WO2015136233A1 - Apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water - Google Patents

Apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015136233A1
WO2015136233A1 PCT/GB2015/000081 GB2015000081W WO2015136233A1 WO 2015136233 A1 WO2015136233 A1 WO 2015136233A1 GB 2015000081 W GB2015000081 W GB 2015000081W WO 2015136233 A1 WO2015136233 A1 WO 2015136233A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pipe
sealed system
heat
coupling means
unused
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/000081
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gurcharn SINGH
Original Assignee
S.R. Of N.E. Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by S.R. Of N.E. Limited filed Critical S.R. Of N.E. Limited
Priority to GB1614501.3A priority Critical patent/GB2538203B/en
Priority to CA2941060A priority patent/CA2941060A1/en
Publication of WO2015136233A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015136233A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
    • F28D21/0001—Recuperative heat exchangers
    • F28D21/0012—Recuperative heat exchangers the heat being recuperated from waste water or from condensates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D13/021—Units comprising pumps and their driving means containing a coupling
    • F04D13/024—Units comprising pumps and their driving means containing a coupling a magnetic coupling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D13/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F04D13/0646—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven the hollow pump or motor shaft being the conduit for the working fluid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D13/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F04D13/0673—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven the motor being of the inside-out type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D3/00—Axial-flow pumps
    • F04D3/005—Axial-flow pumps with a conventional single stage rotor
    • 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
    • F24D17/0052—Domestic hot-water supply systems with combination of different kinds of heating means recuperated waste heat and conventional heating means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C2001/005—Installations allowing recovery of heat from waste water for warming up fresh water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2220/00—Application
    • F05B2220/20—Application within closed fluid conduits, e.g. pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2220/00—Application
    • F05B2220/60—Application making use of surplus or waste energy
    • F05B2220/604—Application making use of surplus or waste energy for domestic central heating or production of electricity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/40—Transmission of power
    • F05B2260/404—Transmission of power through magnetic drive coupling
    • F05B2260/4041—Transmission of power through magnetic drive coupling the driven magnets encircling the driver magnets
    • 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
    • F24D2200/16—Waste heat
    • F24D2200/20—Sewage water
    • 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
    • Y02B10/50—Hydropower in dwellings
    • 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]
    • Y02B30/18—Domestic hot-water supply systems using recuperated or waste heat
    • 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]
    • Y02B30/56—Heat recovery units

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water.
  • Heated waste water is usually simply allowed to run to waste. Heat from the heated waste water is not recovered so that the wasted heat represents a loss of energy, which in turn represents a loss of the money initially spent in heating the waste water in the first place.
  • apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water which apparatus comprises:
  • propeller means positioned in the first pipe such that propeller means is caused to rotate by flow of the unused mains water in the first pipe;
  • the sealed system comprises a first part which covers a length of the first pipe, the propeller means and the first magnets;
  • the sealed system comprises coupling means which is caused to operate by the first magnets, and in which in operation pumps the heat transfer liquid around the sealed system;
  • the sealed system comprises a second part which covers a length of a second pipe for receiving the heated waste water
  • the length of the first pipe which is covered by the first part of the sealed system is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the unused mains water, whereby the apparatus is such that heat from the heated waste water is used to heat the unused mains water and thereby reduce the cost of heating the unused mains water.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that substantial heat may be recovered from the heated waste water and used to heat the unused mains water, thereby effecting substantial cost savings in the cost of heating the unused mains water to whatever temperature is required.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is also advantageous in that it takes advantage of the fact that the unused mains water is pressurised. The pressure of the mains water is used to provide the energy required to rotate the propeller means.
  • Transfer of energy from the propeller means is then inexpensively able to be transferred to the coupling means by virtue of the first magnets and the construction of the coupling means.
  • the coupling means in operation is then able to pump the heat transfer fluid around the sealed system in order to enable the heat transfer fluid to acquire heat from the heated waste water, and transfer the heat to the unused mains water.
  • the heat transfer fluid may be water or any other suitable and appropriate heat transfer liquid, for example a refrigerant.
  • the coupling means may be a direct magnetic coupling means.
  • the direct magnetic coupling means may comprise a plurality of second magnets and impellers.
  • the coupling means may be an electromagnetic coupling means.
  • the electromagnetic coupling means may comprise an electrical coil and a pump, the electrical coil being such that it generates electricity to drive the pump.
