WO2004081463A1 - Systeme de chauffage d'eau potable - Google Patents

Systeme de chauffage d'eau potable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004081463A1
WO2004081463A1 PCT/GB2004/001019 GB2004001019W WO2004081463A1 WO 2004081463 A1 WO2004081463 A1 WO 2004081463A1 GB 2004001019 W GB2004001019 W GB 2004001019W WO 2004081463 A1 WO2004081463 A1 WO 2004081463A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
sleeve
receptacle
heating means
heating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/001019
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alan Harris
Duncan Bennett
Steven Hollis
Original Assignee
Ez-Hot Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ez-Hot Limited filed Critical Ez-Hot Limited
Publication of WO2004081463A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004081463A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/20—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
    • F24H1/201—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes using electric energy supply
    • F24H1/202—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes using electric energy supply with resistances
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/12—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes
    • F24H9/13—Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes for water heaters
    • F24H9/133—Storage heaters
    • F24H9/136—Arrangement of inlet valves used therewith

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a potable water heating system of the type wherein a storage tank containing water has an immersion heater by which the water is heated.
  • a storage tank containing water has an immersion heater by which the water is heated.
  • Such systems are mainly used for the heating of domestic hot water, but the invention can be applied to industrial and commercial establishments.
  • the most commonly used water heating system of the above type comprises an electric immersion heater simply inserted in storage cylinder which is gravity fed with supply water from a supply tank at atmospheric pressure.
  • the heating element When the heating element is operative, the water around the element is heated, and when heated it rises ih the cylinder causing the colder water under the element to drift up by convection and it in turn to be heated.
  • the heating element When the heating element is operative, the water around the element is heated, and when heated it rises ih the cylinder causing the colder water under the element to drift up by convection and it in turn to be heated.
  • a gentle circulatory convection flow of the water in the cylinder until the whole of the water is heated to a thermostatically controlled temperature.
  • the water in the passage in the vicinity of the element is heated and as the sleeve has an inlet for the water at the bottom, and an outlet for the water at the top, so there is established a water flow from top to bottom through the sleeve, again as a result of convection, but enhanced by providing that the gravity head of water in the tank between the top and bottom of the sleeve is serving only to drive the smaller body of water in the sleeve.
  • the heated water flows quicker than in the case of the conventional arrangement, and heating of the water takes place quicker, and by directing the small amount of heated water emerging from the sleeve outlet when there is a demand at a tap, so hot water can be supplied at the tap quicker and for longer periods.
  • a similar system is disclosed in FR804227 but in this system the water to be heated does not pass directly over the heating element, thereby reducing the efficiency of water heating.
  • the sleeve is provided at an upper part of the water tank and water is returned to a lower part of the tank. This creates problems in the circulation of water in the system since cold water cannot be forced easily through hot water, thereby increasing the time taken for hot to be supplied in the system.
  • GB2209821 discloses a central heating system which provides a neutral gas above a water level in a water tank which is separated from the water level by an immiscible fluid, such as oil, to increase the water heating efficiency of the system and provide an internal space for expansion of water.
  • an immiscible fluid such as oil
  • the present invention seeks to provide a system which addresses and obviates or mitigates the above mentioned problems.
  • a potable water heating system said system including a receptacle for storing water with heating means located therein, a sleeve being provided around the heating means with clearance provided therebetween, said sleeve having an inlet at or adjacent a bottom end thereof and an outlet at or adjacent a top end thereof and, on operation of said heating means, a convection flow path is generated in the water in the tank from the inlet of the sleeve, through the sleeve to the outlet, the water passing directly over the heating element to be heated thereby, the water from the outlet of the sleeve being returned to the receptacle and/or being supplied to one or more locations to meet a demand for hot water, characterised in that the receptacle is pressurised.
  • the system typically pressurises itself as a result of heating of the water in the receptacle.
  • the receptacle is typically in the form of a water tank and the heating means is typically in the form of an elongated immersion heater.
  • the immersion heater is fur ⁇ ier typically provided in a substantially vertical orientation in the water tank and surrounded by the sleeve.
  • the clearance between the sleeve and the heating means is sufficient to allow the flow of heated water therealong.
  • the sleeve is substantially continuous along its length thereof, thereby preventing loss of heated water from the sleeve, and greatly enhancing benefits from stratification effects.
  • the sleeve has substantially equal dimensions along the length thereof so as to provide a substantially even flow of water through the sleeve.
  • the sleeve is provided along a substantial length of the receptacle.
