AU2019226145A1 - A water heating system - Google Patents

A water heating system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU2019226145A1
AU2019226145A1 AU2019226145A AU2019226145A AU2019226145A1 AU 2019226145 A1 AU2019226145 A1 AU 2019226145A1 AU 2019226145 A AU2019226145 A AU 2019226145A AU 2019226145 A AU2019226145 A AU 2019226145A AU 2019226145 A1 AU2019226145 A1 AU 2019226145A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
water
flow
valves
outlet
heaters
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
AU2019226145A
Inventor
Daniel Cali
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2019226145A priority Critical patent/AU2019226145A1/en
Publication of AU2019226145A1 publication Critical patent/AU2019226145A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
    • E04H4/129—Systems for heating the water content of swimming pools
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/58—Cooling; Heating; Diminishing heat transfer
    • F04D29/586—Cooling; Heating; Diminishing heat transfer specially adapted for liquid pumps
    • F04D29/5866—Cooling at last part of the working fluid in a heat exchanger
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/10—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
    • F24H1/101—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium using electric energy supply
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/10—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
    • F24H1/12—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium
    • F24H1/121—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium using electric energy supply
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
    • F24D2220/02—Fluid distribution means
    • F24D2220/0271—Valves

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Steam Or Hot-Water Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet, a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the 5 supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters, a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters, a controller 10 to control the plurality of valves, and a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters. 1/3 C14 Ln LAn GG t.0 r.'4 ,-I 00

Description

1/3
C14 Ln
LAn
GG
t.0
r.'4
,-I A WATER HEATING SYSTEM
FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a water heating system. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for heating large bodies of water such as pools and spas. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Large heated bodies of water such as pools or spas are typically heated by large water heaters which can bring the body of water to the desired temperature quickly. Alternatively a smaller heater can be used to heat the body of water over a longer period of time. A problem with larger heaters is that while they can be fast in heating a body of water to a desired temperature, they can be inefficient at maintaining a large body at the desired temperature as less energy is required to maintain the body of water at the temperature. A smaller heater can be more efficient at maintaining a large body of water at a desired temperature but at the expense of taking a longer time to get the body of water up to the desired temperature. In some situations it is more desirable to have a large heater that can heat the body of water quickly and then allow the body of water to cool before heating the body of water to the desired temperature quickly. In other situations, it may be desirable to maintain the body of water at a desired temperature and the initial heating period is not as important.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with water heaters and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a controller to control the plurality of valves; and a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably, each of the plurality of flow through water heaters is a gas flow through water heater. In another embodiment, each of the flow through water heaters is an electrical flow through water heater. In a further embodiment, the plurality of flow through water heaters includes one or more electrical flow through water heaters, and one or more gas flow through water heaters. In the embodiment, where there are one or more electrical flow through water heaters, and one or more gas flow through water heaters, the use of the one or more electrical flow through water heaters, and the one or more gas flow through water heaters is preferably controlled by the controller based on an energy cost to heat the water using the one or more electrical flow through water heaters, or the one or more gas flow through water heaters. Preferably if solar generated electricity is available, the one or more electrical flow through water heaters are used in preference to the one or more gas flow through water heaters. Preferably when electricity is near peak demand, the one or more gas flow through water heaters are used in preference to the one or more electrical flow through water heaters. Preferably the controller includes a clock. Preferably the controller controls the number and/or type of flow through heaters to use based on the time of day. Preferably the plurality of flow through water heaters are connected in parallel between the supply inlet and the hot water outlet.