  • Figure 1 shows first apparatus of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a section through a first pipe and propeller means used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows the section of Figure 2 and also the second part of a sealed system covering the part of the apparatus shown in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the propeller means and shows magnets provided on the propeller means
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of coupling means used in the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 shows two embodiments of apparatus of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 shows coupling means used in the apparatus shown in Figure
  • Figure 8 is a cross section through part of Figure 7.
  • apparatus 2 for recovering heat from heated waste water 4.
  • the apparatus 2 comprises a first pipe 6 for receiving pressurised unused mains water 8.
  • the pressure of the unused mains water 8 will usually be that of the mains water system, but it may be decreased by flow reducers or increased by pumps.
  • Propeller means 10 is positioned in the first pipe 6 such that the propeller means 10 is caused to rotate by the flow of the unused mains water 8 in the first pipe 6.
  • a plurality of first magnets 12 are provided on the propeller means 0.
  • the apparatus 2 further comprises a sealed system 14 for containing a heat transfer fluid 16.
  • the sealed system 14 comprises a first part 18 which covers a length 20 of the first pipe 6, the propeller means 10 and the first magnets 12.
  • the sealed system 14 also comprises coupling means 22 which is caused to operated by the first magnets 12.
  • the coupling means 22 in operation pumps the heat transfer fluid 16 around the sealed system 14.
  • the sealed system 14 comprises a second part 24 which covers a length 26 of a second pipe 28.
  • the second pipe 28 is for receiving the heated waste water 4.
  • the length 26 of the second pipe 28 which is covered by the second part 24 of the sealed system 14 is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heated waste water 4 to the heat transfer fluid 16.
  • the length 20 of the first pipe 6 which is covered by the first part 18 of the sealed system 14 is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid 16 to the unused mains water 8.
  • the apparatus 2 is such that heat from the heated waste water 4 is used to heat the unused mains water 8, and thereby reduce the cost of heating the unused mains water 8 for whatever the required use.
  • the coupling means 22 is a direct magnetic coupling means 22.
  • the direct magnetic coupling means 22 comprises a plurality of second magnets 30 and impellers 32.
  • the impellers 32 are for pumping the heat transfer fluid 16 around the sealed system 14.
  • the magnets 12 on the propeller means 10 are arranged north, south, north, etc as shown in Figure 4.
  • the magnets 30 on the coupling means 22 are arranged south, north, south etc. as shown in Figure 5.
  • the magnets 12 are able to repel the magnets 30 and thus cause the impellers 32 to rotate in a housing 34 located within the sealed system 14.
  • Figure 2 shows how the propeller means 10 has impellers 36 and how the propeller means 10 is able to be located in the first pipe 6.
  • the first pipe 6 may be a copper pipe 6 and it may be cut at position 38 as shown to allow installation of the propeller means 10.
  • the cut pipe 6 can then be sealed using a non-magnetic sealing material such for example as polyvinyl chloride sealing tape.
  • FIG 3 shows how the propeller means 10 sits within the coupling means 22.
  • the propeller means 10 forms an inner turbine or propeller arrangement.
  • the coupling means 22 forms an outer turbine or propeller arrangement.
  • the unused mains water flows in the direction of arrows 40.
  • the heat transfer fluid flows in the direction of arrows 42.
  • the unused mains water 8 is shown being heated by an electrical heater 44 having a heating coil 46. Heated unused mains water 8 from the electrical heater 44 passes along a pipe 48 and is shown for the purposes of illustration as exiting from a shower head 50 as heated water 52. Once the heater water 52 has been used for washing purposes, then it passes into a shower tray 54 and down an outlet 56 in the shower tray 54. The heater water 52 then becomes the heated waste water 4. This heated waste water 4 is still at an appreciable temperature. For example, the heated waste water 4 may be at 40°C. This compares with the temperature of the unused mains water 8 which may perhaps be at only 2°C in winter time. The potential for transfer of heat from the heated waste water 4 to the unused mains water 8 is thus substantial.
  • the unused mains water 8 When the unused mains water 8 is preheated using heat from the heated waste water 4, then the unused mains water 8 is able to arrive at the electrical heater 44 all ready preheated. This minimises the amount of heat that has to be provided by the electrical heater 44, which in turn minimises on the cost of operating the electrical heater 44. Substantial cost savings in the running of the electrical heater 44 are thus able to be achieved.