  • the inlet of the sleeve can be provided adjacent a base of the receptacle and the outlet of the sleeve can be provided at or adjacent a top of the receptacle, a space being provided between the base of the receptacle and the inlet of the sleeve to allow sufficient water to enter and flow through the sleeve to achieve the advantages of the present invention.
  • the heating means are provided substantially along the entire length of the sleeve, thereby maximising the volume of water that can be heated at any particular time.
  • Water is typically returned to the receptacle adjacent the top thereof and heated water typically exits the tank adjacent the top thereof, tiiereby increasing the circulation of water in the receptacle.
  • the temperature to which the water is heated is thermostatically controlled to avoid flow blockage as a result of steam generation in the sleeve.
  • a temperature and/or pressure valve means is provided in the system to limit the pressure and/or temperature in the receptacle.
  • thermal cut out stat is provided in the system and yet further preferably a thermal fuse is provided in the system.
  • the thermal fuse is typically located between two spaced apart locations on the heating means.
  • thermal cut out stat and thermal fuse are provided.
  • Each is typically set to blow/be activated at spaced apart temperatures, thereby providing at least two levels of redundancy or safety in the system. In a preferred embodiment, all four levels of redundancy or safety are utilised in the system.
  • the system is a high efficiency system, it runs at much higher temperatures and so die tiiermostatic control is effected to ensure that steaming of the water in the sleeve does not take place. If steaming does happen, the system is likely to block.
  • the oudet preferably leads to a pipe above and outside the tank, the pipe containing the thermostat, and leading to a return pipe which returns the heated water to die tank, unless there is a demand for hot water, in which case the hot water is not returned to the tank, but is diverted through a branch pipe leading to the hot water supply circuit, and eventually to the location of die demand.
  • expansion means can be provided for a more constant relief of thermal expansion in the system.
  • the expansion means is in the form of an expansion receptacle. This is typically located on the outside of the heater jacket on die cold water inlet pipe.
  • the expansion receptacle can be formed from steel or any other suitable material.
  • the lining material of the expansion receptacle can be formed from rubber or any other suitable material.
  • the size of the expansion receptacle used depends on the size of the water tank. In one embodiment the expansion receptacle is approximately 2.5% of the capacity of die water tank.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 are respectively a front view and a side view of a system of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the top of the cylinder shown in Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the immersion heating assembly shown in Figs. 1 and 2,
  • Fig. 5 shows a modified form of sleeve of the immersion heating assembly
  • Fig. 6 is a graph showing the improved performance to be achieved by embodiments of the present invention.
  • a potable water heating system typically forms part of a larger system which is connected to a mains water supply and which also includes a plurality of outiets, typically in the form of taps, located at required locations in a premises.
  • the water heating system is a closed system which pressurises itself upon heating due to expansion of water in the system.
  • the system has a cylinder 10, made for example in copper, for holding the water to be heated, and surrounding the cylinder 10 is a thermal jacket 12, of known construction.
  • the cylinder is held in a casing 14 of the configuration shown.
  • the dimensions shown in die drawings are the relevant dimensions of a specific design. These dimensions are of course exemplary and are not intended to limit the invention, as clearly the unit could be of any suitable size.
  • the cylinder 10 is domed at the top and bottom, and for stability die bottom rests on a base 16 of die casing 14.
  • the top of the cylinder is provided with a fitting 18 whereby an elongated heating element 20 is suspended from the top of the cylinder, and extends down into the interior of the cylinder 10.
  • an open ended sleeve or shield 22 Surrounding the fitting with clearance is an open ended sleeve or shield 22, also typically of copper. The sleeve 22 extends from the fitting 18 to a position approximately coincident with the bottom of the heating element.
  • die heating element is an electric immersion heater type, and it, the sleeve 22 and the fitting 18 are shown in more detail in Fig. 4, to which reference is now made.
  • the fitting comprises basically two rings 18A and 18B which in use are screwed together. Ring 18B is brazed or otherwise fixed to the top of the sleeve 22, which in turn is brazed or otherwise fixed to the top of the cylinder 10, and ring 18A is adapted to be screwed to the ring 18B.
  • the screw design in the fitting 18 is such that the rings are simply screwed together by hand to make the fitting, but when they are so screwed together and the fitting is hot (which happens when the system is functional) they lock and can only be unscrewed when the fitting is cooled.
  • the fitting When the fitting is made, it traps between the rings 18A, 18B, a plate 24 of the heating element.
  • This plate 24 also supports die terminals 26, 28 of the electric element 20, and an eartii terminal 30.
  • An oudet pipe 32 is provided in the plate 24 so that water which flows through the sleeve 22 and over the element 20 and heated thereby can flow through this pipe 32 and exit the fitting 18.
  • T shaped union 34 (Fig. 3) which houses a thermostat 35 set to control the operation of the element 20.
  • a short pipe 36 feeds the heated water to a T shaped union 38 in a vertical discharge pipe 40 having a second T shaped union 42.
  • Oudet 44 from union 42 is for feeding hot water to consumption points such as domestic taps. If there is no demand from a consumption point, the hot water is returned via pipe 40 to the top of the cylinder 10 as shown by arrow 46.
