EP2082174A1 - Appareil et procédé de chauffe-eau - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de chauffe-eau

Info

Publication number
EP2082174A1
EP2082174A1 EP07818986A EP07818986A EP2082174A1 EP 2082174 A1 EP2082174 A1 EP 2082174A1 EP 07818986 A EP07818986 A EP 07818986A EP 07818986 A EP07818986 A EP 07818986A EP 2082174 A1 EP2082174 A1 EP 2082174A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
tank
chamber
heating
section
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Withdrawn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
EP07818986A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
John Willis
Scott Collins
Ian Steele
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.)
Willis Heating And Plumbing Coltd
Original Assignee
Willis Heating And Plumbing Coltd
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 Willis Heating And Plumbing Coltd filed Critical Willis Heating And Plumbing Coltd
Publication of EP2082174A1 publication Critical patent/EP2082174A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
    • F28D20/0034—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using liquid heat storage material
    • F28D20/0039—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using liquid heat storage material with stratification of the heat storage material
    • 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
    • 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
    • F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/20—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
    • F24H1/208—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes with tubes filled with heat transfer fluid
    • 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
    • F24H9/0005—Details for water heaters
    • F24H9/001—Guiding means
    • F24H9/0015—Guiding means in water channels
    • F24H9/0021—Sleeves surrounding heating elements or heating pipes, e.g. pipes filled with heat transfer fluid, for guiding heated liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/10—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically
    • F28D7/103—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically consisting of more than two coaxial conduits or modules of more than two coaxial conduits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/10—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically
    • F28D7/12—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically the surrounding tube being closed at one end, e.g. return type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
    • F28D2020/0065—Details, e.g. particular heat storage tanks, auxiliary members within tanks
    • F28D2020/0078—Heat exchanger arrangements
    • 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
    • Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
    • 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
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/14—Thermal energy storage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to heating systems.
  • the invention relates particularly to water heating systems for installation in domestic or commercial buildings, and to heating apparatus suitable for use in same.
  • a conventional water heating system includes a heating element located inside a water storage tank.
  • the heating element is typically located at or near the bottom of the tank. Cold water in the bottom of the tank is heated by the heating element and disperses throughout the tank.
  • a first aspect of the invention provides a fluid heating apparatus comprising an body defining a chamber for containing a quantity of fluid to be heated, the chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart in a first axial direction; and means for heating the fluid in said chamber, the heating means being located in said chamber between said fluid inlet and fluid outlet, the heating means comprises a hollow body having a flow inlet and a return outlet to allow a heating medium to flow through said hollow body, wherein said hollow body comprises a first heat exchanging surface extending along the chamber in, or substantially in, said first axial direction between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, said first heat exchanging surface facing an internal surface of said chamber to define a passage for said fluid therebetween, said passage extending between said first heat exchanging surface and the body in, or substantially in, said first axial direction.
  • Said internal surface of the chamber may be provided by, for example, the body and/or by the surface of another object inside the chamber, for example another part of the hollow body.
  • said hollow body is a heating exchanging element, i.e. a part of a heat exchanger for carrying a heating medium.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a heating system comprising a storage tank for a fluid; and an apparatus for heating said fluid, said heating apparatus including a chamber for containing a quantity of said fluid and means for heating the fluid in said chamber, wherein said apparatus has a fluid outlet provided at the in use top end of the chamber and which is in fluid communication with an in-use upper portion of said tank, and a fluid inlet provided at or adjacent a lower end of said chamber and which is in fluid communication with an in-use lower portion of said tank, said fluid communication being substantially unrestricted to allow thermosyphonic flow of fluid between the storage tank and the apparatus during use.
  • the heating apparatus is provided externally of the storage tank, preferably at a side of the storage tank, hi other embodiments, the heating apparatus may be provided internally of the storage tank.
