WO2016037257A1

WO2016037257A1 - A device for heating fluids with variable capacity

Info

Publication number: WO2016037257A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/050851
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jihad Elias NASRALLAH
Original assignee: Nasrallah Jihad Elias
Priority date: 2014-09-09
Filing date: 2014-09-09
Publication date: 2016-03-17

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for heating fluids, either electrically or by using solar heated water coil, in which the amount of fluid to be heated can be controlled, wherein the device of the present invention gives flexibility to the user by allowing him/her to only heat up the desired volume of fluid to the desired temperature, and wherein such device does not mix incoming cold water with the heated water. The device of the present invention comprises essentially a water storage tank; at least one heating element; a movable partitioning element; means for guiding the movable partitioning element; and means for moving the movable partitioning element. The device of the present invention further comprises means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the housing; at least one safety bypass; and means for enforcing the housing.

Description

A DEVICE FOR HEATING FLUIDS WITH VARIABLE CAPACITY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] The present invention relates to a device for heating fluids, and more particularly to a device for heating fluids in a water storage tank in which the amount and the temperature of the heated fluid is controlled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Using electrical and solar energy to heat up fluids, especially water, is well known in the art, wherein electrical storage water heaters have some drawbacks related to their efficiency, and the waiting time needed to get the water heated to the desired temperature.

[003] For this reason, numerous conventional solutions were put in place with the purpose of minimizing said drawbacks.

[004] One conventional solution pertains to a continuous water heater having a hot water tank, heating means and a hot water outlet. Hot water is removed from the outlet by varying the volume of tank using a resiliently biased piston through the bias of spring and/or water pressure from a cold water inlet. This conventional solution proposes the use of an expansion chamber coupled to tank by a tube having a pump in line with tube.

[005] In another conventional solution, there is provided a water heater in which the volume of water heated and stored may be fluctuated in response to the changing demand for heated water. The heater of this conventional solution comprises a water storage tank; a heat source for heating the water stored in said water storage tank; a cold water input conduit; a controllable cold water input valve operable to open and close said cold water input conduit for allowing or preventing the flow of water into said water storage tank; a warm water output conduit of variable length operable to allow heated water to exit said water storage tank; an actuator operable to vary the length of said warm water output conduit to accommodate for different volumes of water storage within said water storage tank; and a sensor operable to quantify the amount of water stored in said water storage tank and to provide a signal indicative thereof for controlling said cold water input valve. [006] None of the prior art solutions is practical, all of such solutions are using complex technologies and mechanical systems, and none of them suitable to be used in real life or have limited efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for heating fluids, especially water, which overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional storage water heating devices.

[008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for heating fluids, especially water, which gives flexibility to the user by allowing him/her to only heat up the desired volume of water to the desired temperature.

[009] As an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for heating fluids, especially water, which does not mix cold water coming into such device with water that is already heated.

[0010] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a device for heating fluids, especially water, comprising a water storage tank; at least one heating element; a movable partitioning element enclosed in the tank; means for guiding the movable partitioning element; means for moving the movable partitioning element; means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the tank; at least one safety bypass; a temperature sensor; a user interface; a controller; and means for enforcing the tank.

[0011]As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for heating fluids, especially water, which allows for shorter waiting time up to 80%.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, it is provided a device for heating fluids, especially water, which saves up to 80% of energy consumed by conventional water heaters

[0013] Preferably, said water storage tank is cylindrical.

[0014] Preferably, said water storage tank is thermally insulated using any state-of- the-art insulating material. [0015] Preferably, said at least one heating element comprises a thermal electrical resistor.

[0016] Preferably, said at least one heating element comprises a coil guiding hot water coming from solar water heaters

[0017] Preferably, said movable partitioning element has a disc-shape, and is thermally insulated, wherein such element is permitted to move along the longitudinal axis of the tank, and wherein said element divides the tank into two compartments.

[0018] Preferably, said movable partitioning element has approximately the same diameter of said tank.