  • the apparatus 2 will automatically cease to operate when the requirement for the unused mains water 8 for shower purposes ceases.
  • the apparatus 2 may form part of a larger system so that there may be other demands for the unused mains water 8 rather than just at the shower head 6 for shower purposes.
  • the heated mains water 8 may be used for all sorts of purposes including washing up at taps, in washing machines, in dishwashers, and in baths. Hitherto, the heated waste water has just been run to waste. With the apparatus of the present invention, part of the heat from the heated waste water 4 is able to be recovered, thereby leading to cost savings.
  • FIG. 6 there is shown second apparatus 58 of the present invention.
  • the apparatus 58 For simplicity of illustration, only part of the apparatus 58 has been shown. Similar parts as in the apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.
  • the coupling means 22 in the apparatus 2 has been replaced by coupling means 60, 61.
  • the upper coupling means 22 shown in Figure 6 in the first pipe 6 is a direct magnetic coupling means.
  • the lower coupling means 60 in the first pipe 6 and the coupling means 61 in the sealed system 14 are each an electromagnetic coupling means utilising a coil 64.
  • One embodiment of the apparatus 58 is able to have just the upper coupling means 22.
  • Another embodiment of the apparatus 58 is able to have just the lower coupling means 60 and the coupling means 61.
  • Another embodiment of the apparatus 58 is able to have the coupling means 22, the coupling means 60 and the coupling means 61.
  • FIG. 6 shows in detail the outside of the two coupling means 60, 61 and their coils 64.
  • the coupling means 60 is able to act as a mains powered electricity generator.
  • the coupling means 61 is able to act as a pump.
  • Figure 8 shows in cross section the construction of the lower coupling means 60 in the first pipe 6.
  • the electricity controller unit 66 may include one or more of a battery, a capacitor, and a voltage controller.
  • the electricity controller unit 66 allows extra power to be supplied to the propeller part of the coupling means 61 in the sealed system 14 when the flow of the heat transfer fluid represented by the arrows 42 needs to be increased, for example on start-up or when there is an increase in the demand for water usage.
  • the electricity controller unit 66 may store excess power, for example created by the lower coupling means 60 when heat transfer fluid flow in the direction of the arrows 42 is moving at an optimum flow and the demand for power on the propeller part of the coupling means 61 is less.
  • the electricity controller unit 66 may be regarded as behaving as a buffer and a storage device for storing the power generated by the mains water and the coupling means 60, and a controller for the power consumed by the coupling means 61.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
  • Instantaneous Water Boilers, Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses, And Control Of Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for recovering heat from heated waste water (4), which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) a first pipe (6) for receiving unused pressurised mains water (8); (ii) propeller means (10) positioned in the first pipe (6) such that propeller means (10) is caused to rotate by flow of the unused mains water (8) in the first pipe (6); (iii) a plurality of first magnets (12) provided on the propeller means (10); and (iv) a sealed system (14) for containing a heat transfer fluid (16); and the sealed system (14) being such that: (v) the sealed system (14) comprises a first part (18) which covers a length (20) of the first pipe (6), the propeller means (10) and the first magnets (12); (vi) the sealed system (14) comprises coupling means (22) which is caused to operate by the first magnets (12), and in which in operation pumps the heat transfer fluid (16) around the sealed system (14); (vii) the sealed system (14) comprises a second part (24) which covers a length (26) of a second pipe (28) for receiving the heated waste water (4); (viii) the length of the second pipe (28) which is covered by the second part (24) of the sealed system (14) is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heated waste water (4) to the heat transfer fluid (16); and (ix) the length of the first pipe (6) which is covered by the first part (18) of the sealed system (14) is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid (16) to the unused mains water (8), whereby the apparatus (2) is such that heat from the heated waste water (4) is used to heat the unused mains water (8) and thereby reduce the cost of heating the unused mains water (8).

Description

APPARATUS FOR RECOVERING HEAT FROM HEATED WASTE WATER
This invention relates to apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water.
Heated waste water is usually simply allowed to run to waste. Heat from the heated waste water is not recovered so that the wasted heat represents a loss of energy, which in turn represents a loss of the money initially spent in heating the waste water in the first place.
