WO2013173863A1 - A water heating system - Google Patents

A water heating system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013173863A1
WO2013173863A1 PCT/AU2013/000494 AU2013000494W WO2013173863A1 WO 2013173863 A1 WO2013173863 A1 WO 2013173863A1 AU 2013000494 W AU2013000494 W AU 2013000494W WO 2013173863 A1 WO2013173863 A1 WO 2013173863A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
outlet
heating system
inlet
water heating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2013/000494
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick Pussell
Original Assignee
Dux Manufacturing Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2012902115A external-priority patent/AU2012902115A0/en
Application filed by Dux Manufacturing Limited filed Critical Dux Manufacturing Limited
Priority to AU2013266005A priority Critical patent/AU2013266005A1/en
Priority to CN201380025086.7A priority patent/CN104350333A/en
Publication of WO2013173863A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013173863A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0089—Systems using radiation from walls or panels
    • 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
    • F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
    • F24D11/02—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
    • F24D11/0257—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps air heating system
    • F24D11/0264—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps air heating system combined with solar energy
    • 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
    • F24D17/0036—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means
    • F24D17/0063—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means solar energy and conventional heaters
    • F24D17/0068—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means solar energy and conventional heaters 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
    • F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
    • F24D17/02—Domestic hot-water supply systems using heat pumps
    • 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
    • F24D19/106—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for domestic hot water the system uses a heat pump and solar energy
    • 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
    • F24D19/1084—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heating systems
    • F24D19/1093—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for air heating systems system using a heat pump and solar energy
    • 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
    • F24D5/00—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems
    • F24D5/005—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems combined with solar energy
    • 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
    • F24D5/00—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems
    • F24D5/02—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems operating with discharge of hot air into the space or area to be heated
    • 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
    • F24D5/00—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems
    • F24D5/12—Hot-air central heating systems; Exhaust gas central heating systems using heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/06—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the arrangements for the supply of heat-exchange fluid for the subsequent treatment of primary air in the room units
    • 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
    • F24D2200/04—Gas or oil fired boiler
    • 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
    • F24D2200/12—Heat pump
    • 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
    • F24D2200/14—Solar energy
    • 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
    • F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
    • F24D2220/02—Fluid distribution means
    • F24D2220/0235—Three-way-valves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/13—Hot air central heating systems using heat pumps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water heating system.
  • the present invention has been primarily developed for use with gas instantaneous type water heaters and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. However, the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and can also be used with electrical instantaneous type heaters. In the United States of America, instantaneous type water heaters are known as tank-less heaters.
  • water heating systems are used to provide heated water to, for example, bathing and washing and are common to most households.
  • An air conditioner is used to provide cooled air to the household.
  • a heater is used to provide heated air to the household.
  • the air conditioner and the heater are stand alone (i.e. separate) components.
  • a disadvantage of this arrangement is the air conditioner must be installed and serviced by an appropriately qualified air conditioner technician and the heater must be installed and serviced by an appropriately qualified heater technician. This increases the time and expense required for installation and servicing.
  • the present invention provides a water heating system including: a water storage tank with a mains water inlet and a heated water outlet;
  • At least one first heat exchanger installable in a heat exchanging relationship with a space to be heated and cooled
  • a valving arrangement selectively configurable between a cooling configuration, in which heated water from the water storage tank is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger, and a cooling configuration, in which water chilled by the refrigeration unit is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger.
  • the system preferably includes a plurality of said first heat exchangers, each installable in a heat exchanging relationship in a respective one of said spaces to be heated and cooled.
  • the at least one heat exchanger is part of a fan coil unit with a fan and ducting, wherein the fan pumps air past the at least one first heat exchanger and into the ducting.
  • the at least one heat exchanger is part an under floor concrete slab hydronic pipe network.
  • the valving arrangement preferably includes a first valve, controllable to direct flow therethrough from a first inlet to a first outlet or from a second inlet to the first outlet, and a second valve, controllable to direct flow therethrough from a first inlet to a first outlet or from the first inlet to a second outlet.
