WO2009003244A1 - Water heating apparatus, especially for pools - Google Patents
Water heating apparatus, especially for pools Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009003244A1 WO2009003244A1 PCT/AU2008/000987 AU2008000987W WO2009003244A1 WO 2009003244 A1 WO2009003244 A1 WO 2009003244A1 AU 2008000987 W AU2008000987 W AU 2008000987W WO 2009003244 A1 WO2009003244 A1 WO 2009003244A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- water
- condensate
- heat exchanger
- tubes
- water heater
- Prior art date
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 129
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229910000570 Cupronickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005536 corrosion prevention Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010979 pH adjustment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D7/16—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation
- F28D7/1607—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation with particular pattern of flow of the heat exchange media, e.g. change of flow direction
-
- 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
- F24H1/22—Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating
- F24H1/40—Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating with water tube or tubes
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
- F24H15/174—Supplying heated water with desired temperature or desired range of temperature
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
- F24H15/215—Temperature of the water before heating
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/25—Temperature of the heat-generating means in the heater
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/345—Control of fans, e.g. on-off control
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/355—Control of heat-generating means in heaters
- F24H15/36—Control of heat-generating means in heaters of burners
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
- F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
-
- 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
- F24H9/0005—Details for water heaters
- F24H9/0036—Dispositions against condensation of combustion products
-
- 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
- F24H9/16—Arrangements for water drainage
- F24H9/17—Means for retaining water leaked from heaters
-
- 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
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
- F24H9/2035—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using fluid fuel
-
- 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
- F24H1/22—Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating
- F24H1/44—Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating with combinations of two or more of the types covered by groups F24H1/24 - F24H1/40 , e.g. boilers having a combination of features covered by F24H1/24 - F24H1/40
- F24H1/445—Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating with combinations of two or more of the types covered by groups F24H1/24 - F24H1/40 , e.g. boilers having a combination of features covered by F24H1/24 - F24H1/40 with integrated flue gas condenser
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/281—Input from user
-
- 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
- F24H8/00—Fluid heaters characterised by means for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensation
- F24H8/006—Means for removing condensate from the heater
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to water heating equipment, but has particularly useful application to pool and spa heaters. Respective aspects of the invention are concerned with a novel configuration of water heater, with a heat exchanger arrangement useful in pool and spa heaters, and with a practical use for the condensate that is a by-product of certain types of water heaters.
- pool includes in its ambit any kind of confined water body in which humans can be immersed, including spas, swim spas and Japanese-style immersion tubs.
- Pool heating is conventionally effected either by circulating the pool water through solar panels, typically roof-mounted, or by means of gas-fired water heaters.
- Water heaters for this purpose are designed to heat a continuous flow of water circulated from the pool to a target temperature in a range comfortable for swimming, and so the requirements differ considerably from, for example, hot water services, where a static body of water is heated in a tank to a relatively high temperature, and hydronic central heating systems, where a flow of water is heated but the total volume of water is much less and the target temperature significantly higher.
- Modern pool heater controllers advantageously receive a measurement of the pool water temperature, and thermostatically control the operation of the heater, and as the pool water temperature approaches a desired temperature, modulate the heater down to a very low power level to maintain the pool water temperature without noticeable stopping and starting of the heater. It has been discovered that operation at this very low power level results in low flue temperatures such that condensation and corrosion is particularly problematic.
- the common approach to corrosion prevention is to design the heater so that at the maximum water flow condition, minimum water temperature and a predetermined gas flow rate the temperature in the heat exchanger remains above the dew point temperature at which condensation begins to occur. Water flow is typically reduced through the heat exchanger by diverting a proportion of the flow via a bypass. This approach places limits on the efficiency achievable with the overall heater configuration.
- the invention involves, in a first aspect, a different approach to temperature management in the heat exchanger, and, in a second aspect, the adoption of a two-part heat exchanger whereby condensate is an acceptable by-product.