Preferably each of the valves includes an actuator. Preferably each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective valve between an open condition in which water can flow through the valve and a closed condition in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve. Preferably each actuator is controlled by the controller. Preferably the hot water outlet is connected to a receptacle to supply the heated water to the receptacle. Preferably the receptacle is a pool, a bath or a spa. Preferably the receptacle contains a body of water. In one embodiment, the receptacle is a pool with a capacity over 1,000,000 L. In another embodiment, the receptacle is a pool with a capacity between 10,000 L and 1,000,000 L. In a further embodiment, the receptacle is a pool with a capacity between 1,000,000 L and 5,000,000 L. In another embodiment, the receptacle is a pool with a capacity over 5,000,000 L. Preferably the water heating system includes a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the water in the receptacle. Preferably the temperature sensor is in communication with the controller. Preferably the controller controls the plurality of valves based on the temperature of water in the receptacle. Preferably, if the measured temperature is at or above a predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined maximum amount, the controller controls the valves such that water from the supply inlet only flows through one of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably, if the measured temperature is below a predetermined minimum amount and above a predetermined low amount, the controller controls the valves such that water from the supply inlet flows through two of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably, if the measured temperature is at or below a predetermined low amount, the controller controls the valves such that water from the supply inlet flows through all of the plurality of flow through water heaters. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the predetermined minimum amount depending on the time of day. Preferably during a non-use period of the receptacle, the controller lowers the predetermined minimum amount, compared to during a use period of the receptacle. Preferably this reduces the energy required to maintain the temperature of the water in the receptacle at or above the predetermined minimum amount. Preferably the water heating system includes a plurality of outlet valves. Preferably each of the plurality of outlet valves is located between an outlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the hot water outlet. Preferably each of the plurality of outlet valves is adapted to control the flow of water from the corresponding outlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters to the hot water outlet. In another embodiment, the water heating system includes flow control valves in place of the plurality of outlet valves to prevent water flowing back through the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably the controller includes a programable logic controller. Preferably the controller includes a display and input means so that the predetermined temperature amounts can be set. In one embodiment, the water heating system includes a flow meter to determine the volumetric flow rate in the hot water outlet. Preferably the controller is adapted to control the plurality of valves in response to the volumetric flow rate in the hot water outlet. Preferably, when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be at or below a predetermined minimum amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through one of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably, when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be above a predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined upper amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through at least two of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably, when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be at or above a predetermined upper amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through all of the plurality of flow through water heaters. In one embodiment, the plurality of flow through water heaters is two flow through water heaters. In another embodiment, the plurality of flow through water heaters is three flow through water heaters. In a further embodiment, the plurality of flow through water heaters is four flow through water heaters. In another embodiment, the plurality of flow through water heaters is five to ten flow through water heaters. In a further embodiment, the plurality of flow through water heaters is over ten flow through water heaters. Preferably the supply inlet for receiving water to be heated is connected to the receptacle such that water flows from the receptacle to the supply inlet. In another embodiment, the supply inlet is connected to mains water supply. In one embodiment the water heating system includes a second supply inlet, the second supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably each of the plurality of valves is adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet, and the second supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably the water heating system includes a second hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the second hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably each of the plurality of outlet valves is adapted to control the flow of water from the corresponding outlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters to the hot water outlet and the second hot water outlet. Preferably each of the plurality of valves can control from which of the supply inlet or second supply inlet the water flows from to each corresponding water heater. Preferably each of the plurality of outlet valves can control to which of the hot water outlet or second hot water outlet water flows to from each corresponding water heater. In one embodiment, the supply inlet and hot water