GB2504082A

GB2504082A - Temporary hot water system

Info

Publication number: GB2504082A
Application number: GB1212620.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cyril Frank
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-16
Filing date: 2012-07-16
Publication date: 2014-01-22
Also published as: GB201212620D0

Abstract

A method is provided of temporarily providing hot water to a hot water pipe 16 of a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit 12 via an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit 18. The method comprises the first step of providing a secondary flow path S which extends from a primary flow path P defined by the hot water pipe and spaced from the faulty boiler unit, and a tertiary flow path T which extends from the primary flow path downstream of the secondary flow path. The method comprises the second step of temporarily providing the standalone water heater unit externally of the faulty boiler unit, and temporarily connecting the secondary and tertiary flow paths with a cold-water inlet port 76 and a hot-water outlet port 78 of the water heater unit respectively. The method comprises the further steps of diverting water flow from the primary flow path into the secondary and tertiary flow paths, whereby water flow passes through the water heater unit, which is energised so that water flow returning to the hot water pipe along the tertiary flow path is heated. A temporary hot water system 10 for such a method is also provided.

Description

I

Improvements In Or Relating To A Temporary Hot Water System The present invention relates to a method of temporarily providing hot water to a hot water outlet pipe of a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit via an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit, and to a temporary hot water system which is suitable for implementing such a method.

Combination heating and hot water boiler units are well known, and these are often referred to as combi' boilers. Such boilers are increasingly popular due to their very high efficiencies, and dispense with the need for a system hot water tank. Hot water is thus heated by the combi boiler and supplied on-demand to the heating circuit and the water circuit of the system as required.

However, on the occurrence of a fault with the combination heating and hot water boiler unit, the heating of hot water may not be possible. On the hot water circuit, this therefore leaves sinks and bathrooms without a supply of hot water. Although the fault may be quickly fixed by a professional tradesperson, this may still take one or more days. In more extreme cases, if the faulty part is difficult to obtain, then the boiler unit may not be fully operational for many days or even weeks. During these periods, the owner may orfly be aNe to use hot water which has been heated for example by a kettle or cooker hob, which for washing, bathing and showering and especially for longer periods of time is unsuitable.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a solution to this problem.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of temporarily providing hot water to a hot water pipe of a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit via an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit, the method compnsing the steps of: a] providing a secondary flow path which extends from a primary flow path defined by the hot water pipe and spaced from the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit, and a tertiary flow path which extends from the primary flow path downstream of secondary flow path; b] temporarily providing an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit externally of the combination heating and hot water boiler unit, and temporarily connecting the secondary flow path with a cold-water itilet port of the water heater unit and temporarily connecting the tertiary flow path with a hot-water outlet port of the water heater unit; ci diverting water flow from the primaly flow path onto the secondary and tertiary flow paths whereby water flow passes through the water heater; and dl energising the water heater unit so that water flow returning to the hot water pipe along the tertiary flow path is heated Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 12, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a temporary hot water system for a method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the temporary hot water system comprising a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit, a first spur which is on a hot water pipe of the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit and spaced from the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit and, a second spur which is on the hot water pipe and which is downstream of the first spur, and a mobile electrically-operable standalone water heater unit which is temporarily IS connectable to the first and second spurs for receiving incoming cold water from the hot water pipe and for returning heated water to the hot water pipe.

Preferable andlor optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 14 to 21, inclusive.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an in use temporary hot water system, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and implementing a method according to the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic enlarged view of a three-way isolation valve for use with the temporary hot water system shown in Figure 1 and shown in a bypass condition; and Figure 3 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 showing the three-way isolation valve in a through-flow condition.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a temporary hot water system 10 which comprises a combination heating and hot water boiler unit 12, a primary isolation valve 14 on a hot water outlet pipe 16 exiting the boiler unit 12, and an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit 18.

