowing visual identification of the water column level in the tube.

[0248]

[0233] The measuring element 60 is arranged here in the measuring tube 61 at the level of the upper access opening 63, opposite the surface of the water column in the measuring tube 61 (in use).

[0249]

[0234] For example, when the measuring member 60 is a laser sensor, it emits a laser beam L which reaches the surface of the water in the water column in the measuring tube 61, and is then reflected off the surface of the water and captured by the measuring member 60.

[0250]

[0235] The height of the water column in the measuring tube 61 and therefore the water level in the reservoir 41 can be deduced, in a manner known per se, from the position of the measuring member 60 and the round-trip travel time of the laser beam L.

[0251]

[0236] During the initial filling of the tank 41, the first flow meter 25 measures the volume of water entering the tank 41, and associates a height of the water column in the measuring tube 61 with a volume of water in the tank 41.

[0252]

[0237] For example, this procedure may include, during the filling of the tank 41, the establishment of a table of values ​​associating different values ​​of water volume in the tank 41 with the water levels measured by the measuring device 60.

[0253]

[0238] The table can be stored in the storage memory of control module 20.

[0254]

[0239] Subsequently, the volume of water in the reservoir 41 can be determined, only by means of the measuring device 60 or jointly with the first flow meter 25 and / or second flow meter 26, and thanks to the table stored by the control module 20.

[0255]

[0240] Figures 11 (with rod 47) and 12 (without rod) schematically illustrate a water heater 400 originally equipped with a device 1010 similar to that of Figures 7 and 8 (with rod 47), and Figure 9 (without rod), but here also including a measuring element 60.

[0241] The measuring element 60 is here disposed directly in the tank 41, in the upper part 43 thereof, and opposite the surface of the water contained in the tank 41 (in use).

[0256]

[0242] In a manner similar to what is described above, for example, when the measuring member 60 is a laser sensor, it emits a laser beam L which reaches the surface of the water contained in the tank 41, and is then reflected off the surface of the water and captured by the measuring member 60.

[0257]

[0243] The water level in the reservoir 41 can be deduced, in a manner known per se, from the position of the measuring member 60 and the round-trip travel time of the laser beam L.

[0258]

[0244] For example, the measuring element 60 is used in conjunction with the flow meters 25 and 26.

[0259]

[0245] During the initial filling of the tank 41, the first flow meter 25 measures the volume of water entering the tank 41 and the measuring device 60 measures, directly or indirectly, the level of water in the tank 41.

[0260]

[0246] This allows the water heater 40 to be "calibrated" by associating a volume of water in the tank 41 with a height of water in the tank 41.

[0261]

[0247] Advantageously, when the device 10 or 1010 includes a measuring element 60, the device 10 or 1010 may include only a single second flowmeter 26.

[0262]

[0248] Indeed, the discrepancies between the measured volume of water in the reservoir 41 and the actual volume of water in the reservoir 41 can be avoided or reduced by recalibration using the countermeasurement of the water level by means of the measuring element 60.

[0263]

[0249] Adding a measuring device 60 is generally less expensive than adding a second flow meter.

[0264]

[0250] According to another variant, the device 10, intended to be mounted on a pre-existing water heater 40, may be entirely devoid of flow meters 25 and 26, and comprise only the measuring element 60.

[0265]

[0251] During the initial filling of the tank 41, an installation flow meter (not shown) can be mounted between the supply 51 and the tank 41 (regardless of the location between these two points) in order to associate an initial water volume with a water level in the tank 41.

[0252] For example, this procedure may include, during the filling of the tank 41, the establishment of a table of values ​​associating different values ​​of water volume in the tank 41 with the water levels measured by the measuring device 60.

[0266]

[0253] The table can be stored in the storage memory of control module 20.

[0267]

[0254] Subsequently, the volume of water in the tank 41 can be determined only by means of the measuring device 60 and the table stored by the control module 20.

[0268]

[0255] In the case of a device 1010 originally integrated into a water heater 400, the latter may also be without flow meters 25 and 26, and include only a measuring element 60.

[0269]

[0256] The volume of the tank 41, and thus the correspondence between the volume of water in the tank 41 and the level of water measured in the tank 41, being known by the device 1010, it is not necessary to associate the level of water in the tank 41 with a volume of water in the tank 41 by means of an installation flow meter.

[0270]

[0257] In addition, the 40 or 400 water heater and / or the 10 or 1010 device can integrate other classic features, such as peak / off-peak hours features, absence programming, frost protection mode, etc.

