GB2418725A

GB2418725A - Liquid storage apparatus.

Info

Publication number: GB2418725A
Application number: GB0516146A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Smith; Michael Haywood; Daniel Haywood; Paul F Haywood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-11
Filing date: 2005-08-05
Publication date: 2006-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-05
Also published as: GB2418725B; GB0516146D0; AU2005203531A1

Abstract

The apparatus 2 includes an inlet pipe 6 connected to a source of heated water such as a boiler, an outlet 10, and a connecting pipe 14 forming a first flow path. The inlet pipe may direct water into a container 4 provided in between the source of heated water and the outlet, forming a second flow path. The outlet is provided with water from the first and/or second flow paths. The apparatus prevents wastage of cold water at the outlet when waiting for hot water to emerge. The apparatus may alternatively direct at least some of the water from the container to the inlet pipe via the connecting pipe.

Description

24 1 8725 Liquid storage apparatus l1he invention to which this

application relates is apparatus for storing and/or heating water to minimise the flow of cold water from a hot water tap.

Although the description refers almost exclusively to maintaining the temperature of water, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be used to maintain the temperature of other liquids.

typically a modern house will have a central boiler for heating water, with pipes running from the boiler to remotely located taps in rooms around the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and the like. Combi boilers usually provide both heating and hot water on demand, in other words, the demand for hot water is met by heating cold water as required. This is in contrast to an older style boiler in which a lagged tank is provided as a storage facility for hot water, to minimise the active time of the boiler.

However, when a hot tap is first switched on, the initial flow of water is usually cold, as the water has been left standing in the pipe between the tap and the boiler. In addition, particularly in the case of a combi boiler, it takes a period of time for the boiler to heat up the cold water to a suitable level. lis such, cold water continues to flow for some time before the hot tap begins . to provide hot water. The longer the pipe between the tap and Ala. boiler, the more cold standing water needs to be cleared before ..

hot water starts to flow. l'he amount of water wasted in this way . can be estimated at 900-1600 gallons per annum for a typical . household tested with a storage tank, or 1500-2800 gallons per annum for a typical household tested without a storage tank. . : .e

The aim of the present invention is to provide apparatus to reheat or maintain the temperature of hot water near the tap to avoid such wastage.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid storage apparatus including an inlet pipe connected to a source of heated liquid, an outlet, and a connecting pipe forming a first path for the flow of liquid therealong between said source and said outlet, wherein the apparatus is capable of directing at least some of the liquid from the inlet pipe into a container provided intermediate the source and outlet as a second path for the flow of liquid, and providing the outlet with liquid from the first and/or second flow paths.

Typically the inlet pipe is connected to a water boiler or other liquid heater.

Typically the outlet is a water tap or other liquid outlet, connected to the container via an outlet pipe.

In one embodiment, the connecting pipe is provided inside the container. In an altctnativc embodiment, the connecting pipe is provided externally to the container.

Typically the connecting pipe includes a plurality of bends such that the overall unbent length of the same is greater than the length of the container. ëe

- . . Typically adjustment means are provided to adjust the flow of e.. e liquid through the connecting pipe and/or inlet pipe and/or outlet pipe. . e

e....

Typically the adjustment means controls the flow ratio of the liquid flowing through the connecting pipe with respect to the inlet pipe and/or outlet pipe.

thus as liquid such as water flows along the inlet pipe, the water flow is selectively divided between the container and the connecting pipe. Similarly, the water in the outlet pipe is a selective combination of the water from the container, and water from the connecting pipe.

In one embodiment the adjustment means are thermostatically controlled.

Typically heating means and/or insulation means are provided on the container and/or pipes.

Typically the boiler and/or heating means are provided with temperature control means.

Typically the temperature control means of the heating means is set to a lower temperature than that of the boiler.

Typically temperature sensing means are provided to sense the temperature of the liquid in the container and/or pipes.

