WO2009075593A2 - Dual chamber water heater - Google Patents
Dual chamber water heater Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009075593A2 WO2009075593A2 PCT/NZ2008/000332 NZ2008000332W WO2009075593A2 WO 2009075593 A2 WO2009075593 A2 WO 2009075593A2 NZ 2008000332 W NZ2008000332 W NZ 2008000332W WO 2009075593 A2 WO2009075593 A2 WO 2009075593A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- boiling
- unit
- storage unit
- water
- water heater
- Prior art date
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 239
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 title description 5
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 201
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 197
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004794 expanded polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012432 intermediate storage Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 8
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 2
- DDXCFDOPXBPUJC-MTXRGOKVSA-N 2-(beta-D-mannosyl)-D-glyceric acid Chemical compound OC[C@H](C(O)=O)O[C@@H]1O[C@H](CO)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H]1O DDXCFDOPXBPUJC-MTXRGOKVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 240000004178 Anthoxanthum odoratum Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006327 polystyrene foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
- A47J31/56—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines having water-level controls; having temperature controls
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
- F24D17/0026—Domestic hot-water supply systems with conventional heating means
- F24D17/0031—Domestic hot-water supply systems with conventional heating means with accumulation of the heated water
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D19/00—Details
- F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
- F24D19/1051—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for domestic hot water
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
- F24H15/172—Scheduling based on user demand, e.g. determining starting point of 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
- F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
- F24H15/223—Temperature of the water in the water storage tank
-
- 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
- F24H15/242—Pressure
-
- 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/335—Control of pumps, 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
- F24H15/37—Control of heat-generating means in heaters of electric 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
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/395—Information to users, e.g. alarms
-
- 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
- F24H15/486—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using timers
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
- F24H9/2021—Storage heaters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/08—Electric heater
Definitions
- This invention relates to hot water heaters of the type used to provide hot water on demand. Description of the Prior Art
- Heaters to provide hot water on demand to a user are well-known in the art. Heaters that provide hot water for domestic or workplace uses are of two general types; storage/reservoir units, and instant heat units. Storage units are more commonly found in domestic dwellings than in offices, and generally work as follows, large reservoir tank in the heater is filled with water from a mains circuit at room or atmospheric temperature. The contents of the heater is then heated by a heating unit, for example an element in the tank, to a set temperature. The contents are then maintained at this temperature. The heating unit is used to re-heat the contents of the storage tank to the required temperature if this drops below a certain level. The pre-heated water in the tank is used as a reservoir to provide hot water to a user on demand, e.g.
- the contents is kept at a high temperature (e.g. greater than 90 0 C)
- the amount of energy required to keep the contents of a tank at higher temperatures is correspondingly greater, due to the increased thermal gradient between the tank contents and atmosphere.
- the water in storage tanks is not usually kept at a high temperature, and instead is kept at a lower temperature — e.g. 60 0 C — so that the amount of energy used to maintain the contents at this temperature is not prohibitive.
- Instant heat units are becoming more commonly used in both domestic and office situations. Heaters of this type provide water of the required temperature only when this is 'demanded' by a user, by heating the water as it is demanded or drawn off by a user.
- the operation of instant heat units can generally be described as follows: when water is demanded by a user (e.g. by turning on or activating a tap), water at a temperature significantly below boiling point (e.g. room temperature) is supplied to the heater, either from a storage reservoir or from a mains supply. This water passes into the heating unit and is heated to the required temperature, usually by using a gas burner.
- the heated water is then supplied directly from the heating unit to a user, immediately after it has been heated.
- Larger, domestic instant heat units tend to be designed to have a greater flow, as they are intended to provide a large volume of hot water at a temperature suitable for washing,-baths etc.
- the water provided by these larger units is usually too cool for cooking, beverage preparation, etc.
- Smaller 'instant hot water' units are becoming increasingly popular for use in situations where a smaller volume of hot water is required each time the heater is used, but where water at a higher temperature is required, and where the unit will be used more frequently. For example, in office kitchens a heating or boiling unit will be used at frequent intervals throughout the course of a working day for beverage preparation or similar. Water at a temperature close to boiling is required every time water is drawn off.
- Office-type units are generally smaller than domestic instant heat units. As they are intended to provide lower volumes of water for any one use or at any one time, it is cost-effective to use units of this type to supply water at a high temperature. In units of this type, water is either supplied to the heater directly from the main circuit (at room temperature), or a small amount of water is heated and stored at an intermediate temperature. This water is then heated to a higher temperature and provided to a user when it is demanded.
- One problem with all of the heater types described above is that of heating efficiency.
- One of these sub- chambers receives mains water and heats it to an intermediate temperature — below boiling but above room temperature. This heated water is then passed through to the second sub-chamber where it is heated to a higher temperature (e.g. close to boiling) for delivery to a user.
- the second, higher temperature sub-tank is replenished with water from the first sub-tank as water is drawn off.
- the first sub-tank has a greater volume than the second, higher temperature, sub-tank.
- Another type of design uses a nested tank configuration to increase efficiency.
- the smaller (high temperature) tank is nested inside a larger (intermediate temperature) outer tank.
- the water in the outer tank is heated to an intermediate temperature, for example 60 0 C, and the water in the inner tank is heated to a higher temperature (close to boiling) for dispensing to a user.
- This configuration has the advantage that the outer tank and its contents act at least partially as an insulating jacket around the higher temperature chamber.