  • the refrigeration unit preferably includes a second heat exchanger.
  • the first inlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the heated water outlet
  • the second inlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the second heat exchanger
  • the first outlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the least one first heat exchanger.
  • the first inlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the at least one first heat exchanger
  • the first outlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the at least one first heat exchanger
  • the second outlet of the second valve is in fluid
  • the system preferably includes a first pump in fluid communication between the first outlet of the first valve and the at least one first heat exchanger.
  • the water heating means is preferably an instantaneous-type water heater having an inlet and an outlet, the instantaneous-type water heater outlet being in fluid communication with the water storage tank.
  • the system preferably includes a second pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the instantaneous-type water heater inlet.
  • the system preferably includes:
  • At least one solar panel having an inlet and an outlet, the at least one solar panel outlet being in fluid communication with the water storage tank;
  • a third pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the at least one solar panel inlet.
  • the water heating system preferably includes a controller adapted to energise the second pump only or the third pump only or the second and third pumps, responsive to user demands and/or availability of solar energy.
  • the water storage tank preferably includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump and also with the outlet of the at least one solar panel.
  • the opening is preferably connected to the inlet of the second pump and also to the outlet of the at least one solar panel by a pipe-in-pipe fitting.
  • the pipe-in-pipe fitting preferably includes an internal pipe for communication of water into the water storage tank from the at least one solar panel outlet and an external pipe for communication of water from the water storage tank to the second pump inlet, whereby the water is independently communicated through the interior of the internal pipe and communicated in the space between the interior of the external pipe and the exterior of the internal pipe respectively.
  • the water heating system preferably includes a one way valve adapted to only allow fluid communication from the at least one solar panel outlet to the water storage tank.
  • the opening is preferably at or near the middle of the tank.
  • the instantaneous-type water heater outlet is preferably in fluid communication at or near the top of the water storage tank.
  • the third pump inlet is preferably in fluid communication at or near the bottom of the water storage tank.
  • FIG.1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a water heating system
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view of a tank wall and associated fitting used in the water heating system shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a water heating system. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
  • Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a water heating system 10.
  • the system 10 includes a 315 litre water storage tank 12 that, as will be described in more detail below, operates in a dual zone manner with an upper (gas) heated zone 12a and a lower (solar) heated zone 12b.
  • the tank 12 is generally cylindrical in construction and includes a side wall 12c. Mains water MW is admitted into the tank 12 via an inlet 14 near the bottom of the tank 12.
  • the tank 12 also includes an outlet 16, near the top of the tank 12, for heated water HW.
  • the outlet 16 is connected to a user controlled outlet device, such as a hot water tap (not shown).
  • the system 10 also includes a gas instantaneous type water heater 18, preferably of 4, 5 or 6 Star rating.
  • the gas heater 18 includes an inlet 18a and an outlet 18b.
  • the system 10 also includes a first pump 20, with an inlet 20a and an outlet 20b.
  • the tank wall 12c includes an opening 12d through which passes a pipe-in pipe fitting 22.
  • the fitting 22 has an inner piper 22a and an outer pipe 22b. Water flowing through the interior of the inner pipe 22a is independent of the water flowing between the exterior of the inner pipe 22a and the interior of the external pipe 22b.
  • the external pipe 22b acts as a tank outlet and provides' water from about the middle of the tank 12 to the inlet 20a of the first pump 20.
  • the outlet 20b of the pump 20 communicates water to the inlet 18a of the heater 18.
  • the outlet 18b of the heater 18 provides heated water to an inlet 24 of the tank 12, which is positioned near the top of the tank 12.
  • the upper zone 12a of the tank 12, the heater 18, the first pump 20 and the external pipe 22b together form a gas heating circuit.
  • the system 10 also includes a solar panel 30.
  • the solar panel 30 has an inlet 30a and an outlet 30b.
  • the system 10 also includes a second pump 32 with an inlet 32a and an outlet 32b.
