Hot water and steam generation device and working method

Abstract

The invention relates to an independent mobile cleaning device (D) using hot water, characterized in that it comprises: A cold water inlet (110), at least one rechargeable electric battery (540, 640), at least one heat exchange module (530, 630) between the incoming cold water and said rechargeable electric battery, at least one electric boiler (550, 650) powered by the rechargeable electric battery (540, 640) and heating the water that has undergone the exchange, an outlet for the hot water (120, 130) produced for cleaning purposes. The invention also relates to a working method of a device having this architecture.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR GENERING HOT WATER AND STEAM AND WORKING METHOD

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] [1]The invention relates to the field of cleaning using water heated to high temperature and in particular to adaptations enabling this water to be heated under the best conditions.

[0005] Description of the state of the art

[0006] [2] There exists in the prior art a plurality of devices ensuring the supply of hot water for cleaning purposes.For example, document W02020201643 describes a mobile device for services related to the supply of hot water, water treatment, and the cleaning of all fixed or mobile surfaces such as drinking water or liquid supply pipes, which includes an internal chassis housing in the lower part a tank for recovering any fluids and a hot water production sub-assembly with at least one condensing boiler associated with at least one gas supply module formed by a plurality of gas cylinders of a type of fuel storing in their internal volume the gas in liquid form in the lower part and in gaseous form in the upper part, said gas cylinders being arranged in the internal chassis substantially horizontally and with the opening orifice oriented upwards so that the end of the gas passage pipe opens onto a larger elongated gaseous part.

[0007] [3] There is also document WO2015007977 which describes a device for cleaning the drinking water network pipes of an aircraft. This device is independent of the aircraft and connects to the network at specific points. It is supplied with liquid and is notable in that it comprises a mobile chassis supporting a plurality of functional sub-assemblies necessary for the production of hot liquid, including a condensing closed-combustion gas boiler. [4] These devices all use a gas boiler for hot water production. Combined with gas cylinders, these devices have the advantage of being independent and mobile.

[0008] [5]There also exist in the prior art electrical steam cleaning devices which require a connection to the electrical network where the presence of a generator requires fuel for the production of electricity.

[0009] [6]There are also battery-powered steam generators.

[0010] [7] There is also flash vaporization technology which consists of pressurizing and retaining water heated above one hundred degrees Celsius which, upon release, vaporizes instantly but which requires a large amount of energy.

[0011] Brief description of the invention

[0012] [8] Research has been conducted to find an alternative to fossil fuels for independent mobile devices for the production of hot water for cleaning purposes.

[0013] [9]This hot water can be used as a cleaning agent for various applications such as:

[0014]

[0010] - the cleaning of the drinking water pipes of an aircraft,

[0015]

[0011] - the cleaning of air generators,

[0016]

[0012] - etc...

[0017]

[0013] Another goal of this research is to be able to exploit such a device to implement a flash vaporization technology.

[0018]

[0014] This research led to the design and production of a mobile, independent hot water cleaning device, remarkable in that it comprises:

[0019]

[0015] A cold water inlet,

[0020]

[0016] At least one rechargeable electric battery,

[0021]

[0017] At least one heat exchange module between the incoming cold water and said rechargeable electric battery,

[0022]

[0018] At least one electric boiler powered by the rechargeable electric battery and heating the water that was the subject of the exchange,

[0023]

[0019] An outlet for hot water produced for cleaning purposes.

[0024]

[0020] An electric boiler means any functional module enabling the production of hot water, which includes devices called electric heaters.

[0025]

[0021] A rechargeable electric battery is defined as any rechargeable electrochemical device that stores chemical energy and releases it as direct current.

[0022] This feature is particularly advantageous in that it provides battery cooling, allowing the use of a large capacity battery capable, thanks to cooling by the passage of the liquid to be heated, of making a rapid charge, storing a large quantity of electricity and supplying a large quantity of electricity to the boiler in a very short time.

[0026]

[0023] This cooling phase also constitutes a preheating of the water to be heated, which therefore requires less energy to raise its temperature.

[0027]

[0024] The proposed cooling system thus optimizes the efficiency, operation and longevity of the battery.

[0028]

[0025] Another object of the invention is the working method of such a hot water production cleaning device, the device comprising at least one electric battery and at least one electric boiler supplied by said electric battery for the purpose of supplying hot water, the method being remarkable in that it includes an operation of preheating the cleaning water by means of the heat emitted by the electric boiler supplying the electric battery intended to bring said cleaning water to a high temperature, said preheating ensuring the cooling of said battery.

[0029]

[0026] However, the increase in water temperature can lead to limescale precipitation, the formation of biofilm, and / or the growth of bacteria in the cleaning water. This poses a problem for the cleaning process for which the device of the invention is intended.