- high temperature water at indeterminate or irregular intervals can be provided, with increased system efficiency. Examples of this type of design are shown in US 2,386,949 and US 3,617,700.
- the invention may broadly be said to consist in a water heater for providing hot water to a user, comprising: a storage unit adapted to hold a first volume of water, and having a mains conduit adapted for connection to a mains water supply so that said storage unit can receive water from said mains water supply, said storage unit also having a storage heating element adapted to heat and maintain said first volume of water at an intermediate temperature between room temperature and boiling point in use, a boiling unit, adjoining said storage unit and adapted to hold a second volume of water and having a boiling heating element adapted to heat and maintain said second volume of water at a high temperature in use, said boiling unit also having a dispensing mechanism adapted to allow a user to draw off water from said boiling unit, a connection conduit, running between said storage unit and said boiling unit, so that in use said boiling unit can receive water from said storage unit, said boiling unit and said storage unit separated by an airgap.
- said storage unit is located above said boiling unit.
- the base of said storage unit is a convex surface
- the top of said boiling unit is a concave surface.
- the curvature of said convex surface substantially matches the curvature of said concave surface so that the size of said airgap is the same size between a substantial portion of said concave and convex surfaces.
- said dispensing mechanism comprises a pump, in fluid communication with said boiling unit.
- said dispensing mechanism also comprises a dispensing conduit, one end of said dispensing conduit fluidically connected to said pump to receive said water from said boiling unit via said pump, the other end of said conduit adapted for connection to a user-operated tap.
- the relative capacity and dimensions of said storage unit and said boiling unit, the relative curvatures of said concave and convex surfaces, and the size of said airgap are calculated so that heat transfer to the storage unit from the boiling unit compensates for heat losses from the storage unit to the surrounding environment.
- the relative capacity and dimensions of said storage unit and said boiling unit, the relative curvatures of said concave and convex surfaces, and the size of said airgap are calculated so that heat transfer to the storage unit from the boiling unit compensates for heat losses from die storage unit to the surrounding environment and the energy input required to said boiling unit element to compensate for said heat losses is minimised.
- said airgap is between 6mm and 15mm.
- the capacity of said storage unit is between 10 and 14 litres, and the capacity of said boiling unit is between 1.5 and 3.5 litres.
- the capacity of said storage unit is 12 litres, and the capacity of said boiling unit is 2.5 litres.
- Preferably said intermediate storage temperature is between 70-90 0 C.
- said intermediate storage temperature is a set point temperature of substantially 80 0 C.
- said boiling unit farther comprises a rim, aligned substantially vertically and running around the top edge of said boiling unit, said storage unit resting on said rim in use.
- said storage unit and said boiling unit are circular in plan view, each having a diameter in the region of 27cm.
- the height of said water heater from the base of said boiling unit to the top of said storage unit is in the region of 40cm.
- said water heater further comprises a casing, said storage unit and said boiling unit located within said casing in use.
- said water heater further comprises insulating material, the space between said water heater and said casing filled with said insulating material, so that said insulating material surrounds and fully encloses said storage unit and said boiling unit.
- any space between said water heater and said casing is filled with an insulating material, filling said casing, and surrounding and fully enclosing said storage unit and said boiling unit.
- said insulating material is formed as two separate expanded polystyrene pieces that together form an insulating shell that encloses said water heater.
- the contents of said boiling unit is heated and maintained at a temperature between 92°C and 99°C by said boiling element.
- the contents of said boiling unit is heated and maintained at a temperature of 3°C below boiling point by said boiling element.
- said boiling element has a power output in the region of 1.8 kW.
- said storage element has a power output in the region of 1.8 kW.
- connection conduit Preferably at least part of the length of said connection conduit is located in said storage unit, submerged in the upper third of the contents of said storage unit. Preferably that end of said connection conduit that is located in the storage unit faces upwards.
- said end is just below the surface of said contents.
- said storage unit further comprises a dispensing conduit adapted for connection to a tap to enable a user to draw off water from said storage unit, said storage unit having an outlet, said dispensing conduit connected at said outlet, said storage unit also having a balance valve located at said outlet, said balance valve adapted to cool water exiting said storage unit to a maximum temperature of 70 0 C.
- said water heater further comprises a control mechanism, said storage unit also having a pressure switch adapted to send a storage unit full signal to said control mechanism when the storage unit is filled to the required pressure, and a storage unit depleted signal to said control mechanism when said storage unit is not filled to said required pressure, said boiling unit also having a boiling level probe adapted to send a boiling unit full signal to said control mechanism when said boiling unit is filled to the required boiling level, and a boiling unit depleted signal to said control mechanism when said boiling unit is not filled to said required boiling level, said mains conduit also having a mains supply tap, said mains supply tap controlled by said control mechanism, said connection conduit also having a connection tap, said connection tap controlled by said control mechanism, said boiling level probe sending said boiling unit depleted signal to said control mechanism when water is drawn off from, said boiling unit via said dispensing mechanism, said control mechanism instructing said connection tap and said mains supply tap to open in response to receiving said boiling unit depleted signal, said storage unit receiving additional water from said mains conduit, said additional water disper,
- said storage unit further comprises a thermostat, said thermostat activating said storage element when the temperature of the contents of said storage unit drops below
- said thermostat sends a signal relating to the temperature of the contents of said storage unit to said control unit, said control unit activating said storage element when the temperature of the contents of said storage unit drops below said set storage unit temperature.
