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WO2006130929A1 - Chauffe-eau compact - Google Patents

Chauffe-eau compact Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006130929A1
WO2006130929A1 PCT/AU2006/000804 AU2006000804W WO2006130929A1 WO 2006130929 A1 WO2006130929 A1 WO 2006130929A1 AU 2006000804 W AU2006000804 W AU 2006000804W WO 2006130929 A1 WO2006130929 A1 WO 2006130929A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
heat exchanger
storage tank
hot water
heater
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2006/000804
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Massey Trihey
Albert Massey Trihey
Original Assignee
Ollin Sustainable Technologies Pty. Ltd.
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 AU2005903027A external-priority patent/AU2005903027A0/en
Application filed by Ollin Sustainable Technologies Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Ollin Sustainable Technologies Pty. Ltd.
Priority to AU2006255502A priority Critical patent/AU2006255502B2/en
Publication of WO2006130929A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006130929A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/48—Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water
    • F24H1/52—Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water incorporating heat exchangers for domestic water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/48—Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water
    • F24H1/50—Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water incorporating domestic water tanks
    • 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
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/0041—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for only one medium being tubes having parts touching each other or tubes assembled in panel form
    • 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
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being helically coiled
    • F28D7/024—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being helically coiled the conduits of only one medium being helically coiled tubes, the coils having a cylindrical configuration
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
    • F28F1/08—Tubular elements crimped or corrugated in longitudinal section
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
    • F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media

Definitions

  • This invention relates to water heating apparatus.
  • the principles of the invention can be utilised in water heating apparatus which can be used for supplying mains pressure hot water for use in a hot ,water service.
  • the principles of the invention are also applicable to water heating apparatus which can be used for heating water circulated in an hydronic heating system.
  • the invention is also applicable to combined apparatuses which are hot mains pressure water and also heated water for circulation in an hydronic heating system.
  • Instantaneous type heaters suffer from the drawback of difficulty of control of the water temperature, low efficiency and significant waste of water because a relatively large volume of water must pass the heat exchangers before it reaches operating temperature.
  • Control of water temperature also is a problem.
  • Storage type water heaters need to have a relatively large pressure vessel to hold the hot water at mains pressure.
  • the storage tank is subject to convection losses, particularly in gas fired units where the flue pipe passes through the storage tank.
  • WO 2004/025188 discloses a composite water heater which has characteristics of both an instantaneous type and storage type heater but overcomes many of the problems associated therewith. Whilst the performance of the composite water heater disclosed in the aforementioned publication is excellent, the object of the present invention is to provide novel water heating apparatus which can be made in a form which is cheaper, more compact, lighter and/or simpler than the composite unit disclosed in the aforementioned publication.
  • a first aspect of the invention is concerned with construction of a hot water heater which can be made compact, lightweight and avoids substantially all standby losses attributable to convection.
  • a hot water heater including: a housing; a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water; and wherein the first heat exchanger and heating means are located in an upper part of the housing and the water storage tank is located in a lower part of the housing.
  • a layer of insulation is located between the tank and heating means so that convection losses from the storage tank are minimised and the tank is shielded from high temperatures of the heating means and the first heat exchanger.
  • This aspect of the invention is concerned with making a hot water heater which is lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture.
  • a hot water heater including: a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; and a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water characterised in that the water storage tank is formed or moulded from plastics materials.
  • the heating means includes a gas burner
  • the layout of the components makes it possible to use plastics material for the water storage tank because it is essentially isolated from the gas burner or the flue.
  • fabricating or moulding a tank from plastics material is much cheaper and lighter than construction of tanks which are normally used in storage type water heaters. Typically these are made from stainless steel or vitreous enamel lined mild steel pressure vessels. They need to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the mains supply.
  • Another aspect of the invention is concerned with aspects of control of the hot water heater in order to ensure that the heater has a rapid response time to demands from the hot water service and/or hydronic heating system to which it is connected.
