CA2914194C - Integrated renewable energy system - Google Patents
Integrated renewable energy system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2914194C CA2914194C CA2914194A CA2914194A CA2914194C CA 2914194 C CA2914194 C CA 2914194C CA 2914194 A CA2914194 A CA 2914194A CA 2914194 A CA2914194 A CA 2914194A CA 2914194 C CA2914194 C CA 2914194C
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- water
- tankless
- hot water
- inlet
- holding tank
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 385
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 110
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 235000012206 bottled water Nutrition 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000025508 response to water Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003303 reheating Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
- F24D11/002—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system
- F24D11/003—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system combined with solar energy
-
- 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
- F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
- F24D11/002—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system
- F24D11/004—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system with conventional supplementary heat source
-
- 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
- F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
- F24D17/0036—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means
- F24D17/0063—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means solar energy and conventional heaters
- F24D17/0068—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means solar energy and conventional heaters with accumulation of the heated water
-
- 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
- F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
- F24D17/0089—Additional heating means, e.g. electric heated buffer tanks or electric continuous flow heaters, located close to the consumer, e.g. directly before the water taps in bathrooms, in domestic hot water lines
-
- 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
- F24D19/00—Details
- F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
- F24D19/1066—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for the combination of central heating and domestic hot water
-
- 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
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/02—Photovoltaic energy
-
- 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
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/04—Gas or oil fired boiler
-
- 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
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/08—Electric heater
-
- 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
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/14—Solar energy
-
- 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
- F24D5/00—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems
- F24D5/005—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems combined with solar energy
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
- Y02A30/60—Planning or developing urban green infrastructure
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A specially designed integrated renewable energy system is operative to more efficiently and less expensively provide heating energy for conditioned space supply air and domestic hot water heating in a residential application of the type which heretofore might utilize a fuel-fired or electric furnace and a fuel-fired or electric storage type water heater to respectively generate space heating air and domestic hot water. The system utilizes solar energy in combination with what, at least predominately, are conventional, off-the-shelf air and water heating components to substantially reduce air and water heating costs in a simple manner.
Description
INTEGRATED RENEWABLE ENERG Y SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional space heating and domestic water heating systems, for example those provided in residential applications, typically utilize a fuel-fired or electric furnace to provide heated air to conditioned spaces of the residence, and a fuel-fired or electric water heater to provide heated potable water to various hot water-utilizing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, dishwashers and the like. As the cost of commercially supplied fossil fuel and electrical power continues to rise, a growing need to reduce air and water heating costs in both residential and commercial applications, by increasing the use of renewable energy, is presented. It is to this need that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, there is provided a method of utilizing renewable energy to heat air for delivery to a conditioned space, and to heat potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the method comprising the steps of: storing solar-heated water in a tank; providing for on-demand delivery of the solar-heated water from the tank to (1) a heating coil of an air handling unit operable to deliver heated air to a conditioned space, (2) a domestic hot water supply mixing valve, and (3) a tankless water heater; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to the solar-heated water that is being delivered from the tank to the heating coil when the temperature thereof is below a predetermined temperature, the utilizing step being performed by: flowing the solar-heated water from the tank through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is at or below a selected temperature; and causing the solar-heated water from the tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is above the selected temperature.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of utilizing renewable energy to heat air for delivery to a conditioned space, and to heat potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the method comprising the steps of: providing: an air handling unit with an air supply fan and a heating coil for heating air supplied to the conditioned space by the air supply fan, 23202904.1 a tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a domestic hot water supply mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated potable water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the hot-water utilizing fixture, and a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet; communicating (1) a source of potable cold water with the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, and with the inlet of the hot water holding tank, and (2) the outlet of the hot water holding tank with the inlet of the tankless water heater, with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and with an inlet of the heating coil;
coupling a solar energy apparatus to the hot water holding tank, the solar energy apparatus being selectively operable to heat water in the hot water holding tank for delivery therefrom to the inlet of the tankless water heater, to the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and to the inlet of the heating coil; utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined tank water temperature; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the domestic hot water supply mixing valve and to the heating coil when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, the step of utilizing the tankless water heater including:
flowing water from the hot water holding tank through the tankless water heater only if the temperature of the water is at or below a selected temperature; and causing water from the hot water holding tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the water is above the selected temperature.
In yet another aspect, there is provided an integrated renewable energy system for heating air for delivery to a conditioned space, and for heating potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the system comprising: (a) heating components including: an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture, a hot water holding tank having an inlet, an outlet, and a heat exchanger through which a heating liquid may be flowed to heat water disposed in the hot water holding tank, a solar energy collector, and a pump;
(b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including:
a heating liquid 23202904.1 section interconnecting the heat exchanger and the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the heating liquid section and being selectively operable to flow heating liquid from the solar energy collector through the heat exchanger and then back to the solar energy collector, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering water from the holding tank outlet to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank; (c) a control system operative to: energize the pump during periods when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is at or below a predetermined tank water temperature and a temperature of the heating liquid is at least a predetermined heating liquid temperature, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause water delivered from the hot water holding tank to one of:
(i) flow through the tankless water heater only (ii) bypass the tankless water heater.
In yet another aspect, there is provided an integrated renewable energy system for heating air for delivery to a conditioned space, and for heating potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the system comprising: (a) heating components including: an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture, a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, a solar energy collector, and a pump; (b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including: a water piping section interconnecting the inlet and outlet of the hot water holding tank with the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the water piping section and being electively operable to flow water 23202904.1 from within the hot water holding tank through the solar energy collector and then back into the hot water holding tank, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering the water from the outlet of the hot water holding tank to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank; (c) a control system operative to: energize the pump during periods when water within the hot water holding tank requires heating, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, only in response to water flow through the tankless water heater;
and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause heated water delivered front the hot water holding tank to flow through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is below a selected temperature, and cause the delivered heated water to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is at least the selected temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective piping diagram of the integrated renewable energy system;
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a solar heating portion of the FIG. 1 schematic perspective piping diagram;
FIG. 2 is a schematic piping and control diagram of a portion of the system;
and FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram illustrating control sequences for air and water heating portions of the system.