The combination heating and hot water boiler unit 12 is typical and comprises a central heating flow port 20, a central heating return port 22, a cold water inlet port 24, a hot water outlet por 26, and a gas supply inlet port 28. Each port 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 preferably includes an isolation valve 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 at the base 40 of the boiler unit 12 which enables an installer to connect pipework for the respective circuits or feeds.

The combination heating and hot water boiler unit 12 generally includes a circulation pump 42 for pumping water from the central heating flow port 20through the boiler unit 12, a primary heat exchanger 44 into which the cold water passes, a secondary heat exchanger 45 into which water from the cold water inlet port 24 passes, and a gas burner 46 for heating the water passing through the primary and secondary heat exchangers 44, 45.

In the present invention, the combination heating and hot water boiler unit 12 is faully whereby, typically mains pressure, cold water entering the boiler unit 12 through the cold water inlet port 24 is not being heated as it passes through the boiler unit 12 and out of the hot water outlet port 26 to sinks, baths and showers. By way of example. an ignition unit 48 of the gas burner 46 maybe faulty, whereby the gas burner 46 cannot be lit to provide the required heating of the inflowing cold water.

In this instance, therefore, the aforementioned primary isolation valve 14 is provided on the hot water outlet pipe 16 providing a primary hot water flow path P from the hot water outlet port 26 of the boiler unit 12. The primary isolation valve 14 is in proximity to but spaced from the base 40 of the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit 12. As best seen in Figure 2, a first spur 50 and a second spur 52 are then provided on the hot water outlet pipe 16, with the first spur 50 being upstream of the primary isolation valve 14 and the second spur 52 being downstream of the primary isolation valve 14.

The first and second spurs 50, 52 may be provided by suitable separate T-pieces which are, for example, permanently brazed into place and then capped as required. However, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, a three-way primary isolation valve unit 54 may conveniently be utilised to provide the first and second spurs 50, 52 which are flow controllable.

The three-way primary isolation valve unit 54 includes an elongate, preferably cast metal, valve body 56 having a primary through-flow bore 58, as shown in Figure 3, on which the aforementioned primary isolation valve 14 is provided partway and preferably midway along its length.

The first spur 50 is provided by an integral T-junction 60 formed as part of the valve body 56 upstream of the primary isolation valve 14 forming a secondary flow path S which extends from the primary flow path P, and the second spur 52 is provided by an integral T-junction 62 again formed as part of the valve body 56 downstream of the primary isolation valve 14 forming a tertiary flow path T which also extends from the IS primary flow path P. The three-way primary isolation valve unit 54 further includes an integral first spur isolation valve 64 for flow control of the first spur 50, and an integral second spur isolation valve 66 for flow control of the second spur 52.

The three-way pnmary isolation valve unit 54 is highly beneficial, allowing simple and fast installation onto the primary hot water flow path P and preferably in close proximity to the exterior of the boiler unit 12. Push-fit or compression fit pipe couplings 68 may be utilised at each end of the valve body 56, and similarly at the ends of the integral first and second T-junctions 60, 62.

With the boiler unit 12 being faulty, a section of the hot water outlet pipe 16 extending from the base 40 of the bofler unit 12 is removed and the three-way primary isolation valve unit 54 is installed. The primary isolation valve 14 controlling the flow on the primary flow path P is open initially, and the first spur and second spur isolation valves 64, 66 controlling flow on the secondary and tertiary flow paths S, T, respectively, are closed.

The electrically-operable standathne water heater unit 18 is then introduced externally of the boiler unit 12 and temporaily connected to the first and second spurs 50, 52. The water heater unit 18 may be an immersion heater with hot water storage tank, an instantaneous water heater unit without an insulated internal storage tank, or any other suitable portable and mobile electrically-operable standalone water heater.

inflow and outflow pipes 72, 74 connect an inlet and outlet 76, 78 of the water heater unit 18 to the ends of the integral T-junctions 60, 62. The inflow pipe 72 is temporarily connected to the first spur 50 upstream of the primary isolation valve 14, and the outflow pipe 74 is temporarily connected to the second spur 52 downstream of the primary isolation valve 14. Advantageously, push-fit or speed-fit pipe coupfings 80 may be utilised to allow the inflow and outflow pipes 72, 74 to be quickly decoupled following fixing of the faulty boiler unit 12. Additionally, the inflow and outflow pipes 72, 74 are preferably flexible, so that they can be run easily from the water heater unit 18 to the three-way isolation vahe unit 54.