  • a hot water heater including: a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water; and first and second temperature sensors for controlling the circulating means and the heating means respectively; wherein the first temperature sensor senses the temperature at or near said cold water inlet and the second temperature sensor senses the temperature at or near said hot water outlet.
  • the second heat exchanger includes a conduit which is formed into a coil and wherein the first and second temperature sensors are located within the conduit.
  • the hot water storage tank has an overflow which defines the upper water level therein and wherein the first and second temperature sensors are located within the water storage tank and below said upper water level.
  • the first temperature sensor is located within the water storage tank so as to be located at a level below the upper water level in the tank.
  • the second temperature sensor is located in a conduit which carries water from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger.
  • the second temperature sensor is located below the upper water level of the water within the water storage tank.
  • the second temperature sensor is located in said hot water outlet and is operable to detect an initial flow of hot water therethrough.
  • the second temperature sensor is external to the water storage tank.
  • Another aspect of the invention is concerned with improving the efficiency of heat exchangers. More particularly, this aspect of the invention is concerned with maximising the heat transfer available for a given amount of heat conductive material, such as copper tubing, which is used in the heat exchanger.
  • a heat exchanger including: a coil which is formed into a hollow body having an interior chamber; coupling means for circulating a first fluid through said coil; an inlet coupling for supplying a second fluid to said interior chamber; and wherein said hollow body includes a multiplicity of small openings through which in use the second fluid passes whereby there is efficient heat transfer between said first and second fluids when there is a temperature differential therebetween.
  • the coil is formed from a tube of conductive material and is wound into a generally hollow cylindrical body.
  • the tube is ductile and is plastically deformed so as to form said multiplicity of small openings.
  • the sidewall of the tube may include dents or depressions.
  • the tube is formed with projections.
  • end walls are provided for essentially closing the hollow body.
  • the invention also provides a water heater including a heat exchanger of the type defined above.
  • a hot water heater including: a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water and wherein the second heat exchanger includes: a coil which is formed into a hollow body having an interior chamber; an inlet coupling for supplying hot water from the first heat exchanger to said interior chamber; said hollow body including a multiplicity of small openings through which in use said hot water passes whereby there is efficient heat transfer between water flowing in the second heat exchanger and the hot water passing through said small openings.
  • the inlet coupling includes a water distribution manifold located within said interior chamber.
  • the water distribution manifold is elongate and includes a plurality of openings therein for supplying hot water from the first heat exchanger generally uniformly along the length of said interior chamber.
  • the invention also provides a heat exchanger including: a coil which is formed into a hollow body having an interior chamber; coupling means for circulating a first fluid through said coil; an outlet coupling for supplying a second fluid from said interior chamber; and wherein said hollow body includes a multiplicity of small openings through which in use the second fluid passes whereby there is efficient heat transfer between said first and second fluids when there is a temperature differential therebetween.
  • the invention also provides a hot water heater including: a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water and wherein the second heat exchanger includes: a coil which is formed into a hollow body having an interior chamber; an outlet coupling for drawing water from said interior chamber for circulation by the circulating means to the first heat exchanger; said hollow body including a multiplicity of small openings through which in use hot water from the storage tank passes whereby there is efficient heat transfer between water flowing in the second heat exchanger and the hot water passing through said small openings to said interior chamber.
  • Another aspect of the invention concerns water heating apparatus which is used for supplying mains pressure hot water and hot water for an hydronic heating system and is more particularly concerned with the control of the apparatus to reduce response times of the apparatus according to the heating demands of the hydronic heating system.
  • a water heating apparatus for supplying mains pressure hot water and hot water for an hydronic heating system including: a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; first circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water; first and second temperature sensors for controlling the circulating means and the heating means respectively; wherein the first temperature sensor senses the temperature at or near said cold water inlet and the second temperature sensor senses the temperature at or near said hot water outlet; and second circulating means for circulating water in the water storage tank to an hydronic heating system via an outlet line and a return line characterised in that the return line is located so as to direct water at or towards said second temperature sensor.