- the invention proposes recycling of the condensate for usefully treating the pool water.
- the invention accordingly provides, in its first aspect, a water heater for heating water, including:
- a burner assembly for generating a flow of hot gas, which burner assembly includes a gas burner and means adjustable to determine a heat output of the burner assembly; a heat exchanger assembly for transferring heat from gas to water flowing therein, wherein the heat exchanger assembly has a higher temperature zone and a lower temperature zone, the water heater being arranged to convey the flow of hot gas to the higher temperature zone and in turn to the lower temperature zone;
- control means responsive to said temperature monitoring means to modulate the heat output of the burner assembly whereby to maintain the monitored temperature within a predetermined range so as to substantially prevent or minimise condensation of vapour from the hot gas in the higher temperature zone.
- the monitored temperature can be maintained within a pre-determined range without reducing the volume of water flowing through the heat exchanger thereby improving efficiency. It is desirable to minimise said monitored temperature in order to maximise efficiency.
- Preferably said means to monitor the temperature of the hot gas is mounted closer to the lower temperature zone than to the higher temperature zone.
- the configuration is preferably such that the hot gas is directed downwardly from the burner assembly through the heat exchanger assembly to traverse the higher temperature zone and then the lower temperature zone.
- Means is advantageously provided under the heat exchanger assembly for collecting condensate that forms in said lower temperature zone.
- the invention provides a heat exchanger apparatus, including:
- a heat exchange module having a plurality of heat exchange elements, extending across a passage, the passage being arranged to convey a first fluid past and about the heat exchanger elements; and one or more return headers adapted to be selectively mounted to said module either for directing a second fluid in turn through any adjacent pair of heat exchange elements, or for directing a second fluid from one heat exchange element of said module to a heat exchange element of a similar module when said module is coupled to said similar module.
- the return header can have a separate sealing engagement with each bank of tubes. Most preferably, the return header has a separate sealing engagement with each tube.
- first and second banks of tubes have their tubes formed in materials that respectively suit a lower temperature operation and higher temperature operation.
- a suitable material for the tubes of the lower temperature bank is aluminium sheathed stainless steel while a suitable material for the tubes of the higher temperature bank is cupronickel. Copper is another material suitable for the tubes of the higher temperature bank(s).
- each module has only two banks of tubes.
- the successive spacings of the four banks of tubes along said passage are substantially equal, and the tubes of the respective pairs of banks are formed in materials that respectively suit a lower temperature operation and higher temperature operation.
- a heat exchanger apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention is employed as the heat exchanger assembly of the first aspect of the invention.
- a third aspect of the invention relates to the condensate which is a by-product from some types of pool heater and indeed from one or more embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention. More particularly, in its third aspect, the invention provides a water heater for heating water, including:
- a burner assembly for generating a flow of hot gas
- a heat exchanger assembly arranged to receive said flow of hot gas for transferring heat from the gas to water flowing therein;
- a condensate duct to direct said condensate into said water for chemically treating said water.
- the condensate will typically be slightly acidic, i.e. have a pH slightly less than 7, and said chemical treatment may comprise pH adjustment.
- the condensate is directed into the heated stream of water immediately downstream of the heat exchanger assembly, and for this purpose said condensate duct may include a venturi at which the condensate is drawn into the heated water stream.
- a pump may be arranged to receive condensate from the means to collect condensate and drive the condensate through the condensate duct.
- the condensate is stored and said condensate duct forms part of dosing apparatus for selectively directing metered amounts of condensate into the pool water at any suitable location.
- condensate may be directed into the water with the aid of a suction tee.
- the condensate duct may be arranged to direct the condensate into the water upstream of a pump arranged to drive said water through said water heater.
- the means to collect condensate may comprise a tray or housing base in a water heater according to the first aspect of the invention or in or below a heat exchanger apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention.
