EP0127344A2 - Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Flüssigkeitserwärmung - Google Patents

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Flüssigkeitserwärmung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0127344A2
EP0127344A2 EP84302983A EP84302983A EP0127344A2 EP 0127344 A2 EP0127344 A2 EP 0127344A2 EP 84302983 A EP84302983 A EP 84302983A EP 84302983 A EP84302983 A EP 84302983A EP 0127344 A2 EP0127344 A2 EP 0127344A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
heating
chamber
flow
line
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP84302983A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0127344A3 (de
Inventor
Albert G. Lemmons
W. T. Jones
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.)
HYDRO-WAVE Corp
Original Assignee
HYDRO-WAVE Corp
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 HYDRO-WAVE Corp filed Critical HYDRO-WAVE Corp
Publication of EP0127344A2 publication Critical patent/EP0127344A2/de
Publication of EP0127344A3 publication Critical patent/EP0127344A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F24H1/102—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 with resistance
    • 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
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/12—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes
    • F24H9/13—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes for water heaters
    • F24H9/139—Continuous flow heaters

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the field of fluid heaters, and is particularly directed to a novel method and apparatus for providing an instantaneous and continuous supply of heated liquid on demand.
  • liquids such as water
  • water may be efficiently and economically heated substantially on demand at the point of delivery.
  • One object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art devices by providing an in-line liquid heater which is efficient and inexpensive to manufacture and operate.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an in-line liquid heater which substantially and uniformly heats liquid flowing through it without the formation of potentially dangerous vapor bubbles.
  • the in-line liquid heating device of the present invention overcomes many of the deficiencies inherent in liquid heating devices known in the prior art and comprises an elongated heating chamber having an inlet at the base for receiving liquid to be heated and an outlet at the top for discharging heated liquid.
  • High power electrical resistance heating elements are positioned inside the heating chamber for heating a continuous flow of liquid flowing through the chamber. Electrical power to the heating elements is provided through a set of relay contactors which are controlled by a flow responsive switch, a thermostat and a high temperature cut-out switch.
  • the flow responsive switch prevents electrical power from being applied to the heating elements until a flow of liquid through the device is sensed, e.g., when a hot water faucet is turned on.
  • the thermostat controls the temperature of the liquid discharged from the heating chamber and is connected to de-energize the heating elements when a predetermined temperature level is reached.
  • the high temperature cut-out switch is a safety device designed to de-energize the heating elements should the thermostat fail or for some other reason the temperature inside the heating chamber reaches a dangerous level.
  • the in-line liquid heating device of the present invention also includes a pressure relief valve for preventing excessive pressure from building inside the heating chamber.
  • the configuration of the in-line liquid heating device of the invention yields superior and unexpected results in that rapid and efficient heating occurs without the formation of vapor bubbles so prevalent in the prior art systems.
  • This result is obtained by the presence of a deflection baffle at the inlet of the heating chamber for dispersing the flow of incoming liquid across substantially and uniformly the entire flow cross-section of the heating chamber.
  • rapid liquid heaters known in the prior art are unsatisfactory for a number of reasons, including the uncontrolled formation of hot spots. Hot spots tend to cause scalding and overheating and the formation of vapor bubbles.
  • Inclusion of the deflection baffle at the inlet to the heating chamber substantially prevents the formation of hot spots and their attendant problems in the heating chamber as explained below.
  • Optimum performance of a liquid heating device is realized when incoming cold liquid is efficiently heated to a predetermined temperature with no vapor production (localized boiling). Since heat evolution occurs essentislly uniformly over the surface of the heating elements, the element sheaths should be as uniformly cooled by the liquid flow as possible. This maximizes thermal transfer efficiency and eliminates hot spots that would be caused by stagnant flow conditions.