It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problem.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water, which apparatus comprises:
(i) a first pipe for receiving pressurised unused mains water;
(ii) propeller means positioned in the first pipe such that propeller means is caused to rotate by flow of the unused mains water in the first pipe;
(iii) a plurality of first magnets provided on the propeller means; and
(iv) a sealed system for containing a heat transfer fluid; and the sealed system being such that:
(v) the sealed system comprises a first part which covers a length of the first pipe, the propeller means and the first magnets;
(vi) the sealed system comprises coupling means which is caused to operate by the first magnets, and in which in operation pumps the heat transfer liquid around the sealed system;
(vii) the sealed system comprises a second part which covers a length of a second pipe for receiving the heated waste water;
(viii) the length of the second pipe which is covered by the second part of the sealed system is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heated waste water to the heat transfer fluid; and
(ix) the length of the first pipe which is covered by the first part of the sealed system is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the unused mains water, whereby the apparatus is such that heat from the heated waste water is used to heat the unused mains water and thereby reduce the cost of heating the unused mains water. The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that substantial heat may be recovered from the heated waste water and used to heat the unused mains water, thereby effecting substantial cost savings in the cost of heating the unused mains water to whatever temperature is required. The apparatus of the present invention is also advantageous in that it takes advantage of the fact that the unused mains water is pressurised. The pressure of the mains water is used to provide the energy required to rotate the propeller means. Transfer of energy from the propeller means is then inexpensively able to be transferred to the coupling means by virtue of the first magnets and the construction of the coupling means. The coupling means in operation is then able to pump the heat transfer fluid around the sealed system in order to enable the heat transfer fluid to acquire heat from the heated waste water, and transfer the heat to the unused mains water.
The heat transfer fluid may be water or any other suitable and appropriate heat transfer liquid, for example a refrigerant.
The coupling means may be a direct magnetic coupling means. The direct magnetic coupling means may comprise a plurality of second magnets and impellers.
Alternatively, the coupling means may be an electromagnetic coupling means. The electromagnetic coupling means may comprise an electrical coil and a pump, the electrical coil being such that it generates electricity to drive the 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 present invention;
Figure 2 shows a section through a first pipe and propeller means used in the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows the section of Figure 2 and also the second part of a sealed system covering the part of the apparatus shown in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the propeller means and shows magnets provided on the propeller means;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of coupling means used in the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
Figure 6 shows two embodiments of apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 7 shows coupling means used in the apparatus shown in Figure
6; and
Figure 8 is a cross section through part of Figure 7.
Referring to Figures 1 - 5, there is shown apparatus 2 for recovering heat from heated waste water 4. The apparatus 2 comprises a first pipe 6 for receiving pressurised unused mains water 8. The pressure of the unused mains water 8 will usually be that of the mains water system, but it may be decreased by flow reducers or increased by pumps.
Propeller means 10 is positioned in the first pipe 6 such that the propeller means 10 is caused to rotate by the flow of the unused mains water 8 in the first pipe 6. A plurality of first magnets 12 are provided on the propeller means 0. The apparatus 2 further comprises a sealed system 14 for containing a heat transfer fluid 16. The sealed system 14 comprises a first part 18 which covers a length 20 of the first pipe 6, the propeller means 10 and the first magnets 12.
The sealed system 14 also comprises coupling means 22 which is caused to operated by the first magnets 12. The coupling means 22 in operation pumps the heat transfer fluid 16 around the sealed system 14.
The sealed system 14 comprises a second part 24 which covers a length 26 of a second pipe 28. The second pipe 28 is for receiving the heated waste water 4.
The length 26 of the second pipe 28 which is covered by the second part 24 of the sealed system 14 is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heated waste water 4 to the heat transfer fluid 16.
The length 20 of the first pipe 6 which is covered by the first part 18 of the sealed system 14 is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid 16 to the unused mains water 8.
The apparatus 2 is such that heat from the heated waste water 4 is used to heat the unused mains water 8, and thereby reduce the cost of heating the unused mains water 8 for whatever the required use.
The coupling means 22 is a direct magnetic coupling means 22. The direct magnetic coupling means 22 comprises a plurality of second magnets 30 and impellers 32. The impellers 32 are for pumping the heat transfer fluid 16 around the sealed system 14. The magnets 12 on the propeller means 10 are arranged north, south, north, etc as shown in Figure 4. The magnets 30 on the coupling means 22 are arranged south, north, south etc. as shown in Figure 5. Thus the magnets 12 are able to repel the magnets 30 and thus cause the impellers 32 to rotate in a housing 34 located within the sealed system 14.