- the invention further provides a method of chemically treating water in a pool comprising adding to the water condensate collected from a heat exchanger assembly of a water heater through which the pool water is circulated and heated.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pool heater according to an embodiment of the invention, as viewed without its exterior decorative housing;
- Figure 2 is a rear view of the pool heater depicted in Figure 1 with some parts omitted for a better view and with the condensate venturi additionally shown in place;
- Figure 3 is a vertical, generally central cross-section of the pool heater depicted in Figures 1 and 2, with most of the heat exchanger tubes omitted for the purpose of illustration;
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are different perspective views of the heat exchanger assembly
- Figure 6 is a view of the heat exchanger assembly, and with many of the upper bank of tubes omitted;
- Figure 7 is a plan view of the heat exchanger assembly
- Figure 8 is a cross-section on the line 8-8 in Figure 7;
- Figure 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of the burner control loop incorporating a temperature sensor in the heat exchanger assembly
- Figures 10 and 11 are respectively a perspective view and an end elevation of a larger heat exchanger assembly with four banks of tubes;
- Figure 12 is a rear view one embodiment of the third aspect of the invention entailing recycling of condensate collected from the heat exchanger assembly;
- Figure 13 is a fragmentary axial cross-section view of the condensate venturi forming part of the embodiment of Figure 12;
- Figure 14 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the condensate recycling concept
- Figure 15A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the return header
- Figures 15B and 15C are perspective cut away views of the header of Figure
- Figure 16 is a perspective view an embodiment of the tray
- Figure 17 is a rear view of a further alternative embodiment of the condensate recycling concept.
- Figure 18 is a rear view of a further alternative embodiment of the condensate recycling concept.
- the illustrated pool heater 10 is a stacked assembly of four principal components: a tray 80 over which is fitted a heat exchanger assembly 20 on which is mounted a firebox 50, which is in turn capped by a fan unit 60 that includes a controller 70 with an external interface 72 and a lid 62 that is removable for access. Tray 80 sits in plastic base 12.
- Tray 80 is a unitary casting and, as will be further explained below, serves as a condensate collection tray. Tray 80 sealingly communicates with a flue 82 that extends upwardly behind the heat exchanger assembly 20, firebox 50 and fan unit 60 to a flue outlet 83.
- pool water is circulated by a separate pump installation to a water intake port 22 and recovered from outlet 23.
- a fan 64 within fan unit 60 draws in a correctly proportioned combustible mixture of gas (delivered via line 65) and air, and delivers the mixture to a gas burner 52 at the top of firebox 50.
- the gas burner 52 and the fan unit 60 together form a burner assembly 54 ( Figure 3) that generates a downwardly directed flow of hot gas. This flow is received by the heat exchanger assembly 20 where heat is transferred from the hot gas to pool water flowing therein.
- the burner 52 is of the premix type and includes a knitted mesh. Below the heat exchanger 20, the hot gas is guided laterally by the shaped tray 80 to the base of flue 82 and thence up the flue.
- Fan 64 constitutes a means that is adjustable to vary the volume of gas and air directed to the burner 52 and so determines the heat output of the burner.
- the fan 64 and gas burner 52 together constitute a burner assembly for generating a flow of hot gas.
- a simple box 24 of front, rear and side flanged plates 24a, 24b, 24c provides a suitable chassis.
- Side plates 24b, 24c have two rows of apertures 25a and 25b that communicate with the interior of heat exchange tubes 27, 29 arrange in respective lower and upper banks 26, 28.
- respective inlet and outlet headers 30, 32 that define a manifold space respectively communicating the lower and upper apertures 25 and therefore the lower tubes 27 and upper tubes 29 to water inlet ports 22, 23.
- a return header 34 a suitably profiled moulding that defines a manifold space for communicating the lower of apertures 25a with the upper row 25b. Vanes 31 are placed between the tubes 27, 29 to deflect the gas flow and improve the heat transference to tubes 27, 29.
