WO2013124610A2

WO2013124610A2 - Apparatus for heating water

Info

Publication number: WO2013124610A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/000068
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Carlson MCVELIA
Original assignee: Mcvelia John Carlson
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2013-02-18
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: GB201413757D0; WO2013124610A3; GB201218522D0; GB201202998D0; GB2513500A

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for heating water, which apparatus (2) comprises a first tank (4) for containing water for use for central heating (6), a first immersion heater (8) for heating the water in the first tank (4), and a second tank (10) for containing water for domestic use, and the apparatus (2) being such that the first tank (4) is positioned in the second tank (10) so that water in the first tank (4) which is heated by the first immersion heater (8) is able to heat water in the second tank (10) and thereby provide heated water for the domestic use.

Description

APPARATUS FOR HEATING WATER

This invention relates to apparatus for heating water and, more especially, this invention relates to apparatus for heating water for domestic use and central heating.

There are many different types of known apparatus for heating water for domestic use and central heating. Often the fuel for the different known types of apparatus is gas, a solid fuel or oil. Such fuels cause the apparatus to have an undesirably large carbon content. Also, gaseous fuels can cause loss of life if they are used to power boilers which are defective. Even if the apparatus is solely powered by electricity, the electricity has to be generated, which again causes the apparatus to have an undesirably large carbon footprint. Depending upon the type of fuel chosen for the apparatus, undesirable space can be taken up, for example in providing storage containers for gas, oil or coal.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for heating water, which apparatus comprises a first tank for containing water for use for central heating, a first immersion heater for heating the water in the first tank, and a second tank for containing water for domestic use, and the apparatus being such that the first tank is positioned in the second tank so that water in the first tank which is heated by the first immersion heater is able to heat water in the second tank and thereby provide heated water for the domestic use.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in many aspects. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention does not need external vents. Thus it can be fitted anywhere in a property, including houses, flats, sheds, caravans and boats. The apparatus is able to be simply and easily constructed, and therefore it does not need to be installed by authorised personnel, such for example as registered gas fitters as is the case of known apparatus for heating water which is operated by gas. Maintenance of the apparatus of the present invention may also be minimal, with the components being constructed and designed for easy removal and replacement. The apparatus is able to ensure a constant supply of heated water domestic use, with heated water also being available for use for central heating when the central heating is required to be on.

The apparatus may be one in which the first immersion heater is rated from 0.75 - 3KW. Thus, for example, the first immersion heater may be a 1 W immersion heater. The first immersion heater may be mains operated and/or battery operated. Generally, the higher the kilowatt rating of the first immersion heater, then the shorter will be the required on period of the first immersion heater to heat the water in the first tank to a required temperature. The apparatus 2 may advantageously be operated such that the carbon footprint of the apparatus is as low as practical in the shortest time, but still maintaining the required water temperature to the central heating and the domestic hot water. The apparatus may advantageously be operated to heat the central heating and the domestic hot water to a property at a rate of no more than 2KW.

The apparatus is preferably one in which the first tank is substantially smaller than the second tank. Thus, for example, the first tank may be one eighth of the size of the second tank. Other relative sizes for the first and the second tanks may be employed.

The first tank may be inserted into the second tank from a side of the second tank. Other relative positions for the first tank in the second tank may be employed.

Usually, the first tank will be a cylinder. Also usually, the second tank will be a cylinder. Other types of shapes for the first and the second tanks may be employed.

The second tank may have flow connection means and return connection means. The flow connection means may be at the top of the second tank but it may be positioned elsewhere if desired. The return connection means may be positioned at the bottom of the second tank but it may be positioned elsewhere if desired.

The first tank may have flow connection means and return connection means. The flow connection means and the return connection means for the first tank may be positioned where suitable and appropriate.

The apparatus may include valve means for preventing heated water from the first tank reaching the central heating during periods when the central heating is required to be off. The apparatus may include conduit means for receiving heated water from the first tank when the central heating is required to be off, and for recirculating the heated water back to the first tank in order to heat the water in the second tank and thereby provide a constant supply of heated water for domestic use even when the central heating is in an off condition.

The apparatus may include a pipe coil in the second tank, the apparatus then being one in which the pipe coil receives heated water from the first tank and thereby heats the water in the second tank. The use of the pipe coil in the second tank may provide for speedier heating of the water in the second tank than would otherwise be the case. The pipe coil provides a large surface area for heat transfer.