[0030]

[0027] This problem can particularly occur in the exchange module where the water temperature will be lower than that which it can reach in the electric boiler.

[0031]

[0028] In particular to solve this problem, according to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that it includes a water electro-treatment module disposed upstream of the exchange module treating the incoming cold water before exchange.

[0032]

[0029] This feature is particularly advantageous in that this module ensures both the disinfection and sterilization of water because it:

[0033]

[0030] - prevents the precipitation of limestone and / or eliminates it,

[0034]

[0031] - prevents the presence of biofilm and / or eliminates it,

[0035]

[0032] - prevents the presence of bacteria and / or eliminates them,

[0036]

[0033] - softens water without salt.

[0034] Such a feature solves the problems related to temperature rise both in the exchange module and in the boiler.

[0037]

[0035] According to a preferred feature, this module produces H+ ions in the water which will lead to a decrease in pH.

[0038]

[0036] The reaction between a hydrogen ion and a carbonate ion resulting from the formation of scale is an acid-base reaction that first produces the hydrogen carbonate ion (bicarbonate), then forms carbonic acid which can decompose into dissolved gases and water (carbonate and carbonic acid can coexist). Precipitation is therefore prevented.

[0039]

[0037] In addition, the operation of the electro-treatment module will lead to a modification of the calcium carbonate balance of the water by lowering the Total Alkalinity and the pH, the TAC moving towards a zone of non-precipitation and non-saturation.

[0040]

[0038] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that it includes a booster pump arranged upstream of the boiler so as to pressurize the hot water before it exits.

[0041]

[0039] This feature is particularly advantageous because it allows the water temperature to be raised above its boiling point. This feature makes it possible to exploit the principle of flash evaporation for cleaning purposes.

[0042]

[0040] The use of electric boilers and / or heaters capable of withstanding high pressures is particularly suitable for implementing such a principle.

[0043]

[0041] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the water outlet is equipped with a projection nozzle controlled by a control module.

[0044]

[0042] In the context of an implementation of a flash vaporization technology, the control of the opening of the nozzle will cause the pressurized water to come into contact with the atmosphere and to vaporize instantly.

[0045]

[0043] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device includes a water meter measuring the quantity of water entering.

[0046]

[0044] Such a feature allows the pressure and temperature to be adjusted according to the application based on the quantity measured.

[0047]

[0045] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device includes a pressure regulator disposed upstream of said exchange module.

[0048]

[0046] Such a feature allows control of the pressure of the water to be heated.

[0047] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device includes a pressure gauge associated with said pressure regulator.

[0049]

[0048] This feature allows the display and control of the pressure obtained.

[0050]

[0049] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device includes a boiler control panel.

[0051]

[0050] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device comprises two electric boilers.

[0052]

[0051] As explained above, the term boiler includes that of electric heater. Having two boilers allows for backup in case of a breakdown, but also enables series or parallel operation.

[0053]

[0052] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that it includes an independent pipe connecting the water inlet and outlet housing a treatment module, said treatment module ensuring, on command of the user of the device, the treatment in the incoming cold water independently of the heating means.

[0054]

[0053] Such a characteristic makes it possible to make the device of the invention more versatile in the different cleaning and treatment processes it offers independently of the functional modules involved in heating such as the boiler and the heat exchanger.

[0055]

[0054] More specifically, according to another particularly advantageous feature, said processing module uses a technology selected from the following:

[0056]

[0055] - Treatment product injection system equipped with a removable cartridge holder for supplying treatment products,

[0057]

[0056] - Electric dosing pump for treatment product,

[0058]

[0057] - Electro-processing module.

[0059]

[0058] Indeed, this module can be useful regardless of whether the water is heated or not.

[0060]

[0059] The electro-treatment module may be equivalent to that described above but does not then affect the water intended to be heated.

[0061]

[0060] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is notable in that it comprises an independent pipeline connecting the water inlet and outlet, housing a module for pressurizing and distributing the incoming cold water independently of the heating or treatment means when it is fitted to the device.

[0061] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is notable in that it comprises power cables between the battery and the electric boiler, said cables being at least partially housed in an additional electrically insulated heat exchanger, supplied with cold water and supplying the electric boiler.

[0062]

[0062] Such a feature makes it possible to preserve said cables by cooling them and, as for the exchanger associated with the battery, makes it possible to transfer calories to the water so that the phase of heating the water by the boiler requires less energy.

[0063]

[0063] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that it comprises a mobile platform on wheels on which are installed the various functional modules constituting the device described above.

[0064]

[0064] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that it comprises a motorized vehicle including a useful volume in which are arranged the various functional modules constituting the device described above.

[0065]

[0065] These different mobility solutions allow the device of the invention to come as close as possible to the installations that it is intended to clean.

[0066]

[0066] Examples of preferred but non-limiting embodiments are proposed below and are described in support of the attached figures.