The container and liquid therein can thus be maintained at an appropriate temperature, and liquid passing along the connecting pipe is heated by the liquid in the container by conduction. ..e .

. . In one embodiment the inlet pipe is elongated inside the A. container and includes a plurality of apertures to allow liquid to flow from the inlet pipe into the container. . ë

...-.

This allows the liquid entering the container to be distributed more evenly, and heat to be transferred by convection.

In one embodiment a return pipe is provided to allow communication between a section of the outlet pipe and the container or inlet pipe.

Typically the return pipe is provided with a pump to pulse or otherwise cause liquid to flow along the outlet and/or return pipes.

The temperature of the liquid in the outlet pipe is thereby maintained, as cold water is returned to the container for re- heating.

In one embodiment the connecting pipe can be provided with valve means to adjust the flow of liquid therethrough. Typically the valve means are time-operated.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid storage apparatus including an inlet pipe connected to a source of heated liquid, an outlet, and a connecting pipe forming a first path for the flow of liquid therealong between said source and said outlet, wherein the apparatus is capable of directing at least some of the liquid from the inlet pipe into a container provided intermediate the source and outlet as a second path for the flow of liquid, and the apparatus is capable of directing at least some of the liquid from the container to the inlet pipe via the connecting pipe - .

. Specific embodiments of the invention are now described wherein: ë : I...

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid storage apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the Invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid storage apparatus in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention (a) from the front (b) from the side.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of part of a liquid storage apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid storage apparatus in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid storage apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the tovcntlon.

With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated a liquid storage apparatus 2 including a container 4 for storing liquid such as water therein. The container may be lagged (not shown) to help e maintain the temperature of the water. Len inlet pipe 6 . connected to a source of heated water such as a boiler (not shown) allows water to flow into the container 4, as indicated by I arrows 8. An outlet pipe 10 connected to a tap or other outlet (not shown) allows water to flow out of the container 4, as indicated by arrows 12. : ....

A connecting pipe 14 branches off the inlet pipe 6 inside the container 4 and connects to the outlet pipe 10. The connecting pipe 14 includes metering or other adjustment means 16 to control the relative flow of water along the connecting pipe 14 relative to the inlet pipe 6 and/or outlet pipe 10.

In use, for example, the boiler supplies hot water to the container, which is maintained at a temperature of around 55 C for long periods 0 f time by lagging or extctnal heaters.

However, the water in the pipe between the boiler and the container cools quickly, such that if left overnight, the water in the pipe may be at a temperature of 18-23 C. Flowever, when a user opens the tap, the water initially flows from the container at 55 C. As the container empties, the standing cold water is drawn into and distributed into the container from the inlet pipe 6, and into the connecting pipe 14. As the water passes along the length of the connecting pipe 14, it is heated by conduction by the water in the container, rising to 55 C by the point at which it mixes with the water from the container in the outlet pipe 10. l'he standing cold water distributed into the container is equilibrated with the hot water already present in a similar fashion, and as water continues to flow, hot water is provided by the boiler to the container to recharge the same.

Thus the initial flow of water along the connecting pipe 14 is at a temperature of around 21 C, which warmed by conduction and then mixed with water from the container at a temperature of .

55 C to provide warm water from the outlet pipe 10 at a temperature of around 53 C. The cold water from the inlet pipe . 6 displaces the hot water of the container 4 and then hot water from the boiler starts to flow, such that the flow of water along the connecting pipe 14 is now at a temperature of around 55 C which mixes with the cooler water from the container 4, cooled by the cold water entering the container and mixing therein. As a result, warm water continues to flow from the outlet pipe 10 at a temperature of around 53 C. As the water to continues to flow from the outlet pipe 10, the container 4 is refilled with hot water from the boiler, such that the outlet pipe is supplied with water from the container 4 and from the connecting pipe 14 both at a temperature of 55 C.

Thus, the initial water provided by the tap is hot, and does not suddenly change temperature as the water continues to flow.