- said set storage unit temperature is 80 0 C.
- said boiling unit further comprises a thermistor, said thermistor activating said boiling heating element when the temperature of the contents of said boiling unit drops below a set boiling unit temperature.
- said thermistor sends a signal relating to the temperature of the contents of said boiling unit to said controller to activate said boiling heating element when the temperature of the contents of said boiling unit drops below said set boiling unit temperature.
- said set boiling unit temperature is 95°C.
- the invention may broadly be said to consist in a user-operated tap for use with a water source, comprising: a tap body, said body having a nozzle adapted for dispensing water, said tap body adapted for connection to a surface in use, a tap conduit located inside said tap body, one end of said tap conduit fluidically connected to said nozzle, the other end of said tap conduit adapted for fluid connection to said water source, at least one user-operable lever, connected to and movable relative to said tap body, said lever having a plurality of positions including a first position where said tap is turned off, a first part of said lever located outside said tap body and manipulable by a user, a second part of said lever located inside said tap body, a sensor assembly located inside said tap body and adapted to sense the position of said second part, at least one spring, connected to said at least one lever and said tap body in such a manner that said lever is biased towards said off position, said sensor assembly generating a variable signal that is dependent on the position of said second part.
- said at least one lever is pivoted about an axis inside said tap body, said second part describing an arc inside said tap body as said lever is pivoted.
- said spring is a leaf spring.
- said first position is said off position.
- said variable signal is turned off.
- said sensor mechanism also has at least one pair of sensors, located inside said tap body at opposite ends of said arc, the number of said pairs of sensors corresponding to the number of said at least one levers.
- said pair of sensors are magnetically sensitive, the inner end of said second part of said lever further comprising a magnet, said tap further comprising a sensor board to which said pair of sensors are connected, said variable signal dependent on the position of said magnet relative to each of said sensors.
- the inner end of said spring further comprises an inner hook
- the outer end of said spring further comprises an outer hook
- said lever having a lever recess into which said inner hook connects in use
- said tap body having a body recess into which said outer hook connects in use, in use said lever moving relative to said tap body when manipulated downwards by a user, from said first position where said spring is substantially undeformed, to a position where said spring is deformed and exerts a reaction force on said lever directed to returning said lever to said first position.
- said inner hook is a 180° bend
- said outer hook is a 90° bend
- said outer hook further comprises a kink
- said tap body further comprises a tab over which said kink engages when said lever is in said first position.
- said outer hook, said kink and said tab are adapted such that when a user rotates said lever upwards, said kink detents over said tab to remain in position until downwards force is exerted by said user.
- said tap further comprises a first user operable lever and a second user operable lever, said first parts of said first and second levers coloured to indicate to a user what temperature water will be dispensed.
- said tap further comprises a safety button, said button operable by a user to activate or deactivate said tap.
- said safety button further comprises at least one LED, said LED indicating to a user whether said tap is activated or deactivated.
- said safety button operates an override circuit, which turns said variable signal off when said override circuit is activated.
- variable signal is sent to a controller, which is adapted to control and vary the flow of fluid from said water source based on said variable signal, said controller ensuring that there is no flow from said water source when said lever is in said off position.
- said water source is a water heater as described in any one of the statements above relating to said water heater.
- Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a hot water heater, with an outer casing shown in outline, and a control unit shown located in a recess on the casing.
- Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the water heater of Figure 1, with a heater unit, conduits, surrounding insulation shown, all located within the outer casing in use.
- Figure 3 shows the exploded view of Figure 2, with the heater unit also shown separated or exploded in order to show an upper storage unit and a lower boiling unit of the heater unit.
- Figure 4 shows a cutaway view of the heater unit of Figures 2 and 3, with internal detail of the storage unit, the boiling unit and the conduits that run between the units shown.
- Figure 5 shows a view of the storage unit and the boiling unit assembled with the control unit connected, and detail of the conduits that run between and which feed the units also shown.
- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a tap that can be used with the hot water heater.
- Figure 7 shows the tap of Figure 6 mounted on a benchtop.
- Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the tap of Figure 6, with the main sub- components and sub-assemblies shown, including a user operated lever sub-assembly.
- Figure 9 shows a detailed exploded view of the lever sub-assembly shown in Figure 8.
- Figure 10 shows the lever sub-assembly of Figures 8 and 9 assembled.
- Figures Ua-c show cutaway side views of part of the tap of Figure 6, with detail of the lever sub-assembly of Figures 9 and 10 in three positions;
- Figure 11a showing the lever in a first or off position,
- Figure lib showing the lever in a position where a user has pressed downwards
- Figure lie showing the lever in a position where a user has pulled upwards.
- Figure 1 shows a view of a preferred embodiment of a hot water heater 101 or hot water unit enclosed by an external ot outer casing 100, shown in outline, the water heater 101, the casing 100, and the other secondary items forming a heater unit.
- the main components of the hot water heater 101 are located inside the external casing 100 in use.
- the casing 100 forms part of the hot water heater.
- the internal hot water heater 101 is referred to as a separate item from the casing 100. Where 'water heater' is referred to in this specification, this should be taken as either including or excluding the casing 100, as appropriate.
- 'heater unit' refers to the casing 100, the hot water heater 101, and all the secondary items such as a control unit 123, insulation 102, etc.
- the heater unit is intended to be located in a storage space such as a cupboard under a kitchen sink or similar.