  • the heating apparatus provided in the heating system embodies the first aspect of the invention.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a heating system comprising a storage tank for a fluid; and an apparatus for heating said fluid, said heating apparatus including a chamber for containing a quantity of said fluid and means for heating the fluid in said chamber, wherein an in-use upper portion of said chamber is in, or capable of, fluid communication with an in-use upper portion of said tank, and an in-use lower portion of said chamber is in, or capable of, fluid communication with an in-use lower portion of said tank.
  • fluid heated in said chamber rises to the upper portion of the chamber and fluid is drawn into the lower portion from the storage tank.
  • the heated fluid is drawn from the upper portion of the chamber and is deposited in the upper portion of the storage tank.
  • said heating means comprises a heating device located wholly or partially within said chamber. More preferably, said heating device substantially fills said chamber, hi preferred embodiments, said heating device comprises a heat exchanger, especially a double pass heat exchanger.
  • the system includes or is connectable to a device for generating renewable energy, e.g. a solar energy collecting device, hi the preferred embodiment, the heating device is connectable to one or more solar energy collecting devices such that the heating medium carried by the heating device is heated by solar energy.
  • a device for generating renewable energy e.g. a solar energy collecting device
  • the heating device is connectable to one or more solar energy collecting devices such that the heating medium carried by the heating device is heated by solar energy.
  • the apparatus and systems are particularly suited for use as a water heating system for buildings, including domestic or commercial buildings.
  • said fluid comprises water.
  • the water heating system may form part of a water dispensing system (e.g. including taps, showers and/or other outlets) and/or may form part of a central heating system.
  • another aspect of the invention provides a water heating system for buildings, the water heating system comprising the system of the first aspect of the invention.
  • a still further aspect of the invention comprises a fluid heating apparatus for connection to a fluid storage tank, the apparatus comprising a chamber for containing a quantity of said fluid and means for heating the fluid in said chamber, wherein the apparatus is connectable to the storage tank such that an in-use upper portion of said chamber is capable of fluid communication with an in-use upper portion of said tank and an in-use lower portion of said chamber is capable of fluid communication with an in-use lower portion of said tank.
  • thermosyphons are advantageously arranged to cause a thermosyphonic action in the fluid and may be referred to as thermosyphons.
  • Advantages of the preferred embodiments include: the water within the heating system is heated quickly and efficiently; the availability of hot water in the heating system is improved; and when converting an existing heating system, the existing storage tank does not have to be removed and the likelihood of the existing heating system being upset is reduced.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of a heating system embodying one aspect of the invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional side view of a heating apparatus included in the system of Figure 1 and embodying a further aspect of the invention
  • FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the heating apparatus of Figure 2;
  • FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a tank and heating apparatus assembly embodying another aspect of the invention.
  • FIGURE 5 is a sectioned side view of the assembly of Figure 4.
  • the heating system 10 comprises a first liquid storage tank 14 and a heating apparatus
  • the heating system 10 comprises a water heating system for a building, such as a domestic or commercial building. Hence, the system 10 stores, heats and delivers water, hi the following description, the preferred embodiment of a water heating system is described, although it will be understood that the invention is not limited to use with water.
  • the heating apparatus 12 embodies a further aspect of the invention, and preferably comprises a thermosyphon apparatus, or heat exchanger.
  • the apparatus 12 comprises a body or housing 25 defining an internal chamber 26.
  • the chamber 26 holds a quantity of a heating medium, typically water, hi a preferred embodiment, the housing 25 is elongate in shape having first and second ends 28, 30, the first end 28, being positioned above the second end 30 in use.
  • the housing 25 has a longitudinal axis which is, typically, substantially vertically orientated in use.
  • the housing 25 may be manufactured from any suitable material, e.g. copper, and its exterior surface is preferably substantially covered by insulating material 62 (shown in Figures 2 and 3), e.g. a conventional insulating jacket or other insulating covering, hi the illustrated embodiment, the housing 25 is substantially cylindrical in shape, but may take alternative cross-sectional shapes.
  • the storage tank 14 has an internal chamber 20 which, in use, is substantially filled with a heating medium, typically water.
