Hybrid system optimized for space heating and/or sanitary water production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic modules in hybrid heating systems have large overall dimensions, complicating installation and requiring invasive masonry and hydraulic adjustments, especially when replacing traditional boilers with more efficient hybrid systems in small spaces.

Innovation Solution

The hydraulic separator is positioned inside the boiler body, with sleeves arranged in a compact configuration to reduce vertical dimensions and integrate seamlessly with the existing system, allowing installation without additional adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hydraulic separator is used to enable integration of boiler and heat pump, then the system functionality is improved, but the overall dimensions and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integration capabilityVSAvoidhydraulic module dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic separator is positioned inside the boiler body, utilizing the existing boiler volume to house the separator components. This nesting approach allows the hydraulic module to be integrated within the boiler's footprint rather than requiring additional external space, thereby resolving the contradiction between system integration capability and overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the hydraulic separator with the boiler structure by positioning it inside the boiler body and integrating the sleeves with the boiler's connection system. This combination eliminates the need for separate external hydraulic modules, reducing overall installation space while maintaining full system integration functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hydraulic modules are used, then system integration is enabled, but invasive masonry and hydraulic adjustments are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehybrid system integrationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The boiler body is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the burner, heat exchangers, and now the hydraulic separator. The connection system is designed to universally accommodate both the boiler's primary circuits and the hydraulic separator's sleeves, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hydraulic module installations and reducing invasive adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic separator is pre-integrated into the boiler design with sleeves that align with the boiler's connection points. This preliminary integration means that during installation, the hydraulic separator is already in position and configured, eliminating the need for invasive masonry work or complex hydraulic adjustments that would otherwise be required when installing traditional external hydraulic modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic separator is positioned outside boiler, then system functionality is maintained, but vertical dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic separation functionVSAvoidvertical dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the hydraulic separator vertically below the boiler (increasing vertical dimension), the invention positions it horizontally inside the boiler body. This dimensional change utilizes the horizontal space within the boiler footprint, thereby maintaining the hydraulic separation function while minimizing vertical dimension increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces the overall dimensions of the hybrid system, enabling easy installation by minimizing space requirements and eliminating the need for invasive modifications.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic separator (50) arranged inside the body (6) of the boiler (3), said separator being configured to enable a first circuit of a technical fluid to be decoupled from a second circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic separation:

Implementation Method 2

the heat exchanger (21') which receives heat from the indoor air and cedes it to the technical fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

the heat exchanger (21') (operating as a condenser (21'), when the heat pump (2') works in 'indoor heating' mode), receives heat from the indoor air and cedes it to the technical fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP4686880A1Hybrid system optimized for space heating and/or sanitary water production
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ARISTON SPA
  • EP4686880A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686880A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4686880A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The object of the present invention is a hydraulic separator (50) configured to allow the hydraulic integration of a fuel boiler (3) and a heat pump (2) of a hybrid system (1) adapted to serve a heating system (4; U). The hydraulic separator (50) is in fluidic connection with a plurality of sleeves (51; 52; 53; 54), crossed by a technical fluid of the hybrid system (1), which are appropriately connected to a respective connection (8; 9), capable of putting the same hydraulic separator (50) in fluid communication with said fuel boiler (3) and/or heat pump (2) and/or with an indoor heating system (4). A further object of the present invention is a hybrid system (1) comprising said hydraulic separator (50).