23202904.1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In a representatively illustrated embodiment thereof, this invention provides an integrated renewable energy system for use in more efficiently and less expensively providing heating energy for conditioned space supply air and domestic hot water heating in, for example, a residential application of the type which heretofore might utilize a fuel-fired or electric furnace and a fuel-fired or electric storage type water heater to respectively generate space heating air and domestic hot water.
Schematically depicted in FIG. 1 is a representative embodiment of an integrated renewable energy system 10 embodying principles of the present invention and utilized to supply heated air to a conditioned space, and to provide on-demand heated potable water to various hot-water-utilizing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, dishwashers and the like. The representatively illustrated system embodiment 10 has, as primary components, (1) an air handling unit 12; (2) a fuel-fired tankless water heater 14; (3) a mixing valve 15, (4) at least one hot water holding tank 16 (illustratively two in number); (5) at least one solar collector panel 18 (illustratively four in number); (6) at least one propylene glycol pump 20 23202904.1 (illustratively two in number); and (7) at least one photovoltaic cell 22 (illustratively two in number).
'lie air handling unit 12 has a cabinet portion 24. a hydronic heating coil 28, an electrically powered conventional supply fan 25 therein, and an evaporator coil box 26 operatively connected to the top cod of the cabinet portion 24. Coil box 26 has a conventional direct expansion refrigerant coil 27 therein, the refrigerant coil 27 being connected to an outdoor condensing unit 30 by refrigerant lines 32. During operation of the airliandling unit fan 25, return air front the conditioned space served by the air handling unit 12 is drawn into the cabinet portion 24 and flowed upwardly through the coil box 26 and then to the conditioned space. When there is a call for heat from the conditioned space, hot water is flowed through the heating coil 28, as later described herein, whereby the supply air exiting the coil box 26 is heated air 34. The air handling unit 12 is provided with a water circulating punip 35 that is energized upon a call for heat from the air handling unit 12 and facilitates the flow 01 heated water through the bydronic coil 28. Water circulating pump 35 is operatively disposed within the cabinet portion 24, but is schematically shown outside thereof in Mi. I
for illustrative clarity_ The tankless water heater 14 is representatively a high capacity gas-fired tankless water heater, but could alternatively he fired with another type of fuel, or could incorporate electric water heating apparatus. Water heater lb has a water inlet 36 and a water outlet 38.
Mixing valve IS has a hot water inlet I5a, a cold water inlet 151). and a blended temperature water outlet 15c.
11acli of the hut Watec holding tanks 16 is well insulated and has water inlet and outlet I ittings 40 and 42 on its upper end, and an associated heat exchanger structure 44 used to selectively heat water in the tank 16. I teat exchanger 44 may be disposed within the interior of the tank 16 or suitably disposed externally to the tank in heat conductive thermal communication with the tank. In a subsequently described manner, each pump 20 is utilized to flow heated propylene glycol (or another suitable type of liquid heating medium) from associated ones of the solar collectors 18 through one of the heat exchangers 44. to transfer glycol heat to the water in the associated hot water holding tank 16, and then hack to the solar collectors 18 for reheating.
'II ic photovoltaic cells 22 are utilized to capture energy from die sun and transl.er resulting operational electric energy to. for example, the building's electrical panel not shown) Ibr use therefrom in heating air or potable water, or to a suitable back-up battery system (not shown).via schematically depicted lead 45. As an alternative to transferring PCT/1iS2014/039334 photovoltaicly-created electrical energy directly to the building's electrical panel or to a back-up battery system, as shown in phantom in FIG. I such photovoliaiely-created electric energy may be transferred to a grid G. As used herein, the term "grid- refers to an electrical apparatus Or circuit operative to receive electrical power from one or more suppliers and deliver the received electrical power to consumers.
With continuing reference to I0G. I. the system 10liquid-reeciving components 12,14,15,16.18 and 20 described above are operatively interconnected by a liquid piping arrangement generally denoted by the reference numeral 46. Piping arrangement 46 has a two liquid heating sections 48, each of which operatively couples one of the pumps 20 with one of the holding tank heat exchangers 44 and its associated pair of solar collectors 18 in a manner such that when the pump 20 is operating it causes hot propylene glycol (or another suitable heating liquid) from the solar collector pair to flow through the heat exchanger 44, thereby indirectly heating the water in the holding tank 16 via the heated propylene glycol, and then back to the pair of solar collectors 18.
A direct solar tank wnter heating alternative to the indirect solar tank water heating method just described is depicted in l'IG. IA. In this direct heating alternative method, the interior of each of the hot water hot dine tanks 16 (only one of which is shown in I0G. IA) is directly coupled to the solar collectors 18 by a water piping section 48a in which a water pump 20a is operatively installed. When the pump 20a is energized it forces tank water through the piping section 48a through the solar collectors 18. to transfer solar heat to the water, and then back into the associated tank 16.
Returning now to FIG. I, a cold water makeup section 50 of the piping arrangement 46 routes pressurized potable cold water from a source thereof (such as a city water supply) to the holding tank inlets 40 and to the cold water inlet 151) of the mixing valve IS A heated water supply section 52 of the piping arrangement 46 delivers heated water from the holding tank outlets 42 to the inlet 36 of the tankless water heater 14 and then to hot water inlet 15a of the mixing valve IS and the inlet of the hydronic heating coil 28 of the air handling unit 12.