  • the inlet 32a of the second pump 32 draws water from near the bottom of the tank 12 via an outlet 34.
  • the outlet 32b of the second pump 32 supplies water to a one-way valve 42 with an inlet 42a and an outlet 42b.
  • the one-way valve 42 only allows water to flow from the outlet 30b of the solar panel 30 and into the tank 12 via the internal pipe 22a of the pipe-in pipe fitting 22.
  • the lower zone 12b of the tank 12, the solar panel 30, the second pump 32, the internal pipe 22a and the one-way valve 42 together form a solar heating circuit.
  • the system 10 also includes a controller 44 which receives an indication of the water temperature in the tank 12 and the solar panel 30 via temperature sensors (not shown).
  • the controller 44 is also able to issue control signals to the gas instantaneous heater 18, the first pump 20 and the second pump 32.
  • the controller 44 energises the gas heater 18 and also the first pump 20. This causes relatively cooler water to be drawn from the middle of the tank 12 through the external pipe 22b of the pipe-in pipe fitting 22 and pumped through the gas heater 18 for heating. The heated water HW is then pumped to the tank 12 and is available for drawing off by a user at the outlet 16.
  • the controller 44 can also energise the second pump 32 to withdraw water from the bottom of the tank 12 at the outlet 34 and pump it through the first valve 38 and into the solar panel 30 for heating. The heated water then is then pumped from the solar panel 30, through the one-way valve 42, and is returned to the tank 12 via the internal pipe 22a of the pipe-in pipe fitting 22.
  • the gas heating circuit and the solar heating circuit can be operated independently of one another. This advantageously means that available solar energy is still able to be collected and utilised notwithstanding that the user demands of the system 10 necessitate gas heating. This ensures that available solar energy is not wasted.
  • the pipe-in pipe fitting 22 advantageously allows the gas circuit and the solar circuit to communicate with the water tank 12 via a single opening 12d. This advantageously requires only one hole to be made in the tank, which minimizes leak risks and stress fracture risks.
  • a pair of openings 12d are made in the tank wall 12c, one as an outlet for the gas heating circuit and one as an inlet for the solar heating circuit.
  • the water heating system 10 can also provide cooled or heated air for air conditioning as will now be described.
  • the system 10 includes a fan coil unit 50 which is typically installed within the roof space of a household.
  • the fan coil unit 50 has therein at least one first heat exchanger (not shown) and a fan (not shown).
  • the fan is used to propel air through the heat exchanger and into ducting 52.
  • the ducting 52 communicates the air to various rooms in the household.
  • the system 10 also includes an outdoor refrigeration unit 54 which includes a first heat exchanging part 56a within a heat exchanger 56.
  • the heat exchanger 56 also includes a second heat exchanging part 56b.
  • the system 10 also includes a valving arrangement in the form of a first diverter valve 58 and a second diverter valve 60.
  • the controller 44 can control the first valve 58 to direct flow from a first inlet 58a to a first outlet 58b or from a second inlet 58c to the first outlet 58b.
  • the controller 44 can also control the second valve 60 to direct flow from a first inlet 60a to a first outlet 60b or from the first inlet 60a to a second outlet 60c.
  • the system 10 also includes a third pump 62 between the first diverter valve 58 and the inlet of the heat exchanger associated with the fan coil unit 50.
  • the system 10 also includes a manifold 64 in fluid communication with the main water supply MW, via a one way valve 66, the first diverter valve 58, the second diverter valve 60 and the second heat exchanging part 56b.
  • the water pumped through the heat exchanger in the fan coil unit 50 then passes through the second diverter valve 60, from the first inlet 60a to the second outlet 60c, and into the second heat exchanging part 56b of the heat exchanger 56 of the outdoor refrigeration unit 54 during which time it undergoes
  • the system 10 advantageously utilises a water heater 12, which commonly exist in almost all households, as part of an overall air conditioning and heating system. This reduces the amount of components that need to be purchased and installed and serviced.
  • the outdoor refrigeration unit can be a sealed unit which advantageously enables it to be fitted by a plumber and therefore without requiring the services of an air conditioning technician.