[0271]

[0258] For example, device 10 or 1010 may include a peak / off-peak programming module (not shown), for example included in or connected to control module 20.

[0272]

[0259] The programming module is advantageously configured for the user to select a heating time range "T_chauffe" (preferably a range of off-peak electricity consumption hours).

[0273]

[0260] The programming module is advantageously configured to determine a smoothed heating power "PJissée" allowing the setpoint temperature of the water in the tank 41 to be reached only at the end of the heating time period "T_chauffe", from the nominal power of the heating means 44 and the volume of water to be heated in the tank 41 (whether it is a volume of water at nominal volume or at reduced volume).

[0274]

[0261] According to a preferred variant, the smoothed heating power "PJissée" can correspond to the power that is to be supplied by the heating means so that the volume of water reaches the setpoint temperature substantially before the end of the heating time period "T_chauffe" including a safety time margin, for example of about half an hour or one tenth of the heating time period "T_chauffe".

[0275]

[0262] It follows that the 40 or 400 water heater makes it possible to smooth out energy consumption over all or almost all of the heating time period "T_chauffe", without showing a peak in consumption for example caused by heating at maximum power "P_max" over a short period.

[0276]

[0263] By way of example, figures 13 and 14 illustrate the energy consumption of the heating means 44 over a heating time period "T_heating", from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.

[0277]

[0264] In Figure 13, in a 40 or 400 water heater without a programming module, heating at full power "P_max" allows the setpoint water temperature to be reached at 000, i.e. after two hours, at the expense of a significant peak in power consumption concentrated over two hours, followed by zero consumption for the next six hours.

[0278]

[0265] In Figure 14, in a 40 or 400 water heater equipped with the programming module, the smoothed power heating “PJissée” allows the setpoint water temperature to be reached at 6 a.m., i.e., after eight hours, at the end of the hourly heating period “T_chauffe”, without a peak in power consumption and with a heating power reduced by about 4 to 5 times compared to the maximum power “P_max”.

[0279]

[0266] Such operation is particularly advantageous when implemented on a large number of water heaters to avoid peaks in demand for electricity supply and to relieve the load on the electricity supply network on a regional, national, or continental scale.

[0280]

[0267] For example, device 10 or 1010 can be configured to allow viewing of hot water consumption history, either directly via the display unit 21 or indirectly on a remote terminal that can be connected to device 10 or 1010.

[0281]

[0268] The device described above in various embodiments allows for significant energy savings due to the reduced volume of water that needs to be heated and maintained at temperature for use in the domestic water system.

[0269] For example, a water heater with a 300-liter tank requires approximately 14,000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy to heat the water from 15°C to 55°C.

[0282]

[0270] Such a water heater generally suffers an energy loss of around 2000 Watt-hours over half a day, corresponding to a temperature loss of about 5 to 6 °C, which is usually compensated by switching on the heating means to maintain the water at 55°C.

[0283]

[0271] When out of the nominal volume of 300 litres, only a fraction of the water is used, for example 50 litres, this means in the example considered that approximately 1650 Watt-hours are unnecessarily spent maintaining a superfluous quantity of water at temperature.

[0284]

[0272] In the case of a water heater equipped with a device according to the invention, not only is less energy used for the initial heating of the volume of water actually required, but the maintenance of unused water at temperature is also limited.

[0285]

[0273] In the example above, considering a reduced volume of 50 litres for a water heater with a nominal volume of 300 litres, the energy required to initially heat the reduced volume is only about 2300 Watt-hours, and furthermore the consumption of about 1650 Watt-hours to maintain an unused volume of water at temperature can be avoided.

[0286]

[0274] In summary, the device according to the invention allows for significant energy savings, while allowing for significant modularity of the water heater it occupies, and also allowing for the upgrading of pre-existing water heaters with fixed volume tanks, as well as the equipping of water heaters from their manufacture.

[0287]

[0275] It is more generally recalled that the invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated.

Claims

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

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, further admitting a third configuration for filling with cold water in the second reduced-volume operating mode of the water heater, wherein the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port 3. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a first three-way valve (16), a second three-way valve (17), and a third three-way valve (18), each valve admitting a first and second position for diverting fluid; the first valve (16) fluidly connecting the first fluid inlet port (11) and the water inlet port (13) in its first position and fluidly connecting the first fluid inlet port (11) and the second valve (17) in its second position; the second valve (17) fluidly connecting the water outlet port (14) and the third valve (18) in its first position and fluidly connecting the water outlet port (14) and the first valve (16) in its second position;and the third valve (18) fluidly connecting the second fluid access port (12) and the second valve (17) in its first position and connecting the second fluid access port (12) and the air exchange element (15) in its second position.; 4. Device (10) according to claim 3, wherein, in the first configuration of the device, the first valve (16), the second valve (17) and the third valve (18) are each in their first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the first valve (16), the second valve (17) and the third valve (18) are each in their second position.