A three-way diverting valve 53 installed in the piping section 52 is operable in a subsequently described manner to selectively cause water (1) to flow through the tankless water heater 14 (thereby causing it to fire and add heat the water flowing through it) or (2) bypass the tankless water heater 14 and flow into the piping. section 52 as shown in 11G.
I. I;inally. a heated water return section 54 of the piping an-angement 46 returns heated water from the outlet of the fan coil unit hydronie coil 28 to the inlets 40 of the holding tanks 16 through backth)w preventers 56.
Turning now to the schematic piping and control diagram of FIG. 2, which depicts various ones of the previously described system components interconnected as shown by the piping sections 50.52 and 54, a water temperature sensor 58 disposed within each of the hot water holding tanks 16 (only one of which is shown in 11G. 2) outputs a sensed temperature signal 60 to a control valve 62 that, in turn, outputs a control signal 64 to the diverting valve 53 when the signals 60 are indicative of a sensed water temperature at or less than a predetermined magnitude (by way of non-limiting example, 1301-0. Receipt of the signal 64 by the valve 53 opens its outlet 53a and closes its nutlet 5'3I), thereby causing hot water flow tlirough the tankless water lwater 14 (thus causing it to fire) via the piping section 52a and the heater inlet 36 to add heat to the hot water thereafter supplied to the air handler 12 and the domestic water mixing valve 15 with its inlet 15a and outlets 151) and I Sc.
In the absence of the control valve signal Oh, the outlet 53a of the valve 53 closes and its outlet 53h opens, thereby causing the heated water supplied to the diverting valve 53 to bypass the tankless water heater 14 via the indicated piping section 52b.
As shown in 11G. 2, the integrated renewable energy system 10 includes a thermostat 66 appropriately disposed in the conditioned space served by the air handler 12 and operative to transinit to the air handler 12 a signal 68 when the thermostat-sensed [cmperature in the conditioned space falls below a sopoint magnitude. Ihe thermostat 66 is illustratively provided with a system controller portion 70 incorporating therein a preprogrammed microprocessor 72 that provides overall control of the integrated renewable energy system 10. For example, as depicted in FIG. I. in addition to outputting, the signal 68 in response to a sensed conditioned space air temperature, the system controller portion 70 receives appropriate signals indicative of die water teniperatures in the hat water holding tanks 16 and the glycol temperature in the glycol piping sections 48 and responsively starting the glycol pumps 20 when the glycol temperature greater than the water temperature by at least a predetermined magnitude (by way of non-limiting example, 20(1), and terminating operation of the pumps 20 when at least this temperature differential is not present.
The control al the integrated renewable energy system 10 and its tankless water heater portion 14 provided by the system controller portion 70 of the thermostat 66 is schematically depicted in the logic Ilow chart of NG. 3 to which reference is now made. In response to either a call for conditioned space twat at step 72 or a call for heated domestic water It step 74, a transfer is made to step 76 at which a query is made as to whether the temperature of hot water available at the inlet to the tankless water heater 14 (as measured in the holding tanks 16) is greater than a predetermined temperature (illustratively 130;).
11 the answer to this query is "no", a transfer is made to step 78 at which the diverting valve 53 is set to cause water to flow through the tankless water heater 14 thereby causing it to fire at step 80 and add heat to the water.
In response to the call for space heating (shown at step 82), the hydronic air handler 12 is started at step 84 and continues to run until the thermostat 66 measures a predetermined temperature at step 86 at which point a thermostat satisfaction signal 88 is generated. II
subsequent to step 80 and the presence of a call for domestic hot water usage at step 90, a stoppage of such usage is sensed at step 92, ii domestic hot water usage termination signal 94 is generated. In response to the generation of both oh the signals 88 and 94.
the system 10 is turned all stcp 96.
If at the previous step 76 it is determined that the temperature of hot water available at the inlet to the tankless water heater 14 (as measured in the holding tanks 16) is greater than the predetermined temperature (illustratively 130019 a transfer is made from step 70 to step 98 at which the diverting valve 53 is set to cause water approaching the tankless water heater 14 to bypass it. In response to a call for space heating (shown at step 10(l), the hydronie air handler 12 is started at step 102 and continues to run until the thermostat 66 measures a predetermined temperature at step 104 at which point a thermostat satisfaction signal 106 is 2enerated. 11 subsequent to step 98 and the presence of a call or domestic hot water usage at step I 08, a stoppage of such usage is sensed at step I 10, a domestic hot water usage termination signal 112 is generated. In response to the generation of both of the signals 1(16 and 112. the system 10 is turned off at step 96.
As can be seen from the foregoing, in a representatively illustrated embodiment thereof the present invention provides an integrated renewable energy system and associated methods which economically utilize solar energy in combination with what, at least predominately, are conventional, off-the-shell air and water heating components to substantially reduce air and water heating costs in a simple manner. It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the heating art that when the stored and available solar-generated energy is sufficient to fully satisfy the air and water heating demands, the tankless water heater 14 need not be tired. When the stored and available solar-generated energy is only able to satisfy a portion of such air and water heating demands, the tankless water heater 14 automatically functions to make up the deficiency of such renewable energy.
Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment 11) of an integrated renewable energy system embodying principles of the present invention, the tankless water heater is preferably sized to handle by itself the maximum anticipated combined air and water heating demand It in the event that conditions are such that solar-based energy becomes unavailable.