  • the deflection baffle at the inlet of the heating chamber produces a controlled amount and uniform distribution of turbulence adjacent the inlet end or base of the chamber, which results in optimized flow and heat transfer conditions along the length of the heating chamber.
  • This feature allows the in-line liquid heater of the present invention to utilize the high electrical power input and heat transfer (without vapor production) necessary for a truly adequate liquid heater of the instant demand category.
  • the inlet to the heating chamber is located near the base of the heating element. This ensures sufficient liquid flow over the heating element base,
  • the outlet from the heating chamber is located beyond the downstream end of the heating element to provide sufficient head room to avoid a stagnant area of liquid at the end of the heating chamber which otherwise would be in contact with the heating element.
  • the heating chamber is also of sufficient size that enough water remains in the chamber to absorb residual heat from the heating elements when the flow of liquid is stopped without boiling.
  • the in-line liquid heater which is the subject of this invention consists of a number of interrelated elements, all of which are shown in at least some detail in Figure 1. Each component will be explained in detail below.
  • the in-line liquid heater comprises elongated heating chamber 1 having an inlet 2 for receiving liquid to be heated and outlet 3 for discharging heated liquid.
  • Electrical heating element 4 is disposed inside heating chamber 1 for heating the liquid as the liquid flows downstream from inlet 2 to outlet 3. Heating element 4 extends into heating chamber 1 from the base 20 end of the chamber through a threaded connection. Electrical power to heating element 4 is provided through relay contactors 6-8. Relay contactors 6-8 are controlled by flow responsive switch 11, thermostat 10 and its associated thermocouple 12, and high temperature cut-out switch 9 and its associated thermocouple 13.
  • the in-line liquid heater of this invention also includes pressure relief valve 14 which prevents excessive pressure from building inside heating chamber 1.
  • deflector baffle I e shown in Figure 4, in inlet 2 of heating chamber 1.
  • Deflector baffle 18 directs and disperses the flow of incoming liquid to provide a uniform flow of liquid through substantially the entire flow cross-section of heating chamber 1 as will be explained below. Such a flow of liquid through the heating chamber is necessary to prevent the creation of hot spots and improves overall heat transfer.
  • heating chamber 1 may be fabricated from any material that can be rigidly formed and has high strength and is capable of withstanding temperature well above the operating range of the in-line heater. Such materials include copper and cadminum, and certain man-made materials such as fiberglass. As shown in Figure 1, heating element 4 enters the base or upstream end of heating chamber 1. Heating element 4 may comprise a plurality of individual elements as shown, or may consist of a single element. Heating element 4 may also be fabricated in a variety of geometric configurations.
  • heating elements having a smooth sheath topography as shown are superior to using finned or convoluted element surfaces by reason of their lower cost, freedom from stagnant liquid flow (whieh would occur behind the fins), and freedom from corrosion and scale buildup.
  • Fuse block 25 and relay contactors 6-8 may be selected from a variety of commercially available fuse blocks and relay contactors and are selected based upon the wattage rating of heating element 4.
  • Two-stage thermostat 10 and high temperature cut-out switch 9 and their associated thermocouples 12 and 13 may also be selected from a variety of commercially available devices.
  • thermostat 10 is a two-stage thermostat and is used to control the temperature of the liquid discharged at outlet 3 of chamber 1 within a predetermined temperature range.
  • a conventional high temperature cut-out switch 9 is used to interrupt electrical power to heating element 4 should the temperature inside heating chamber 1 rise to a predetermined dangerous level.
  • a conventional flow responsive switch 11 provides an output signal when a flow of liquid at inlet 2 of heating chamber 1 is sensed.
  • Flow responsive switch 11 may, for example, be a series F60 device manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc. Flow responsive switch 11, together with thermostat 10, high temperature cut-out switch 9 and relay contactors 6-8 control application of electrical power to heating element 4 as will be explained below in connection with Figure 2.
  • a conventional relief valve 14 is provided to relieve excessive pressure which may build up inside heating chamber 1.
  • heating element 4 represented by individual elements 15-17
