US2814279A

US2814279A - Dual water heating systems

Info

Publication number: US2814279A
Application number: US261198A
Authority: US
Inventors: Martin A Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1944-07-11
Filing date: 1951-12-12
Publication date: 1957-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 1974-11-26

Description

Nov. `26, 195,74- M. A. 'rl-ioMAs 2,814,279

\ DUAL WATEWHEATING sys'rms original Filed .Jury 11, 1944 2 sheets-siegt 1 HIS AGENT.

Nav. 26, 1957 original Filed .myni '1944 M. A. THOMAS DUAL WATER' HEATING sYsmas 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 N cu Marh'n A Thomcrs Q Y INVENTOIL .BY n

so l' a Hrs AGENT.

DUAL WATER HEATING SYSTEMS Martin A. Thomas, Wichita Falls, Tex., assignor of onethird to Wayland D. Keith, Wichita Falls, Tex.

@riginal application .luly 11, 1944, Serial No. 544,431,

now Patent No. 2,604,265, dated July 22, 1952. Divided and this application December 12, 1951, Serial No. 261,198

4 Claims. (Cl. 122-18) This invention relates to improvements in dual water heating systems, and more particularly to water heating systems utilizing thermal control for the heating media, as for instance, turning on the gas, or other source of heat, when the water has cooled to a predetermined temperature.

This application is a division of application Serial No. 544,431, led July 1l, 1944, by Martin A. Thomas, for Water Heater Systems, and is now Patent No. 2,604,265, issued July 22, 1952.

The storage type water heater is the most widely used at the present time, but this type system can be materially improved as to eiiciency, and lower cost ofv operation, yet maintaining all the advantages of the system, as well as of an instantaneous system.

Various thermal controlled water heating systems have been proposed heretofore, but for the most part, these have been inadequate, as the lag between the time when the water is turned on and the time at which the fuel ignites at the burner is so long that au accumulated amount of cold water has time to ilow into the system, before the burner starts operating.

An object of this invention is to provide a water heating system which will maintain two different water temperatures for withdrawal and which are controlled by a single thermostat.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coil within a ue of the water heating system to further heat the water to make it possible for dierent temperatures to be withdrawn from a single water heater tank.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a thermo-control valve to direct cold water into close proximity to the thermostat for accelerated actuation of the igniting of the fuel at the burner.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a water heating system whereby the thermostatic control turns on the gas or other heating media almost simultaneously upon the withdrawal of hot water from the system.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view through a form of the invention, with parts broken away and shown in section, t show the details of construction; and

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a thermal valve switching mechanism applied to a burner, with parts in elevation.

With more detailed reference to the drawing, the numeral 51 designates a tank for heating water, which has a primary burner 2 and a secondary burner 2 in the combustion chamber 53 at the lower portion thereof. A vent or tlue is provided through the top of the tank 51 to pass oi the products of combustion from the chamber 53.

A diverter valve, designated generally at 57, as shown in Fig. 2, is provided for controlling the supply of water from pipe 58 to the water tank 51. The diverter valve 57 has an inlet opening 13 therein and discharge openings 14 nited States Patent C) F ICC and 15 therein. The water inlet pipe S8 is connected with inlet opening 13 and the opening 14 is connected to a water outlet pipe 59, which pipe 59 leads to a perforated tube 60 within the upper portion of storage tank 51, with the perforations designated at 60a being within tube 60 at spaced intervals therealong on a side thereof. A pipe 55 is connected to diverter valve 57 and is in communication with discharge opening 15 in diverter valve 57.

The valve 57 has a disc 16 secured to an axial plunger shaft 17. A disc 18 is adjustably secured on a threaded portion 19 of the plunger shaft 17. A nut 20 is used to secure disc 18 in adjusted position. These discs 16 and 18 are positioned within a chamber 21 of the valve 57, so as 'to seat alternately on valve seats 22 and 23, respectively. A sleeve portion 24 of the casing of the valve 57 carries the seat 23, and is removably attached to the valve body S7 so the seats and discs of the valve may be properly assembled or reconditioned. A spider 26 is formed within the sleeve portion 24 so as to guide the axial plunger shaft 17.

A .brace 28 is secured in bridging relation to the opposite end of the casing of the valve 57 for attachment of a threaded tubular member 29. The tubular member 29 is screw-threaded through a plate 31, which plate 30 is attached to the wall of the tank 51, over an opening therein at one side of the chamber 53. A lock nut 31 secures the tubular member 29 in a xed position relative to the plate. On the end of the tubular member 29, inside the chamber 53, is secured a bi-metallic member 32 which is adjustably secured in place by nuts 33. Another section of the bi-metallic member 32 is adjustably secured thereto by a clamp 35. The outer extremity of bi-metallic member 34 is secured to the axial plunger shaft 17 by nuts 36. The inner end of the tubular member 29 is held in spaced relation to burner 2 by a brace 37 which is adjustably mounted on the tubular member 29 by nuts 38.