[0019] Preferably, said movable partitioning element is encircled by a sealing gasket, wherein such sealing gasket prevents the flow of water between said adjacent compartments.

[0020] Preferably, said two compartments are adjacent, wherein the volume of such chambers could be varied by moving the partitioning element along the longitudinal axis of said tank.

[0021] Preferably, said means for guiding the movable partitioning element comprises a longitudinal member acting as a shaft, wherein such member passes through the whole length of said tank, and wherein such member penetrates the center of the movable partitioning element.

[0022] Preferably, said means for moving the movable partitioning element comprises a pump; two motorized three-way electric valves; and two check valves, wherein the pump pumps water from one of said compartments to the other compartment in a closed loop.

[0023] Preferably, said means for moving the movable partitioning element moves said partitioning element in two opposite directions.

[0024] Preferably, said means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the tank comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors. [0025] Preferably, said at least one safety bypass prevents said movable partitioning element from being squashed as a result of difference in pressure when such partitioning element stops at the extremities of said tank.

[0026] Preferably, said user interface displays the temperature of the heated water along with its volume to the user.

[0027] Preferably, said user interface allows the user to select the desired temperature and volume of water to be heated.

[0028] Preferably, said means for enforcing the tank comprises a plurality of rings encircling the lateral circumference of the tank distributed along the longitudinal direction of the tank, wherein such rings enforces the shape of the tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention without restricting the scope of the invention thereof, and in which:

[0030] FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of a device for heating fluids, especially water, configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG.2 illustrates a side view of a device for heating fluids, especially water, configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG.3 illustrates a top view of a device for heating fluids, especially water, configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] FIG.4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device for heating fluids, especially water, configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein such cross section is taken along the longitudinal direction of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] FIGs. 1 , 2, and 3 illustrate a device for heating fluids, especially water, configured according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein such embodiment comprises a water storage tank 1 ; at least one heating element 2; a movable partitioning element 3 enclosed in the tank; means for guiding the movable partitioning element 4; means for moving the movable partitioning element 5; means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the tank 6; at least one safety bypass 7; a temperature sensor; a user interface; a controller; and means for enforcing the tank 100a, 100b, and 100c. The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a cold water inlet 1 1 , and a hot water outlet 12.

[0035] Said water storage tank 1 encloses said at least one heating element, said movable partitioning element 3, and said means for guiding the movable partitioning element 4.

[0036] In the embodiment of the present invention, said water storage tank 1 has a cylindrical shape, wherein said movable partitioning element 3 divides such tank 1 into two adjacent compartments; a cold water compartment 13, and a hot water compartment 14. Said cold water compartment 13 includes said cold water inlet 1 1 , while said hot water compartment 14 includes said hot water outlet 12.

[0037] In the device of the present invention, said at least one heating element 2 comprises a thermal electric resistor, wherein such element 2 is located in the hot water compartment 14.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present invention, said movable partitioning element 3 has a disc shape, wherein such element is thermally insulated, and wherein a sealing gasket encircles the circumference of such element 3.

[0039] Said movable partitioning element 3 has approximately the same diameter of said tank 1 , wherein said sealing gasket encircling the perimeter of such partitioning element prevents the flow of water between said cold water compartment 13 and said hot water compartment 14 through a space formed between the movable partitioning element and the lateral wall of the tank due to any discrepancies of the diameters of such element 3 and said tank 1 .

[0040] In the embodiment of the present invention, said movable partitioning element 3 is made of thermally insulated galvanized steel, wherein such thermal insulation decreases the rate of heat transfer between said cold water compartment 13 and said hot water compartment 14, thus increasing the efficiency of the device of the present invention. [0041] Said movable partitioning element 3 is free to move along the longitudinal direction of said tank 1 , thus changing the volumes of said cold water compartment 13 and said hot water compartment 14.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present invention, said means for guiding the movable partitioning element 4 comprises a longitudinal member acting as a shaft, elongated along the whole length of said tank, and wherein such member penetrates the center of the movable partitioning element. Said means for guiding the movable partitioning element 4 prevents said movable partitioning element 3 from twisting or flipping while such element 3 is in motion.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present invention, said means for moving the movable partitioning element 5 comprises a pump 50; two motorized three-way electric valves 51 a and 51 b; and two check valves 52a and 52b, wherein such means for moving the movable partitioning element 5 moves the movable partitioning element 3 in two opposite linear directions along the longitudinal direction of said tank 1 .