'Pie foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration tad example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional space heating and domestic water heating systems, for example those provided in residential applications, typically utilize a fuel-fired or electric furnace to provide heated air to conditioned spaces of the residence, and a fuel-fired or electric water heater to provide heated potable water to various hot water-utilizing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, dishwashers and the like. As the cost of commercially supplied fossil fuel and electrical power continues to rise, a growing need to reduce air and water heating costs in both residential and commercial applications, by increasing the use of renewable energy, is presented. It is to this need that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, there is provided a method of utilizing renewable energy to heat air for delivery to a conditioned space, and to heat potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the method comprising the steps of: storing solar-heated water in a tank; providing for on-demand delivery of the solar-heated water from the tank to (1) a heating coil of an air handling unit operable to deliver heated air to a conditioned space, (2) a domestic hot water supply mixing valve, and (3) a tankless water heater; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to the solar-heated water that is being delivered from the tank to the heating coil when the temperature thereof is below a predetermined temperature, the utilizing step being performed by: flowing the solar-heated water from the tank through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is at or below a selected temperature; and causing the solar-heated water from the tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is above the selected temperature.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of utilizing renewable energy to heat air for delivery to a conditioned space, and to heat potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the method comprising the steps of: providing: an air handling unit with an air supply fan and a heating coil for heating air supplied to the conditioned space by the air supply fan, 23202904.1 a tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a domestic hot water supply mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated potable water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the hot-water utilizing fixture, and a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet; communicating (1) a source of potable cold water with the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, and with the inlet of the hot water holding tank, and (2) the outlet of the hot water holding tank with the inlet of the tankless water heater, with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and with an inlet of the heating coil;
coupling a solar energy apparatus to the hot water holding tank, the solar energy apparatus being selectively operable to heat water in the hot water holding tank for delivery therefrom to the inlet of the tankless water heater, to the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and to the inlet of the heating coil; utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined tank water temperature; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the domestic hot water supply mixing valve and to the heating coil when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, the step of utilizing the tankless water heater including:
flowing water from the hot water holding tank through the tankless water heater only if the temperature of the water is at or below a selected temperature; and causing water from the hot water holding tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the water is above the selected temperature.
In yet another aspect, there is provided an integrated renewable energy system for heating air for delivery to a conditioned space, and for heating potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the system comprising: (a) heating components including: an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture, a hot water holding tank having an inlet, an outlet, and a heat exchanger through which a heating liquid may be flowed to heat water disposed in the hot water holding tank, a solar energy collector, and a pump;
(b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including:
a heating liquid 23202904.1 section interconnecting the heat exchanger and the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the heating liquid section and being selectively operable to flow heating liquid from the solar energy collector through the heat exchanger and then back to the solar energy collector, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering water from the holding tank outlet to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank; (c) a control system operative to: energize the pump during periods when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is at or below a predetermined tank water temperature and a temperature of the heating liquid is at least a predetermined heating liquid temperature, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause water delivered from the hot water holding tank to one of:
(i) flow through the tankless water heater only (ii) bypass the tankless water heater.
In yet another aspect, there is provided an integrated renewable energy system for heating air for delivery to a conditioned space, and for heating potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the system comprising: (a) heating components including: an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture, a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, a solar energy collector, and a pump; (b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including: a water piping section interconnecting the inlet and outlet of the hot water holding tank with the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the water piping section and being electively operable to flow water 23202904.1 from within the hot water holding tank through the solar energy collector and then back into the hot water holding tank, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering the water from the outlet of the hot water holding tank to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank; (c) a control system operative to: energize the pump during periods when water within the hot water holding tank requires heating, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, only in response to water flow through the tankless water heater;
and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause heated water delivered front the hot water holding tank to flow through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is below a selected temperature, and cause the delivered heated water to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is at least the selected temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective piping diagram of the integrated renewable energy system;
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a solar heating portion of the FIG. 1 schematic perspective piping diagram;
FIG. 2 is a schematic piping and control diagram of a portion of the system;
and FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram illustrating control sequences for air and water heating portions of the system.
23202904.1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In a representatively illustrated embodiment thereof, this invention provides an integrated renewable energy system for use in more efficiently and less expensively providing heating energy for conditioned space supply air and domestic hot water heating in, for example, a residential application of the type which heretofore might utilize a fuel-fired or electric furnace and a fuel-fired or electric storage type water heater to respectively generate space heating air and domestic hot water.
Schematically depicted in FIG. 1 is a representative embodiment of an integrated renewable energy system 10 embodying principles of the present invention and utilized to supply heated air to a conditioned space, and to provide on-demand heated potable water to various hot-water-utilizing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, dishwashers and the like. The representatively illustrated system embodiment 10 has, as primary components, (1) an air handling unit 12; (2) a fuel-fired tankless water heater 14; (3) a mixing valve 15, (4) at least one hot water holding tank 16 (illustratively two in number); (5) at least one solar collector panel 18 (illustratively four in number); (6) at least one propylene glycol pump 20 23202904.1 (illustratively two in number); and (7) at least one photovoltaic cell 22 (illustratively two in number).
'lie air handling unit 12 has a cabinet portion 24. a hydronic heating coil 28, an electrically powered conventional supply fan 25 therein, and an evaporator coil box 26 operatively connected to the top cod of the cabinet portion 24. Coil box 26 has a conventional direct expansion refrigerant coil 27 therein, the refrigerant coil 27 being connected to an outdoor condensing unit 30 by refrigerant lines 32. During operation of the airliandling unit fan 25, return air front the conditioned space served by the air handling unit 12 is drawn into the cabinet portion 24 and flowed upwardly through the coil box 26 and then to the conditioned space. When there is a call for heat from the conditioned space, hot water is flowed through the heating coil 28, as later described herein, whereby the supply air exiting the coil box 26 is heated air 34. The air handling unit 12 is provided with a water circulating punip 35 that is energized upon a call for heat from the air handling unit 12 and facilitates the flow 01 heated water through the bydronic coil 28. Water circulating pump 35 is operatively disposed within the cabinet portion 24, but is schematically shown outside thereof in Mi. I
for illustrative clarity_ The tankless water heater 14 is representatively a high capacity gas-fired tankless water heater, but could alternatively he fired with another type of fuel, or could incorporate electric water heating apparatus. Water heater lb has a water inlet 36 and a water outlet 38.