A heating coil 63 is disposed in the upper portion of the combustion chamber 53 and extends through the llue 54 in which it is suspended by a brace 64. The coil 63 is connected `at one end with a pipe 65 which extends in the tank Sl to an upper portion thereof but it is diametrically disposed rom perforated tube 60. The coil 63 has a normal outlet into a pipe 66 connected therewith and with an outlet pipe 56 to supply hot water to the desired point. However, a by-pass 67 interconnects the pipe 66 with a pipe 68 through a check valve 69, the pipe 68 opening into the top of the tank 51 so water may lbe circulated through coil 63 and back into tank 51. A valve 70 is provided between the pipes 68 and 5'6, which valve, connecting these together, is normally closed to prevent water from owing from the pipe 68 into the pipe 56, unless it is desired that the water flow between these pipes.

A drain valve 71 may be located in the lower portion of the tank 51 if desired.

A fuel supply line 72 has a thermostatic valve 73 and a thermo-element 73a therein, for supplying gas or other fuel to the burners 2 and 2. A pilot light burner 74 is provided for igniting the burner 2.

Operation In the operation of the system, as shown in Fig. l, cold water enters the system through the supply pipe 58. With the diverter valve 57 in its normal position, as shown in Fig. 2, the valve 18 being open, a small supply of water is directed immediately through the pipe 59 to the perforated tube 60, Fig. 1, from which it is directed outwardly through perforations 60a against the thermostat element 73a of the valve 7 3, forming a small localized cool water zone surrounding and cooling said thermostat. With the cool water zone located within the normally hot Water zone, this cool water will gradually become heated to operate the thermostatically controiled fuel supply valve 73 toward its closing position, but only after suicient time has elapsed to permit the heating of the cool water as it comes into the tank 51. The thermostat 73 is of the conventional type that opens a fuel valve when cooled, permitting fuel to flow to the burners 2 and 2. The pilot light 74 burns in the chamber 3 so the burners 2 and 2 will be ignited when fuel is Isupplied thereto. The thermo-element34 is preferably heated by the secondary burner 2', which burner is connected in parallel with the primary burner 2, which burner 2 is used for heating the incoming and the recirculated water.

Therefore the secondary burner 2' may be independently adjusted so as to give the correct amount of heat to the thermo-element irrespective to the heat at which the primary burner is adjusted to operate.

As soon as the heat from the burner 2 is supplied to the bi-metallic element 34, an expansion of this element takes place so as to move plunger shaft 17 (Fig. 2) to the left, to close the valve 1S and open the valve 16. In so doing, the water will then be directed from the cold water supply pipe 58 through the valve 57 and outlet l5 to the pipe 5S, thence out of inlet pipe into the lower portion of tank 1 (Fig. l), however, the cool water which is introduced around the thermo-element 73a of valve 73 will gradually become warm so as to continue to direct fuel to the burners 2 and 2', after the diverter valve 1S has seated on seat 23 to divert cool water into the area immediately above the burners, thereby preventing any lag in the starting of the heating of the incoming water, as hot water is withdrawn.

As this operation has been taking place, the burner has been heating the water in tank 51, and as additional cold Water is introduced through the pipe 55, heating thereof is started immediately. Thus, as fast as the water is withdrawn through the hot water supply pipe 66 and/ or 68, more water is supplied to the storage tank 51, with burners 2 and 2 supplying heat to prevent a lag between the introduction of cold water and the response of the thermo-element.

Upon ceasing to withdraw hot water from the hot water supply pipes 66 and 68, the tank 51 will have a tendency to equalize the temperature of the water therein. The burners 2 and 2 will continue to burn, and the water will circulate out of the coil 63, through check valve 69 and into pipe 68 back into storage tank 51. Then the water will pass through pipe 65 to complete the thermo-circulation cycle. Therefore, with this recirculation loop, the water in storage tank 51 is maintained at the desired temperature.

The tank 51 is used for both heating and storage. This is particularly desirable in a residence or wherever a small amount of hot water is required. The water may be maintained at a relatively low storage temperature, as for example 80 degrees to 90 degrees F., which increases the useful life of the tank. The booster coil 63 has suflicient heat exchange surface to raise the water temperature from 80 or 90 degrees F. to 140 to 160 degrees F., as might be desired.