outlet are operatively connected to a first heat exchanger. Preferably a receptacle is operatively connected to the heat exchanger so that water from the hot water outlet can heat water from the receptacle. Preferably the receptacle is a pool. Preferably the second supply inlet and second hot water outlet are operatively connected to a second heat exchanger. Preferably a second receptacle is operatively connected to the second heat exchanger so that water from the second hot water outlet can heat water from the second receptacle. Preferably the second body of water is a pool. Preferably in this manner, the number of flow through water heaters from the plurality of flow through water heaters which heat the first body of water and/or the second body of water can be controlled, depending on the heating requirements. Preferably the water heating system includes one or more pumps to move water through the system. Preferably the water heating system includes one or more pumps to move water through the supply inlet and hot water outlet, and one or more pumps to move water through the second supply inlet and second hot water outlet. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a controller to control the plurality of valves; a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; and a receptacle connected to the hot water outlet for receiving heated water from the hot water outlet. Preferably the supply inlet receives water from the receptacle. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of heating water, using a water heating system as described in the specification, including the steps of determining the temperature of water in a receptacle; controlling the plurality of valves with the controller based on the temperature of water in the receptacle, wherein if the measured temperature is at or above a predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined maximum amount, controlling the valves such that water from the supply inlet only flows through one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; if the measured temperature is below the predetermined minimum amount and above a predetermined low amount, controlling the valves such that water from the supply inlet flows through two of the plurality of flow through water heaters; and if the measured temperature is at or below the predetermined low amount, controlling the valves such that water from the supply inlet flows through all of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably the method includes the step of adjusting with the controller the predetermined minimum amount depending on the time of day, wherein during a non-use period of the receptacle, the controller lowers the predetermined minimum amount, compared to during a use period of the receptacle. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a pool water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a controller to control the plurality of valves; a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; and a pool connected to the hot water outlet for receiving heated water from the hot water outlet. Preferably the supply inlet receives water from the pool. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated. For example, the embodiment that describes a second supply inlet and associated features can be applied to other aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a water heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a water heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic view of a water heating system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a water heating system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water heating system 10 includes a plurality of flow through water heaters in the form of gas flow through water heaters 12,14,16. Each of the flow through water heaters 12,14,16 has an inlet 18,20,22, and an outlet 24,26,28. The water heating system 10 includes a supply inlet 30 for receiving water to be heated. The supply inlet 30 is connected to each of the inlets 18,20,22 of the flow through water heaters 12,14,16. The water heating system 10 has a plurality of valves 32,34,36, each of which is located between a corresponding inlet 18,20,22 of the flow through water heaters 12,14,16 and the supply inlet 30. Each of the valves 32,34,36 includes an actuator (not shown). Each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective valve 32,34,36 between an open condition in which water can flow through the valve 32,34,36 and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the valve 32,34,36. The actuators are connected to a controller in the form of a programable logic controller (PLC) 40. The PLC 40 controls the actuators, and thus the state of valves 32,34,36. The water heating system 10 has a hot water outlet 42 for supplying heated water from the flow through water heaters 12,14,16, the hot water outlet 42 is connected to each of the outlets 24,26,28 of the flow through water heaters 12,14,16. The water heating system 10 has a plurality of outlet valves 44,46,48, each of which is located between a corresponding outlet 24,26,28 of the flow through water heaters 12,14,16 and the hot water outlet 42. Each of the outlet valves 44,46,48 includes an actuator (not shown). Each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective outlet valve 44,46,48 between an open condition in which water can flow through the outlet valve 44,46,48 and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the outlet valve 44,46,48. The actuators of the outlet valves are controlled by the PLC 40. The hot water outlet 42 is connected to a receptacle in the form of a pool 50, which is filled with water 52. The pool includes a temperature sensor 54 connected to the PLC 40, so that the temperature of the water 52 in the pool 50 can be determined by the PLC 40. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the supply inlet 30 is connected to the pool 50 to receives water 52 from the pool to be heated by one or more of the flow through water heaters 12,14,16.