- the external casing 100 can be removed or opened to allow settings to be adjusted, maintenance to be carried out, etc.
- the casing 100 acts to protect the internal components from accidental damage, and also helps to protect users from inadvertent contact with hot surfaces, etc.
- the space between the casing 100 and the outer skin of the hot water heater 101 can be filled with insulative material 102, such as expanded polystyrene foam.
- a number of external ports pass through the casing 100, so that conduits 104 and similar apparatus can pass through the casing 100 to connect with the water heater 101.
- the casing includes recesses for the location of external control panels, power points, or similar. These power points and external control panels are shown generally as panels 103 in Figure 1.
- FIGS 2 and 3 show exploded views of the preferred, form of the heater unit.
- the heater unit has a casing 100, water heater 101, insulation 102, control panels 103 and conduits 104.
- the preferred shape of the water heater 101 is cylindrical, with two rounded end caps. It should be noted that a water heater with flat ends could also be used.
- the water heater 101 is located in the casing 100, there is a space between the generally rectangular or cuboid casing 100 and the water heater 101. This space between the casing 100 and the external skin of the water heater 101 is filled with the insulating material 102.
- the preferred form of the insulating material 102 is two separate pieces of expanded polystyrene, brought together to enclose the water heater 101. These two insulating halves are in turn enclosed by the casing 100.
- the water heater 101 is comprised of two separate units, an upper- storage chamber or storage unit 110, and a lower boiling chamber or boiling unit 111.
- the two units 110 and 111 'nest' in use, the units directly adjacent or adjoining one another, with the curve of the concave top 107 of the boiling unit 111 matching the curve of the convex base 106 of the storage unit 110, the convex base 106 adjacent to the concave top 107.
- the preferred form of the storage unit has a convex curved base 106 (and a curved top) as this form allows the contents to be stored under pressure, whilst keeping the walls reasonably thin.
- the boiling unit 111 has a rim 130 standing proud of, and running around the circumference of the concave top 107.
- the concave top 107 follows the curve of the convex base 106 of storage unit 110 as this allows the akgap between the two to be kept substantially constant.
- the rim 130 is a continuation of the wall of the boiling unit 111 in the preferred embodiment, and is substantially vertical. The outer part of the base 106 of the storage unit 110 rests against this rim 130, so that there is no direct contact between the base 106 and the top 107. It should also be noted that when the water heater 101 is assembled and ready for use, the two units 110, 111 are not physically connected (i.e. they are not attached together by welding, gluing, clamping etc).
- the units 110 and 111 are kept in position relative to one another by their mutually interlocking or nested shapes, and the surrounding insulation material 102.
- the rim 130 as described above follows the circumferential perimeter of the boiling unit 111. However, the rim 130 does not have to be at the outer circumferential edge — it could be located slightly radially inwards of the circumferential edge. Also, although it is preferred that the rim 130 is a continuous loop, the rim 130 could be discontinuous in other embodiments.
- Both the storage unit 110 and the boiling unit 111 are formed from copper in the preferred embodiment.
- the preferred capacity of the storage unit 110 is approximately 12 litres, and the preferred capacity of the boiling unit 111 is approximately 2Y2 litres.
- Figure 4 shows the storage unit 110 nested into the concave top part of the boiling unit
- Each of the units 110, 111 contains a heater element to heat the water that is stored in the units 110, 111 to the required temperature.
- the storage unit element (storage element 121) passes into the side of the storage unit 110 at approximately mid-height of the unit 110, and is preferably aligned substantially horizontally.
- the boiling unit element (boiling element 122) passes in through the side of the boiling unit 111, also preferably aligned substantially horizontally.
- an air gap 105 is created between the convex base 106 of the storage unit 110 and the concave top 107 of the (lower) boiling unit 111.
- the curvature of the base 106 and the top 107 substantially match, so that the air gap 105 is a substantially constant 9mm gap at all points between the base 106 and the top 107.
- the curvature matching does not have to be identical at all points between the two surfaces.
- the air gap is constant across a substantial portion of the two surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the substantial portion amounts to 80% or more. No further support is necessary to keep the units 110, 111 in place relative to one another.
- the insulation material 102 in the preferred form provides additional support to the two water tanks 110, 111.
- the capacity of the storage unit 110 is approximately 12 litres.
- the storage unit 110 is kept topped up to this capacity by a connection to a mains water supply via mains conduit 112, which passes into the side of the tank 110 close to the base 106.
- the mains supply water entering the tank 110 is at or close to room temperature, and as it enters the storage unit 110 it sinks to the bottom, below the heated water already present in the storage unit 110.
- the storage unit 110 When water is drawn off from the storage unit 110, the storage unit 110 is topped up to its 12 litre capacity from the mains conduit 112.
- the storage unit 110 operates as a normal mains pressure water heater by allowing the room temperature pressurised mains water entering via mains conduit 112 to push out the hot water within storage unit 110 when water is drawn off from the water heater 101.
- the storage element 121 heats and. maintains the contents of the storage unit 110 at an intermediate set point temperature of substantially 80 0 C. It is preferred that the water in the storage tank 110 is maintained at a set point temperature of 80 0 C. However, it is preferred that the temperature of the contents of storage unit 110 does not significantly .exceed this temperature.
- the storage element 121 is constructed as a standard heating element of the type that is well-known in the art, rated at approximately 1.8 kW in the preferred embodiment. Storage element 121 is powered by a connection to a mains electricity supply that is controlled by a control unit 123, located on or recessed into the outer casing so that it can be accessed by a user.