Figure 2 shows how the propeller means 10 has impellers 36 and how the propeller means 10 is able to be located in the first pipe 6. The first pipe 6 may be a copper pipe 6 and it may be cut at position 38 as shown to allow installation of the propeller means 10. The cut pipe 6 can then be sealed using a non-magnetic sealing material such for example as polyvinyl chloride sealing tape.
Figure 3 shows how the propeller means 10 sits within the coupling means 22. The propeller means 10 forms an inner turbine or propeller arrangement. The coupling means 22 forms an outer turbine or propeller arrangement.
In use of the apparatus 2, the unused mains water flows in the direction of arrows 40. The heat transfer fluid flows in the direction of arrows 42.
In Figure 1 , the unused mains water 8 is shown being heated by an electrical heater 44 having a heating coil 46. Heated unused mains water 8 from the electrical heater 44 passes along a pipe 48 and is shown for the purposes of illustration as exiting from a shower head 50 as heated water 52. Once the heater water 52 has been used for washing purposes, then it passes into a shower tray 54 and down an outlet 56 in the shower tray 54. The heater water 52 then becomes the heated waste water 4. This heated waste water 4 is still at an appreciable temperature. For example, the heated waste water 4 may be at 40°C. This compares with the temperature of the unused mains water 8 which may perhaps be at only 2°C in winter time. The potential for transfer of heat from the heated waste water 4 to the unused mains water 8 is thus substantial. When the unused mains water 8 is preheated using heat from the heated waste water 4, then the unused mains water 8 is able to arrive at the electrical heater 44 all ready preheated. This minimises the amount of heat that has to be provided by the electrical heater 44, which in turn minimises on the cost of operating the electrical heater 44. Substantial cost savings in the running of the electrical heater 44 are thus able to be achieved. The apparatus 2 will automatically cease to operate when the requirement for the unused mains water 8 for shower purposes ceases.
The apparatus 2 may form part of a larger system so that there may be other demands for the unused mains water 8 rather than just at the shower head 6 for shower purposes. The heated mains water 8 may be used for all sorts of purposes including washing up at taps, in washing machines, in dishwashers, and in baths. Hitherto, the heated waste water has just been run to waste. With the apparatus of the present invention, part of the heat from the heated waste water 4 is able to be recovered, thereby leading to cost savings.
Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 8, there is shown second apparatus 58 of the present invention. For simplicity of illustration, only part of the apparatus 58 has been shown. Similar parts as in the apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.
In the apparatus 58, the coupling means 22 in the apparatus 2 has been replaced by coupling means 60, 61. The upper coupling means 22 shown in Figure 6 in the first pipe 6 is a direct magnetic coupling means. The lower coupling means 60 in the first pipe 6 and the coupling means 61 in the sealed system 14 are each an electromagnetic coupling means utilising a coil 64. One embodiment of the apparatus 58 is able to have just the upper coupling means 22. Another embodiment of the apparatus 58 is able to have just the lower coupling means 60 and the coupling means 61. Another embodiment of the apparatus 58 is able to have the coupling means 22, the coupling means 60 and the coupling means 61.
In the apparatus 58 shown in Figure 6, the heated waste water 4 is shown passing along a waste outlet pipe 62. The direction of flow is indicated by arrows 63. Figure 7 shows in detail the outside of the two coupling means 60, 61 and their coils 64. The coupling means 60 is able to act as a mains powered electricity generator. The coupling means 61 is able to act as a pump. Figure 8 shows in cross section the construction of the lower coupling means 60 in the first pipe 6.
An electricity controller unit 68 is shown in Figure 6 and 7. The electricity controller unit 66 may include one or more of a battery, a capacitor, and a voltage controller. The electricity controller unit 66 allows extra power to be supplied to the propeller part of the coupling means 61 in the sealed system 14 when the flow of the heat transfer fluid represented by the arrows 42 needs to be increased, for example on start-up or when there is an increase in the demand for water usage. The electricity controller unit 66 may store excess power, for example created by the lower coupling means 60 when heat transfer fluid flow in the direction of the arrows 42 is moving at an optimum flow and the demand for power on the propeller part of the coupling means 61 is less. The electricity controller unit 66 may be regarded as behaving as a buffer and a storage device for storing the power generated by the mains water and the coupling means 60, and a controller for the power consumed by the coupling means 61.