It has been found that an ideal ratio between the flow of water from the container into the outlet pipe, and the flow of water from the connecting pipe 14 into the outlet pipe 10, is 60:40 respectively, although of course this can be adjusted as required.

Len automatic thermostat can be included to regulate the ratio appropriately to allow the water supplied to the outlet pipe 10 to be maintained at a specified temperature.

Referring to Figure 2, a further embodiment of the invention is indicated, wherein the container is provided with a small heating element 118 which heats water inside the container 104 and/or connecting pipe 114. temperature sensor 132 is provided on the container 104 to monitor the temperature therein and provide feedback to the heating element 118 to control the s ame.

The connecting pipe 1 14 is elongated such that water running therethrough has longer to temperature equilibrate with the water in the container 104. -

. Water from the inlet pipe 106 flows to the connecting pipe 114, and the container 104 via a diffuser 120 which comprises an elongated section of pipe with a plurality of apertures therein.

The diffuser allows the water from the inlet pipe 106 to mix more evenly with the water in the container 104, as indicated by arrows 122.

In this example, the water in the container 104 can be kept at a specific temperature by the action of the heating element 118, even for extended periods, such as overnight. [During such an extended period, the water between the main boiler and the container will go cold, such that on demand for hot water, the water initially fed by the inlet pipe will be cold.

I-lowever, this cold water is adjustably distributed between the bottom of the container by the diffuser 120, and the connecting pipe 114. The water passing along the connecting pipe is warmed by equilibration with the water in the container 114, and the small amount of cold water flowing into the container 104 from the diffuser 120 before hot water is received from the boiler via the inlet pipe 1 OG mixes with the hot water in the container 104, without affecting the temperature of the same by much due to the relative volumes of the same. If a drop in temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 132, the temperature of the water in the container 104 can be boosted temporarily by the heating element 118.

For example, the boiler may heat water to 62-64 C, which cools slightly as the water travels to the container. The heating element 118 may be configured to switch on when the . temperature falls to 49 C and switch off when the temperature is. reaches 58 C. As the heating element is set to a lower . ee temperature than the boiler, the activity of the heating element ë . is minimised. Using these parameters, a 2kW heater only has to . switch on a minimal number of times. e.

Thus the water initially provided to the outlet pipe 110 is a mixture of hot water from the container 104 and warmed water from the connecting pipe 114. The ratio between the two is controlled by the ad juster 116. As hot water from the boiler reaches the container 104 via the inlet pipe 106, the container is recharged with the same, together with the connecting pipe 114 providing hot water to the outlet pipe 110, and the heating clement 118 is switched off.

A further embodiment of the invention is indicated by Figures 3a-lo, wherein the size of the container is 16 inches long, by 11 inches high, by 2.5 inches wide. As such, the system is easy to fit close to a tap, such as in a cupboard or under a floorboard. The connecting pipe or matrix is indicated comprising two main portions 214, 214', each positioned substantially towards the surface of the container, and connected by a further connecting pipe 222. Water thus flows from the inlet pipe 206, along the first portion 214 of the matrix, through the connecting pipe 222, along the second portion 214' of the matrix, and to the outlet 210. The matrix includes a plurality of bends and can be 20 feet long or more when fully cxtendcd. 'lhc diffuser 220 also receives water from the inlet pipe 206 as hereinbeforc described, and can also be extended and bent within the container 204 to allow water from the same to be distributed more evenly within the container 204 The result is that even if water supplied to the inlet pipe 206 has cooled, the water provided to the tap via the outlet pipe 210 will be hot, and any drops is temperature of the same arc minimised i, by equilibration with the water store in the container 204. a..*

&. Referring to Figure 4 there is illustrated a further embodiment of part of the invention, wherein a longer than normal outlet pipe 310 is provided to connect the container 304 to the tap & 32S, such as may be found in an annexc. A small-bore return pipe 324 is connected between the outlet pipe 310 and container 304, and is provided with a small pump 32G. The pump 326 is pulsed to circulate the water between the pipes and container and ensure that the water in the pipes does not go cold from standing still. Thus when the user turns on the tap, he is provided with warm water almost immediately.