IS The dectrically-operable standalone water heater unit 18 is preferably mobile and thus portable, allowing transportation easily and quickly by a plumber or other qualified repairer to and from the site of the faulty boiler unit 12. The water heater unit 18 is also preferably independently energisable by an electrical plug being releasably connected to a mains power socket. However, for higher ampage water heater units, a non-plugged and preferably fused fixed connection may be required to meet regulatory requirements.

Beneficially. the standalone water heater unit 18 may also preferably be selectable from a plurality of standalone water heater units having different volumes, heat up times andlor reheat times dependent at least in part on hot water volume requirements. For example, the plumber or qualified repairer would preferably select the required standalone water heater unit 18 based on the requirements of the user. if the user is a larger family or has a higher hot water usage requirement, then a larger capacity standalone water heater unit 18 can be selected, if the user is a smaller family or individual, then a smaller capacity standalone water heater unit 18 can be utilised.

Once an appropriate standalone water heater unit 18 is selected, it is mounted in close proximity to the exterior of the boiler unit 12. For example, if the boiler unit 12 is in a kitchen, the standalone water heater unit 18 may be provided on a worktop nearby or temporarily thcated in a kitchen cupboard beneath the boiler unit 12 by removing the cupboard door. The inlet and outlet 76, 78 of the standalone water heater unit 18 are then connected to the secondary and tertiary flow paths S, T, respectively. The primary isolation valve 14 is then closed, typically manually for example by using a screwdriver, and the first spur and second spur isolation valves 64, 66 arc opcncd, in this ease utilising integrated manual levers. Water flow is thus diverted onto the secondary and tertiary flow paths S. T whereby water flow passes through the water heater unit 18.

The standalone water heater unit 18 is then energised, so that water flow returning to the hot water outlet pipe 16 along the tertiary flow path T is heated. Hot water, heated by the standalone water heater unit 18, is thus supplied on the existing combination heating and hot water boiler unit supply or feed to the various connected sinks, baths and showers.

With the faulty boiler unit 12 finally fixed, the primary isolation valve 14 is opened, and IS the secondary and tertiary flow paths S. T are closed via the first spur and second spur isolation valves 64, 66. The temporary standalone water heater unit 18 is deenergised and decoupled from the T-junctions 60, 62 of the first and second spurs 50, 52, which are then preferably capped for safety using end caps 82, as shown in Figure 3.

The temporary standalone water heater unit 18 can then be transported away from the boiler unit site to another temporary installation site for temporary connection to a hot water outlet pipe of another faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit.

Although a primary isolation valve is suggested on the hot water outlet pipe, a section of the hot water outlet pipe could be removed and elbow joints attached to the exposed ends. The, preferably flexible, pipes to the standalone water heater forming the secondary and tertiary flow paths can thus be connected to the respective elbow joints.

In this case, the water flow must be halted through the faulty boiler unit during at least installation.

Although it is preferable that the introduction of the temporary standalone heater unit is in proximity to the exterior of the faulty boiler unit, this is so that the hot water outlet pipe can be easily identified. If a hot water pipe for supplying hot water to a hot water tap or other hot water outlet can be identified, for example, beneath a kitchen sink, then the standalone water heater unit could be introduced at that point, thereby potentially being spaced further away from the faulty boiler unit.

It is thus possible to provide a temporary hot water system which utilises a temporary electrically-operable standalone water heater unit to feed heated water onto an existing hot water supply path from a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit. It is also possible to provide the water heater unit in close proximity to but external of the faulty boiler unit, so that all components are grouped closely thereby simplifying access and reducing on-site time. Furthermore, the water heater unit is portable and mobile, allowing transportation to a new faulty boiler unit site. By use of the temporary electrically-operable standalone water heater unit, it is also therefore possible to provide a method of temporarily providing hot water to a hot water outlet pipe of a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit.