The apparatus may include a second immersion heater, the second immersion heater being provided in the second tank and being available for booster or emergency heating of the water in the second tank for the domestic use. The second immersion heater may be rated from 0.75 - 3KW. Thus, for example, the second immersion heater may be a 1KW immersion heater.

The second immersion heater may be positioned at a bottom part of the second tank. The second immersion heater may be positioned elsewhere in the second tank if desired.

The apparatus may include at least one pump for pumping water around a pipe circuit. The pump may be mains and/or battery driven.

The apparatus may include an electricity generating unit for generating electricity for the apparatus. The electricity generating unit may thus generate electricity for the first immersion heater. The electricity generating unit may also generate electricity for the second immersion heater and the pump when they are used.

The electricity generating unit may be adapted for being attached to the second tank. In this case, the electricity generating unit is preferably adapted for being attached to the top of the second tank. The electricity generating unit may be attached to other places on the second tank if desired.

The apparatus may be one in which the electricity generating unit comprises a third tank for containing water, drive means which is positioned in the third tank and which is caused to rotate by the water in the third tank, and electricity generating means which is driven by the drive means and which generates the electricity.

The apparatus may be one in which the water in the third tank is pumped onto the drive means. The pumping of the water onto the drive means may be via a single circulating pump, or alternatively a separate pump may be employed. The third tank is preferably a cylinder but it may be of other shapes if desired.

The apparatus may include regulator means for regulating the electricity produced by the electricity generating means.

The apparatus may include a battery. The apparatus is then preferably one in which the battery is rechargeable battery, and in which the apparatus includes battery charging means for recharging the battery. Electrical power for the apparatus may be mains electricity and/or from one or more batteries. The electricity may alternatively or additionally be solar generated, for example using solar panels, and/or the electricity may be wind generated, for example using wind turbines. Generally, the apparatus of the present invention may use electricity generated in any suitable manner.

The apparatus may include an inverter for increasing the power of the electricity generated by the electricity generating means.

The apparatus may be one in which the third tank and the drive means form part of a sealed system.

The apparatus may include vent means for the second tank. The apparatus may include vent means for the first tank.

The apparatus may include a first drain cock for the first tank.

The apparatus may include a second drain cock for the second tank.

The apparatus may include a housing. The housing may be such that it contains substantially all the components of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention is then able to form a compact easily installed unit.

The apparatus may include a header tank. The header tank may be a fourth tank which supplies water to the first and second tanks. There may be two header tanks, with one header tank being for the central heating part of the apparatus, and the other header tank being for the domestic water heating part of the apparatus. With the two header tanks, the apparatus can be such that there are two totally separate systems, thereby ensuring that water from one part of the apparatus cannot pass to the other part of the apparatus.

Where one or more header tanks are employed, the use of one or more vent means may be dispensed with. For example, venting may be effected through the header tank for the centra) heating instead of using vent means for this part of the apparatus.

The apparatus may be such that the or each header tank has a ball

valve.

The apparatus may include electrically-operated control means. The

electrically-operated control means may be a programmable electrically- operated control means. The programmable electrically-operated control

means may be touch operated. Other types of control means for controlling

the apparatus of the present invention may be employed, including manual

operated valves.

Where a pump is employed, then the pump may be an in-line pump. A

presently preferred pump is that known as a Jabsco pump.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of

example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows first apparatus of the invention;

Figure 2 shows in more detail part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of the part of the apparatus shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows second apparatus of the second invention;

Figure 5 shows in more detail part of the apparatus shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows third apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows fourth apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a top view of the apparatus shown in Figure 7.

Referring to Figures 1 , 2 and 3 there is shown apparatus 2 for heating

water. The apparatus 2 comprises a first tank 4 for containing water for

I central heating 6. A first immersion heater 8 is positioned in the first tank 4. The apparatus 2 also comprises a second tank 10 for containing water for domestic use.

The apparatus 2 is such that the first tank 4 is positioned in the second tank 10 so that water in the first tank 4, which is heated by the first immersion heater 8, is able to heat water in the second tank 10 and thereby provide heated water for the domestic use. The apparatus 2 is easily constructed as will be appreciated from Figures 1 , 2 and 3. The apparatus 2 enables the first immersion heater 8 to provide hot water for domestic use and also for central heating. The apparatus 2 is able to be constructed as an easily fitted unit that can be fitted anywhere in a property, including houses, flats, shed, caravans and boats. The apparatus 2 is able to be such that it uses only a relatively small amount of electricity for operation, and thus operates with only a small carbon footprint because other fuels such for example as gas, a solid fuel or oil are not required.

