SE2230044A1 - System for generating fluid circulation in main conduit - Google Patents

Abstract

In general terms the present invention proposes system (100) for generating fluid circulation in main conduit (102) comprising hot-water conduit (104, 204) cold-water conduit (106), and heating arrangement (108) operatively coupled to hot and cold-water conduits. The system comprises first unit (110) comprising tank (112), pump (114), first set of valves (116) arranged between the hot- and cold-water conduits and second set of valves (118) arranged between hot-water conduit and heating arrangement; and one or more second units (120, 202), to enable heated water from hot water conduit to flow into plurality of hot water supplies associated, each second unit comprising valve (206) operable to open to air pressure difference in main conduit, wherein when valve of one or more second units and first set of valves are open at the same time, at least partially cold water in hot-water conduit is pumped into heating arrangement for reheating thereof.

Description

SYSTEM FOR GENERATING FLUID CIRCULATION IN MAIN CONDUIT TECH NICAL FIELD This invention relates to a fluid circulation arrangement. In particular, though not exclusively, this invention relates to a system and a method for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit and a cold- water conduit. BACKGROUND Water heating in buildings is one of the biggest reasons of energy consumption. In the recent past, several attempts have been made to achieve a higher energy efficiency for water heating such as by new construction and/or remode|ing of water heating systems that are also environmentally friendly. Another way of achieving higher energy efficiency for water heating include hot water circulation, which is commonly used in newer buildings. The hot water circulation reduces unnecessary drainage of water when opening a hot water tap by making sure that heated water is more or less instantly available at each tap location. Moreover, hot water circulation also makes it possible to avoid heated water from getting stagnant and cooling in the water conduits.

Conventional hot water systems are single conduit type hot water systems. Such single conduit type hot water systems restrict hot water circulation. Typically, a single conduit of the single conduit type hot water system does not allow the hot water to return from a tap location in a reverse flow to the boiler. Moreover, using said single conduit requires cold water in the conduit to be drained when opening a tap to allow hot water to reach the tap, thereby leading to wastage of water. Such a single conduit type hot water system may be modified into a circulation system that is often a very large and costly project as a new return conduit is connected from the most distant tap location to the heat source. Moreover, in larger circulation systems, the hot water conduit may be branched off into several hot water conduits. However, said branched hot water conduits have a problem of heat loss in the conduits due to the installation of a plurality of conduits.

In addition to the aforementioned limitations, the existing hot water systems may possess various other problems such as high-velocity water in the conduit, air in the pump causing corrosion thereof, use of inappropriate valves and fittings that are not approved for water services, and so forth.

Therefore, in light ofthe foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with conventional hot water systems. SUMMARY A first aspect of the invention provides a system for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement operatively coupled to the hot-water conduit and the cold-water conduit, wherein the heating arrangement is configured to heat a volume of water supplied from the cold-water conduit, and transport, in a first direction of flow, the heated water through the hot- water conduit, the system comprising: a first unit, wherein the first unit comprises a tank, a pump, a first set of valves, arranged between the hot- water conduit and the cold-water conduit, operable to enable a volume of at least partially cold water from the hot-water conduit to flow through the cold- water conduit into the heating arrangement in a second direction of flow, and a second set of valves, arranged between the hot-water conduit and the heating arrangement, operable to enable the volume of heated water from the heating arrangement to flow into the hot-water conduit in the first direction of flow; and one or more second units, each operatively coupled to a second end of the hot-water conduit to enable the heated water from the hot water conduit of the main conduit to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit, each second unit comprising a valve operable to open to an air pressure difference in the main conduit, wherein when the valve of the one or more second units and the first set of valves of the first unit are open at the same time, the at least partially cold water in the hot-water conduit is pumped, via the tank and the pump, into the heating arrangement for reheating the at least partially cold water therein.

Suitably, the system may be easily mounted on the main conduit to provide fluid circulation therein. For example, the system may be used in apartment blocks using a one-conduit-tap-water system or a dual-conduit-tap-water system and for new production buildings. Moreover, the system may prevent cooling of the heated water in conduits, and may prevent wastage of clean water while allowing the hot water to flow in the conduit, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption for heating and supplying approximately constant hot water. In this regard, the system enables returning the hot water to the heat source (for maintaining constant temperature of water) from the tap which is located furthest away from the heat source by a cooperation of the first unit close to the hot water supply and the one or more second units arranged at the tap furthest away. Optionally, the system may lower the risk for generating legionella bacteria due to the controlled temperature of water in the conduit. Beneficially, the disclosed system generates a low turbulent flow of water in the hot water conduit using the control unit that can be programmed for different operating conditions.