Mixing valve IS has a hot water inlet I5a, a cold water inlet 151). and a blended temperature water outlet 15c.
11acli of the hut Watec holding tanks 16 is well insulated and has water inlet and outlet I ittings 40 and 42 on its upper end, and an associated heat exchanger structure 44 used to selectively heat water in the tank 16. I teat exchanger 44 may be disposed within the interior of the tank 16 or suitably disposed externally to the tank in heat conductive thermal communication with the tank. In a subsequently described manner, each pump 20 is utilized to flow heated propylene glycol (or another suitable type of liquid heating medium) from associated ones of the solar collectors 18 through one of the heat exchangers 44. to transfer glycol heat to the water in the associated hot water holding tank 16, and then hack to the solar collectors 18 for reheating.
'II ic photovoltaic cells 22 are utilized to capture energy from die sun and transl.er resulting operational electric energy to. for example, the building's electrical panel not shown) Ibr use therefrom in heating air or potable water, or to a suitable back-up battery system (not shown).via schematically depicted lead 45. As an alternative to transferring PCT/1iS2014/039334 photovoltaicly-created electrical energy directly to the building's electrical panel or to a back-up battery system, as shown in phantom in FIG. I such photovoliaiely-created electric energy may be transferred to a grid G. As used herein, the term "grid- refers to an electrical apparatus Or circuit operative to receive electrical power from one or more suppliers and deliver the received electrical power to consumers.
With continuing reference to I0G. I. the system 10liquid-reeciving components 12,14,15,16.18 and 20 described above are operatively interconnected by a liquid piping arrangement generally denoted by the reference numeral 46. Piping arrangement 46 has a two liquid heating sections 48, each of which operatively couples one of the pumps 20 with one of the holding tank heat exchangers 44 and its associated pair of solar collectors 18 in a manner such that when the pump 20 is operating it causes hot propylene glycol (or another suitable heating liquid) from the solar collector pair to flow through the heat exchanger 44, thereby indirectly heating the water in the holding tank 16 via the heated propylene glycol, and then back to the pair of solar collectors 18.
A direct solar tank wnter heating alternative to the indirect solar tank water heating method just described is depicted in l'IG. IA. In this direct heating alternative method, the interior of each of the hot water hot dine tanks 16 (only one of which is shown in I0G. IA) is directly coupled to the solar collectors 18 by a water piping section 48a in which a water pump 20a is operatively installed. When the pump 20a is energized it forces tank water through the piping section 48a through the solar collectors 18. to transfer solar heat to the water, and then back into the associated tank 16.
Returning now to FIG. I, a cold water makeup section 50 of the piping arrangement 46 routes pressurized potable cold water from a source thereof (such as a city water supply) to the holding tank inlets 40 and to the cold water inlet 151) of the mixing valve IS A heated water supply section 52 of the piping arrangement 46 delivers heated water from the holding tank outlets 42 to the inlet 36 of the tankless water heater 14 and then to hot water inlet 15a of the mixing valve IS and the inlet of the hydronic heating coil 28 of the air handling unit 12.
A three-way diverting valve 53 installed in the piping section 52 is operable in a subsequently described manner to selectively cause water (1) to flow through the tankless water heater 14 (thereby causing it to fire and add heat the water flowing through it) or (2) bypass the tankless water heater 14 and flow into the piping. section 52 as shown in 11G.
I. I;inally. a heated water return section 54 of the piping an-angement 46 returns heated water from the outlet of the fan coil unit hydronie coil 28 to the inlets 40 of the holding tanks 16 through backth)w preventers 56.
Turning now to the schematic piping and control diagram of FIG. 2, which depicts various ones of the previously described system components interconnected as shown by the piping sections 50.52 and 54, a water temperature sensor 58 disposed within each of the hot water holding tanks 16 (only one of which is shown in 11G. 2) outputs a sensed temperature signal 60 to a control valve 62 that, in turn, outputs a control signal 64 to the diverting valve 53 when the signals 60 are indicative of a sensed water temperature at or less than a predetermined magnitude (by way of non-limiting example, 1301-0. Receipt of the signal 64 by the valve 53 opens its outlet 53a and closes its nutlet 5'3I), thereby causing hot water flow tlirough the tankless water lwater 14 (thus causing it to fire) via the piping section 52a and the heater inlet 36 to add heat to the hot water thereafter supplied to the air handler 12 and the domestic water mixing valve 15 with its inlet 15a and outlets 151) and I Sc.
In the absence of the control valve signal Oh, the outlet 53a of the valve 53 closes and its outlet 53h opens, thereby causing the heated water supplied to the diverting valve 53 to bypass the tankless water heater 14 via the indicated piping section 52b.
As shown in 11G. 2, the integrated renewable energy system 10 includes a thermostat 66 appropriately disposed in the conditioned space served by the air handler 12 and operative to transinit to the air handler 12 a signal 68 when the thermostat-sensed [cmperature in the conditioned space falls below a sopoint magnitude. Ihe thermostat 66 is illustratively provided with a system controller portion 70 incorporating therein a preprogrammed microprocessor 72 that provides overall control of the integrated renewable energy system 10. For example, as depicted in FIG. I. in addition to outputting, the signal 68 in response to a sensed conditioned space air temperature, the system controller portion 70 receives appropriate signals indicative of die water teniperatures in the hat water holding tanks 16 and the glycol temperature in the glycol piping sections 48 and responsively starting the glycol pumps 20 when the glycol temperature greater than the water temperature by at least a predetermined magnitude (by way of non-limiting example, 20(1), and terminating operation of the pumps 20 when at least this temperature differential is not present.