[0067] Brief description of the figures

[0068] [Fig 1] is a schematic drawing of an external three-quarter front perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0069] [Fig 2] is a schematic drawing of an external three-quarter rear perspective view of the device in Figure 1;

[0070] [Fig 3] is a hydroelectric diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0071] [Fig 4] is a hydroelectric diagram of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0072] Description of the implementation methods

[0073] As illustrated by figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of a device referenced D in its entirety is in the form of a parallelepiped enclosure 100 arranged above a platform equipped with casters 101 and a handling handle 102. The internal volume of this enclosure accommodates several functional modules.

[0074] As illustrated, the said enclosure is equipped on a first vertical face with an inlet port 110 for cold water and two outlet ports 120 and 130 for hot water and / or steam created.

[0075] On the opposite vertical face, device D includes an electrical connection 140 allowing it to be connected to the network or to any means of electrical power supply for the purpose of charging the batteries housed in enclosure 100.

[0076] On a third face perpendicular to the first two, the user has access to several visual and / or control interfaces allowing them to operate the device.

[0077] Thus, for example, as illustrated, this third face is equipped with a window 103 giving at least visual access to an incoming water treatment module 200.

[0078] In addition, this face provides access to several other modules which will be described below with the support of functional diagrams.

[0079] As illustrated in Figure 3, cold water (which may come from a domestic water supply) entering device D through inlet port 110 is pumped by a pump 310 and then passes through a valve 320, a filtration module 330, and a meter 340 before being directed to the various functional modules: 200 for treatment product injection, 400 for cold water injection, and 500 and 600 for hot water production, depending on the cleaning application desired by the user. Valves and taps controllable via the user interface allow the desired functional modules to be activated or deactivated.

[0080] Thus, independently of the hot water production function which is the subject of the invention, the device D includes a metered cold water injection module 400 which uses water from the inlet 110 and includes a metering pump 410 arranged downstream of a pressure limiter 420.

[0081] As described above, device D also includes, independently of the hot water production function, a water treatment module 200 that treats the water coming from the inlet 110 and is equipped with at least one interchangeable cartridge 210 containing treatment tablets that dissolve under the action of moving water. This cartridge 210 is removablely attached to a body 220 through which the water to be treated passes. According to the invention, device D accommodates two hot water production modules 500 and 600. A water electro-treatment module 700 is arranged upstream of these two modules 500 and 600, notably to avoid the problems of water overheating described above. In a preferred embodiment, this module is a salt-free water softener.According to the illustrated embodiment, this electrotreatment module is also placed upstream of the treatment modules 200 and the metered cold water injection module 400. This allows the technical effects, and in particular those of electrotreatment, to be added to those of chemical treatment.

[0082] According to an unillustrated embodiment, in view of the advantages of such an electro-treatment module, it is also envisaged to implement the water treatment module by another electro-treatment module in a situation where the first electro-treatment module would not have been placed upstream of the pipeline of the treatment module 200.

[0083] Once treated, the water passes through one or both of the hot water production modules; each 500 and 600 hot water production module is equipped with the following sub-assemblies:

[0084] - A pressure regulator 510, 610,

[0085] A 520, 620 pressure gauge,

[0086] - A heat exchange module 530, 630 associated with a battery 540, 640, - An electric boiler or heater 550 and 650 equipped with a control panel 551 and 651.

[0087] The water temperature and pressure are therefore adjustable on both modules.

[0088] The heated water comes out through outlets 120 and / or 130.

[0089] As illustrated, the two boilers or heaters, 550 and 650, are connected in parallel but can operate in series as needed using dedicated piping. This ensures a continuous supply of hot water even if one module fails, and reduces the need for temperature increases.

[0090] The illustrated embodiment shows pipes connecting the boilers and the exchange modules, thus allowing the recovered calories to be accumulated for the purpose of raising the water temperature.

[0091] The water from the electro-treatment module 700 undergoes heat exchange with the batteries 540 and 640 before being heated, which therefore requires less heating time and power. Similarly, due to the cooling, the use of high-capacity batteries is made possible and their charge and discharge phases are optimized.

[0092] Utilizing cooling for heat recovery can also benefit other components of the device.

[0093] As illustrated, the device includes supply cables 541, 542, 641, 642 between the battery 540, 640 and the electric boiler 550, 650, said cables being at least partially housed in an additional electrically insulated exchanger 560, 660, directly supplied with cold water and supplying the electric boiler 550, 650.

[0094] The storage capacity of the battery or batteries used ranges from 60 to 180kWh. According to a preferred embodiment, each battery is composed of three 40 kWh batteries to provide a cumulative capacity of 120 kWh.