The valve of the one or more second units comprise a vacuum valve part and a ventilating valve part operatively coupled to each other. The ventilating valve part is mounted over the vacuum valve part, and is configured to release the air in the main conduit.

Optionally, the heating arrangement may be a heat exchanger, a water heater, and so forth. In an example, the heating arrangement may be a heat exchanger. In another example, the heating arrangement may be a water heater.

Optionally, in implementation the one or more second units may be mounted in the main conduit. For example, the one or more second units may be mounted in the main conduit under the sink in the kitchen of the building. Optionally, in another embodiment, when the bathroom has a separate main conduit, the one or more second units may be mounted under a washbasin.

In an embodiment, the system may comprise a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the first unit and the one or more second units. This advantageously enables fluid circulation at an approximately constant or optimum temperature in the main conduit. Optionally, the control unit may be programmed for different operating conditions.

Optionally, the control unit may include a software module that may be used to control the system. Optionally, the control unit may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, or code that is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory. In an example, the control unit may be a general- purpose processor. Other examples of the control unit may include, but is not limited to a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, a reduced instruction set (RISC) processor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a state machine, a data processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), and other processors or control circuitry. Moreover, the control unit may refer to one or more individual processors, processing devices, a processing unit that is part of a machine, such as the data storage.

In an exemplary implementation, the control unit controls the first unit and the one or more second units. In this regard, the control unit closes the first valve of the second set of valves of the first unit and simultaneously opens the first valve of the first set of valves of the first unit for a short time period, for example 1 or 2 seconds. At the same time, the control unit opens the vacuum valve part of the valve of the one or more second units and, due to the under pressure in the hot water conduit, enables the at least partially cold water in the hot water conduit to flow into the tank of the first unit. It will be appreciated that closing of the valve requires the valve to be arranged in a first position, and opening the valve requires turning the valve, from the first position, by at least a predefined angle to be in a second position different from the first position. Moreover, to close the open valve, the valve is again turned back from the second position to be in a first position.

Subsequently, the collected at least partially cold water is pumped using the pump, such as for example in 1 second, to flow into the heating arrangement to warm the at least partially cold water therein. Subsequently, the first valve of the second set of valves of the first unit is opened to permit flow of hot water from the heating arrangement into the hot water conduit to replace the at least partially cold water therein by opening the ventilating valve part that releases the air in the hot water conduit and closing the vacuum valve part when the hot water returns into the hot water conduit. Herein, the system takes only a few seconds, such as 3, 4, 5 or 6 seconds for completing one process cycle of fluid circulation in the main conduit.

Optionally, the size of the tank may depend upon the process cycle. In other words, for a longer interval process cycle a larger tank may be required.

Optionally, the volume of the tank may be 3 liters.

Optionally, the tank may be a pressure vessel.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a pressure switch, wherein the pressure switch is configured to regulate the air pressure in the main conduit to enable transporting, in a first direction of flow, the heated water through the hot-water conduit. It will be appreciated that the system pressure is low during the process cycle and if a tap opens during this period there may be a pressure drop in the tapped water. Typically, the pressure switch is configured to measure the pressure drop and activate opening of the first valve of the second set of valves of the first unit to pressurize the system and provide the taps with normal pressure hot water. This advantageously prevents a pressure drop in the tapped water.

In an embodiment, the apartment block comprises a single hot-water conduit. In such case, the heating arrangement may receive cold water from an external supply. It will also be appreciated that in the apartment block comprising a dual hot and cold-water conduit, the heating arrangement may receive cold water from an external supply as well as the cold-water conduit of the apartment block.

A second aspect of the invention provides a main conduit comprising a hot- water conduit, a cold-water conduit, a heating arrangement and a system according to herein. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the system is in-built into (or is comprised in) the main conduit while introducing the main conduit into a building.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement using the aforementioned system, the method comprising: receiving, in a second direction of flow, a volume of at least partially cold water in a tank of a first unit when a first valve of a second set of valves of the first unit closes, at the same time a first valve of a first set of valves of the first unit opens for a pre-defined time and a valve of one or more second units opens due to an air pressure difference in the main conduit; pumping the volume of at least partially cold water from the tank to flow into a heating arrangement configured to reheat the volume of the at least partially cold water; enabling, via opening the first valve of the second set of valves of the first unit, the heated water to flow, in a first direction of flow, from the heating arrangement to the hot-water conduit; and enabling, via closing the valve of the one or more second units, the heated water from the hot water conduit to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit. In an embodiment, the method is repeated at pre-determined time intervals.