- the storage unit 110 also contains a temperature sensor such as a thermostat (not shown).
- the thermostat activates the storage element 121 to raise the temperature back to the set point temperature of 80 0 C.
- the thermostat deactivates the storage element 121. This can be done either by having the thermostat send a signal relating to the temperature of the contents of said storage unit to the control unit 123 which then activates the element 121, or the thermostat can be partially or fully independent of the control unit 123.
- the control unit can also act as a programmable timer, shutting down the heater unit and allowing the water in the storage unit and boiling unit to cool during periods of non-use (e.g.
- the timer can be programmed to activate the heater unit at a specified time. For example, if the heater unit is used in an office environment, the timer can be programmed to activate the heater unit at a specified time before the office is due to open, so that the hot water is available as soon as workers arrive.
- the timer settings can be adjusted via an auxiliary control system and timer (not shown), that are mounted on the casing 100. This allows a user to adjust the settings without opening or removing the casing 100.
- connection conduit 113 connects the upper storage unit 110 and the boiling unit 111.
- the conduit 113 passes through the side wall of the upper storage unit 110, close to the top of the storage unit 110.
- the connection conduit 113 is bent or shaped so that the end 114, located inside the storage unit 110, faces upwards. That part of the length of connection conduit 113 inside the storage unit 110 is located towards the top of the storage unit 110, in approximately the top third. End 114 is the uppermost part of the connection conduit 113.
- This arrangement has a dual advantage: firstly, locating the end 114 of the conduit 113 at the top of the storage unit 110 facing upwards ensures that only the hottest water (at the top of the storage unit 110) enters the conduit 113.
- conduit 113 runs between the storage tank 110 and the boiling unit
- Water from the storage unit 110 enters the boiling unit 111 via the conduit 113, and is therefore pre-heated to between 75-80 0 C. Due to the construction described above, there is minimal heat loss from the water in transit through the conduit 113.
- the water from storage unit 110 arriving in the boiling unit 111 is heated quickly and efficiently from the 75-80 0 C at which it arrives, to the required higher set point temperature of 3°C below boiling point — i.e. 97-98°C in preferred operating conditions (preferred embodiment temperature).
- This process is controlled by the control unit 123 on the outer casing 100, which receives signals from a boiling unit level probe (not shown) inside the boiling unit 111.
- the preferred form of boiling level probe sends three signals to the control unit: a first signal, or boiling unit depleted signal, which is sent when the level of the contents of the boiling unit 111 drops below 2.5 litres, a second signal, or boiling unit empty signal, which indicates an unsafe water level to activate the boiling element 122, and a third signal, which indicates that the boiling unit 111 is full, or that the content is at the required level.
- a connection tap such as a solenoid controlled tap or similar (not shown)
- the control unit 123 sends a signal to a mains supply tap (not shown) on the mains conduit 112 instructing the mains supply tap to open.
- the control unit 123 controls the operation of both the connection tap and the mains supply tap. Opening the mains supply tap causes additional water from the mains connection to enter the storage unit 110. This causes the contents of the storage unit 110 to overtop the end 114 of the conduit 113. As end 114 is located at the top of the storage unit 110, only the hottest water in the storage unit HO enters the conduit 113 and passes through the connection conduit 113 into the boiling unit 111.
- the boiling level probe When the boiling unit 111 is filled to its 2.5 litre capacity, the boiling level probe sends the boiling unit full signal to the control unit 123, indicating that the tank 111 is filled to the required level.
- the control unit 123 instructs the connection tap to shut in response to this signal.
- Water continues to flow through the mains supply tap into the storage unit 110 until the water pressure in the tank equals the inlet water pressure.
- the storage unit 110 contains a pressurestat or pressure switch (not shown) which operates by sending a signal to the control unit to close die main supply tap when the tank pressure exceeds the inlet pressure by 10%, and to open the main supply tap when the storage unit 110 water pressure drops below the inlet pressure.
- the control unit 123 also controls the operation of the heater elements 121, 122.
- the control unit 123 receives signals relating to the temperature of the contents of the units 110, 111 and cycles the heater elements 121, 122 on and off as required to raise or maintain the temperature of the contents of the units 110, 111.
- Water in the boiling unit 111 is stored at 3°C below boiling point until use — that is, at 97-
- Boiling unit 111 includes a thermistor that monitors the temperature of the contents of the boiling unit and sends a signal to the controller to activate the boiling element 122 when the temperature "of the contents falls below a temperature close to boiling.
- the dispensing mechanism is a pump 120 in the side of the boiling unit 111.
- the pump 120 provides water via a dispensing conduit or similar to a user-activated tap or similar at bench top height, above the water heater.
- the pump 120 is an electrically-controlled pump, of the type that are well-known in the art.
- water can also be drawn off from the storage unit 110 at the lower temperature of 60-70 0 C, if required for washing or similar.
- This water is drawn off via a dispensing conduit or a standard sink faucet, or similar.
- the drawn off water is reduced from 80°C to 60-70°C via a balance valve 131 in the outlet of the storage unit 110 so as to prevent damage to seals, pipes and the such in the hot water lines immediately exiting the storage unit 110.
- the base 106 of the storage unit 110 rests on the rim 130 of the boiling unit 111. There is no direct contact between the base of the storage unit 110 and the top of the boiling unit 111, except through the rim 130. This arrangement minimises the surface area available for heat conduction from the boiling unit 111 to the storage unit 110.