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

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

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

8. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, configured to admit by default the first configuration when a break or a fault The power supply to the water heater and / or device is detected by the device.

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

10. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a measuring member configured to determine the height of water in the tank.

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, comprising a measuring tube having a lower access opening and a higher access opening, a lower conduit which fluidly connects the first fluid access port to the lower access opening, and a higher conduit which fluidly connects the second fluid access port to the higher access opening, the measuring element being arranged in the measuring tube at the level of the higher access opening.

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, the measuring tube being configured to extend substantially along the reservoir substantially parallel to it.

13. Device (10) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, the measuring tube being wholly or partly transparent.

14. Device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the measuring member being a laser sensor configured to measure a distance between the sensor and a water surface in the measuring tube.

15. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an interface (22) for selecting a water heater operating mode and / or a display element (21) for a selected operating mode.

16. Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a programming module, configured to determine, from a predetermined heating time range, setpoint temperature of water to be heated, and volume of water to be heated, a heating power smoothed over the entire heating time range, which corresponds to the power to be supplied by a water heater heating means so that the volume of water reaches the setpoint temperature at the end of the heating time range, or preferably substantially before the end of the heating time range including a safety time margin.

17. Storage water heater (40) comprising a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the first fluid access point (45) of the tank (41) being connected to the first fluid access port (11) of the device (10) and the second fluid access point (46) of the tank (41) being connected to the second fluid access port (12) of the device (10).

18. Storage water heater (40) according to claim 17, the tank (41) comprising a lower part (42) and an upper part (43) in a vertical direction in use, the water heater comprising a heating means (44) disposed in the lower part (42) of the tank (41), the first fluid access point (45) being located in the lower part (42) of the tank (41) and the second fluid access point (46) being located in an upper part (43) of the tank (41).

19. Storage water heater (40) according to claim 18, wherein the second fluid access point (46) is formed by a pipe (47) extending from outside the tank (41) through the lower part (42) of the tank and opening into the upper part (43) of the tank.

20. Storage water heater (400) comprising a water tank (41) having a nominal volume and comprising a lower part (42) and an upper part (43) in a vertical direction in use, the tank (41) having a first fluid access point (45), a second fluid access point (46) in the upper part (43) of the tank, a third fluid access point (48) in the lower part (42) of the tank, and a fourth fluid access point (49) in the upper part (43) of the tank;the water heater further comprising a device (1010) for connecting the tank to a domestic water network (50) of the type comprising a supply (51) of so-called cold water and a draw-off (52) of so-called hot water, the device (1010) comprising on the one hand a water inlet port (13) and a water outlet port (14), configured to be fluidly connected respectively to said cold water supply (51) and said draw-off (52) of hot water, and comprising on the other hand a first fluid access port (11) configured to be fluidly connected to said first fluid access point (45), and a second fluid access port (12) configured to be fluidly selectively connected to said second fluid access point (46) and said third fluid access point (48), and comprising an air exchange element (15) configured; to be fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point (49) and configured at least for the introduction and evacuation of air into the tank (41); the device (1010) admitting a first configuration, for drawing off hot water and filling with cold water in a first operating mode at nominal volume of the water heater, in which the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the second fluid access point (46) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port (12) which is itself fluidly connected to the water outlet port (14);and a second configuration, for drawing hot water in a second reduced volume operating mode of the water heater, in which the third fluid access point (48) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port (12) which is itself fluidly connected to the water outlet port (14) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point (49).

21. Water heater (400) according to claim 20, the air exchange element (15) being fluidically connected to the fourth fluid access point (49) also in the first configuration of the device (1010).

22. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 or 21, the device (1010) comprising a three-way type valve (29) admitting a first position and a second position of fluid diversion, and fluidly connecting the second fluid access point (46) and the second fluid access port (12) in its first position and fluidly connecting the third fluid access point (48) and the second fluid access port (12) in its second position.

23. Water heater (400) according to claim 22, wherein, in the first configuration of the device, the three-way type valve (29) is in its first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the three-way type valve (29) is in its second position.

24. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, the device (1010) comprising a first two-way type valve admitting a first position and a second position of fluid bypass, and fluidly connecting the first fluid access port (11) and the water inlet port (13) in its first position and fluidly disconnecting the first fluid access port (11) and the water inlet port (13) in its second position.