The control al the integrated renewable energy system 10 and its tankless water heater portion 14 provided by the system controller portion 70 of the thermostat 66 is schematically depicted in the logic Ilow chart of NG. 3 to which reference is now made. In response to either a call for conditioned space twat at step 72 or a call for heated domestic water It step 74, a transfer is made to step 76 at which a query is made as to whether the temperature of hot water available at the inlet to the tankless water heater 14 (as measured in the holding tanks 16) is greater than a predetermined temperature (illustratively 130;).
11 the answer to this query is "no", a transfer is made to step 78 at which the diverting valve 53 is set to cause water to flow through the tankless water heater 14 thereby causing it to fire at step 80 and add heat to the water.
In response to the call for space heating (shown at step 82), the hydronic air handler 12 is started at step 84 and continues to run until the thermostat 66 measures a predetermined temperature at step 86 at which point a thermostat satisfaction signal 88 is generated. II
subsequent to step 80 and the presence of a call for domestic hot water usage at step 90, a stoppage of such usage is sensed at step 92, ii domestic hot water usage termination signal 94 is generated. In response to the generation of both oh the signals 88 and 94.
the system 10 is turned all stcp 96.
If at the previous step 76 it is determined that the temperature of hot water available at the inlet to the tankless water heater 14 (as measured in the holding tanks 16) is greater than the predetermined temperature (illustratively 130019 a transfer is made from step 70 to step 98 at which the diverting valve 53 is set to cause water approaching the tankless water heater 14 to bypass it. In response to a call for space heating (shown at step 10(l), the hydronie air handler 12 is started at step 102 and continues to run until the thermostat 66 measures a predetermined temperature at step 104 at which point a thermostat satisfaction signal 106 is 2enerated. 11 subsequent to step 98 and the presence of a call or domestic hot water usage at step I 08, a stoppage of such usage is sensed at step I 10, a domestic hot water usage termination signal 112 is generated. In response to the generation of both of the signals 1(16 and 112. the system 10 is turned off at step 96.
As can be seen from the foregoing, in a representatively illustrated embodiment thereof the present invention provides an integrated renewable energy system and associated methods which economically utilize solar energy in combination with what, at least predominately, are conventional, off-the-shell air and water heating components to substantially reduce air and water heating costs in a simple manner. It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the heating art that when the stored and available solar-generated energy is sufficient to fully satisfy the air and water heating demands, the tankless water heater 14 need not be tired. When the stored and available solar-generated energy is only able to satisfy a portion of such air and water heating demands, the tankless water heater 14 automatically functions to make up the deficiency of such renewable energy.
Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment 11) of an integrated renewable energy system embodying principles of the present invention, the tankless water heater is preferably sized to handle by itself the maximum anticipated combined air and water heating demand It in the event that conditions are such that solar-based energy becomes unavailable.
'Pie foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration tad example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims.
Claims (22)
1. A method of utilizing renewable energy to heat air for delivery to a conditioned space, and to heat potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the method comprising the steps of:
storing solar-heated water in a tank:, providing for on-demand delivery f the solar-heated water from the tank to (1) a heating coil of an air handling unit operable to deliver heated air to a conditioned space, (2) a domestic hot water supply mixing valve, and (3) a tankless water heater; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to the solar-heated water that is being delivered from the tank to the heating coil when the temperature thereof is below a predetermined temperature, the utilizing step being performed by:
flowing the solar-heated water from the tank through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is at or below a selected temperature; and causing the solar-heated water from the tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is above the selected temperature.
storing solar-heated water in a tank:, providing for on-demand delivery f the solar-heated water from the tank to (1) a heating coil of an air handling unit operable to deliver heated air to a conditioned space, (2) a domestic hot water supply mixing valve, and (3) a tankless water heater; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to the solar-heated water that is being delivered from the tank to the heating coil when the temperature thereof is below a predetermined temperature, the utilizing step being performed by:
flowing the solar-heated water from the tank through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is at or below a selected temperature; and causing the solar-heated water from the tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the solar-heated water from the tank is above the selected temperature.
2. The method of Claim 1 wherein:
the step of storing solar-heated water in the tank includes the step of indirectly heating tank water using at least one solar energy apparatus via a heating liquid receiving heat from the at least one solar energy apparatus.
the step of storing solar-heated water in the tank includes the step of indirectly heating tank water using at least one solar energy apparatus via a heating liquid receiving heat from the at least one solar energy apparatus.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the step of storing solar-heated water in the tank includes the step of directly heating tank water using at least one solar energy appara us.
the step of storing solar-heated water in the tank includes the step of directly heating tank water using at least one solar energy appara us.
4. The method of Claim 1 wherein:
the utilizing step includes the s ep of energizing the tankless water heater only in response to a flow of water therethrough.
the utilizing step includes the s ep of energizing the tankless water heater only in response to a flow of water therethrough.