In use, with reference to Figure 1, the PLC 40 receives a signal from the temperature sensor 54 and determines a temperature of the water 52 in the pool 50. The PLC 40 controls the valves 32,34,36 and outlet valves 44,46,48 based on the temperature of the water 52 in the pool 50. If the measured temperature is at or above a predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined maximum amount, the PLC 40 controls the valves 32,34,36 and outlet valves 44,46,48 such that water from the supply inlet only flows through flow through water heater 16. If the measured temperature is below the predetermined minimum amount and above a predetermined low amount, the PLC 40 controls the valves 32,34,36 and outlet valves 44,46,48 such that water from the supply inlet flows through flow through water heaters 14,16. If the measured temperature is at or below the predetermined low amount, the PLC 40 controls the valves 32,34,36 and outlet valves 44,46,48 such that water from the supply inlet flows through flow through water heaters 12,14,16. The PLC 40 also adjusts the predetermined minimum amount depending on the time of day, wherein during a non-use period of the pool 50, the PLC lowers the predetermined minimum amount, compared to during a use period of the pool 50. In this manner, the water 52 in the pool 50 can be maintained at a lower temperature during non-use periods compared to use periods, with the water 52 potentially not requiring any heating during non-use periods, depending on how quickly the water 52 looses heat. With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a water heating system 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water heating system 110 includes a plurality of flow through water heaters in the form of gas flow through water heaters 112,114,116. Each of the flow through water heaters 112,114,116 has an inlet 118,120,122, and an outlet 124,126,128. The water heating system 110 includes a supply inlet 130 for receiving water to be heated. The supply inlet 130 is connected to each of the inlets 118,120,122 of the flow through water heaters 112,114,116. The water heating system 110 has a plurality of valves 132,134,136, each of which is located between a corresponding inlet 118,120,122 of the flow through water heaters 112,114,116 and the supply inlet 130. Each of the valves 132,134,136 includes an actuator (not shown). Each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective valve 132,134,136 between an open condition in which water can flow through the valve 132,134,136 and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the valve 132,134,136. The actuators are connected to a controller in the form of a programable logic controller (PLC) 140. The PLC 140 controls the actuators, and thus the state of valves 132,134,136. The water heating system 10 has a hot water outlet 142 for supplying heated water from the flow through water heaters 112,114,116, the hot water outlet 142 is connected to each of the outlets 124,126,128 of the flow through water heaters 112,114,116. The water heating system 110 has a plurality of outlet valves 144,146,148, each of which is located between a corresponding outlet 124,126,128 of the flow through water heaters 112,114,116 and the hot water outlet 142. Each of the outlet valves 144,146,148 includes an actuator (not shown). Each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective outlet valve 144,146,148 between an open condition in which water can flow through the outlet valve 144,146,148 and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the outlet valve 144,146,148. The actuators of the outlet valves are controlled by the PLC 140. The water heating system 110 includes a flow rate sensor 154 connected to the PLC 140, so that the flow rate of water in the hot water outlet 142 can be determined by the PLC 140. In use, with reference to Figure 2, the PLC 140 receives a signal from the flow rate sensor 154 and determines a flow rate of water in the hot water outlet 142. The PLC 140 controls the valves 132,134,136 and outlet valves 144,146,148 based on the flow rate of water in the hot water outlet 142. Preferably, when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be above a predetermined minimum amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through at least two of the plurality of flow through water heaters. Preferably, when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be above a predetermined upper amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through all of the plurality of flow through water heaters.
If the measured flow rate is at or below a predetermined minimum amount, the PLC 140 controls the valves 132,134,136 and outlet valves 144,146,148 such that water from the supply inlet only flows through flow through water heater 16. If the measured flow rate is above the predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined upper amount, the PLC 140 controls the valves 132,134,136 and outlet valves 144,146,148 such that water from the supply inlet flows through flow through water heaters 114,116. If the measured temperature is at or above the predetermined upper amount, the PLC 140 controls the valves 132,134,136 and outlet valves 144,146,148 such that water from the supply inlet flows through flow through water heaters 112,114,116. In this manner, the PLC 140 can control the amount of flow through water heaters 112,114,116 to bring on line, in response to the demand for hot water. With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a water heating system 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water heating system 210 includes a plurality of flow through water heaters in the form of gas flow through water heaters 212,214,216. Each of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216 has an inlet 218,220,222, and an outlet 224,226,228. The water heating system 210 includes a supply inlet 230 for receiving water to be heated, and a second supply inlet 256. The supply inlet 230 and the second supply inlet 256 are connected to each of the inlets 218,220,222 of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. The water heating system 210 has a plurality of valves 232,234,236, each of which is located between a corresponding inlet 218,220,222 of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216 and the supply inlet 230 and the second supply inlet 256. Each of the valves 232,234,236 includes an actuator (not shown). Each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective valve 232,234,236 between an open condition in which water can flow from the supply inlet 230 through the valve 232,234,236, a second open condition in which water can flow from the second supply inlet 256 through the valve 232,234,236, and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the valve 232,234,236. The actuators are connected to a controller in the form of a programable logic controller (PLC) 240. The PLC 240 controls the actuators, and thus the state of valves 232,234,236.