  • relay contactor 6-7 thermostat 10, high limit switch 9, flow responsive switch 11 and fuse Mock 25 wherein the included elements 15-17 are each connected to a three-phase power source 5. It is contemplated that the elements may also be connected to a single phase source. It is also contemplated that heating element 4 may be of a wattage rating selected to provide a desired rise in temperature of the liquid entering chamber 1 to achieve a liquid discharge temperature of a desired level and at a desired flow rate.
  • a 13,500 watt heating element can produce a temperature rise of 70°F at a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute and a 15,000 watt heating element can produce a temperature rise of 70°F at a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute.
  • Such temperature rises and flow rates were obtained using a heating chamber of approximately 16 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter.
  • electrical power to one of the individual heating elements is eon- trolled by flow switch 11 and high temperature cut-out switch 9.
  • Individual elements 15 and 16 are further controlled by two-stage thermostat 10. In operation, individual elements 15-17 are de-energized until a flow of liquid is sensed by flow switch 11. When a flow of liquid is sensed, individual elements 16-17 are energized until the temperature of the discharged liquid reaches a perdetermined upper temperature, e.g., 130°F. When the predetermined upper temperature is reached, individual elements 16 and 17 are de-energized until such time as the temperature of the discharged liquid reaches a predetermined lower temperature, e.g., 126°F, and individual elements 15 and 16 are then re-energized.
  • a perdetermined upper temperature e.g. 130°F.
  • a predetermined lower temperature e.g., 126°F
  • FIG 3 illustrates the location of deflector baffle 18, shown in Figure 4, at inlet 2'of chamber 1.
  • deflection baffle 18 may be fabricated from a wide variety of materials that can be rigidly formed and can withstand temperatures well above the normal operating range of the in-line heater.
  • Deflection baffle 18 has a formed portion or lip 19 which directs the incoming flow of liquid to produce a controlled amount and distribution of turbulence as shown in Figures 7 and 8. This results in optimized flow and heat transfer conditions up the entire length of heating chamber 1.
  • Formed portion 19 of deflection baffle 18 serves to both direct the incoming liquid flow downward toward base 20 and also diverge (fan out) the stream across a substantial portion of the eross-section of heating chamber 1.
  • Deflection baffle 18 creates the optimum liquid flow pattern by dispersing the flow of incoming liquid to heating chamber 1 at inlet 2 substantially and uniformly over the base of heating chamber 1. It is believed that this produces a uniform laminar flow of liquid along the heating chamber over substantially all of the surface area of heating element 4. Deflection baffle 18 further minimizes undesired rotational flow of the liquid through heating chamber 1. Rotational flow of the liquid can result in localized turbulence which would not permit efficient and maximum heat transfer between heating element 4 and the liquid. This condition is produced because the liquid would not uniformly flow over substantially all of the surface area of heating element 4, resulting in the formation of hot spots in the heating chamber 1.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of a straight inlet as known in the prior art. Fluid enters the heating chamber as an undiverged stream. Some divergence of flow occurs as the incoming fluid impinges the heating elements as shown in Figure 6. The main portion of the stream, however, will simply flow between the elements and spread along the opposite wall of the heating chamber. This results in a pronounced upward flow along the opposite wall at the expense of flow upward along the elements nearest the inlet.
  • the inlet baffle feature of the in-line liquid heating device of the present invention optimizes the liquid flow pattern within the heating chamber, allowing the high power density needed for desired volume flow rates and adequate temperature rise without steam generation problems.
  • This method is superior to using finned or convoluted element surfaces by reason of the following: (1) the use of lower cost, smooth sheath immersion heaters is permitted; (2) the possibility of stagnant flow regions behind fins is eliminated; and (3) corrosion and scale buildup problems will be less due to the smooth sheath topography and reduced surface area.
EP84302983A 1983-05-04 1984-05-03 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Flüssigkeitserwärmung Withdrawn EP0127344A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US49146083A 1983-05-04 1983-05-04
US491460 1983-05-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0127344A2 true EP0127344A2 (de) 1984-12-05
EP0127344A3 EP0127344A3 (de) 1986-05-07