IS The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only. and various modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of temporarily providing hot water to a hot water pipe of a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit via an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a secondary flow path which extends from a primary flow path defined by the hot water pipe and spaced from the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit, and a tertialy flow path which extends from the primaly flow path downstream of secondary flow path; b] temporarily providing an electrically-operable standalone water heater unit externally of the combination heating and hot water boiler unit, and temporarily connecting the secondary flow path with a cold-water inlet por of the water heater unit and temporarily connecting the tertiary flow path with a hot-water outlet port of the water heater unit; c] diverting water flow from the primary flow path onto the secondary and tertiary flow paths whereby water flow passes through the water heater; and d] energising the water heater unit so that water flow returning to the hot water pipe along the tertiary flow path is heated.
2. A method as claimed in claim I. further comprising a step e] prior to step a] of providing an isolation valve on the primary flow path defined by the hot water pipe, the isolation valve being spaced from the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit, and wherein in step a] the secondary flow path is upstream of the isolation valve and the tertiary flow path is downstream of the isolation valve.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the isolation valve is external of and in close proximity to the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary flow path is external of and in close proximity to the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit.
5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step f], subsequent to step dl, of dosing the secondary and tertiary flow paths, and removing the standalone water heater unit.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5, when dependent on claim 2 or claim 3. wherein the isolation valve is opened following repair to allow water flow on the primary flow path between the secondary and tertiary flow paths.
7. A method as daimed in daim S or claim 6, further comprising a step g], subsequent to step f], of transporting the standalone water heater unit to another temporary installation site and temporarily connecting it to a hot water pipe of another faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit in accordance with steps a] to d],
8. A method as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3. wherein the isolation valve is a three way isolation valve enabling flow control of the primary, secondary and tertiary flow paths.
9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, in step b], the standalone water heater unit is selected from at least two standalone water heater units having different volumes dependent at least in pail on hot water volume requirements.
10. A method as claimed in any one of claims I to 9. wherein, in step d]. the standalone water heater unit is independently energised by an electncal plug being connected to a mains power socket.
11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to lO, wherein, in step hi. the standalone water heater unit is in close proximity to an exterior of the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit.
12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein steps c] and d] are performed in that order, or in the order of steps d] and c].
13. A temporary hot water system for a method as claimed in any one of claims I to 12, the temporary hot water system comprising a faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit, a first spur which is on a hot water pipe of the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit and spaced from the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit and, a second spur which is on the hot watcr pipe and which is downstrcam of thc first spur, and a rnobilc electrically-operable standalone water heater unit which is temporarily connectable to the first and second spurs for receiving incoming cold water from the hot water pipe and for returning heated water to the hot water pipe.
14. A temporary hot water system as claimed in claim I, further comprising an isolation valve for flow control of a primary flow path in the hot water pipe.
15. A temporary hot water system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the isolation valve is external of and spaced from the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit,
16. A temporary hot water system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the isolation va've is in proximity to an exterior of the faulty combination heating and hot water boiler unit.
17. A temporary hot water system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first spur is upstream of the isolation valve and the second spur is downstream of the isolation valve.
18. A temporary hot water system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the isolation valve is part of an isolation valve unit also comprising the first and second spurs.
19. A temporary hot water system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the isolation valve unit includes a first spur isolation valve for flow control of the first spur, and a second spur isolation valve for flow control of the second spur.
20. A temporary hot water system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the standalone water heater unit is portable. ii21. A temporary hot water system as claimed in any one of claim 14 to 20, further comprising a plurality of standalone water heater units having different volumes, heat up times and/or reheat times, the first said standalone water heater unit beiiig selectable therefrom.22. A temporary hot water system substanfially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.