5. A method of utilizing renewable energy to heat air for delivery to a conditioned space, and to heat potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the method comprising the steps of:
providing:
an air handling unit with in air supply fan and a heating coil for heating air supplied to the conditioned space by the air supply fan, a tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a domestic hot water supply mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated potable water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the hot-water utilizing fixture, and a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet;
communicating (1) a source of potable cold water with the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, and with the inlet of the hot water holding tank, and (2) the outlet of the hot water holding tank with the inlet of the tankless water heater, with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and with an inlet of the heating coil;
coupling a solar energy apparatus to the hot water holding tank, the solar energy apparatus being selectively operable to heat water in the hot water holding tank for delivery therefrom to the inlet of the tankless water heater, to the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and to the inlet of the heating coil;
utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined tank water temperature; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the domestic hot water supply mixing valve and to the heating coil when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, the step of utilizing the tankless water heater including:
flowing water from the hot water holding tank through the tankless water heater only if the temperature of the water is at or below a selected temperature; and causing water from the hot water holding tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the water is above the selected temperature.
providing:
an air handling unit with in air supply fan and a heating coil for heating air supplied to the conditioned space by the air supply fan, a tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a domestic hot water supply mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated potable water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the hot-water utilizing fixture, and a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet;
communicating (1) a source of potable cold water with the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, and with the inlet of the hot water holding tank, and (2) the outlet of the hot water holding tank with the inlet of the tankless water heater, with the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and with an inlet of the heating coil;
coupling a solar energy apparatus to the hot water holding tank, the solar energy apparatus being selectively operable to heat water in the hot water holding tank for delivery therefrom to the inlet of the tankless water heater, to the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and to the inlet of the heating coil;
utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined tank water temperature; and utilizing the tankless water heater to add supplemental heat to water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the domestic hot water supply mixing valve and to the heating coil when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, the step of utilizing the tankless water heater including:
flowing water from the hot water holding tank through the tankless water heater only if the temperature of the water is at or below a selected temperature; and causing water from the hot water holding tank to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the water is above the selected temperature.
6. The method of Claim 5 wherein:
the step of utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank includes the step of indirectly heating tank water, using the solar energy apparatus, via a heating liquid receiving heat from the solar energy apparatus.
the step of utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank includes the step of indirectly heating tank water, using the solar energy apparatus, via a heating liquid receiving heat from the solar energy apparatus.
7. The method of Claim 5 wherein:
the solar energy apparatus comprises a solar collector panel, a heat exchanger associated with the hot water holding tank and operative to receive the heating liquid and transfer heat therefrom to water within the hot water holding tank, piping interconnecting the solar collector panel and the heat exchanger, and a pump connected in the piping and operative to flow the heating liquid from the solar collector panel through the heat exchanger and back to the solar collector panel.
the solar energy apparatus comprises a solar collector panel, a heat exchanger associated with the hot water holding tank and operative to receive the heating liquid and transfer heat therefrom to water within the hot water holding tank, piping interconnecting the solar collector panel and the heat exchanger, and a pump connected in the piping and operative to flow the heating liquid from the solar collector panel through the heat exchanger and back to the solar collector panel.
8. The method of Claim 5 wherein:
the step of utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank includes the step of directly heating tank water using the solar energy apparatus.
the step of utilizing the solar energy apparatus to heat water in the hot water holding tank includes the step of directly heating tank water using the solar energy apparatus.
9. The method of Claim 5 wherein:
the tankless water heater is a fuel-fired tankless water heater.
the tankless water heater is a fuel-fired tankless water heater.
10. The method of Claim 5 wherein:
the tankless water heater is a gas-fired tankless water heater.
the tankless water heater is a gas-fired tankless water heater.
11. The method of Claim 5 further comprising the step of:
creating photovoltaic electrical power for use in heating the air and/or the potable water.
creating photovoltaic electrical power for use in heating the air and/or the potable water.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of:
transferring the created photovoltaic electrical power to an electrical grid.
transferring the created photovoltaic electrical power to an electrical grid.
13. The method of Claim 5 wherein:
the step of utilizing the tankless waler heater includes the step of energizing the tankless water heater only in response to a flow of water therethrough.
the step of utilizing the tankless waler heater includes the step of energizing the tankless water heater only in response to a flow of water therethrough.
14. An integrated renewable energy system for heating air for delivery to a conditioned space, and for heating potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the system comprising:
(a) heating components including.
an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture.
a hot water holding tank having an inlet, an outlet, and a heat exchanger through which a heating liquid may be flowed to heat water disposed in the hot water holding tank, a solar energy collector, and a pump;
(b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including:
a heating liquid section interconnecting the heat exchanger and the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the heating liquid section and being selectively operable to flow heating liquid from the solar energy collector through the heat exchanger and then back to the solar energy collector, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering water from the holding tank outlet to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank;
(c) a control system operative to:
energize the pump during periods when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is at or below a predetermined tank water temperature and a temperature of the heating liquid is at least a predetermined heating liquid temperature, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause water delivered from the hot water holding tank to one of: (i) flow through the tankless water heater only (ii) bypass the tankless water heater.
(a) heating components including.
an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture.
a hot water holding tank having an inlet, an outlet, and a heat exchanger through which a heating liquid may be flowed to heat water disposed in the hot water holding tank, a solar energy collector, and a pump;
(b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including:
a heating liquid section interconnecting the heat exchanger and the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the heating liquid section and being selectively operable to flow heating liquid from the solar energy collector through the heat exchanger and then back to the solar energy collector, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering water from the holding tank outlet to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank;
(c) a control system operative to:
energize the pump during periods when the water temperature in the hot water holding tank is at or below a predetermined tank water temperature and a temperature of the heating liquid is at least a predetermined heating liquid temperature, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause water delivered from the hot water holding tank to one of: (i) flow through the tankless water heater only (ii) bypass the tankless water heater.
15. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 14 wherein:
the tankless water heater is a fuel-fired tankless water heater.
the tankless water heater is a fuel-fired tankless water heater.
16. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 14 wherein:
the tankless water heater is a gas-fired tankless water heater.
the tankless water heater is a gas-fired tankless water heater.
17. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 14 wherein:
the solar energy collector is a solar collector panel.
the solar energy collector is a solar collector panel.
18. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 14 wherein:
the tankless water heater is energized only in response to a flow of water therethrough.
the tankless water heater is energized only in response to a flow of water therethrough.