[0044] Said pump 50 pumps water from one compartment to the other compartment in a closed circuit, wherein such pumping moves said movable partitioning element 3 inside said tank 1 . When said pump 50 pumps water from said cold water compartment 13 to said hot water compartment 14, the movable partitioning element 3 moves in the direction that increases the volume of the hot water compartment 14 and decreases the volume of the cold water compartment 13.

[0045] When said pump 50 pumps water from said hot water compartment 14 to said cold water compartment 13, the movable partitioning element 3 moves in the direction that increases the volume of the cold water compartment 13 and decreases the volume of the hot water compartment 14.

[0046] One of said three-way electric valve 51 a is installed at said cold water compartment 13, and the other three-way electric valve 51 b is installed at said hot water compartment 14, wherein said pump 50 is installed between such valves 51 a and 51 b. This configuration allows water to flow from either compartment 13 or 14 through opening and closing such valves 51 a and 51 b in certain ways when the pump 50 is in operation, wherein such configuration overcomes the fact that pumps are unidirectional, and eliminates the need to use multiple pumps in order to pump water in opposite directions.

[0047]One of said check valves 52a is installed at the cold water compartment 13, and the other check valve 52b is installed at the hot water compartment 14, wherein such valves 52a and 52b along with said two three-way electric check valves 51 a and 51 b prevents the water or heat exchange between the compartments 13 and 14 when the pump 50 is not operating.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, said tank 1 is made of stainless steel, and said means for detecting the position of the partitioning element 6 inside the tank comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors 60, wherein such sensors 60 are linearly distributed along the longitudinal direction of said tank 1 , and wherein each two consecutive sensors are equidistant.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present invention, said sensors 60 are normally open magnetic contacts, wherein each of such contacts closes when the movable partitioning member 3 passes over such contact, wherein such closure is caused by the magnetic force occurring between the partitioning movable member 3 and the magnets of the contacts.

[0050] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the magnetic contact is closed, a signal will be sent to said controller, wherein such controller processes and sends an output signal to said means for moving the movable partitioning element 5 to initiate the movement of said movable partitioning member 3

[0051] In another embodiment, said tank 1 is made of galvanized steel, and said means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the tank comprises a plurality of steel contacts, wherein such contacts are linearly distributed along the longitudinal direction of said tank 1 , and wherein each two consecutive sensors are equidistant. In such embodiment, a magnet is fixed to the movable partitioning element, wherein the steel contacts close once the movable partitioning element along with the magnet passes over them.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present invention, said at least one safety bypass 7 comprises a plurality of pipes 70a, and 70b, and a check valve 71 , wherein such bypass 7 connects the two ends of the tank 1 , and wherein such bypass 7 prevents said movable partitioning member 3, from being squashed due to the pressure difference inside the tank 1 that takes place when either said cold water chamber 13 or said hot water chamber 14 is almost occupying the total volume of the entire tank.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present invention, when said cold water compartment 13 occupies the entire volume of said water storage tank 1 , said bypass 7 permits water to flow from such compartment 13 to the hot water compartment 14, thus preventing the potential damage of said movable partitioning member 3, and starting the gradual decrease of the temperature of the water present in said hot water compartment 14. Such gradual decrease in temperature gives an indication to the user that the hot water is about to finish.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present invention, when said hot water compartment 14 occupies the entire volume of said water storage tank 1 , said bypass 7 permits water to flow from such compartment 14 to the cold water compartment 13, thus preventing the potential damage of said movable partitioning member 3 due to the difference in pressure inside said tank 1 .