Optionally, the pre-determined time intervals may be 300, 600, or 900 seconds. Optionally, the pre-determined time intervals may be adopted according to the system and optionally, to the specific building and the type of hot water conduit arrangement. Optionally, the system may generate a low turbulent flow of water therein. Optionally, the pre-determined time intervals may depend on several conditions, for example, a surrounding temperature, a size of the main conduit, an insulation coating of the hot water conduits, and so forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example, "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a system for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure. 2 is a schematic illustration of a second unit, mounted under a kitchen mixer, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure. 3 is a flowchart of a method for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Referring to figures 1A and 1B, shown are schematic illustrations of a system 100 for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit 102 comprising a hot- water conduit 104, a cold-water conduit 106 and a heating arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The system 100 may be attached or coupled to the main conduit 102 or the system 100 may be comprised in the main conduit 102.

A heating arrangement 108 is operatively coupled to the hot-water conduit 104 and the cold-water conduit 106, wherein the heating arrangement 108 is configured to heat a volume of water, such as water supplied from the cold- water conduit 106, and transport, in a first direction of flow 104A, the heated water through the hot-water conduit 104 (as shown in figure 1A). Moreover, the system 100 comprises a first unit 110 that is configured to be arranged as a part of the hot-water conduit 104 and also to be connected to the cold- water conduit 106. Furthermore, the first unit 110 comprises a tank 112, a pump 114, a first set of valves 116, arranged between the hot-water conduit 104 and the cold-water conduit 106, operable to enable a volume of at least partially cold water from the hot-water conduit 104 to flow into the heating arrangement 108, via the tank 112, the pump 114 and the cold-water conduit 106 in a second direction of flow 104B (as shown in figure 1B).

The first set of valves 116 comprises a first valve, being a controlled valve 116A, that when controlled to be opened allows the flow of water from the warm-water conduit 104 to enter the tank 112, and when controlled to be closed prevents the flow of water from the warm-water conduit 104 to enter the tank 112. The first set of valves 116 optionally also comprises a second valve, being a check valve 116B, that is arranged to allow water to flow from the tank 112 into the cold-water conduit 106, and to prevent water to flow from the cold-water conduit 106 into the tank 112.

The first unit 110 also comprises a second set of valves 118, arranged in the part arranged to be a part of the hot-water conduit 104, and which second set of valves 118 is arranged between the (remainder of the) hot-water conduit 104 and the heating arrangement 108, operable to enable a volume of heated water from the heating arrangement 108 to flow into and through the hot-water conduit 104 in the first direction of flow 104A (as shown in figure 1A).

The second set of valves 118 comprises a first valve, being a controlled valve 118A, that when controlled to be opened allows water to flow from the heating arrangement 108 and through the warm-water conduit 104. The second set of valves 118 optionally also comprises a second valve, being a check valve 118B, that is arranged to allow water to flow from the heating arrangement 108 and through the warm-water conduit 104, and to prevent water to flow from the warm-water conduit 104 into the heating arrangement 108.

Additionally, the system 100 comprises one or more second units 120, operatively coupled to a second end of the hot-water conduit 104. The one or more second units 120 comprises a valve (comprising a vacuum valve part 122 and a ventilating valve part (not shown in figures 1A and 1B, but shown in figure 2) operatively coupled to each other) operable to open to an air pressure difference in the main conduit 102 to enable the heated water from the hot water conduit 104 of the main conduit 102 to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit 102.

This allows for reheating partially cold water in the hot-water conduit to be reheated, by having the valve of the one or more second units 120 and the first set of valves 116 of the first unit 110 open at the same time, the at least partially cold water in the hot-water conduit 104 is enabled to flow from the hot-water conduit 104 into the heating arrangement 108 in the second direction of flow 104B (as shown in figure 1B). The at least partially cold water in the hot-water conduit 104 is pumped, via the tank 112, the pump 114, and via the cold-water conduit 106 into the heating arrangement 108 for reheating the at least partially cold water therein.