  • the air conditioning and heating system advantageously use water as an energy transfer medium, rather than refrigeration liquid, which again reduces installation and servicing costs and obviates the need for specialist tradespeople.
  • the air conditioning and heating system advantageously also increases customer choice by allowing numerous different installation options, such as hydronic floor, ducted air or chilled beams etc.
  • the air conditioning and heating system advantageously suits locations where gas is a preferred fuel, rather than electricity, for the water heater.
  • the air conditioning and heating system advantageously also makes liquid petroleum gas (LPG) a feasible fuel, from a cost perspective, due to the ability to also utilise solar energy.
  • LPG liquid petroleum gas
  • Fig. 3 shoes a second embodiment of a water heating system 10'.
  • the system is constructed and operates in a very similar manner to that described with reference to Figs 1 and 2 and like reference numerals have been used to indicate like feature.
  • the manifold 64 is not used. Accordingly, when the first and second diverter valves 58 and 60 are in the heating positions, the water leaving the second first outlet 60b of the second diverter valve 60 is communicated directly to the inlet 14 of the tank 12. Further, when the first and second diverter valves 58 and 60 are in the cooling positions, the chilled water from the second heat exchanging part 56b is communicated directly to the second inlet 58c of the first diverter valve 58.
  • the water storage tank can be heated in various other ways, such as an internal electrical element or an external flame source.
  • the fan coil unit can also be a single centralised unit or distributed fan units each serving individual zones through a distributor.
  • the fan coil unit in the roof can also be replaced by an under floor concrete slab hydronic pipe network.

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

Abstract

A water heating system (10) including: a water storage tank (12); a water heating means (18); at least one first heat exchanger (50); a refrigeration unit (54); and a valving arrangement (58,60). The water storage tank (12) has a mains water inlet (14) and a heated water outlet (16). The water heating means (18) is associated with the water storage tank (12). The at least one first heat exchanger (50) is installable in a heat exchanging relationship with a space to be heated and cooled. The valving arrangement (58,60) is selectively configurable between a cooling configuration, in which heated water from the water storage tank (12) is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger (50), and a cooling configuration, in which water chilled by the refrigeration unit (54) is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger (50).

Description

A WATER HEATING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a water heating system.
[0002] The present invention has been primarily developed for use with gas instantaneous type water heaters and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. However, the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and can also be used with electrical instantaneous type heaters. In the United States of America, instantaneous type water heaters are known as tank-less heaters.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Hitherto, water heating systems are used to provide heated water to, for example, bathing and washing and are common to most households.
[0004] An air conditioner is used to provide cooled air to the household. A heater is used to provide heated air to the household. The air conditioner and the heater are stand alone (i.e. separate) components. A disadvantage of this arrangement is the air conditioner must be installed and serviced by an appropriately qualified air conditioner technician and the heater must be installed and serviced by an appropriately qualified heater technician. This increases the time and expense required for installation and servicing.
[0005] An alternative is to use a 'reverse cycle' type of air conditioner, which can provide either cooled or heated air to the household from a single component. A disadvantage of this approach is that it is less environmentally friendly.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to minimise such separate components, by utilising a water heating system as part of an air conditioning and heating system able to provide cooled or heated air respectively. Summary of the Invention
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a water heating system including: a water storage tank with a mains water inlet and a heated water outlet;
a water heating means associated with the water storage tank;
at least one first heat exchanger installable in a heat exchanging relationship with a space to be heated and cooled;
a refrigeration unit; and
a valving arrangement selectively configurable between a cooling configuration, in which heated water from the water storage tank is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger, and a cooling configuration, in which water chilled by the refrigeration unit is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger.
[0008] The system preferably includes a plurality of said first heat exchangers, each installable in a heat exchanging relationship in a respective one of said spaces to be heated and cooled.
[0009] In one form, the at least one heat exchanger is part of a fan coil unit with a fan and ducting, wherein the fan pumps air past the at least one first heat exchanger and into the ducting.