[0055] Said means for enforcing the tank comprises a plurality of steel rings 100a, 100b, and 100c, wherein such rings are distributed along the longitudinal direction of said tank 1 , and wherein such rings encircle the outer lateral circumference of the tank and are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the tank. Said rings 100a, 100b, and 100c enforce the shape of the tank, and prevent the tank from buckling.

[0056] In the embodiment of the invention, said temperature sensor measures the temperature of water in said hot water compartment 14, and sends such temperature as a signal to said controller.

[0057] Said user interface displays the value of the measured temperature inside said hot water compartment 14 to the user, as well as the volume of the remaining water in such compartment 14, wherein such interface allows the user to select the desired volume of water to be heated as well as the desired water temperature.

[0058] Cold water enters the device of the present invention through said cold water inlet 1 1 positioned at said cold water compartment 13, wherein such cold water . pushes said movable partitioning member 3 towards the said hot water compartment 14. [0059] Hot water leaves the device of the present invention through said hot water outlet 12 positioned at said hot water compartment 14.

[0060]While the present invention has been described in details and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various additions, omissions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0061] Although the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The embodiment(s) of the invention described above is(are) intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1 . A device for heating fluids with variable capacity comprising: a water storage tank; at least one heating element; a movable partitioning element enclosed in the tank, wherein such partitioning element has the shape of a disc and divides said water storage tank into two compartments: a cold water compartment, and a hot water compartment; a cold water inlet; and a hot water outlet; a temperature sensor; a user interface; a controller; characterized in having means for guiding the movable partitioning element; means for moving the movable partitioning element; means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the tank; at least one safety bypass; and means for enforcing said water storage tank.

2. The device of Claim 1 , further characterized in that said water storage tank is made of stainless steel.

3. The device of Claim 1 , further characterized in that said water storage tank is made of galvanized steel.

4. The device of Claim 1 , further characterized in that said movable partitioning element is made of galvanized steel.

5. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said means for guiding the movable partitioning element comprises a longitudinal member elongated along the whole length of said tank, and wherein such member penetrates the center of the movable partitioning element.

6. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said means for moving the movable partitioning element comprises: a pump; two motorized three-way electric valves; and two check valves.

7. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said means for moving the movable partitioning element moves said movable partitioning element in two opposite linear directions along the longitudinal direction of said water storage tank.

8. The device of Claim 6, wherein one of said motorized three-way electric valves is positioned at said hot water compartment, and the other motorized three-way electric valve is positioned at said cold water compartment.

9. The device of Claim 6, wherein said motorized three-way electric valves and said check valves prevents the flow of water between said hot and cold water compartments, while said pump is off and said device is operating in normal conditions.

10. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said means for detecting the position of the partitioning element inside the tank comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors distributed linearly along the longitudinal direction of said tank, and wherein each two consecutive sensors are equidistant.

1 1 . The device of Claim 10, wherein said magnetic sensors are normally-open magnetic contacts, and wherein each of such contacts closes when said movable partitioning member passes over such contact due to the magnetic force occurring between said partitioning movable member and the magnets of said contacts.

12. The device of Claim 10, wherein said magnetic sensors are normally-open steel contacts, and wherein each of such contacts closes when a movable partitioning member containing a magnet passes over such contact.

13. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said at least one safety bypass comprises a plurality of pipes, and a check valve.

14. The device of Claim 13, wherein said bypass connects said two ends of said tank, and wherein said bypass prevents said movable partitioning member from being squashed due to any pressure difference inside said tank.

15. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said at least one safety bypass permits water to flow from said cold water compartment to said hot water compartment, wherein such permission only happens when said cold water compartment is about to occupy the entire volume of said water storage tank.

16. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said means for enforcing the tank comprises a plurality of steel rings distributed along the longitudinal direction of said water storage tank.

17. The device of Claim 16, wherein said steel rings encircle the outer lateral circumference of said tank, and prevent said tank from buckling.