- the boiling unit 111 which operates at a higher temperature than the storage unit 110, is located below the storage unit 110. THs ensures that heat lost from the boiling unit 111 via convection in the airgap 105 is transferred upwards to the storage unit 110, as primary energy loss via convection is upwards.
- the heater units 110 and 111 By configuring the heater units 110 and 111 in this way, at least part of the energy losses from the boiling unit 111 are transferred as energy gains to the storage unit 110.
- the energy losses from the boiler unit 111 can be closely matched to the energy losses from the storage unit 110 (occurring via the insulation and the paths as described above), and can be used to compensate for the majority (e.g. 90%) of these losses.
- the size of the airgap 105 (controlling convection) and the nesting arrangement (controlling surface contact area and therefore conduction) are carefully tuned so that heat losses from the boiling unit are not critical, but that the inevitable heat losses are converted to benefit the overall system. It should also be noted that it is possible to vary these parameters to tune the overall system to achieve the same result.
- the convex and concave surfaces could be manufactured with different curvatures, so that the size of the airgap varies from point to point across the two surfaces.
- the relative temperatures of the contents of the two units, or their relative dimensions could be varied. This variation of the parameters is tuning the system to achieve energy efficiency and reduce the necessity of cycling the heating elements to maintain the contents of the units at the desired level.
- the overall form of the preferred embodiment of the user-operated tap is shown in Figure 6 as a single tap body or tap 200.
- the body of tap 200 has three main parts: a hollow vertical stem 201 that in use is mounted to a surface such as a bench top or similar as shown in Figure 7, and two branches that split from the top of the stem 201 and which are angled slightly upwards so that the tap body has the overall form of a T- ot Y-shape.
- the branches of the preferred form are angled slightly upwards from the horizontal.
- the tap 200 could be adapted for mounting to any suitable surface or point, such as a wall, pillar or similar.
- One branch of the Y-piece (the lever arm 220) includes a pair of user operated lever bodies 202, 203 that form the end of the lever arm 220.
- a user can manipulate the lever bodies 202, 203 by pulling them up or pushing them downwards. Pressing one of the lever bodies downwards activates the tap and causes water to be dispensed e.g. from the boiling unit 111 , or from another source such as a water chiller (not shown), depending on which body is depressed.
- the second branch of the Y-piece (main body 221) has a dispensing nozzle: 204, located at the end and on the underside of main body 221, facing downwards.
- An exploded view of the tap 200, showing the main sub-parts, is shown in Figure 8.
- a set of silicon tubes 205 is located inside the vertical stem 201 to carry water from the boiling unit 111, and the water chiller (not shown).
- the inner ends of the silicon tubes 205 are connected to the inner ends of a complimentary set of copper pipes 206, which run from the junction of the Y-piece to the nozzle 204, inside the main body 221.
- the silicon tubes 205 and the copper pipes 206 together form a tap conduit, with the free end of the silicon tubes 205 connected to the end(s) of the dispensing conduit running from the boiling unit 111.
- a conduit runs from the storage unit 110 also, and is connected to one of the silicon tubes 205.
- a base flange 207 is included in the preferred embodiment to aid mounting of the tap 200 to a mounting surface such as a bench top.
- the lever bodies 202, 203 are included as part of a lever subassembly 210 that connects to the tap 200, the subassembly 210 forming part of both the stem 201 and the lever arm 220.
- a safety button 218 is included in the structure of the tap 200. The safety button 218 acts as an electrical, switch. When it is activated, it stops inadvertent operation of the lever bodies 202, 203, thereby preventing accidental spillage of boiling water.
- the lever subassembly 210 includes the following main parts: a rear cap 211, two lever bodies 202, 203, two lever arms 212, two lever springs 213, and a sensor board 214.
- the lever bodies 202, 203 include a set of end caps 208, 209 that are pressed into recesses in the tops of the bodies 202, 203 during assembly.
- These ends caps 208, 209 can be differently coloured as required by a user — e.g. one end cap can be coloured red to show that activating that lever body causes the tap 200 to produce hot water at a temperature close to boiling point (water from the boiling unit 111).
- the rear cap 211 is generally L-shaped (the ⁇ / is inverted in use). When assembled, the rear cap 211 attaches to, and forms part of, the tap 200, with the outer surfaces of the rear cap 211 lying flush with the main body of the stem 201 and the lower part or underside of the lever arm 220.
- the rear cap 211 includes pivot recesses 216 on its upper surface, the upper surface being located inside the body of the tap 200 in use.
- pivot projections 217 on the lever arms 212 locate into these pivot recesses 216, allowing each of the lever arms 212 to pivot around the pivot recesses 216, independent of each other and also independent of the rear cap 211.
- each of the lever arms 212 extends outwards to form a projection 219.
- Each of the lever bodies 202, 203 includes a complimentary recess so that the lever bodies 202, 203 can locate onto these projections 219 in use.
- the lever arms 212 and the lever bodies 202, 203 move as one unit when assembled. These parts do not move relative to one another. Where reference is made in this specification to a 'first part', this should be understood as referring to a part of the assembly that includes at least that part of the lever arm 212 on the outer side of the pivot projections 217, and which preferably also includes the attached lever body (either 202 or 203).
- each of the lever arms 212 extends outwards and curves downwards so that when the tap 200 is assembled, the body 223 angles downwards into the stem 201.