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, other types of propeller means 10 and other types of coupling means 22, 60 may be employed. The temperatures given above are only example temperatures. 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 recovering heat from heated waste water, which apparatus comprises:
(i) a first pipe for receiving unused pressurised mains water;
(ii) propeller means positioned in the first pipe such that propeller means is caused to rotate by flow of the unused mains water in the first pipe;
(iii) a plurality of first magnets provided on the propeller means; and
(iv) a sealed system for containing a heat transfer fluid; and the sealed system being such that:
(v) the sealed system comprises a first part which covers a length of the first pipe, the propeller means and the first magnets;
(vi) the sealed system comprises coupling means which is caused to operate by the first magnets, and in which in operation pumps the heat transfer fluid around the sealed system;
(vii) the sealed system comprises a second part which covers a length of a second pipe for receiving the heated waste water;
(viii) the length of the second pipe which is covered by the second part of the sealed system is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heated waste water to the heat transfer fluid; and
(ix) the length of the first pipe which is covered by the first part of the sealed system is sufficiently long for heat to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the unused mains water, whereby the apparatus is such that heat from the heated waste water is used to heat the unused mains water and thereby reduce the cost of heating the unused mains water.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the coupling means is a direct magnetic coupling means.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the direct magnetic coupling means comprises a plurality of magnets and a plurality of impellers.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the coupling means is an electromagnetic coupling means.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the electromagnetic coupling means comprises an electrical coil and a pump the electrical coil being such that it generates electricity to drive the pump.
PCT/GB2015/000081 2014-03-10 2015-03-05 Apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water WO2015136233A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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GB1614501.3A GB2538203B (en) 2014-03-10 2015-03-05 Apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water
CA2941060A CA2941060A1 (en) 2014-03-10 2015-03-05 Apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water

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GB201404241A GB201404241D0 (en) 2014-03-10 2014-03-10 Apparatus for recovering heat from heated waste water
GB1404241.0 2014-03-10

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2625157A1 (en) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-08 Bogner Und Huber Gmbh & Co San Heat recovery system from hot waste water - feeds storage from collector with heat exchanger and controlled drain valve
DE102004031789A1 (en) * 2004-07-01 2005-11-03 Robert Bosch Gmbh Hot water heating system, with primary and secondary heat transfer units, has a single recirculating pump and a pump drive for the secondary circuit powered by the water flow in the heating circuit
EP1772676A2 (en) * 2005-10-10 2007-04-11 Hebert Ganglberger Heat exchange installation
EP2031312A2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-04 Johann Kalkgruber Device for heating domestic water during flow-through
US20110203303A1 (en) * 2008-09-05 2011-08-25 Alain Moure Heating system with optimized recovery of waste water heat
DE102010009215A1 (en) * 2010-02-25 2011-08-25 Guzman, Cristobal, 74363 Flow regulator for liquids with power supply via the flow
WO2012045108A2 (en) * 2010-10-04 2012-04-12 Anton Buchinger Device for heating process water

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2625157A1 (en) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-08 Bogner Und Huber Gmbh & Co San Heat recovery system from hot waste water - feeds storage from collector with heat exchanger and controlled drain valve
DE102004031789A1 (en) * 2004-07-01 2005-11-03 Robert Bosch Gmbh Hot water heating system, with primary and secondary heat transfer units, has a single recirculating pump and a pump drive for the secondary circuit powered by the water flow in the heating circuit
EP1772676A2 (en) * 2005-10-10 2007-04-11 Hebert Ganglberger Heat exchange installation
EP2031312A2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-04 Johann Kalkgruber Device for heating domestic water during flow-through
US20110203303A1 (en) * 2008-09-05 2011-08-25 Alain Moure Heating system with optimized recovery of waste water heat
DE102010009215A1 (en) * 2010-02-25 2011-08-25 Guzman, Cristobal, 74363 Flow regulator for liquids with power supply via the flow
WO2012045108A2 (en) * 2010-10-04 2012-04-12 Anton Buchinger Device for heating process water

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GB2538203B (en) 2020-01-15
GB2538203A (en) 2016-11-09
GB201404241D0 (en) 2014-04-23
CA2941060A1 (en) 2015-09-17

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