The water heating system 210 has a hot water outlet 242 for supplying heated water from the flow through water heaters 212,214,216, the hot water outlet 242 is connected to each of the outlets 224,226,228 of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. The water heating system 210 has a second hot water outlet 258 for supplying heated water from the flow through water heaters 212,214,216, the hot water outlet 258 is connected to each of the outlets 224,226,228 of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. The water heating system 210 has a plurality of outlet valves 244,246,248, each of which is located between a corresponding outlet 224,226,228 of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216 and the hot water outlet 242, and the second hot water outlet 258. Each of the outlet valves 244,246,248 includes an actuator (not shown). Each actuator is adapted to control the condition of the respective outlet valve 244,246,248 between an open condition in which water can flow through the outlet valve 244,246,248 to the hot water outlet 242, a second open condition in which water can flow through the outlet valve 244,246,248 to the second hot water outlet 258 and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the outlet valve 244,246,248. The actuators of the outlet valves are controlled by the PLC 240. The hot water outlet 242 is connected to a heat exchanger in the form of a plate heat exchanger 260. A receptacle in the form of a pool 250, which is filled with water 252 is also connected to the plate heat exchanger 260, such that the hot water from the hot water outlet 242 can heat the water 252 in the pool 250. The pool 250 includes a temperature sensor 254 connected to the PLC 240, so that the temperature of the water 252 in the pool 250 can be determined by the PLC 240. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the supply inlet 230 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 260 to receives water (originally from the hot water outlet 242), to be heated by one or more of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. The second hot water outlet 258 is connected to a heat exchanger in the form of a plate heat exchanger 264. A receptacle in the form of a pool 268, which is filled with water 270 is also connected to the plate heat exchanger 264, such that the hot water from the second hot water outlet 258 can heat the water 270 in the pool 268. The pool 268 includes a temperature sensor 272 connected to the PLC 240, so that the temperature of the water 270 in the pool 268 can be determined by the PLC 240.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second supply inlet 256 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 264 to receives water (originally from the second hot water outlet 258), to be heated by one or more of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. The water heating system 210 has a pump 262 to move water through the hot water outlet 242, the supply inlet 230 and respective ones of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. The water heating system 210 has a pump 266 to move water through the second hot water outlet 258, the supply inlet 256 and respective ones of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216. In use, with reference to Figure 3, the PLC 240 receives a signal from the temperature sensor 254 and determines a temperature of the water 252 in the pool 250, as well as a temperature of the water 270 in the pool 268. The PLC 40 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 based on the temperature of the water 252 in the pool 250, as well as the temperature of the water 270 in the pool 268. For example, if the measured temperature of the water 252 in the pool 250 is at or above a predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined maximum amount, the PLC 240 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 such that water from the supply inlet 230 only flows through flow through water heater 216 and out through the hot water outlet 242. For example, if the measured temperature of the water 252 in the pool 250 is below the predetermined minimum amount and above a predetermined low amount, the PLC 240 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 such that water from the supply inlet flows through flow through water heaters 214,216 and out through the hot water outlet 242. For example, if the measured temperature of the water 252 in the pool 250 is at or below the predetermined low amount, the PLC 240 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 such that water from the supply inlet flows through flow through water heaters 212,214,216 and out through the hot water outlet 242. The PLC 240 also adjusts the predetermined minimum amount depending on the time of day, wherein during a non-use period of the pool 250, the PLC lowers the predetermined minimum amount, compared to during a use period of the pool 250.