- Sensor board 214 is a PCB board which is located inside the stem 201 in use, and forms at least part of a sensor assembly.
- the sensor board 214 is oriented so that it runs across the width of the stem 201, in the same orientation or plane as the ⁇ of the tap 200.
- One edge of the board 214 locates into a slot 229 in the rear cap 211 to hold the board 214 in position.
- a pair of sensors is located on each side of the board (four sensors in all, two on each side).
- the board, sensors and the lever arms 212 are sized and located so that when the tap 200 is assembled, each pair of sensors is located at opposite ends of the short arcs described by the ends 224 of each of the lever arms 212.
- One pair of sensors - 226, 227, located on one side of the board 214 is shown in Figure 9 and Figure 11.
- the sensors 226, 227 are magnetically sensitive. As the corresponding magnet 225 describes the short arc in response to movement of the lever arm 212, as outlined above, the sensors 226, 227 respond. It can be seen that the location of the magnet 225 directly corresponds to how far the lever body 203 has been depressed. As the magnet 225 moves, the sensors 226, 227 send a variable signal to the control unit 123, the signal varying depending on the position of the lever arm 212, and corresponding to the position of the magnet 225. The control unit 123 activates and cycles pump 120 depending on the signal. For example, if a user requires hot water from the boiling unit 111, they depress the appropriate lever body — e.g. lever body 203.
- lever body 203 When lever body 203 is depressed, this moves magnet 225 away from the off position, close to sensor 226, and towards sensor 227. The movement of the magnet causes the sensors 226, 227 to send the variable signal to the control unit 123, indicating that lever body 203 has been depressed. The signal will vary depending on how far the magnet 225 has been moved.
- the control unit 123 receives this signal, the control unit 123 activates the pump 120, which pumps water from the boiling unit 111 through the tap 200 to the nozzle 204.
- the variable signal allows the control unit to vary the activation of the pump 120, and therefore the volume of the flow through the pump 120 and the tap 200 can be varied depending on how far a user has depressed the lever body 203.
- any appropriate sensing mechanism could be used if required.
- the corresponding sensors When the tap 200 is not in use, and the lever bodies 202, 203 are not depressed, or immediately after use when the lever bodies 202, 203 are returned to a position where they are not depressed, the corresponding sensors are either inactive (or they are deactivated as the lever body returns to this position). Alternatively, the sensors can send a signal to the control unit 123 indicating that the lever body or bodies (and therefore the magnets) are in an 'off position. The control unit 123 responds by deactivating the corresponding pump or pumps ,(i.e.
- lever body 203 if lever body 203 is depressed, signals are sent to control unit 123 from sensors 226, 227, and the control unit activates pump 120. When lever body 203 returns to a non-depressed state, the control unit deactivates pump 120).
- the lever bodies 202, 203 are spring-loaded so that when they are not actively depressed by a user, they automatically return to the default, non-depressed position. The preferred form of spring loading shall now be described.
- the lever subassembly 210 includes a pair of lever springs 213, one for each of the arms 212.
- the lever springs 213 generally have the form of leaf springs or flat springs, with a flat central body portion, a 180° hook or bend 232 at the inner end and a 90° hook or bend 233 that includes a kink 235 at the outer end.
- Each of the lever arms 212 has a central portion 230 shaped so that the 180° hooked end 232 can hook onto or slide over the central portion 230.
- the shaped central portion 230 is located so that when the springs 213 are in position, the centrepoint of the hook 232 corresponds to the centre of rotation of the lever arm 212.
- the outer end 233 of each of the springs 213 is shaped to engage with tabs or projections 234 on the rear cap 211, the kink 235 'clicking' over the projections so that the spring 213 is held in place.
- the lever subassembly 210 also includes a safety board 215. In the preferred embodiment, this is connected to the safety button 218.
- the safety button 218 is used to activate or deactivate the tap 200 (by activating or deactivating the pump 120). LED's on the safety board protrude through the top surface of the safety button 218. These LED's indicate the status of the switch (locked or unlocked) to a user, and also indicate the readiness of the dual chamber water heater, and the performance of any other items in use with the system, such as a water filter.
- the tap 200 described above could be used, or can be adapted for use with, other types of hot water heater other than the one described in the preferred embodiment.
- the tap 200 could also be used independently with other water sources if required, for example by connecting it to a mains conduit.
- a user-operated tap for use with a water source comprising: a tap body, said body having a nozzle adapted for dispensing water, said tap body adapted for connection to a surface in use, a tap conduit located inside said tap body, one end of said tap conduit fluidically connected to said nozzle, the other end of said tap conduit adapted for fluid connection to said water source, at least one user-operable lever, connected to and movable relative to said tap body, said lever having a plurality of positions including a first position where said tap is turned off, a first part of said lever located outside said tap body and manipulable by a user, a second part of said lever located inside said tap body, a sensor assembly located inside said tap body and adapted to sense the position of said second part, at least one spring, connected to said at least one lever and said tap body in such a manner that said lever is biased towards said off position, said sensor assembly generating a variable signal that is dependent on the position of said second part.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 above wherein said spring is a leaf spring.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 above wherein said first position is said off position.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in paragraph 4 above wherein when said lever is in said first position, said variable signal is turned off.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in any one of paragraphs .1 to 5 above wherein said sensor assembly comprises at least a pair of sensors, located inside said tap body at opposite ends of said arc, the number of said pairs of sensors corresponding to the number of said at least one levers.