To prevent already warm water in the hot-water conduit 104 from entering the tank 112, the second set of valves 118 is closed at the same time.

As the water is reheated, the first set of valves 116 of the first unit 110 and the valve 122 of the second unit 120 are closed and the second set of valves 11 118 of the first unit 110 are again opened to allow flow of water in the first direction 104A to again fill the hot-water conduit 104 with (reheated) warm water.

In some embodiments, the system 100 further comprises a pressure switch 124. The pressure switch 124 is configured to regulate the air pressure in the main conduit 102 to enable transporting, in a first direction of flow 104A, the heated water through the hot-water conduit 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, is a schematic illustration 200 of a second unit 202, mounted under a kitchen mixer 204, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the second unit 202 is operatively coupled to a second end of the hot-water conduit 204. The second unit 202 comprises the valve 206 operable to open to an air pressure difference in the main conduit (not shown) to enable the heated water from the hot water conduit 204 of the main conduit to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit. The valve 206 comprises a vacuum valve part 206A and a ventilating valve part 206B operatively coupled to each other. The ventilating valve part 206B is mounted over the vacuum valve part 206A, and is configured to release the air in the main conduit.

Referring to FIG. 3, is a flowchart of a method 300 for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 302, a volume of at least partially cold water is received, in a second direction of flow, in a tank of a first unit when a first valve of a second set of valves of the first unit closes, at the same time a first valve of a first set of valves of the first unit opens for a pre-defined time and a valve of one or more second units opens due to an air pressure difference in the main conduit. At step 304, the volume of at least partially cold water is pumped from the tank to flow into the heating arrangement configured to reheat the 12 volume of the at least partially cold water. At step 306, the heated water is enabled via opening the first valve of the second set of valves of the first unit, to flow, in a first direction of flow, from the heating arrangement to the hot- water conduit. At step 308, the heated water is enabled,via closing the valve of the one or more second units, from the hot water conduit to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit.

The steps 302, 304, 306 and 308 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as II \\ "including , II \\ comprising , II \\ incorporating", "have , is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims (6)

Claims

1. A system for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement operatively coupled to the hot-water conduit and the cold-water conduit, wherein the heating arrangement is configured to heat a volume of water supplied from the cold-water conduit, and transport, in a first direction of flow, the heated water through the hot-water conduit, the system comprising: - a first unit, wherein the first unit comprises a tank, a pump, - a first set of valves, arranged between the hot-water conduit and the cold-water conduit, operable to enable a volume of at least partially cold water from the hot-water conduit to flow through the cold-water conduit into the heating arrangement in a second direction of flow, and - a second set of valves, arranged between the hot-water conduit and the heating arrangement, operable to enable the volume of heated water from the heating arrangement to flow into the hot-water conduit in the first direction of flow; and - one or more second units, each operatively coupled to a second end of the hot-water conduit to enable the heated water from the hot water conduit of the main conduit to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit, each second unit comprising a valve operable to open to an air pressure difference in the main conduit, wherein when the valve of the one or more second units and the first set of valves of the first unit are open at the same time, the at least partially cold water in the hot-water conduit is pumped, via the tank and the pump, into the heating arrangement for reheating the at least partially cold water therein.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the first unit and the one or more second units.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure switch, wherein the pressure switch is configured to regulate the air pressure in the main conduit to enable transporting, in a first direction of flow, the heated water through the hot-water conduit.

4. A main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit, a cold-water conduit, a heating arrangement and a system according to any of claims 1, 2 or

5. A method for generating a fluid circulation in a main conduit comprising a hot-water conduit and a cold-water conduit, and a heating arrangement using a system of claim 1, the method comprising: - receiving, in a second direction of flow, a volume of at least partially cold water in a tank of a first unit when a first valve of a second set of valves of the first unit closes, at the same time a first valve of a first set of valves of the first unit opens for a pre-defined time and a valve of one or more second units open due to an air pressure difference in the main conduit; - pumping the volume of at least partially cold water from the tank to flow into a heating arrangement configured to reheat the volume of the at least partially cold water; - enabling, via opening the first valve of the second set of valves of the first unit, the heated water to flow, in a first direction of flow, from the heating arrangement to the hot-water conduit; and - enabling, via closing the valve of the one or more second units, the heated water from the hot water conduit to flow into a plurality of hot water supplies associated with the main conduit.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method is repeated at pre-determined time intervals.