In the present system, the water is admitted through the pipe 58 into the diverter valve 57 which may be of the same construction shown in Fig. 2. This valve 57 will direct water, first through the pipe 59 and the perforated tube 60 onto the thermostatic element 73a of the valve 73, which will cool the thermostat sufficiently to open the valve 73 and permit fuel to pass through pipe 72 to the burners 2 and 2', which will be ignited by the pilot light 74. As soon as the burners are ignited, the bi-metallic unit 34 of the diverter valve 57 actuates the plunger shaft 17 so as to shift the valve elements therein and direct the water from the supply line 58 through the diverter Valve 57 and the inlet pipe 5S into the lower portion of the tank 51. In so doing, the heat from burners 2 and 2', within combustion chamber 53, will heat the lower portion of the water tank to cause an initial heating of the cold water.

As the hot water is withdrawn from the hot water supply pipe 56, the hotter water in the upper portion of the tank 51 will be drawn through pipe 65 into the coil 63 in the upper portion of the combustion chamber 53 and Within the flue 54 where this Water is further heated. The hot Water will then pass outward from the coil 63 through the pipe 66 into the hot water supply pipe 56. The valve 70 normally will be closed when the coil 63 is being utilized. After the hot Water has ceased to be withdrawn, a circulation within the tank 51 will continue through coil 63, by-pass pipe 67, check valve 69, and back through pipe 68 in the top of tank 51. This will be continued until the temperature of the water reaches the predetermined setting of the thermostatic valve 73, which said valve 73 will close and discontinue the llow of fuel through the line 72 to burners 2 and 2'. Then the bi-metallic element 34 will cool so as to move the valve members into the initial positions, as shown in Fig. 2.

By having the coil 63 disposed within the combustion chamber 53, sweating or condensation of moisture on the coils is greatly reduced or completely eliminated, due to the fact that the water introduced into the coil has been heated initially and it is not necessary for the coil to complete a heating operation at one step, as has been the usual practice in coil-type heaters. By initially heating the water in this manner, much of the lime deposit and other mineral solids are caused to settle out in the bottom of tank 51, and may be withdrawn through drain 7l, thereby freeing the Water of these mineral deposits before it enters the coil 63. Therefore the coil 63 will be less likely to have these deposits accumulate therein and become clogged thereby, because much of such mineral matter would be removed by the preheating. Furthermore, the range of heating of the water on the coil is not as great as if the coil had to raise the temperature from the normal cold Water temperature, as introduced, to the highest desired hot water temperature.

The coil 63 is removably supported within the flue 54 and the upper portion of combustion chamber 53 and it may be removed readily for cleaning and repair. This coil is provided with the customary unions at either end thereof, and is carried by the brace 64, which supports said coil within flue 54. With the coil 63 thus arranged, it acts as a baiiie, whereby -a high heat recovery is possible from the spent ue gases, which pass upward through the ue or vent 54 in contact with the coil, and thus the maximum heating eiciency is obtained.

When it is desired to remove the coil 63, the pipe 65 may be capped at its lower end, and the pipe 66 from which the coil is disconnected may also be capped, and the valve 7) opened. Then by raising the temperature setting of the thermostatic valve 73, the system may be used until such time as the coil has been repaired and replaced. With the system thus arranged, the hot water may be then withdrawn through pipe 68, through open valve 70, and out through hot water supply pipe S6. The actuation of the rest of the system will not be impaired, as it will continue to operate in the same manner, as hereinbefore described, except the water will low out of the tank directly through the pipe 68, instead of passing through the coil 63.

The pipe 66 is shown as provided with a T 75, through which water at a sterilizing temperature may be withdrawn, as desired, upon the proper setting of the valve 73, and water at normal temperature may be withdrawn through the

pipes

63 and 56, upon opening the valve 70.

Due to the fact that the heater tank is operated at such low temperature, little or no insulation is required, las the temperature may be only slightly higher than the normal room temperature, as desired.

After water has been withdrawn from the system, the burner will continue to burn and the circulation will be through check valve 69, until the water in the tank reaches the temperature of the predetermined setting of the valve '73.