  • the cylinder is pressurised. That is to say when the system is running, the pressure inside the cylinder 10 is at a pre-determined level, such as for example the cold water mains pressure, the cold mains water being supplied tiirough an inlet 50 shown in Fig. 1. Behind this inlet there is a cold water deflector plate which serves to direct the incoming cold water to the optimum location for best circulation and heating of the water.
  • the cylinder 10 also has a drain outiet 48, which is normally closed but can be opened to drain die system for maintenance and repair.
  • the union 38 houses a temperature and pressure relief valve 52 which opens in the event of the cylinder pressure or water temperature exceeding a predetermined value. These values can be adjusted.
  • the water can be heated up to much greater levels tiian in gravity feed systems, with the advantages referred to herein.
  • the heating element When the heating element is operational, the water in the sleeve directiy surrounding the element 20 is heated rapidly due to the high running temperature. As a result, the hot water rises in the sleeve 22, and is replaced by fresh cold water flowing into the sleeve 22 at the bottom end. An upwards flow of water through the sleeve 22 is immediately established, and because the system is pressurised, and higher temperatures are used tiiis flow is much faster than in a gravity fed system.
  • die heated water is returned to the cylinder 10, and quickly the entire volume of water in the cylinder 10 is heated up to a high temperature, for example in die order of 90°C.
  • the thermostat cuts off the heating element when the temperature in the cylinder reaches a "cylinder satisfied" level, and at tiiis level, steam generation in the sleeve is avoided. If there is a demand at a consumption point, the heated water can flow direct to die consumption point through outlet 44, even if the rest of the water in d e cylinder 10 is cold. Thereby, heated water of a satisfactory temperature can be supplied almost on demand.
  • the principle is that only a small volume of water (that in the sleeve 22) is heated at any instant, and because high temperatures and a pressurised system are used, heating is extremely rapid. This leads, as will be demonstrated herein, to previously unachievable efficiencies.
  • the system is therefore both an in line system, by which hot water can be supplied directly on demand, regardless of the state of the store, and also when the store is fully charged, hot water can be supplied in large quantities.
  • Fig. 5 shows a slight modification to the design of the sleeve bottom end.
  • the sleeve is closed at the bottom end by means of a cap, but to provide the inlet for the water there is a branch pipe 56 in the sleeve 22, as shown, and water enters the sleeve 22 through this inlet pipe 56.
  • the cylinder will be sized to suit the application, and currentiy it is believed that most domestic applications will be served by a range of cylinder sizes, and two heating element sizes for each cylinder size.
  • die cylinder sizes may be 14, 44, 65 and 120 litres (approx. equivalent to 4, 12, 17 and 32 US gallons) each adapted to be fitted witii a 3Kw or a 6Kw immersion electric heater.
  • a further level of redundancy can be provided so as to provide a further safety mechanism in the event that the thermostat 35 and valve 52 fail.
  • This further level of redundancy is in the form of a cut out stat 33 which is typically wired in series to the main thermostat.
  • the cut out stat can be located on hot water oudet 32. It is typically set at 120 degrees Centigrade and therefore is activated if there is water in the tank and the thermostat (typically set at 94°C) and valve 52 (typically set at 105°C) fail. However, if there is no water in the tank and the power in the system is switched on, a fourth level of redundancy or safety is required.
  • thermal fuse temperature control means 39 which in one example is set at 150°C.
  • the thermal fuse ensures the element goes to earth (i.e. it prevents the cylinder from becoming electrically live).
  • the thermal fuse can be located between the two legs of the heating element.
  • Fig. 6 shows graphically the improved performance that can be achieved witii the heating system of the present invention.
  • the systems tested to produce the graphs of Fig. 6 were systems in which the cylinder was not provided witii tiiermal insulation, and so even better results can be expected to be achieved witii lagged production models.
  • the graphs illustrate the heating and delivery characteristics of three specific prototype heating systems according to the invention, referenced I (32 US Gallon 6KW Heater (240V x 30A), II (32 Us Gallon 3KW Heater (110V x 30A) and III (4 US Gallon 3KW Heater (110V x 30A).
  • the invention provides a high efficiency combined in line and storage water heating system, giving outputs and efficiencies not achievable in the conventional gravity fed systems currentiy available.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de chauffage d'eau comprenant un réservoir (10) destiné à stocker de l'eau et dans lequel est installé un moyen chauffant (20). Un manchon (22) est placé autour du moyen chauffant (20), un jeu étant maintenu entre le manchon et ce moyen chauffant. Le manchon (22) présente un orifice d'entrée au niveau d'une extrémité inférieure et un orifice de sortie au niveau d'une extrémité supérieure et, lorsque l'élément chauffant est en service, une voie d'écoulement à convection est générée dans l'eau du réservoir, laquelle voie traverse le manchon de son orifice d'entrée à son orifice de sortie ; l'eau s'écoule sur l'élément chauffant de façon à être chauffée par ce dernier puis l'eau sortant de l'orifice de sortie du manchon est réacheminée au réservoir (10) et/ou conduite à un ou plusieurs emplacements, afin de satisfaire à un besoin en eau chaude. Ce réservoir (10) est sous pression, ce qui permet un flux d'eau chaude rapide à travers ledit système.
PCT/GB2004/001019 2003-03-13 2004-03-10 Systeme de chauffage d'eau potable WO2004081463A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0305760.1A GB0305760D0 (en) 2003-03-13 2003-03-13 Water heater system
GB0305760.1 2003-03-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004081463A1 true WO2004081463A1 (fr) 2004-09-23