[0010] In another form, the at least one heat exchanger is part an under floor concrete slab hydronic pipe network.
[0011] The valving arrangement preferably includes a first valve, controllable to direct flow therethrough from a first inlet to a first outlet or from a second inlet to the first outlet, and a second valve, controllable to direct flow therethrough from a first inlet to a first outlet or from the first inlet to a second outlet.
[0012] The refrigeration unit preferably includes a second heat exchanger.
[0013] Preferably, the first inlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the heated water outlet, the second inlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the second heat exchanger and the first outlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the least one first heat exchanger. [0014] Preferably, the first inlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the at least one first heat exchanger, the first outlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the at least one first heat exchanger, and the second outlet of the second valve is in fluid
communication with the second heat exchanger.
[0015] The system preferably includes a first pump in fluid communication between the first outlet of the first valve and the at least one first heat exchanger.
[0016] The water heating means is preferably an instantaneous-type water heater having an inlet and an outlet, the instantaneous-type water heater outlet being in fluid communication with the water storage tank.
[0017] The system preferably includes a second pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the instantaneous-type water heater inlet.
[0018] The system preferably includes:
at least one solar panel having an inlet and an outlet, the at least one solar panel outlet being in fluid communication with the water storage tank; and
a third pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the at least one solar panel inlet.
[0019] The water heating system preferably includes a controller adapted to energise the second pump only or the third pump only or the second and third pumps, responsive to user demands and/or availability of solar energy.
[0020] The water storage tank preferably includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump and also with the outlet of the at least one solar panel. The opening is preferably connected to the inlet of the second pump and also to the outlet of the at least one solar panel by a pipe-in-pipe fitting. The pipe-in-pipe fitting preferably includes an internal pipe for communication of water into the water storage tank from the at least one solar panel outlet and an external pipe for communication of water from the water storage tank to the second pump inlet, whereby the water is independently communicated through the interior of the internal pipe and communicated in the space between the interior of the external pipe and the exterior of the internal pipe respectively. [0021] The water heating system preferably includes a one way valve adapted to only allow fluid communication from the at least one solar panel outlet to the water storage tank.
[0022] The opening is preferably at or near the middle of the tank. The instantaneous-type water heater outlet is preferably in fluid communication at or near the top of the water storage tank. The third pump inlet is preferably in fluid communication at or near the bottom of the water storage tank.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] Fig.1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a water heating system; and
[0025] Fig. 2 is an enlarged detailed view of a tank wall and associated fitting used in the water heating system shown in Fig. 1 ; and
[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a water heating system. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0027] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a water heating system 10. The system 10 includes a 315 litre water storage tank 12 that, as will be described in more detail below, operates in a dual zone manner with an upper (gas) heated zone 12a and a lower (solar) heated zone 12b.
[0028] The tank 12 is generally cylindrical in construction and includes a side wall 12c. Mains water MW is admitted into the tank 12 via an inlet 14 near the bottom of the tank 12. The tank 12 also includes an outlet 16, near the top of the tank 12, for heated water HW. The outlet 16 is connected to a user controlled outlet device, such as a hot water tap (not shown).
[0029] The system 10 also includes a gas instantaneous type water heater 18, preferably of 4, 5 or 6 Star rating. The gas heater 18 includes an inlet 18a and an outlet 18b. The system 10 also includes a first pump 20, with an inlet 20a and an outlet 20b. As shown in Fig. 2, the tank wall 12c includes an opening 12d through which passes a pipe-in pipe fitting 22. The fitting 22 has an inner piper 22a and an outer pipe 22b. Water flowing through the interior of the inner pipe 22a is independent of the water flowing between the exterior of the inner pipe 22a and the interior of the external pipe 22b. The external pipe 22b acts as a tank outlet and provides' water from about the middle of the tank 12 to the inlet 20a of the first pump 20. The outlet 20b of the pump 20 communicates water to the inlet 18a of the heater 18. The outlet 18b of the heater 18 provides heated water to an inlet 24 of the tank 12, which is positioned near the top of the tank 12. The upper zone 12a of the tank 12, the heater 18, the first pump 20 and the external pipe 22b together form a gas heating circuit.