Family

ID=23952322

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84302983A Withdrawn EP0127344A3 (de) 1983-05-04 1984-05-03 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Flüssigkeitserwärmung

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0127344A3 (de)
JP (1) JPS6023748A (de)
AU (1) AU2746684A (de)
BR (1) BR8402076A (de)
ES (1) ES8602235A1 (de)
IL (1) IL71697A0 (de)
NO (1) NO841666L (de)
ZA (1) ZA843094B (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0204332A2 (de) * 1985-06-05 1986-12-10 Friedrich Sarauer Wandgerät zur Zubereitung von warmen Wasch- und Duschwasser
US5020127A (en) * 1987-10-23 1991-05-28 Energy Saving Products Of Tennesse, Inc. Tankless electric water heater
CN103459937A (zh) * 2011-03-25 2013-12-18 栗田工业株式会社 液体加热方法、液体加热装置和加热液体供给装置

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3137272B2 (ja) * 1992-06-30 2001-02-19 株式会社小松製作所 流体加熱装置
JP2868958B2 (ja) * 1992-08-07 1999-03-10 株式会社 三浦研究所 純水加温装置
WO2007117128A1 (es) * 2006-04-11 2007-10-18 Flavio Castillo Martinez Termoregadera eléctrica automatizada
CN105716243A (zh) * 2014-12-03 2016-06-29 广东顺德光晟电器股份有限公司 装有带减压功能的水流传感器的非金属注塑水箱电热水器

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3162752A (en) * 1962-09-24 1964-12-22 White Rodgers Company Water heater and control therefor
DE1814381A1 (de) * 1967-12-12 1969-08-28 Maurice Alfonsi Elektrischer Waermeerzeuger fuer Zentralheizungen
CH572194A5 (de) * 1972-05-03 1976-01-30 Cepem
US4185187A (en) * 1977-08-17 1980-01-22 Rogers David H Electric water heating apparatus
GB2052230A (en) * 1979-06-15 1981-01-21 Imi Santon Ltd Fluid heating equipment

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3162752A (en) * 1962-09-24 1964-12-22 White Rodgers Company Water heater and control therefor
DE1814381A1 (de) * 1967-12-12 1969-08-28 Maurice Alfonsi Elektrischer Waermeerzeuger fuer Zentralheizungen
CH572194A5 (de) * 1972-05-03 1976-01-30 Cepem
US4185187A (en) * 1977-08-17 1980-01-22 Rogers David H Electric water heating apparatus
GB2052230A (en) * 1979-06-15 1981-01-21 Imi Santon Ltd Fluid heating equipment

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0204332A2 (de) * 1985-06-05 1986-12-10 Friedrich Sarauer Wandgerät zur Zubereitung von warmen Wasch- und Duschwasser
EP0204332A3 (de) * 1985-06-05 1987-11-04 Friedrich Sarauer Wandgerät zur Zubereitung von warmen Wasch- und Duschwasser
US5020127A (en) * 1987-10-23 1991-05-28 Energy Saving Products Of Tennesse, Inc. Tankless electric water heater
CN103459937A (zh) * 2011-03-25 2013-12-18 栗田工业株式会社 液体加热方法、液体加热装置和加热液体供给装置
CN103459937B (zh) * 2011-03-25 2016-03-16 栗田工业株式会社 液体加热方法、液体加热装置和加热液体供给装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES531991A0 (es) 1985-10-01
AU2746684A (en) 1984-11-08
ES8602235A1 (es) 1985-10-01
NO841666L (no) 1984-11-05
IL71697A0 (en) 1984-07-31
BR8402076A (pt) 1984-12-11
JPS6023748A (ja) 1985-02-06
EP0127344A3 (de) 1986-05-07
ZA843094B (en) 1984-12-24

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Inventor name: JONES, W. T.

Inventor name: LEMMONS, ALBERT G.