  • the tank 14 has first and second ends 22, 24, the first end 22 being, in use, positioned above the second end 24. In use, the longitudinal axis of the tank 14 is, typically, substantially vertically orientated.
  • the tank 14 may be substantially similar to a typical water storage tank or cylinder used in a conventional water heating system, and is preferably insulated (not illustrated) by a conventional insulating jacket or other insulating cover.
  • the liquid capacity of the chamber 26 is less than the liquid capacity of the chamber 20.
  • the pipework 18 includes an outlet pipe 40 and inlet pipe 42 connected between the heating apparatus 12 and tank 14.
  • water flows from the housing 25 to the tank 14 via the outlet pipe 40, while the inlet pipe 42 allows water to flow from the tank 14 to the housing 25.
  • the outlet pipe 40 is connected (directly or indirectly) between the first end 28 of the housing 25 and the first end 22 of the tank 14 such that, in use, water located at or near the first end 28 of the chamber 26 can flow to into the chamber 20 at or near the first end 22.
  • additional pipe sections e.g. pipe 36, may be present in the pipework 18, as is necessary or convenient, to create the desired liquid communication in the system 10.
  • the inlet pipe 42 is connected to the tank 14 at or near the second end 24, and to the housing 25 at or near the second end 30 such that, in use, water located at or near the second end 24 of the tank 14 can flow into the chamber 20 at or near the second end 30.
  • the housing 25 has an inlet at end 30 which may be referred to as the secondary flow inlet, or the cold feed inlet.
  • the heating system 10 comprises at least one delivery pipe 44 for delivering the contents of the tank 14 to one or more outlets, for example taps (not shown).
  • the delivery pipe 44 is connected , directly or indirectly, to the in use upper end 22 of the tank 14 so that water located at or near the end 22 may be drawn out of the tank 14 and dispensed from the system 10.
  • the delivery pipe 44 is connected to the secondary outlet pipe 36, described hereinafter.
  • the illustrated system 10 also includes a second liquid storage tank 32 defining chamber 34.
  • the tank 32 may be substantially similar to a conventional cistern as used in a conventional water heating system and is typically connected to a mains water supply (not shown).
  • the tank 32 (usually referred to as the cold water tank) may supply (cold) water to the tank 14 (usually referred to as the hot water tank) as required.
  • the pipework 18 includes pipe 36 by which liquid may enter or leave the tank 14, and inlet pipe 38, by which water may be fed into the tank 14 from the cistern 32.
  • Inlet pipe 38 is connected to the tank 14 at or near the second end 24 such that, in use, water from tank 32 may be fed to the tank 14 at or near the second end 24.
  • a vent pipe 19 is also provided to vent any excess steam or vapour pressure that may build up in the tank 14. The vent 19 may be directed into the cistern 32.
  • the heating apparatus 12 comprises means for heating water that is contained within the chamber 26.
  • the heating means takes the form of a heat exchanger, as is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figures 2 and 3, although it may take any other suitable form, for example an electrical immersion heating element.
  • a suitable heat exchanger typically comprises one or more pipes or coils wholly or partially immersed in the water, or other medium, to be heated.
  • the pipes or coils carry a heating medium (typically water, although other liquids/fluids may be used) which is heated during use by a convenient energy source.
  • the heated medium imparts thermal energy to the surrounding water via the walls of the pipes or coils and so heats the surrounding water.
  • the system 10 requires an external energy source which, in preferred embodiments, comprises a renewable energy source, especially a solar energy source.
  • any other heat or energy source may be used, e.g. an oil or gas fired boiler, or wood pellet boiler, wind turbine powered heater, and so on.
  • the heating means includes a heating device or element, which is generally indicated as 16 in Figures 2 and 3, and which serves as part of the heat exchanger.
  • the heating element 16 comprises a hollow body containing, in use, a heating medium (assumed to be water in the present example but may comprise other fluid(s)).
  • the heating element 16 has in inlet 55 connected in use to the flow pipe 51 of the solar panel 46 and an outlet 57connected in use to the return pipe 50 of the solar panel 46.