- a convenient method for assembling the module like box 24 involves forming side plates 24b and 24c with apertures 25a, 25b being slightly oversized, e.g. 0.1mm, to receive the tubes 27, 29. Tubes 27, 29 are inserted into apertures 25a, 25b and a rotary swage used to expand the tubes to form an interference with sideplates 24b, 24c.
- An advantage of certain embodiments of the second aspect of the invention is that large heat exchangers can be economically built up of several modules each having two rows. The tubes of a two row module are easily gripped to prevent rotation during the rotary swaging operation.
- modules having two rows defining U-shaped flow paths are illustrated, other arrangements are possible. For example, a module having three rows defining an S- shape flow path is an option.
- Return header 34 is shown in more detail in Figures 15A to 15C.
- Apertures 35 are connected by cavity 37 and include a recess to receive a sealing washer (not shown) to sealingly engage with individual tubes 27, 29.
- the regular spacing of bolt locations 36 allows the header to securely press the sealing washers with less risk of leakage due to warping of the header. This advantageously allows for a cheaper moulded plastic (instead of cast metal) construction.
- the lower bank 26 constitutes a lower temperature zone 100 of the heat exchanger assembly and the upper bank 28 constitutes a higher temperature zone 110.
- the respective banks of tubes are formed of differing materials: the lower tubes 27 are aluminium-sheathed stainless steel tubes, while the upper tubes 29 are of cupronickel alloy. It will be seen that the descending flow of hot gas will pass through and about tubes 29 first and then, in a cooler state, through and about tubes 27.
- the cupronickel tubes 29 are effective heat exchange elements at higher temperatures but are highly susceptible to corrosion by any condensate that forms on them in the gas flow, while the aluminium/stainless steel tubes 27 are resistant to condensate corrosion but degrade at relatively low elevated temperatures. Accordingly, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the temperature profile in the gas stream across the heat exchanger is managed to accommodate these characteristics. Temperature sensor 40 ( Figure 8) is located on the vertically centred plane of the heat exchanger assembly inwardly from side panel 24c between the respective banks 26, 28 of heat exchange tubes. The sensor output is delivered to controller 70 which adjusts the fan 64 to determine the heat output of burner 52 in response to various inputs including sensor 40. Other inputs may include a desired water temperature manually entered at interface 72, and actual water temperature measured by sensor 73 on inlet header 32. A suitable controller is a Genus PCB controller.
- controller 70 is responsive to temperature sensor 40 (monitoring the temperature at its location in the heat exchanger assembly), to operate fan 64 so as to modulate the heat output of burner 52, whereby to maintain the monitored temperature at sensor 40 within a predetermined set point range.
- This range is between a minimum selected so that the gas temperature in the higher temperature zone 110 remains above the dew point condensation temperature, and a maximum is determined so that, inter alia, the temperature of the gas delivered into the lower temperature zone 100 is not so high as to damage aluminium/stainless steel tubes 27. In the former case, condensation of vapour from the gas is substantially prevented or minimised in the higher temperature zone 110 of the heat exchanger assembly.
- FIGS 10 and 11 illustrate the manner in which the heat exchanger construction is readily adaptable to provide higher capacity heat exchangers.
- the side plates 24b, 24c and tubes 27, 29 constitute a heat exchange module 105.
- the box chassis 24 By forming the box chassis 24 from two of these modules 105a, 105b fixed between front and rear plates 24a of double height, comprising four banks 126, 128 of tubes 127, 129 can be provided.
- the lower and higher temperature zones are defined by the respective modules 105a, 105b.
- This modular approach to enlarging the capacity of the heat exchanger means that three identical return headers 34 can be utilised as illustrated to direct water between the tubes of the two lower banks and between the tubes of the two upper banks, and also, on the other side of the box chassis 24, from the tubes of the lower, aluminium/stainless steel tubes to the upper cupronickel tubes.
- the inlet and outlet headers 30, 32 are identical to the inlet headers 30, 32 depicted in Figures 4 to 6.