- said inner hook is a 180° bend
- said outer hook is a 90° bend.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in any one of paragraphs 1 to 11 above wherein said tap includes a first user operable lever and a second user operable lever, said first parts of said first and second levers coloured to indicate to a user what temperature water will be dispensed.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in any one of paragraphs 1 to 12 above wherein said tap includes a safety button, said button operable by a user to activate or deactivate said tap.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in paragraph 13 or paragraph 14 above wherein said safety button operates an override circuit, which turns said variable signal off when said override circuit is activated.
- variable signal is sent to a controller, which is adapted to control and vary the flow of fluid from said water source based on said variable signal, said controller ensuring that there is no flow from said water source when said lever is in said off position.
- a user-operated tap as outlined in any one of paragraphs 1 to 16 above wherein said water source is a water heater as described in any one of the statements above in the 'summary of the invention' section which relate to a water heater.
Landscapes
- 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)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
- Steam Or Hot-Water Central Heating Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1011514A GB2468103B (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-12-12 | Dual chamber water heater |
AU2008336306A AU2008336306B2 (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-12-12 | Dual chamber water heater |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ564274A NZ564274A (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2007-12-12 | Dual chamber water heater with warm water storage unit above and connected to boiling water unit but seperated by an airgap |
NZ564274 | 2007-12-12 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2009075593A2 true WO2009075593A2 (en) | 2009-06-18 |
WO2009075593A3 WO2009075593A3 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
Family
ID=40756009
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NZ2008/000332 WO2009075593A2 (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-12-12 | Dual chamber water heater |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2008336306B2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2468103B (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ564274A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009075593A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104042117A (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2014-09-17 | 苏州卫生职业技术学院 | Heat-accumulation heating pot of drinking water machine |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB451436A (en) * | 1935-02-27 | 1936-08-06 | Gavin Jagoe Berry | Improvements in and relating to water heating apparatus |
US3139867A (en) * | 1962-01-11 | 1964-07-07 | Cleaver Brooks Co | Package heating apparatus |
GB1446090A (en) * | 1972-12-14 | 1976-08-11 | Saunier Duval | Heat exchanger |
GB2312493A (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1997-10-29 | George J Hepburn | Boiler for space heating and domestic hot water |
-
2007
- 2007-12-12 NZ NZ564274A patent/NZ564274A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2008
- 2008-12-12 AU AU2008336306A patent/AU2008336306B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2008-12-12 GB GB1011514A patent/GB2468103B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-12-12 WO PCT/NZ2008/000332 patent/WO2009075593A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB451436A (en) * | 1935-02-27 | 1936-08-06 | Gavin Jagoe Berry | Improvements in and relating to water heating apparatus |
US3139867A (en) * | 1962-01-11 | 1964-07-07 | Cleaver Brooks Co | Package heating apparatus |
GB1446090A (en) * | 1972-12-14 | 1976-08-11 | Saunier Duval | Heat exchanger |
GB2312493A (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1997-10-29 | George J Hepburn | Boiler for space heating and domestic hot water |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104042117A (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2014-09-17 | 苏州卫生职业技术学院 | Heat-accumulation heating pot of drinking water machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201011514D0 (en) | 2010-08-25 |
AU2008336306B2 (en) | 2013-01-10 |
AU2008336306A1 (en) | 2009-06-18 |
NZ564274A (en) | 2009-10-30 |
GB2468103B (en) | 2011-11-02 |
GB2468103A (en) | 2010-08-25 |
WO2009075593A3 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
IE20080991A1 (en) | 2009-08-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11555302B2 (en) | Heated and chilled water dispenser | |
KR101572533B1 (en) | Portable vacuum bottle having heating apparatus | |
NO172311B (en) | WATER HEATER | |
CN105326398A (en) | Liquid heating apparatus | |
AU2008336306B2 (en) | Dual chamber water heater | |
KR101790087B1 (en) | If instant hot water for using an index cooker | |
CA2810383C (en) | Portable instant hot water heater | |
NO144768B (en) | MACHINE FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF PARTS. | |
IE85978B1 (en) | Dual chamber water heater | |
JP2002130820A (en) | Table instantaneous water heater with drinking water container as water tank | |
DK3106774T3 (en) | Apparatus for dispensing boiling water | |
CN105078237A (en) | Water dispenser and water dispenser unit with same | |
JP2007303748A (en) | Water heater | |
EP2392872B1 (en) | Economizer boiler for generating hot water and/or vapour | |
JP2004187769A (en) | Noodle boiling apparatus and noodle housing basket used therefor | |
EP3698686B1 (en) | Heating chamber of an outdoor stove | |
US20220192422A1 (en) | Electric thermal container | |
EP1502525A1 (en) | Appliance for the preparation of hot beverages, infusions and the like | |
WO2016000753A1 (en) | Portable coffee machine with improved usability | |
NZ762781B2 (en) | A heated and chilled water dispenser | |
JP2008151467A (en) | Hot water storage type water heater | |
CN103720342A (en) | Frequency conversion electric heating cup | |
JP2007309571A (en) | Water heater | |
JPH09154726A (en) | Portable water heater | |
EP2589320A1 (en) | Fully automated tea machine with integrally disposed brewing chamber |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2008336306 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20081212 Kind code of ref document: A |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 1011514 Country of ref document: GB Kind code of ref document: A Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20081212 |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 08859127 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 08859127 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A2 |