  • the inlet 55 may be referred to as a primary flow inlet and receives, in use, a primary flow of a heated medium from the solar panel 46, or other source.
  • the outlet 57 may be referred to as a primary return outlet and returns, in use, a primary return of the heated medium to the solar panel 46, or other heating source.
  • the hollow body of the heating element 16 comprises an inner section in the form of a pipe or tube 54 and an annular or sleeve-like outer section 58 located around substantially all or part of the inner section 54.
  • Each section 54, 58 is hollow to define a respective internal channel 56, 60 and the sections 54, 58 are connected so that the channels 56, 60 are in fluid communication with one another.
  • the inner section 54 is connected to the outer section at or adjacent the end of the outer section 58 so that the inner section 54 extends along substantially the entire length of the outer section 58.
  • the inlet and outlet 55, 57 of the heating element 16 are each connected to or provided on one or other of the sections 54, 58.
  • the heating element 16 is located in chamber 26 and is preferably dimensioned to substantially fill the chamber 26, at least transversely but preferably also longitudinally.
  • the external surfaces of the heating element 16 serve as heat exchanging surfaces.
  • the outer external surface of the heating element 16 (provided in the present example by the annular section 58) faces the internal surface of the housing 25 to define an annular passage 35 therebetween along which fluid may pass when travelling from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber 26.
  • the width of the passage 35 is relatively small, for example about 5mm.
  • a second fluid passage 37 is defined between the inner external surface of the annular section 58 and the external surface of the inner pipe 54.
  • the arrangement is such that when the chamber 26 is filled with water, the water surrounds the heating element 16 and is in contact with its heat exchanging surfaces 48 as provided by the inner and outer surfaces of the annular section 58 and the outer surface of the inner pipe 54.
  • the sections 54, 58 are formed from a suitable heat conducting material, for example copper.
  • the preferred configuration of heat exchanger described above offers a relatively large surface area by which heat exchange can take place.
  • the heating element substantially fills the chamber 26, or at least a portion of the chamber 26, there is a relatively small volume of water in the chamber 26, a large proportion of which is in contact with, or is close to, the surfaces of the sections 54, 58 and this allows that heating element 16 to heat the water in chamber 26 relatively quickly.
  • the heating medium circulates between the solar panel(s) 46 and the heating element 16 via the primary flow and return pipes 51, 50.
  • a pump control unit 68 may be provided to cause or assist the circulation.
  • the heating medium is heated by solar energy when at the solar panel(s) 46 and heats the water in chamber 26 when in the heat exchanger. Since water has different densities at different temperatures, a temperature gradient forms within the chamber 26. The water in the chamber 26 thus moves upwards towards the first end 28 of the housing 25, being heated by the heating element 16 as it travels, colder water gathering at the second end 30 of the chamber 25. The rise of the heated water in the chamber 26 causes water to be drawn into the bottom 30 of the chamber 26 from the bottom 24 of tank 14 via pipe 42.
  • thermosyphonic action Normally, this water is cold or cooler water that has gathered at the bottom of the tank 14. Because the top 28 of the chamber 26 is in fluid or liquid communication with the top 22 of the tank 14, the drawing of water from the tank 14 into the chamber 26 via pipe 42 causes the heated water at the top 22 of the chamber 26 to be drawn into the top 22 of the tank 14 (via pipes 40 and 36 in the present example).
  • This action which is effected by gravity and convection, may be referred to as thermosyphonic action and the heat exchanger 12 may be described as a thermosyphon apparatus.
  • a section of pipe 40 also extends in use upwardly from the top of apparatus 12, the pipes 36, 40 connecting at point P which is the highest point in the thermosyphon circuit.
  • the pressure differential in the thermosyphon circuit is determined by the vertical distance between point P and the inlet 42. Typically, this distance is approximately 2000mm.
  • point P may be approximately 500mm above the top of the tank 14.