- the illustrated configuration of water heater including the two-stage heat exchanger configuration and the control of burner heat output in response to monitoring of the temperature in the heat exchanger, together result in a pool heater system of significantly higher efficiency than the earlier described conventional arrangements.
- the third aspect of the invention is concerned with the novel usage for the condensate collected in tray 80 which is depicted in more detail in Figure 16.
- the concept is that this condensate, which contains traces of combustion by-products and is thereby slightly acidic, is recycled to the pool water as an effective chemical treatment.
- a suitably dimensioned conduit 84 communicates the sump 81 via outlet 89 of tray 80 (see Figure 16) with the feed port 86 of a venturi suction device 87 fitted within water outlet port 23.
- Conduit 84 includes solenoid valve 85 for selectively determining when condensate can flow to the venturi.
- the solenoid valve 85 is used to close conduit 84 when the heater 10 and pump are not in use to prevent water flowing through conduit 84 to tray 80.
- a suitable construction for the venturi 87 is illustrated in Figure 13: it will be seen that the feed port 86 at the end of conduit 84 communicates with a chamber 87 from which an aperture 88 opens into the neck of the venturi.
- a float sensor (not shown) may be associated with the sump 81 to detect blockage of the outlet 89 or conduit 84.
- a drain hose 90 from sump 81 conveys the condensate to a storage reservoir 92 from which the condensate is selectively drawn via a tube 93 by a dosing unit 94 for delivery at an insertion point 98 in the pool water return pipe 96 downstream of water heater 10.
- the drain hose 90 is selectively closed by the solenoid valve 201. Downstream along the drain hose 90 from the solenoid valve 201 is the condensate pump 202. The condensate pump 202 may be activated and the solenoid valve 201 opened to drive condensate collected in the tray
- the pump discharge line 203 extends from the pump 202 to a suction tee 204 positioned along the return pipe 96 downstream of water heater 10.
- the use of the solenoid valve 201 prevents water back feeding from the return pipe 96 to the tray 80.
- FIG 18 illustrates a further alternative embodiment which includes a collector reservoir 210 interposed between the tray 80 and the solenoid valve 201 along the drain hose 90 to store condensate.
- a condensate suction line 211 extends from the solenoid valve 201 to a suction tee 212.
- the suction tee 212 is fitted to an inlet line 214 for supplying water to the water intake port 22.
- a pump 213 is positioned along the inlet line 214 to draw water from the swimming pool and drive the water through the heat exchanger 20 (the water is in turn returned to the pool via the return pipe 96).
- the suction tee 212 is thereby in a low pressure region upstream of the pump 213 and in addition is configured to create some venturi effect so that condensate may be drawn into the inlet pipe 214 when the solenoid valve 201 is open.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Instantaneous Water Boilers, Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses, And Control Of Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses (AREA)
- Details Of Fluid Heaters (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2008271930A AU2008271930B2 (en) | 2007-07-04 | 2008-07-04 | Water heating apparatus, especially for pools |
US12/666,585 US20100170452A1 (en) | 2007-07-04 | 2008-07-04 | Water heating apparatus, especially for pools |
NZ582223A NZ582223A (en) | 2007-07-04 | 2008-07-04 | Water heating apparatus, especially for pools |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2007903605A AU2007903605A0 (en) | 2007-07-04 | Water heating apparatus, especially for pools | |
AU2007903605 | 2007-07-04 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2009003244A1 true WO2009003244A1 (en) | 2009-01-08 |
Family
ID=40225658
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2008/000987 WO2009003244A1 (en) | 2007-07-04 | 2008-07-04 | Water heating apparatus, especially for pools |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100170452A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2008271930B2 (en) |