25. Water heater (400) according to claim 24, wherein, in the first configuration of the device, the first two-way valve is in its first position, and, in the second configuration of the device, the first two-way valve is in its second position.

26. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 25, the device (1010) comprising a second two-way type valve admitting a first position and a second position of fluid diversion, and fluidly connecting the fourth fluid access point (49) and the air exchange element (15) in its first position and fluidly disconnecting the fourth fluid access point (49) and the air exchange element (15) in its second position.

27. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein said valve or valves are motorized valves or solenoid valves.

28. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the air exchange element (15) comprises an air heating means and / or an air pressurization means.

29. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the device (1010) is configured to admit by default the first configuration when a power outage or fault in the water heater and / or device is detected.

30. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 29, further comprising a first flow meter (25) disposed on the water inlet port (13) and a second flow meter (26) disposed on the water outlet port (14).

31. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 30, further comprising an interface (22) for selecting a water heater operating mode and / or a display element (21) for a selected operating mode.

32. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 31, comprising a heating means (44) disposed in the lower part (42) of the tank (41).

33. Water heater (400) according to claim 32, further comprising a programming module, configured to determine, from a predetermined heating time range, a setpoint temperature for the water to be heated, and a volume of water to be heated, a heating power smoothed over the entire heating time range, which corresponds to the power to be supplied by the heating means (44) for the water volume to reach the setpoint temperature at the end of the heating time range, or preferably significantly before the end of the heating time period, including a safety margin.

34. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 33, wherein the second fluid access point (46) is formed by a pipe (47) extending from outside the tank (41) through the lower part (42) of the tank and opening into the upper part (43) of the tank.

35. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 20 to 34, further comprising a measuring device (60) configured to determine the water height in the tank (41).

36. Water heater (400) according to claim 35, wherein the measuring member (60) is arranged inside the tank (41) in the upper part (43) thereof.

37. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein the measuring member (60) is a laser sensor configured to measure a distance between the sensor and a water surface in the tank (41).

38. Water heater (400) according to any one of claims 35 to 37, configured to determine the volume of water in the tank (41) from the measurement by means of the measuring member (60) of the level of water in the tank (41), as well as a table comprising a plurality of pairs of values ​​associating respectively a level of water in the tank (41) with a volume of water in the tank (41) and / or a relationship between the level of water in the tank (41) and the volume of water in the tank (41), the table and / or the relationship being stored computerically in the device (1010).

39. Domestic water network (50) comprising a cold water supply (51) and a hot water outlet (52), and a storage water heater (40; 400) according to any one of claims 17 to 19 or according to any one of claims 20 to 38, comprising said water inlet port (13) of the device (10; 1010) which is fluidly connected to said supply (51) and said water outlet port (14) of the device (10; 1010) which is fluidly connected to said outlet (52).

40. A method for heating and / or storing hot water implemented by a storage water heater (40; 400) according to any one of claims 17 to 19 or according to any one of claims 20 to 38, comprising: - a step (110) of selecting a water heater operating mode from a nominal volume operating mode and an operating mode reduced volume; - a step (120) of admission of the first configuration by the device, to draw hot water and / or supply the tank with cold water when the nominal volume operating mode is selected; - an admission step (190) of the second configuration by the device, to draw hot water when the reduced volume operating mode is selected.

41. A method (100) according to claim 40, implemented by a storage water heater (40) conforming to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected: - a step (130) of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than a nominal volume of the tank; - a filling sequence (140), comprising a step (160) in which the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the second fluid access port (12), an initial filling or emptying step of the tank so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the selected reduced water volume, and a step (170) of heating the reduced water volume until a setpoint temperature is reached, preferably substantially equal to 55°C; - a withdrawal sequence (150), including the step (190) of admitting the second configuration by the device (10).

42. A method (100) according to claim 40, implemented by a storage water heater (40) conforming to any one of claims 20 to 38, comprising, when the reduced volume operating mode is selected: - a step (130) of selecting a reduced volume of water to be heated, the reduced volume being less than the nominal volume of the tank; - a filling sequence (140), comprising a step (160) in which the water inlet port (13) is fluidly connected to the first fluid access port (11) and the air exchange element (15) is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid access point (49), an initial filling or emptying step of the tank so that the volume of water contained in the tank corresponds to the selected reduced water volume, and a step (170) of heating the reduced water volume until a setpoint temperature is reached, preferably approximately equal to 55°C; - a withdrawal sequence (150), including the step (190) of admitting the second configuration by the device (1010).

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