The first immersion heater 8 is a 1 KW immersion heater but it may be, for example, an immersion heater that is rated from 0.75 - 3KW. The first tank 4 is substantially smaller than the second tank 10. More specifically, the first tank 4 is approximately one eighth of the size of the second tank 10. The small size of the first tank 4 and the employment of a first immersion heater 8 which is just a 1 KW immersion heater is able to ensure that the water in the first tank 4 is economically heated. This in turn means that the water in the second tank 10 is economically heated. The water in the second tank 10 may take some time to become heated by the heated water in the first tank 4 but, once the water in the second tank 10 is heated to the required temperature, then the water can be kept at that temperature simply by periodically topping up the heat from the first tank 4. This can be done by periodically turning the first immersion heater 8 on and off. By way of example, it is mentioned that the first immersion heater 8 may only be needed to operate for one quarter of an hour, and then the first immersion heater 8 can be turned off for an hour. This time cycle can then be repeated continuously. The timing period that the first immersion heater 8 is on may be, for example, from 15 - 45 minutes, with the timing period varying in dependence on the kilowatt rating of the first immersion heater 8. The water in the first tank 4 for the central heating purposes may be heated to 65°C, and the water for the hot water in the second tank 10 may be heated to a slightly lower value, for example 60°C.

As shown in the drawings, the first tank 4 and the second tank 10 are both cylinders. The second tank 10 has flow connection means 2 at a top part 4 of the second tank 10. The second tank 10 also has return connection means 16 at a bottom part 18 of the second tank 10.

The first tank 4 has flow connection means 20 and return connection means 22.

The apparatus 2 includes valve means 24 for preventing heated water from the first tank 4 reaching the central heating 6 during periods when the central heating 6 is required to be off. The valve means 24 is a gate valve. The valve means 24 may be manually operated. The valve means 24 may be an electrically-operated solenoid valve means. The valve means 24 may be a 12 volt electrically-operated valve means in cases where the apparatus 2 is powered by one or more batteries.

As can be seen from Figure 1 , the apparatus 2 includes conduit means 26 for receiving heated water from the first tank 4 when the central heating 6 is required to be off. The conduit means 26 is then able to re-circulate the heated water from the first tank 4 back to the first tank 4 in order to heat the water in the second tank 10. This thereby provides a constant supply of heated water for domestic use, even when the central heating 6 is an off condition.

The apparatus 2 includes a pipe coil 28 in the second tank 10. The pipe coil 28 receives heated water from the first tank 4, and thereby heats the water in the second tank 10. In this way, the water in the second tank 10 is able to be heated more quickly than would otherwise be the case. The increase in heating is due to the increased surface area provided by the pipe coil 28 in enabling the transfer of heat from the heated water from the first tank 4 to the water in the second tank 10.

If desired, the apparatus 2 may include a second immersion heater (not shown). The second immersion heater may be of the same or a different rating to the first immersion heater 8. The second immersion heater may be provided in the second tank 10 and may be available for booster or emergency heating of the water in the second tank 10 for the domestic use. If a second immersion heater is employed, then it may be positioned in a bottom part of the second tank 10. The apparatus 2 includes a pump 30 for pumping water around a pipe circuit 32 which provides hot water from the first tank 4 to the centra) heating 6. The circuit 32 also includes the conduit means 26. The pump 30 may be mains and/or battery driven. When the pump 30 is battery driven, then the pump will normally be a 12 volt pump. The pump 30 operates as a central heating circulation pump.

The flow connection means 12 and the return connection means 16 are 22mm connection means. The flow connection means 20 and the return connection means 22 for the first tank 4 are 15mm connection means. The conduit means 26 connects to a primary return 34, which is a 22mm primary return 34. The top of the pipe coil 28 has a primary flow connection 36 which is a 22mm primary flow connection 36. As shown in Figure 1 , the primary flow connection 36 is connected by a conduit 38 to the return connection means 22 for the first tank 4.

The apparatus 2 may be designed to be mains operated so that the electricity for the first immersion heater 8 and the pump 30 is provided by mains electricity.