  • the connection between the top of the apparatus 12 and the top of the tank 14 may be made using one or more pipes or conduits as desired, preferably including a section extending in use substantially upwards from the tank 14, and/or preferably a section extending in use substantially upwards from the apparatus 12. It will be understood that, depending on the respective heights of the tank 14 and apparatus 12, one or both of the upwardly extending sections of the pipework 36, 40 may not be required, and the feed into the top of the tank 40 may be made at a side wall of the tank.
  • the heated water which leaves the heating apparatus 12 via the outlet pipe 40 is deposited within the tank 14 at or near the first end 22.
  • This deposition of relatively hot water into the in use top of the tank 14 results in a layering of water in the tank 14 whereby hotter water sits at or near the top 22 of the tank 14 and cooler water is located at or near the bottom 24.
  • the system's outlets e.g. taps or showers
  • water is drawn from the top 22 of the tank 14 via pipe 44 and delivered to the tap, shower or other outlet.
  • the water in the tank 14 may be replenished from the cistern 32 via pipe 38.
  • the configuration of the system 10 as described above increases the probability that hot water is available for delivery from the tank 14. This is because a relatively small quantity of water can be heated quickly and efficiently in the heating apparatus 12 and then deposited into the top 22 of the tank 14 so that it is available to users of the system 10 without having to migrate upwardly through, or be diluted by, the colder water in the tank 14.
  • the internal surfaces of the heating apparatus 12 are substantially smooth.
  • the internal walls of chamber 26, the external surfaces of the annular section 58 and/or the outer surfaces of the inner section 54 are smooth.
  • the some or all of the aforesaid internal surfaces are substantially solid or continuous, and preferably also substantially straight, at least in a direction longitudinal of the apparatus 12.
  • the outer section of the heating element 16 is preferably comprises a sleeve formed by a hollow wall with substantially straight and continuous external surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction.
  • the sleeve 58 is substantially circular in transverse cross- section (i.e.
  • the inner section 54 preferably comprises a substantially linear tube with substantially straight and continuous external surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction, and maybe said to be of substantially constant transverse cross-section.
  • the heat exchanger 12 has a double pass arrangement implemented by the provision and interconnection of the inner and outer sections 54, 58.
  • the inner section 54 is located within, and spaced-apart from, the outer section 58 with their respective longitudinal axis running substantially parallel or coincident with one another.
  • the inner section 54 enters the outer section 58 at one end and is connected to it preferably at the other end.
  • one or other of the sections 54, 58 may be omitted, and/or alternative shapes and configurations for the heating element 16 may be used.
  • the primary flow and return conduits 51, 50 may each be connected to the outer section 58.
  • the channel 60 within the outer section 58 may be configured to provide one or more passes along its length between the primary flow inlet and primary return outlet.
  • the return conduit 50 may be located at the same or opposite end of the section 58, and therefore of the apparatus 12, as the inlet 51.
  • the smooth and continuous nature of the surfaces within the heat exchanger 16 creates relatively low frictional losses for the secondary water flowing through the chamber 26. This promotes a relatively smooth and efficient flow of the secondary water and this facilitates the thermosyphonic action.
  • the secondary flow outlet from the apparatus 12 (which in the present example is implemented by pipe 40) is arranged to provide a channel for the secondary flow out of the chamber 26 that extends substantially linearly from the end 28 of the apparatus 12 in the longitudinal direction.
  • the preferred apparatus 12 has a secondary outlet 41 from the chamber 26, the outlet 41 being located at the end 28 and more particularly in the end face 29 of the chamber 29 so that water flowing through the outlet 41 flows in the longitudinal direction.
  • the outlet pipe 40 when connected to the outlet 41 extends from the end of apparatus 12 in the longitudinal direction.
  • the arrangement is such that, in use, water flowing upwardly though the chamber 26 exits the chamber 26 from the top of the apparatus 12 and so flows substantially linearly in the upwards direction and is not impeded by, for example, a bend in the pipework.
  • the diameter of the outlet 41 is selected to create a venturi effect in chamber 26 in the region of the outlet 41 and this helps to promote the flow of water out of the chamber 26.