[0030] The system 10 also includes a solar panel 30. The solar panel 30 has an inlet 30a and an outlet 30b. The system 10 also includes a second pump 32 with an inlet 32a and an outlet 32b. The inlet 32a of the second pump 32 draws water from near the bottom of the tank 12 via an outlet 34. The outlet 32b of the second pump 32 supplies water to a one-way valve 42 with an inlet 42a and an outlet 42b. The one-way valve 42 only allows water to flow from the outlet 30b of the solar panel 30 and into the tank 12 via the internal pipe 22a of the pipe-in pipe fitting 22. The lower zone 12b of the tank 12, the solar panel 30, the second pump 32, the internal pipe 22a and the one-way valve 42 together form a solar heating circuit.
[0031] The system 10 also includes a controller 44 which receives an indication of the water temperature in the tank 12 and the solar panel 30 via temperature sensors (not shown). The controller 44 is also able to issue control signals to the gas instantaneous heater 18, the first pump 20 and the second pump 32.
[0032] The operation of the above components of the system 10 shall now be described. In response to user demand, the controller 44 energises the gas heater 18 and also the first pump 20. This causes relatively cooler water to be drawn from the middle of the tank 12 through the external pipe 22b of the pipe-in pipe fitting 22 and pumped through the gas heater 18 for heating. The heated water HW is then pumped to the tank 12 and is available for drawing off by a user at the outlet 16.
[0033] If sufficient solar energy is available, the controller 44 can also energise the second pump 32 to withdraw water from the bottom of the tank 12 at the outlet 34 and pump it through the first valve 38 and into the solar panel 30 for heating. The heated water then is then pumped from the solar panel 30, through the one-way valve 42, and is returned to the tank 12 via the internal pipe 22a of the pipe-in pipe fitting 22.
[0034] Importantly, the gas heating circuit and the solar heating circuit can be operated independently of one another. This advantageously means that available solar energy is still able to be collected and utilised notwithstanding that the user demands of the system 10 necessitate gas heating. This ensures that available solar energy is not wasted.
[0035] The pipe-in pipe fitting 22 advantageously allows the gas circuit and the solar circuit to communicate with the water tank 12 via a single opening 12d. This advantageously requires only one hole to be made in the tank, which minimizes leak risks and stress fracture risks. However, in a further embodiment of the system (not shown), a pair of openings 12d are made in the tank wall 12c, one as an outlet for the gas heating circuit and one as an inlet for the solar heating circuit.
[0036] In addition to being able to provide gas, solar or gas and solar heated water as described above, the water heating system 10 can also provide cooled or heated air for air conditioning as will now be described. The system 10 includes a fan coil unit 50 which is typically installed within the roof space of a household. The fan coil unit 50 has therein at least one first heat exchanger (not shown) and a fan (not shown). The fan is used to propel air through the heat exchanger and into ducting 52. The ducting 52 communicates the air to various rooms in the household.
[0037] The system 10 also includes an outdoor refrigeration unit 54 which includes a first heat exchanging part 56a within a heat exchanger 56. The heat exchanger 56 also includes a second heat exchanging part 56b.
[0038] The system 10 also includes a valving arrangement in the form of a first diverter valve 58 and a second diverter valve 60. The controller 44 can control the first valve 58 to direct flow from a first inlet 58a to a first outlet 58b or from a second inlet 58c to the first outlet 58b. The controller 44 can also control the second valve 60 to direct flow from a first inlet 60a to a first outlet 60b or from the first inlet 60a to a second outlet 60c.
[0039] The system 10 also includes a third pump 62 between the first diverter valve 58 and the inlet of the heat exchanger associated with the fan coil unit 50. [0040] The system 10 also includes a manifold 64 in fluid communication with the main water supply MW, via a one way valve 66, the first diverter valve 58, the second diverter valve 60 and the second heat exchanging part 56b.