While the invention has been described in detail, in the form shown, it is to be pointed out that cold water inlet pipe 59 directs cold water to a point within the immediate region of the thermostat which controls the fuel supply to the burner or other heating element 2, so immediately upon turning on the burner, the cold water is directed into the heating tank, near the bottom thereof, so the water will be in close heat exchange relation with the heat supplied by 'the burners, immediatley upon the initial withdrawal of water.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. ln a water heating system for supplying liquid at two temperatures, a water tank having an inlet, a heating chamber having heating means therein for heating said tank, a water outlet conduit leading from the upper portion of said tank and passing through said heating chamber for super-heating said water, a water supply outlet connected to the upper portion of said tank for supplying water at one temperature directly therefrom, a further water supply outlet connected to said conduit beyond said heating chamber for supplying water at a higher temperature, a thermo-element located in the hot water zone of the water tank, means for directing cold water onto said thermo-element to initially cool said thermo-element to cause an immediate supply of heating media to be directed to the heating chamber, and means actuated by the thermoelement to redirect the cold water supply in close heat exchange relation with the heat in said heating chamber.

2. In a water heating system for supplying heated water at two temperatures simultaneously, a water tank having a plurality of cold water inlets connected to a cold water supply pipe, a housing forming a heating chamber integral with said tank, heating means mounted within said chamber, a pipe coil mounted within said heating chamber, a hot water outlet pipe leading from the upper portion of said tank `and connected with said pipe coil for passing water therethrough, a second hot water outlet pipe connected to the upper portion of said tank for supplying water at tank temperature directly therefrom, a conduit connected in bridging relation between the outlet end of said pipe coil and said second hot water outlet pipe, a check valve interposed in said conduit to permit the passage of water between said pipe in one -direction only from the pipe coil into the tank, supply conduits connected to the respective outlet pipes for delivering water at two temperatures simultaneously therefrom, means for directing water from the cold water supply pipe to one of the inlets in the water tank, means for actuating the water heating means upon the direction :of cold water to said tank inlet, and means operated in response to the actuation of the heating means for directing water from the cold water supply pipe to the other tank inlet at a point in close proximity to the source of heat.

3. 1n a water heating system for supplying heated water at two temperatures simultaneously, a water tank having a main cold water inlet and an auxiliary cold water inlet, a housing forming a heating chamber integral with said tank, heating means mounted within said chamber, a pipe coil mounted within said heating chamber, a hot water outlet pipe leading from the upper portion of said tank and connected with said pipe coil for passing water therethrough, a second hot water outlet pipe connected to the upper portion of said tank for supplying water at tank temperature directly therefrom, a conduit connected in bridging relation between the outlet end of said pipe coil and said second hot water outlet pipe, a check valve interposed in said conduit to permit the passage of water from said pipe coil into said tank in one direction only, means for diverting water from the cold water supply pipe selectively to either one of the tank inlets, a thermoelement mounted in the tank adjacent to the auxiliary cold water inlet for controlling the heating means and the diverting means, said auxiliary cold water inlet including means for directing cold water onto the thermo-element, and supply conduits connected to the respective outlet pipes for delivering hot water at two temperatures simultaneously therefrom.

4. In a water heating system for supplying water at two temperatures, a tank having a ue extending upwardly therethrough, a housing at the lower end of said tank forming a heating chamber in communication with said l'lue, a burner in said heating chamber, a fuel supply line connected to said burner, a pipe coil within said heating chamber and extending upward through said ue, a cold water inlet pipe connected in uid communication with said tank, a rst hot water outlet conduit connected in uid communication with the upper portion of said tank, the lower end of said pipe coil being interconnected with said lirst hot water outlet conduit of said tank to withdraw water therefrom so as to direct heated water into the lower end of said pipe coil, a second hot water outlet connected in liuid communication with the upper portion of said tank, a conduit interconnecting the upper end of said pipe coil and said second hot water outlet of said tank so as to permit circulation of water from the upper end of said pipe coil back into said tank, a thermostat fuel control Valve within said fuel supply line, the thermoelement of said valve extending into the hot water zone of said tank, means for initially directing cold water around said thermo-element to initially cool said thermo-element to cause an immediate supply of fuel to be directed to said heating chamber to cause the simultaneous heating of said water tank and said pipe coil, means for diverting the cold water supply into close heat exchange relation with the heat in said heating chamber after initially directing cold water around said thermo-element, and supply conduits connected to the respective outlets for delivering water at two temperatures simultaneously therefrom.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 366,074 Chase July 5, 1887 1,465,109 Boggs Aug. 14, 1923 1,724,996 Doble Aug. 20, 1929 1,779,165 Hallet Oct. 21, 1930 1,894,762 Egloff Jan. 17, 1933 1,972,757 Blanchard Sept. 4, 1934 2,032,447 Stack Mar. 3, 1936 2,290,049 Hildebrecht July 14, 1942 2,469,212 Shaw May 3, 1949 2,516,390 Jensen July 25, 1950 2,540,778 Dickey Feb. 6, 1951 2,604,265 Thomas July 22, 1952 2,619,944 Phillips Dec. 2, 1952