Figures 4 and 5 show second apparatus 40 of the present invention. Similar parts as in the apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the apparatus 40, a power pack in the form of an electricity generating unit 42 is provided. The electricity generating unit 42 is for generating electricity for operation of the apparatus 40. As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, the electricity generating unit 42 is able to be secured to a flat top part 44 of the second tank 0. As shown in Figure 5, the electricity generating unit 42 comprises a third tank 46 for containing water. The drive means 48 is positioned in the third tank 46. The drive means 48 is caused to rotate by the water in the third tank 46. The electricity generating unit 42 also includes electricity generating means 50 which is driven by the drive means 48 and which generates the electricity. The drive means 48 is a hydro-wheel which is connected by a spindle 52 to the electricity generating means 50. The drive means 48 is caused to rotate by a jet of water 54 emerging from a pipe 56. The water is pumped through the pipe 56 by a second pump 58. Rotation of the drive means 48 rotates the spindle 52 which in turn rotates part of the electricity generating means 50 in order to generate electricity. The electricity generating means 50 may be a generator which is rated from 0.5 - 30KW.

The electricity generating unit 42 includes a main water feed 60 which provides the water for the third tank 46 under the control of a ball cock valve 62. The main water feed 60 provides water 64 in a fourth tank 66 which connects to the third tank 46. The level of water 68 in the third tank 46 is controlled by a ball cock valve 70.

The use of the electricity generating unit 42 enables the apparatus 40 to operate with a lower carbon footprint than the apparatus 2. More specifically, the apparatus 40 operates such that the main fuel for the apparatus is water, which provides a good health and safety factor as compared with fuels such for example as natural gas. The use of the water is also financially advantageous as compared with fuels such for example as electricity, gas and oil. The water is able to generate the relatively small amount of electricity that is required for operation of the apparatus 40. The power for the second pump 58 may be provided via mains electricity and/or a separate battery (not shown). The separate battery will preferably be a rechargeable battery.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the central heating 6 includes a radiator 72. If desired, instead of using the valve means 24 shown in Figure 1, a nonreturn valve 74 may be employed for preventing heated water flow through the radiators 72 when the central heating 6 is required to be off. The nonreturn valve 74 may be manually operated. Figure 1 shows that the nonreturn valve 74 may be provided in the apparatus 2, even if the valve means 24 is employed. Figure 4 shows that the non-return valve 74 can be employed on its own in the apparatus 40, i.e. without the valve means 24. The valve means 24 when employed in the apparatus 2 and 40 may be an electrically- operated programmable controller-operated valve means 24.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown third apparatus 76 of the present invention. Similar parts as in the apparatus 2, 40 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the apparatus 76, the first tank 4 is larger than the first tank 4 in the apparatus 2, 40. The first tank 4 in the apparatus 76 extends longitudinally, whereas the first tank 4 in the apparatus 2, 40 extends transversely from a side of the second tank 10.

The apparatus 76 shown in Figure 6 is also such that the coil 28 is in a separate tank 78 which is a cylinder as shown. The tank 78 has a drain cock 80. The apparatus 76 has a header tank 82 connected to the main water feed 60. The header tank 82 has a ball cock valve 84 for controlling the level of water 86 in the header tank 82.

The apparatus 76 has a drain cock 88 as shown. Also as shown, the apparatus 76 has a battery 90, and a combined battery charger and regulator means 92. The combined battery charger and regulator means 92 is such that it regulates the electricity produced by the electricity generating means 50, and ensures that the electricity is used efficiently. Thus, for example, the combined battery charger and regulator means 92 is able to ensure appropriate operation of the battery charger part of the combined battery charger and regulator means 92 in order to recharge the battery 90.

The apparatus 76 is further provided with an inverter 94 for increasing the power of the electricity generated by the electricity generating means 50. By way of example only, it is mentioned that the electricity generating means 50 may generate from 3 - 30KW of power. This may be sufficient for most uses of the apparatus 76. However, if further power is required, then the inverter 94 can be used.

The apparatus 76 includes a programmer 91 and a device 93 which may be a temperature sensor. Although the tank 4 has been shown above the tank 78, the tank 4 may be located inside the tank 78.

Figure 6 shows an electrical connection in the form of a wire 100 between the immersion heater 8 and the electricity generating unit 42. A further electrical connection is in the form of a wire 101 as shown between the immersion heater 14 and the electricity generating unit 42. The wires 100, 101 may be replaced by other types of cable. Figure 6 also shows an inlet pipe 02 and a pipe 104.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown apparatus which is like the apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3. Similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The apparatus shown in Figures 7 and 8 is able to replace the apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3. Thus the apparatus shown in Figure 7 and 8 connects to radiators 72 via pipes 96, 98, 100 as can be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 1 and 7.

The apparatus shown in Figures 7 and 8 is able to be constructed in a more compact manner than the apparatus shown in Figure . The apparatus shown in Figures 7 and 8 utilises a one port gate valve 112 in the pipe 110, with the pipe 110 acting as a return from the radiators 72. A one port gate valve 114 is used in the pipe 106, with the pipe 106 acting as a flow to the radiators 72. A central heating pump 1 6 is employed as shown.