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ID=9954703

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/001019 WO2004081463A1 (fr) 2003-03-13 2004-03-10 Systeme de chauffage d'eau potable

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0305760D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004081463A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2466542A (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-06-30 Sasserath & Co Kg H Fitting assembly for a drinking water heater
WO2011001179A2 (fr) 2009-06-30 2011-01-06 Duncan Alexander Bennett Système de chauffage d'eau
FR2971834A1 (fr) * 2011-02-21 2012-08-24 Atlantic Industrie Sas Procede et dispositif de gestion de reserve d'eau chauffee
GB2497013A (en) * 2010-06-30 2013-05-29 Duncan Alexander Bennett Water Heating System
GB2525786A (en) * 2010-06-30 2015-11-04 Duncan Alexander Bennett Water heating system
EP3325867A4 (fr) * 2015-07-22 2019-04-03 National Machine Group Réservoir d'eau chaude

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR804227A (fr) * 1936-02-24 1936-10-19 Siemens Ag Chauffe-eau électrique à accumulation
US2423578A (en) * 1944-04-24 1947-07-08 Thomas A Buckles Water-heating apparatus
CH331775A (de) * 1955-05-27 1958-08-15 Gunzenhauser Ag J & R Ventilgruppe für Unterputz-Einbau
DE3830606A1 (de) * 1987-09-11 1989-04-13 Genie Climatique Thermique Kessel fuer die warmwasserbereitung
GB2275325A (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-08-24 Thomas Henry Bell Water heating devices

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR804227A (fr) * 1936-02-24 1936-10-19 Siemens Ag Chauffe-eau électrique à accumulation
US2423578A (en) * 1944-04-24 1947-07-08 Thomas A Buckles Water-heating apparatus
CH331775A (de) * 1955-05-27 1958-08-15 Gunzenhauser Ag J & R Ventilgruppe für Unterputz-Einbau
DE3830606A1 (de) * 1987-09-11 1989-04-13 Genie Climatique Thermique Kessel fuer die warmwasserbereitung
GB2275325A (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-08-24 Thomas Henry Bell Water heating devices

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2466542A (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-06-30 Sasserath & Co Kg H Fitting assembly for a drinking water heater
GB2466542B (en) * 2008-12-23 2013-03-20 Sasserath & Co Kg H Fitting assembly for drinking water heater
WO2011001179A2 (fr) 2009-06-30 2011-01-06 Duncan Alexander Bennett Système de chauffage d'eau
WO2011001179A3 (fr) * 2009-06-30 2012-01-05 Duncan Alexander Bennett Système de chauffage d'eau
GB2497013A (en) * 2010-06-30 2013-05-29 Duncan Alexander Bennett Water Heating System
GB2525786A (en) * 2010-06-30 2015-11-04 Duncan Alexander Bennett Water heating system
GB2497013B (en) * 2010-06-30 2015-12-16 Duncan Alexander Bennett Water Heating System
GB2525786B (en) * 2010-06-30 2015-12-16 Duncan Alexander Bennett Water heating system
FR2971834A1 (fr) * 2011-02-21 2012-08-24 Atlantic Industrie Sas Procede et dispositif de gestion de reserve d'eau chauffee
EP2489954A3 (fr) * 2011-02-21 2018-03-28 Atlantic Industrie Procédé et dispositif de gestion de réserve d'eau chauffée
EP3325867A4 (fr) * 2015-07-22 2019-04-03 National Machine Group Réservoir d'eau chaude
US10921025B2 (en) 2015-07-22 2021-02-16 National Machine Group Hot water tank

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Publication number Publication date
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