[0041] When the first and second diverter valves 58 and 60 are in the 'heating' positions shown in Fig. 1, energising the third pump 62 draws heated water from the outlet 16 of the tank 12 through the valve 58, from the first inlet 58a to the first outlet 58b, and into the heat exchanger of the fan coil unit 50. Air propelled past the heat exchanger by the fan in the fan coil unit 50 is then heated before entering the ducting 52 and then being communicated to rooms for heating. The water passing through the heat exchanger of the fan coil unit 50 then travels through the second diverter valve 60, from the first inlet 60a to the first outlet 60b, and so to the manifold 64. The water then passes through the manifold 64 and is returned to the tank 12 via the inlet 14.
[0042] When the diverter valves 58 and 60 are in the dashed 'cooling' positions shown in Fig. 1, energising the third pump 62 draws chilled or cooler water from the second heat exchanger part 56b through the manifold 64. This water through the first diverter valve 58, from the second inlet 58c to the first outlet 58b, and into the heat exchanger associated with the fan coil unit 50. Air pumped past the heat exchanger by the fan is then cooled before being communicated to the ducting 52 and thereafter to various rooms to be cooled. The water pumped through the heat exchanger in the fan coil unit 50 then passes through the second diverter valve 60, from the first inlet 60a to the second outlet 60c, and into the second heat exchanging part 56b of the heat exchanger 56 of the outdoor refrigeration unit 54 during which time it undergoes
chilling/cooling.
[0043] Accordingly, the system 10 advantageously utilises a water heater 12, which commonly exist in almost all households, as part of an overall air conditioning and heating system. This reduces the amount of components that need to be purchased and installed and serviced.
[0044] The outdoor refrigeration unit can be a sealed unit which advantageously enables it to be fitted by a plumber and therefore without requiring the services of an air conditioning technician. [0045] The air conditioning and heating system advantageously use water as an energy transfer medium, rather than refrigeration liquid, which again reduces installation and servicing costs and obviates the need for specialist tradespeople.
[0046] The air conditioning and heating system advantageously also increases customer choice by allowing numerous different installation options, such as hydronic floor, ducted air or chilled beams etc.
[0047] The air conditioning and heating system advantageously suits locations where gas is a preferred fuel, rather than electricity, for the water heater.
[0048] The air conditioning and heating system advantageously also makes liquid petroleum gas (LPG) a feasible fuel, from a cost perspective, due to the ability to also utilise solar energy.
[0049] Fig. 3 shoes a second embodiment of a water heating system 10'. The system is constructed and operates in a very similar manner to that described with reference to Figs 1 and 2 and like reference numerals have been used to indicate like feature. However, in the system 10', the manifold 64 is not used. Accordingly, when the first and second diverter valves 58 and 60 are in the heating positions, the water leaving the second first outlet 60b of the second diverter valve 60 is communicated directly to the inlet 14 of the tank 12. Further, when the first and second diverter valves 58 and 60 are in the cooling positions, the chilled water from the second heat exchanging part 56b is communicated directly to the second inlet 58c of the first diverter valve 58.
[0050] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the invention can be embodied in many other forms. For example, the water storage tank can be heated in various other ways, such as an internal electrical element or an external flame source. The fan coil unit can also be a single centralised unit or distributed fan units each serving individual zones through a distributor. The fan coil unit in the roof can also be replaced by an under floor concrete slab hydronic pipe network.

Claims

1. A water heating system including:
a water storage tank with a mains water inlet and a heated water outlet;
a water heating means associated with the water storage tank;
at least one first heat exchanger installable in a heat exchanging relationship with a space to be heated and cooled;
a refrigeration unit; and
a valving arrangement selectively configurable between a cooling configuration, in which heated water from the water storage tank is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger, and a cooling configuration, in which water chilled by the refrigeration unit is circulated through the at least one first heat exchanger.
2. The water heating system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system includes a plurality of said first heat exchangers, each installable in a heat exchanging relationship in a respective one of said spaces to be heated and cooled.