The second tank 10 shown in Figure 7 is shorter than the second tank 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The conduit 38 is a 15mm conduit which looks neater than using a 22mm conduit. The conduit 38 may be regarded as a primary flow conduit.

The primary return 34 is connected to the central heating pump 106 via pipe 118. The pipe 8 may be 22mm primary return pipe 118. The central heating pump 116 is able to pump the central heating water around the central heating system including the radiators 72. In Figures 7 and 8, it will be seen that the second tank 10 is provided with an immersion port 120. As can best be appreciated from Figure 8, the immersion port 120 is towards a side of the second tank 10 which is angularly near the coil connections 34, 36. This enables the apparatus shown in Figures 7 and 8 to be installed in a cupboard or purpose-built container which may be small and compact, but with it still being possible to obtain access to the immersion port 20.

Since the second tank 0 shown in Figure 7 is smaller than the second tank 10 shown in Figure 2, the second tank 10 shown in Figure 7 will not contain as much water, and it will therefore be cheaper to heat up the water.

The first tank 4 is shown with one end supported on support means 122 mounted on an inside wall of the second tank 10. The central heating pump 116 just pumps the water for the central heating system during operation of the apparatus.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the inverter 94 in the apparatus 76 may be omitted if it is not required for the particular use of the apparatus 76. The shape of the pipe coil 28 may be other than that shown. The various types of apparatus 2, 40, 76 may be housed in a housing which will preferably be cylindrical but which may be of other shapes if desired. The mentioned pipe sizes may be larger or smaller. Figure 1 shows the optional use of the radiator valve turn off device 96 for the lower radiator 72. Figure 4 shows an optional dividing wall 98. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for heating water, which apparatus comprises a first tank for containing water for use for central heating, a first immersion heater for heating the water in the first tank, and a second tank for containing water for domestic use, and the apparatus being such that the first tank is positioned in the second tank so that water in the first tank which is heated by the first immersion heater is able to heat water in the second tank and thereby provide heated water for the domestic use.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first immersion heater is a 1 KW immersion heater.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the first tank is substantially smaller than the second tank.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the first tank is one eighth of the size of the second tank.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first tank is inserted into the second tank from a side of the second tank.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first tank is a cylinder.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second tank is a cylinder.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second tank has flow connection means and return connection means.

9. apparatus according to claim 8 in which the flow connection means is at the top of the second tank.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the return connection means is at the bottom of the second tank.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first tank has flow connection means and return connection means.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including valve means for preventing heated water from the first tank reaching the central heating during periods when the central heating is required to be off.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 and including conduit means for receiving heated water from the first tank when the central heating is required to be off, and for re-circulating the heated water back to the first tank in order to heat the water in the second tank and thereby provide a constant supply of heated water for domestic use even when the central heating is in an off condition.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a pipe coil in the second tank, and in which the pipe coil receives heated water from the first tank and thereby heats the water in the second tank.

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a second immersion heater, the second immersion heater being provided in the second tank and being available for booster or emergency heating of the water in the second tank for the domestic use.

16. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which the second immersion heater is positioned at a bottom part of the second tank. 7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including at least one pump for pumping water around a pipe circuit.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the pump is mains and/or battery driven.

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including an electricity generating unit for generating electricity for the apparatus.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which the electricity generating unit is adapted for being attached to the second tank.

21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20 in which the electricity generating unit comprises a third tank for containing water, drive means which is positioned in the third tank and which is caused to rotate by the water in the third tank, and electricity generating means which is driven by the drive means and which generates the electricity.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 in which the water in the third tank is pumped onto the drive means.

23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22 and including regulator means for regulating the electricity produced by the electricity generating means.

24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 - 23 and including a battery, in which the battery is a rechargeable battery, and in which the apparatus includes battery charging means for recharging the battery.

25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 - 24 and including an inverter for increasing the power of the electricity generated by the electricity generating means.

26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 - 25 in which the third tank and the drive means form part of a sealed system.

27. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including vent means for the second tank.

28. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a first drain cock for the first tank.

29. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a second drain cock for the second tank.

30. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a housing.

31. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a header tank.

32. Apparatus according to claim 31 and including a ball valve for the header tank.

33. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including electrically-operated control means.

34. Apparatus according to claim 32 in which the electrically-operated control means is a programmable electrically-operated control means.

35. Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the pump is an in-line pump.

36. Apparatus according to claim 35 in which the pump is a Jabsco pump.