19. An integrated renewable energy system for heating air for delivery to a conditioned space, and for heating potable water for delivery to a hot water-utilizing fixture, the system comprising:
(a) heating components including:
an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold waller inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture, a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, a solar energy collector, and a pump;
(b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including:
a water piping section interconnecting the inlet and outlet of the hot water holding tank with the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the water piping section and being electively operable to flow water from with in the hot water holding tank through the solar energy collector and then back into the hot water holding tank, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering the water from the outlet of the hot water holding tank to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank;
(c) a control system operative to:
energize the pump during periods when water within the hot water holding tank requires heating, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, only in response to water flow through the tankless water heater; and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause heated water delivered front the hot water holding tank to flow through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is below a selected temperature, and cause the delivered heated water to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is at least the selected temperature.
(a) heating components including:
an air handling unit for delivering air to a conditioned space and having a heating coil for heating the delivered air, the heating coil having an inlet and an outlet, a tankless water heater for heating water flowing therethrough, the tankless water heater having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing valve having a cold waller inlet, a hot water inlet, and a tempered water outlet through which heated water at a predetermined temperature may be delivered to the fixture, a hot water holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, a solar energy collector, and a pump;
(b) a liquid piping arrangement operatively interconnecting the heating components and including:
a water piping section interconnecting the inlet and outlet of the hot water holding tank with the solar energy collector, the pump being connected in the water piping section and being electively operable to flow water from with in the hot water holding tank through the solar energy collector and then back into the hot water holding tank, a cold water makeup section for delivering potable cold water from a source thereof to the inlet of the hot water holding tank and to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve, a heated water supply section for delivering the water from the outlet of the hot water holding tank to the inlet of the tankless water heater, the hot water inlet of the mixing valve, and the inlet of the heating coil, and a heated water return section for returning heated water from the outlet of the heating coil to the inlet of the hot water holding tank;
(c) a control system operative to:
energize the pump during periods when water within the hot water holding tank requires heating, and energize the tankless water heater during periods when a water temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined heated water supply temperature, wherein the tankless water heater is energized to add supplemental heat to the water being delivered from the hot water holding tank to the heating coil of the air handling unit when the temperature of the water from the hot water holding tank is below a predetermined minimum temperature, only in response to water flow through the tankless water heater; and (d) a valve connected in the heated water supply section and operative to cause heated water delivered front the hot water holding tank to flow through the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is below a selected temperature, and cause the delivered heated water to bypass the tankless water heater if the temperature of the delivered heated water is at least the selected temperature.
20. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 19 wherein:
the tankless water heater is a fuel-fired tankless water heater.
the tankless water heater is a fuel-fired tankless water heater.
21. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 19 wherein:
the tankless water heater is a gas-fired tankless water heater.
the tankless water heater is a gas-fired tankless water heater.
22. The integrated renewable energy system of Claim 19 wherein:
the solar energy collector is a solar collector panel.
the solar energy collector is a solar collector panel.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201361831261P | 2013-06-05 | 2013-06-05 | |
| US61/831,261 | 2013-06-05 | ||
| PCT/US2014/039334 WO2014197225A1 (en) | 2013-06-05 | 2014-05-23 | Integrated renewable energy system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2914194A1 CA2914194A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
| CA2914194C true CA2914194C (en) | 2018-05-01 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2914194A Active CA2914194C (en) | 2013-06-05 | 2014-05-23 | Integrated renewable energy system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN105659035B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2014275363B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2914194C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX366601B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2014197225A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016170504A1 (en) | 2015-04-21 | 2016-10-27 | T&T Multielétrica, Lda | Modular façade or covering element with solar energy recovery for water heating, air conditioning and ventilation |
| AU2016253669B2 (en) * | 2015-11-05 | 2022-08-11 | Pump & Electrical Engineering Services Pty Ltd | Water heating system |
| US11226135B2 (en) | 2018-05-15 | 2022-01-18 | Gas Technology Institute | Control apparatus and method for combination space and water heating |
| CN110130679A (en) * | 2019-05-22 | 2019-08-16 | 瑞华特装(天津)低温设备有限公司 | A kind of environmental protection self contained energy complete utilization system |
| US12117202B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2024-10-15 | Altus Thermal, Inc. | Method and system for implementing advanced operating modes in electric resistance water heaters and heat pump water heaters |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HU229686B1 (en) * | 2008-03-05 | 2014-04-28 | Bery Intellectual Properties Szellemi Tulajdonjogokat Hasznosito Es Kezeloe Kft | Water heater assembly |
| KR20100066745A (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-18 | 김태웅 | Energy supplying system of building vsing new renewable energy |
| KR101105561B1 (en) * | 2010-05-13 | 2012-01-17 | 주식회사 경동나비엔 | Solar heat system |
| WO2012037291A2 (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2012-03-22 | Global Solar Water And Power Systems, Inc. | Multipurpose utility structure |
| US20120060827A1 (en) * | 2011-03-07 | 2012-03-15 | General Electric Company | Control for a tankless water heater used with a solar water heating system |
-
2014
- 2014-05-23 AU AU2014275363A patent/AU2014275363B2/en active Active
- 2014-05-23 WO PCT/US2014/039334 patent/WO2014197225A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-05-23 CA CA2914194A patent/CA2914194C/en active Active
- 2014-05-23 MX MX2015016683A patent/MX366601B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2014-05-23 CN CN201480032357.6A patent/CN105659035B/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN105659035B (en) | 2019-01-15 |
| CA2914194A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
| WO2014197225A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
| AU2014275363B2 (en) | 2016-10-06 |
| MX366601B (en) | 2019-07-15 |
| AU2014275363A1 (en) | 2015-12-24 |
| MX2015016683A (en) | 2016-04-04 |
| CN105659035A (en) | 2016-06-08 |
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