3. The water heating system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one heat exchanger is part of a fan coil unit with a fan and ducting, wherein the fan pumps air past the at least one first heat exchanger and into the ducting.
4. The water heating system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one heat exchanger is part an under floor concrete slab hydronic pipe network.
5. The water heating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valving arrangement includes a first valve, controllable to direct flow therethrough from a first inlet to a first outlet or from a second inlet to the first outlet, and a second valve, controllable to direct flow therethrough from a first inlet to a first outlet or from the first inlet to a second outlet.
6. The water heating system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the refrigeration unit includes a second heat exchanger.
7. The water heating system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first inlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the heated water outlet, the second inlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the second heat exchanger and the first outlet of the first valve is in fluid communication with the least one first heat exchanger.
8. The water heating system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first inlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the at least one first heat exchanger, the first outlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the at least one first heat exchanger, and the second outlet of the second valve is in fluid communication with the second heat exchanger.
9. The water heating system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the water heating system includes a first pump in fluid communication between the first outlet of the first valve and the at least one first heat exchanger.
10. The water heating system as claimed claim 9, wherein the water heating means is an instantaneous-type water heater having an inlet and an outlet, the instantaneous-type water heater outlet being in fluid communication with the water storage tank. 1. The water heating system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the system includes a second pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the water storage tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the instantaneous-type water heater inlet.
12. The water heating system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the system includes :
at least one solar panel having an inlet and an outlet, the at least one solar panel outlet being in fluid communication with the water storage tank; and
a third pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the at least one solar panel inlet.
13. The water heating system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the water heating system includes a controller adapted to energise the second pump only or the third pump only or the second and third pumps, responsive to user demands and/or availability of solar energy.
14. The water heating system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the water storage tank includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second pump and also with the outlet of the at least one solar panel.
15. The water heating system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the opening is connected to the inlet of the second pump and also to the outlet of the at least one solar panel by a pipe-in-pipe fitting.
16. The water heating system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the pipe-in-pipe fitting includes an internal pipe for communication of water into the water storage tank from the at least one solar panel outlet and an external pipe for communication of water from the water storage tank to the second pump inlet, whereby the water is independently communicated through the interior of the internal pipe and communicated in the space between the interior of the external pipe and the exterior of the internal pipe respectively.
17. The water heating system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the water heating system includes a one way valve adapted to only allow fluid communication from the at least one solar panel outlet to the water storage tank.
18. The water heating system as claimed in claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the opening is preferably at or near the middle of the tank.
19. The water heating system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the instantaneous-type water heater outlet is in fluid communication at or near the top of the water storage tank.
20. The water heating system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the third pump inlet is preferably in fluid communication at or near the bottom of the water storage tank.
PCT/AU2013/000494 2012-05-22 2013-05-14 A water heating system WO2013173863A1 (en)

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ES2627209A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2017-07-27 Universidad De Málaga Accumulator, system and procedure to provide sanitary hot water (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2018053635A1 (en) * 2016-09-21 2018-03-29 Cgc Group Of Companies Incorporated Flow control valve and hydronic system

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CN201306791Y (en) * 2008-11-07 2009-09-09 刘瑾 Photoelectric water heater
CN201787662U (en) * 2010-08-06 2011-04-06 赵志毅 Solar heater
CN201944939U (en) * 2011-01-03 2011-08-24 张本照 Solar water temperature air-conditioner

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US4153104A (en) * 1977-09-08 1979-05-08 Overland Energy, Inc. Solar heating and cooling system
KR101046540B1 (en) * 2011-01-06 2011-07-05 주식회사 선이앤씨 Cooling and heating system using geothermal

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018053635A1 (en) * 2016-09-21 2018-03-29 Cgc Group Of Companies Incorporated Flow control valve and hydronic system
US11028931B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2021-06-08 Cgc Group Of Companies Incorporated Flow control valve and hydronic system
ES2627209A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2017-07-27 Universidad De Málaga Accumulator, system and procedure to provide sanitary hot water (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

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