  • the apparatus 12 is arranged such that each of the pipes 40, 50, 51 is connectable to the same end, in particular the in use top end, of the apparatus 12.
  • one or more of the pipes may be connectable to the other end, or elsewhere on the apparatus 12.
  • heating elements e.g. an electrical immersion heater (not shown) or other electrically powered heating device
  • the heating element may be powered by a renewable energy source, for example a wind turbine.
  • a wind turbine (not shown) may be electrically coupled to an electrical immersion heater, or other electrically powered heating device, located in the chamber 26, 126. It is envisaged that such heating devices are provided in addition to the heat exchanging units 16, 116 described above, although they could alternatively be provided in the chamber 26, 126 instead of the units 16, 116.
  • the system 10 shown in Figure 1 is suitable for use as a typical domestic open vented water supply system. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to use with such systems. For example, the invention may be used with a direct mains fed pressurised plumbing system (not illustrated). Such systems do not require the cistern 32 or the open vent 19.
  • the system 10 may be used not only with a dispensing hot water system, but also with a central heating system in which the heated water is delivered to heating units such as radiators.
  • the system 10 in particular the interaction between the heating apparatus 12 and the tank 14, does not require any valves, pumps or electrical connections. It is preferred, for reasons of safety that no valves are fitted to the circulating pipework 18 between the heating apparatus 12 and the tank 14. This allows the water in the chamber 26 of the apparatus 12 to expand freely as it is heated.
  • the flow and return pipes 51, 50 may include one or more isolating valves at the pump control unit 68, and typically also a regulator, with which to adjust the flow rate of the circuit between the solar panel 46 and the heating apparatus 12.
  • the tank 114 is typically a liquid (usually water) storage tank of the type suitable for use in a water heating system.
  • the heating apparatus 112 may be substantially similar to the heating apparatus 12 and variations thereof described hereinbefore and so like numerals are used to indicate like parts and similar descriptions apply as will be apparent to the skilled person.
  • the heating apparatus 112 is located within the chamber 120 of the tank 114.
  • the respective longitudinal axes of the tank 114 and apparatus 112 are preferably substantially coaxial or parallel.
  • the primary flow inlet 155 and primary return outlet 157 are connected to conduits 151, 150 extending through the wall of the tank 114, preferably through the in use top of the tank 114.
  • the secondary flow outlet 141 from the chamber 126 opens into the chamber 120.
  • the apparatus 112 is preferably positioned and orientated within the tank such that the outlet 141 opens into the in use top 122 of the chamber 120.
  • a delivery conduit or pipe 144 is provided for delivering the contents of the tank 114 to remote outlets, e.g. taps (not shown).
  • the inlet 145 to the delivery pipe 144 is preferably located in the top of the tank 114 and more preferably is substantially aligned or in register with the outlet 141 of the apparatus 112 so that, in use, heated water emanating from the outlet 141 may readily flow through the inlet 145. It is preferred, however, that the outlet 141 and inlet 145 are not directly connected to one another in order to allow heated water to gather in the top of the tank 114.
  • the secondary inlet, or cold feed, to the apparatus 112 may be provided in any convenient manner at the in use lower end 130 of the housing 125.
  • the housing 125 is open ended to allow water to flow directly from the chamber 120 into the lower end 130 of the chamber 126 under thermosyphonic action.
  • the combined tank and heating apparatus 70 may be incorporated in to a heating system such as, for example the system shown in Figure 1 in place of tank 14 and thermosyphon 12.
  • the tank 114 has an inlet 139 through which cold water may be provided, e.g. from cistern 34. Delivery pipe 144 may be connected to vent pipe 19 if required.
  • a heated primary medium typically water
  • the heating device 116 from the solar panel(s), or other heat source, and heats the water in the chamber 26.