NZ (3) | NZ582223A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009003244A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2955923A1 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2011-08-05 | Theobald Sa A | Method for controlling boiler i.e. low temperature gas boiler, to limit condensation of cooled fume in chimney, involves increasing instantaneous power of burner at time of passage of cooled fume temperature below threshold temperature |
NL2007923C2 (en) * | 2011-12-05 | 2013-06-10 | Jmk Heating B V | Condensate drain pan. |
FR3004799A1 (en) * | 2013-04-23 | 2014-10-24 | Guillot Ind Sa | METHOD FOR PROTECTING A CONDENSER AGAINST OVERHEATING |
US9074383B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2015-07-07 | Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. | Flow control and improved heat rise control device for water heaters |
EP4042075A4 (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2023-11-01 | Rheem Manufacturing Company | Integrated anode for a heat exchanger |
Families Citing this family (8)
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EP2465583B1 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2016-07-13 | AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH | Smoke simulator system for aircraft cockpit |
CA2772155A1 (en) * | 2011-03-25 | 2012-09-25 | Laars Heating Systems Company | Condensing gas appliance and condensate trap therefor |
US10024572B1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2018-07-17 | Htp, Inc. | Heat exchanger |
JP6844266B2 (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2021-03-17 | 株式会社ノーリツ | Hot water device |
JP7052341B2 (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2022-04-12 | 株式会社ノーリツ | Heat exchanger and heat source machine |
CA3107466A1 (en) * | 2018-07-25 | 2020-01-30 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Compact universal gas pool heater and associated methods |
US11473857B2 (en) * | 2020-01-04 | 2022-10-18 | Intellihot, Inc. | Modular exhaust |
US20230035093A1 (en) * | 2021-07-30 | 2023-02-02 | Friction Flow, LLC | Pool heating system with baffles to generate heat |
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- 2008-07-04 NZ NZ616544A patent/NZ616544A/en unknown
- 2008-07-04 AU AU2008271930A patent/AU2008271930B2/en not_active Revoked
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US5318007A (en) * | 1991-09-12 | 1994-06-07 | Hydrotech Chemical Corporation | Heat exchanger manifold for swimming pool or spa heaters |
DE4315979A1 (en) * | 1992-05-11 | 1993-11-18 | Vaillant Joh Gmbh & Co | Partial-load operation of gas-fired water heating appts. - involves temporary boosting or shutdown of burner for flushing of condensate after predetermined time |
US5375586A (en) * | 1993-08-11 | 1994-12-27 | Inter-City Products Corporation (Usa) | Condensate isolator and drainage system for furnace |
US6026804A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 2000-02-22 | H-Tech, Inc. | Heater for fluids |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2955923A1 (en) * | 2010-02-02 | 2011-08-05 | Theobald Sa A | Method for controlling boiler i.e. low temperature gas boiler, to limit condensation of cooled fume in chimney, involves increasing instantaneous power of burner at time of passage of cooled fume temperature below threshold temperature |
US9074383B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2015-07-07 | Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. | Flow control and improved heat rise control device for water heaters |
NL2007923C2 (en) * | 2011-12-05 | 2013-06-10 | Jmk Heating B V | Condensate drain pan. |
EP2602568A2 (en) | 2011-12-05 | 2013-06-12 | JMK Heating B.V. | Condensate drain pan |
FR3004799A1 (en) * | 2013-04-23 | 2014-10-24 | Guillot Ind Sa | METHOD FOR PROTECTING A CONDENSER AGAINST OVERHEATING |
EP2796807A1 (en) * | 2013-04-23 | 2014-10-29 | Guillot Industrie | Method for protecting a capacitor against overheating |
EP4042075A4 (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2023-11-01 | Rheem Manufacturing Company | Integrated anode for a heat exchanger |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2008271930A1 (en) | 2009-01-08 |
NZ601752A (en) | 2013-11-29 |
US20100170452A1 (en) | 2010-07-08 |
AU2008271930B2 (en) | 2012-03-22 |
NZ616544A (en) | 2015-01-30 |
NZ582223A (en) | 2012-09-28 |
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