With reference to Figure 5, there is illustrated a liquid storage apparatus where the container 404 is provided with a diffuser 420 and ad juster 416 substantially as hereinbefore described.

However the system in this embodiment also includes a timed diverter valve 330 which allows the flow of water through the connecting pipe to be isolated. This has the effect of increasing the volume of water provided to the outlet pipe 410 directly from the container 404. As the water is diverted into the container 404 under such conditions, a higher temperature is maintained in the container 404 with the result of increased efficiency.

Referring to Figure 6, there is illustrated a liquid storage apparatus where the container 504 is provided with a heating element 518 where a temperature sensor 532 detects the temperature of the water in the container 504. The container 504 is primed from the boiler 534 via inlet pipe 506 and two-way valve 536. After priming if the temperature detected by the sensor 532 is below a predetermined threshold, the heating element 518 is activated until the desired temperature is attained. In normal use, the pump 526 is isolated such that water . . flows from the boiler 534 via the valve 536 to the container 504, and to the outlet pipe 510 via coupling 538. If the temperature of the water drops below a certain level, as detected by a sensor 2. 540 near the outlet 510, the pump 526 is activated and the boiler 534 is isolated such that the water is circulated back to the . container 504 via the return pipe 524 for reheating. Once the :'': desired temperature is attained, the pump 526 stops and water flows from the boiler 534 again. Arrows indicate the flow of water in this example.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention also includes further additional modifications made to the system which does not effect the overall functioning of the system, such as the provision of decoration, a fabric or plastic covering to provide improved aesthetic appearance, and/or the like. ë . ë .. A. . ë e :. ë. * ë e.

Claims

Claims 1. A liquid storage apparatus including an inlet pipe connected to

a source of heated liquid, an outlet, and a connecting pipe forming a first path for the flow of liquid therealong between said source and said outlet, wherein the apparatus is capable of directing at least some of the liquid from the inlet pipe into a container provided intermediate the source and outlet as a second path for the flow of liquid, and providing the outlet with liquid from the first and/or second flow paths.
2. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the connecting pipe is provided inside the container, such that heat is conducted between the liquid in the connecting pipe and the liquid in the container.
3. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the connecting pipe is provided externally to the container.
4. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the connecting pipe includes a plurality of bends such that the overall unbent length of the same is greater than the length of the container.
5. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein . adjustment means are provided to adjust the flow of liquid . along the flow paths. ë
6. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the adjustment means controls the flow ratio of the liquid flowing along the first path with respect to the second : path.
7. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the adjustment means arc thermostatically and/or time controlled.
8. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim I wherein heating means and/or insulation means are provided on the container and/or connections thereto, and temperature sensing means are provided to sense the temperature of the liquid in the source, and/or first and/or second paths.
9. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the source and/or heating means are provided with temperature control means.
10. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the temperature control means of the heating means is set to a lower temperature than that of the source.
11. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the inlet pipe includes an elongate portion inside the container which is provided with a plurality of apertures to allow liquid to be distributed therefrom into the container.
12. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a return pipe is provided connected intermediate the outlet and container, and the inlet pipe or container, thereby . defining a third path for the flow of liquid. .e
13. A liquid storage apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the return pipe is provided with a pump to cause liquid to flow thcrealong. .

.
14. A liquid storage apparatus including an inlet pipe connected to a source of heated liquid, an outlet, and a connecting pipe forming a first path for the flow of liquid therealong between said source and said outlet, wherein the apparatus is capable of directing at least some of the liquid from the inlet pipe into a container provided intermediate the source and outlet as a second path for the flow of liquid, and the apparatus is capable of directing at least some of the liquid from the container to the inlet pipe via the connecting pipe. . . :. .e e