In this manner, the water 252 in the pool 250 can be maintained at a lower temperature during non-use periods compared to use periods, with the water 252 potentially not requiring any heating during non-use periods, depending on how quickly the water 252 looses heat. The PLC 240 also adjusts the predetermined minimum amount for pool 268 in a similar manner. The PLC 240 also controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 to control how many of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216 provide hot water to the pool 268 (via plate heat exchanger 264), and how many of the flow through water heaters 212,214,216 provide hot water to the pool 250 (via plate heat exchanger 260). For example, the PLC 240 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 so that flow through water heater 212 provides hot water to the pool 268 (via plate heat exchanger 264), to maintain the temperature of the water 270 in pool 268, and so that flow through water heaters 214,216 provide hot water to the pool 250 (via plate heat exchanger 260), to increase the temperature of the water 252 in pool 250. In another example, the PLC 240 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 so that flow through water heater 212 provides hot water to the pool 268 (via plate heat exchanger 264), to maintain the temperature of the water 270 in pool 268, and so that flow through water heater 216 provides hot water to the pool 250 (via plate heat exchanger 260), to maintain the temperature of the water 252 in pool 250, with no water flowing through flow through water heater 214. In a further example, the PLC 240 controls the valves 232,234,236 and outlet valves 244,246,248 so that flow through water heaters 212,214,216 provide hot water to the pool 268 (via plate heat exchanger 264), to increase the temperature of the water 270 in pool 268.
ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water heating system includes a scalable supply of hot water. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water heating system includes the ability to efficiently retain a body of water at temperature. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water heater includes the ability to quickly raise the temperature of a body of water.
VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims (20)

1. A water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a controller to control the plurality of valves; and a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters.
2. A water heating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flow through water heaters is a gas flow through water heater
3. A water heating system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the valves includes an actuator adapted to control the condition of the respective valve between an open condition in which water can flow through the valve and a closed condition in which water is prevented from flowing through the valve, and wherein each actuator is controlled by the controller to control the respective valve.
4. A water heating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of outlet valves, each of the plurality of outlet valves is located between an outlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the hot water outlet, wherein each of the plurality of outlet valves is adapted to control the flow of water from the corresponding outlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters to the hot water outlet, and wherein the controller controls the plurality of outlet valves.
5. A water heating system as claimed in claim 4, further including a second supply inlet, the second supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters, wherein each of the plurality of valves is adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet, and the second supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters, and wherein the water heating system further includes a second hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the second hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters, and wherein each of the plurality of outlet valves is adapted to control the flow of water from the corresponding outlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters to the hot water outlet and the second hot water outlet.
6. A water heating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot water outlet is connected to a receptacle to supply the heated water to the receptacle.
7. A water heating system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the receptacle is a pool, a bath or a spa.
8. A water heating system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, including a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the water in the receptacle, wherein the temperature sensor is in communication with the controller, and wherein the controller controls the plurality of valves based on the temperature of water in the receptacle.
9. A water heating system as claimed in any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, wherein the supply inlet receives water from the receptacle.
10. A water heating system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the supply inlet and hot water outlet are operatively connected to a first heat exchanger, and a receptacle is operatively connected to the heat exchanger so that water from the hot water outlet can heat water from the receptacle, and wherein the second supply inlet and second hot water outlet are operatively connected to a second heat exchanger, and a second receptacle is operatively connected to the second heat exchanger so that water from the second hot water outlet can heat water from the second receptacle.
11. A water heating system as claimed in claim 1, further including a flow meter to determine the volumetric flow rate in the hot water outlet, wherein the controller is connected to the flow meter, and adapted to control the plurality of valves in response to the measured volumetric flow rate in the hot water outlet.
12. A water heating system as claimed in claim 11, wherein when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be at or below a predetermined minimum amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through one of the plurality of flow through water heaters.
13. A water heating system as claimed in claim 12, wherein when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be above the predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined upper amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through at least two of the plurality of flow through water heaters.
14. A water heating system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, when the volumetric flow rate is determined to be at or above the predetermined upper amount, the controller controls the plurality of valves such that water can flow through all of the plurality of flow through water heaters.
15. A water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a controller to control the plurality of valves; a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; and a receptacle connected to the hot water outlet for receiving heated water from the hot water outlet.