  • a thermosyphonic action is created whereby water is drawn into the lower end 130 of chamber 26 from chamber 120, whereupon it is heated as it travels upwardly through the chamber 126 and is then delivered into the top 122 of the tank 144.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)

Abstract

L'objet de la présente invention concerne un appareil de chauffage de fluide formé d'une chambre qui contient une certaine quantité de fluide à chauffer et d'un dispositif de chauffage situé dans la chambre. Le dispositif de chauffage est constitué d'un corps creux contenant une entrée de flux et un retour de flux afin de permettre au milieu chauffant de couler à travers le corps creux. Ce dernier a une première surface d'échange de chaleur qui s'étend le long de la chambre entre une admission de fluide et une sortie de fluide et qui définit un passage pour le fluide lisse et étroit entre l'admission et la sortie. L'appareil a de préférence la forme d'un thermosiphon et est particulièrement adapté pour l'utilisation avec un réservoir d'eau où il est disposé de manière à créer une circulation thermosiphonique d'eau entre le thermosiphon et le réservoir.
EP07818986A 2006-10-13 2007-10-12 Appareil et procédé de chauffe-eau Withdrawn EP2082174A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0620262.6A GB0620262D0 (en) 2006-10-13 2006-10-13 A water heating system
PCT/EP2007/008915 WO2008043573A1 (fr) 2006-10-13 2007-10-12 Appareil et procédé de chauffe-eau

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2082174A1 true EP2082174A1 (fr) 2009-07-29

Family

ID=37491399

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07818986A Withdrawn EP2082174A1 (fr) 2006-10-13 2007-10-12 Appareil et procédé de chauffe-eau

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20100034528A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2082174A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2007306554A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB0620262D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008043573A1 (fr)

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GB2458272A (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-16 David Osborne Solar water heating system comprising a wind turbine
FR2944342B1 (fr) * 2009-04-10 2013-07-05 Electricite De France Dispositif de chauffe-eau a volume variable ameliore
WO2012020395A2 (fr) * 2010-08-09 2012-02-16 Kevin John Quinn Réservoir de stockage d'eau et appareil de chauffage pour le réservoir de stockage d'eau et procédé de chauffage d'eau dans un réservoir de stockage d'eau
FR2969259A1 (fr) 2010-12-21 2012-06-22 Suny System Systeme de production d'eau chaude sanitaire a l'aide de capteurs solaires thermiques a eau, dans lequel un meme circuit met en relation un ballon d'eau chaude et les capteurs
FR2978235A1 (fr) 2011-07-19 2013-01-25 Thomere Finance Systeme de production d'eau chaude sanitaire a l'aide de capteurs solaires thermiques a eau, dans lequel un meme circuit met en relation un ballon d'eau chaude et les capteurs, incluant un dispositif de protection contre la surchauffe.
US9167630B2 (en) 2011-10-17 2015-10-20 David E. Seitz Tankless water heater
US9822985B2 (en) * 2012-11-01 2017-11-21 Dynacurrent Technologies, Inc. Radiant heating system
US9437523B2 (en) * 2014-05-30 2016-09-06 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Two-sided jet impingement assemblies and power electronics modules comprising the same
JP6480167B2 (ja) * 2014-12-02 2019-03-06 株式会社村上開明堂 ウォッシャー液の加熱装置
US10443890B2 (en) * 2016-01-14 2019-10-15 Benjamin Thomas KNOPP Water heater with thermally isolating preheater and method of use
WO2018223035A1 (fr) 2017-06-02 2018-12-06 National Machine Company Réservoir d'eau chaude et ensemble de chauffage par circulation
US11768012B2 (en) * 2020-10-30 2023-09-26 Ut-Battelle, Llc Hydraulically opened cone vertical tube diffuser with slanted anti-siphon hole
CN114993088B (zh) * 2022-06-10 2023-10-13 山东大学 一种内管可移动的新型管壳式相变储热装置及工作方法

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2007306554A1 (en) 2008-04-17
WO2008043573A1 (fr) 2008-04-17
GB0620262D0 (en) 2006-11-22
US20100034528A1 (en) 2010-02-11

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