[0095] The technology used may be of the following types:

[0096] Lithium-ion,

[0097] Phosphate / ion,

[0098] Sodium / ion,

[0099] Aluminum / ion, or

[0100] Any type of battery (except lead-acid).

[0101] These batteries will also be used to power the various electrical sub-assemblies or modules that make up the device. Depending on whether they operate on alternating or direct current, a converter may or may not be used.

[0102] Since electric heaters are resistors, a direct DC power supply can be used as illustrated by the dashed lines in the figures.

[0103] The embodiment of Figure 4 differs from that illustrated by Figure 3 in that it includes a booster 800 positioned upstream of the boiler 650 so as to pressurize the hot water and allow a temperature above its boiling point before it exits.

[0104] In addition, the water outlet 130 is here equipped with a projection nozzle 900 controlled by a control module represented by the tap 910.

[0105] The hot water produced is directed towards the 900 projection nozzle.

[0106] At the exit of the projection nozzle, the water is sprayed.

[0107] The high pressure considered can be defined within the following intervals and thresholds:

[0108] From 50 bars,

[0109] From 50 to 100 bars,

[0110] From 100 bars, From 100 to 200 bars,

[0111] However, to obtain a water-steam mixture (10 to 12% steam), the water is heated to approximately 163 °C (325 °F) and subjected to a pressure of 8.3 bars.

[0112] Under these conditions, the water remains in a liquid state.

[0113] Once past the restriction zone of the spray nozzle, the water has the opportunity to partially evaporate. When it finally escapes into the atmosphere, its temperature drops instantly to its atmospheric boiling point of 100 °C (212 °F).

[0114] In doing so, the jet fragments into millions of tiny water droplets, exerting a considerable impact force. The expansion of the water into vapor can reach a factor of 170.

[0115] Due to the temperature drop at the nozzle's restriction zone, the water temperature at the nozzle outlet is always equal to or less than 100 °C (212 °F). The final temperature of the water / steam mixture is approximately 93 °C (200 °F).

[0116] This process makes the cleaning operation particularly effective.

[0117] The embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example. Modifications may be made to them without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, the number of hot water production modules, heat exchangers, or electric heaters, as well as whether said heaters can be in series and / or in parallel, may differ.

Claims

Demands

1. A mobile, independent hot water cleaning device (D), characterized by the fact that it comprises: A cold water inlet (110), At least one rechargeable electric battery (540, 640) At least one heat exchange module (530, 630) between the incoming cold water and said rechargeable electric battery (540, 640), At least one electric boiler (550, 650) powered by the rechargeable electric battery (540, 640) and heating the water that was the subject of the exchange, A hot water outlet (120, 130) produced for cleaning purposes.

2. Device (D) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises an electro-treatment module (700) of water disposed upstream of the exchange module (530, 630) treating the incoming cold water before exchange.

3. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT it comprises a booster (800) disposed upstream of the boiler (650) so as to pressurize the hot water before it exits.

4. Device (D) according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the water outlet (130) is equipped with a projection nozzle (900) controlled by a control module (910).

5. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT it comprises a water meter (340) measuring the quantity of water entering.

6. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises a pressure regulator (510, 610) disposed upstream of said exchange module (530, 630).

7. Device (D) according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises a pressure gauge (520, 620) associated with said pressure regulator (510, 610).

8. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises a boiler control panel (551, 651).

9. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises two electric boilers (550, 650).

10. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT it comprises an independent pipe connecting the inlet and outlet of the water housing a treatment module (200), said treatment module (200) ensuring, on command of the user of the device (D), the treatment in the incoming cold water independently of the heating means.

11. Device (D) according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said processing module (200) uses a technology selected from the following: - Treatment product injection system equipped with a removable cartridge holder for supplying treatment products, - Electric dosing pump for treatment product, - Electro-treatment module.

12. Device (D) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT it comprises an independent pipeline connecting the inlet (110) and the outlet of the water accommodating a module for pressurizing and distributing the incoming cold water independently of the heating means.

13. Device according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises power cables between the battery (540, 640) and the electric boiler (550, 650), said cables being at least partially housed in an additional electrically insulated heat exchanger (560, 660), supplied with cold water and supplying the electric boiler (550, 650).

14. Device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises a mobile platform on wheels on which the various functional modules according to claims 1 to 13 are installed.

15. Device (D) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises a motorized vehicle comprising a usable volume in which the various functional modules according to claims 1 to 13 are arranged.

16. Method of working a hot water cleaning device (D), said device comprising at least one electric battery (540, 640) and at least one electric boiler (550, 650) powered by said electric battery (540, 640) for the purpose of supplying hot water, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises an operation of preheating the cleaning water by means of the heat emitted by the supply battery (540, 640) in electricity from the electric boiler (550, 650) intended to bring said cleaning water to a high temperature, said preheating ensuring the cooling of said battery.

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