16. A water heating system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the supply inlet receives water from the receptacle.
17. A pool water heating system having a plurality of flow through water heaters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a supply inlet for receiving water to be heated, the supply inlet connected to each of the inlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a plurality of valves, each of the plurality of valves located between an inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters and the supply inlet, each of the plurality of valves adapted to control the flow of water from the supply inlet to the corresponding inlet of one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; a controller to control the plurality of valves; a hot water outlet for supplying heated water from the plurality of flow through water heaters, the hot water outlet connected to each of the outlets of the plurality of flow through water heaters; and a pool connected to the hot water outlet for receiving heated water from the hot water outlet.
18. A pool water heating system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the supply inlet receives water from the pool.
19. A method of heating water, using a water heating system as described in claims 1 to 10, including the steps of determining the temperature of water in a receptacle, with a temperature sensor; controlling the plurality of valves with the controller based on the temperature of water in the receptacle, wherein if the measured temperature is at or above a predetermined minimum amount and below a predetermined maximum amount, controlling the valves such that water from the supply inlet only flows through one of the plurality of flow through water heaters; if the measured temperature is below the predetermined minimum amount and above a predetermined low amount, controlling the valves such that water from the supply inlet flows through two of the plurality of flow through water heaters; and if the measured temperature is at or below the predetermined low amount, controlling the valves such that water from the supply inlet flows through all of the plurality of flow through water heaters.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further including the step of adjusting with the controller the predetermined minimum amount depending on the time of day, wherein during a non-use period of the receptacle, the controller lowers the predetermined minimum amount, compared to during a use period of the receptacle.
AU2019226145A 2019-09-03 2019-09-03 A water heating system Abandoned AU2019226145A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2019226145A AU2019226145A1 (en) 2019-09-03 2019-09-03 A water heating system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2019226145A AU2019226145A1 (en) 2019-09-03 2019-09-03 A water heating system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2019226145A1 true AU2019226145A1 (en) 2021-03-18

Family

ID=75093450

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2019226145A Abandoned AU2019226145A1 (en) 2019-09-03 2019-09-03 A water heating system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2019226145A1 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN108474587B (en) Boiler for heating and water heating and control method thereof
US7945146B2 (en) Tankless hot water heater with power modulation
CN106288344B (en) Gas heating water heater and method for simultaneously providing heating hot water and bathroom hot water
CN102369398A (en) System and method for decentralized balancing of hydronic networks
RU2678888C2 (en) Control method for heating and/or cooling system with at least one loading circuit, as well as distribution device for heating and/or cooling system
CN205102377U (en) Fire electric heat water system
EP1564616A2 (en) System for independently regulating temperatures in different spaces and temperatures of one or more hot-water suplies
CN103344046A (en) Constant-temperature gas water heater control method and constant-temperature gas water heater
RU2642038C1 (en) Method of regulation of heat relief for heating buildings and regulation system on its basis (versions)
CN106369653A (en) Heating hot water device and heating hot water system
CN102235755A (en) Water temperature control method and device for water heater
EP2937286A1 (en) High capacity water heater
CN104214961A (en) Control method for water supply system
EP2587171B1 (en) Method of controlling a variable delivery pump fitted to a heating system
RU2020108438A (en) ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM OF A TWO-STAGE WATER HEATER IN A MACHINE FOR SALE OF HOT DRINKS
CN105091329A (en) Heat pump water heating system and control method of heat pump water heating system
CN206669841U (en) Self-priming balances heating system
CN206113076U (en) Adopt warm water installation and adopt warm water system
JP4752347B2 (en) Hot water storage water heater
AU2019226145A1 (en) A water heating system
CN104236112A (en) Method for controlling water supply system
US12117203B2 (en) Hybrid water heater with adaptive temperature control
JP2018204819A (en) Storage water heater
EP4040068A1 (en) Smart electric heating device
CN111829047A (en) Double-water-tank solid sensible heat storage heating system and demand response regulation and control method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MK4 Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application