  • Having the relatively cool water from the return line directed at or towards the second temperature sensor causes cooling of the water at or adjacent to the second sensor so as to minimise the time delay before it operates to cause activation of the heating means.
  • Another aspect of the invention is concerned with water heating apparatus which supplies hot water for a mains pressure hot water system and to an hydronic heating system and is more particularly concerned with the control of the apparatus so that priority is inherently given to heat available to the mains pressure hot water rather than to the heating system.
  • a water heating apparatus for supplying mains pressure hot water and hot water for an hydronic heating system including: a water storage tank; first heat exchanger; circulating means for circulating water through the first heat exchanger and said first water storage tank; heating means for applying heat to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger located in the water storage tank having a cold water inlet for connection in use to a mains supply and a hot water outlet for delivering mains pressure hot water and wherein the second heat exchanger includes: a coil which is formed into a hollow body having an interior chamber; an inlet coupling for supplying hot water from the first heat exchanger to said interior chamber; said hollow body including a multiplicity of small openings through which in use said hot water passes whereby there is heat transfer between water flowing in the second heat exchanger and the hot water passing through said small openings; and second circulating means for circulating water in the water storage tank to an hydronic heating system via an outlet line and a return line characterised in that the first heat exchanger has an outlet line
  • the invention also provides a method of making a hot water heater including the steps of: mounting a dead water storage tank in a lower part of a housing; mounting heating means and a first heat exchanger in an upper part of the housing; mounting a second heat exchanger in the storage tank and providing conduits for circulating dead water through the first and second heat exchanger; and forming the second heat exchanger in the shape of a hollow body having a multiplicity of small openings; whereby in use dead water can be extracted from the interior of the hollow body and supplied to the first heat exchanger so that dead water is drawn through the multiplicity of small openings into the interior of the body.
  • the invention also provides a method of forming a heat exchanger: winding a heat conductive tube into a helix in which there are narrow gaps between adjacent convolutions; closing the ends of the helix so as to define an internal chamber; and providing a fluid communication passage to the internal chamber whereby, in use, passing a heat transfer fluid through the internal chamber causes the heat transfer fluid to be forced to pass from or into the internal chamber through said narrow gaps.
  • the hot water from the first heat exchanger must first pass from the interior chamber of the second heat exchanger before it enters the main body of the water storage tank.
  • hot water from the first heat exchanger is preferentially used for heating the mains pressure hot water flowing in the second heat exchanger before it enters the water storage tank where it is then available for hydremic heating.
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of a known form of instantaneous gas fired boiler
  • FIGURE 2 is a schematic view of water heating apparatus of the invention
  • FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of another water heating apparatus of the invention
  • FIGURE 4 is a schematic view of the water storage tank and second heat exchanger which forms part of the heater of Figure 2
  • FIGURE 5 is a similar view to Figure 4 but showing a modified arrangement
  • FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view through the second heat exchanger
  • FIGURE 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing adjacent convolutions of the coil in the second heat exchanger
  • FIGURE 8 is an enlarged view of one of the projections on a modified heat exchange tube
  • FIGURE 9 shows the spacing of the projections on the modified heat exchange tube
  • FIGURE 10 schematically illustrates how the projections are formed
  • FIGURE 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line 11-11
  • FIGURE 12 is a schematic view showing a modified heater of the invention which is used for supplying heat to a hot water service and an hydronic heating system;
  • FIGURE 13 is a schematic perspective view of the heater of Figure 12 illustrating flow of dead water through the apparatus
  • FIGURE 14 is a schematic perspective view of the heater of Figure 12 showing flow of mains pressure water
  • FIGURE 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified water heater
  • FIGURE 16 is a simplified view of the heater shown in Figure 15 but illustrating the flow of mains pressure water within the heater;
  • FIGURE 17 is a simplified perspective view of a further modified water heater
  • FIGURE 18 is a simplified view of the heater shown in Figure 17 but illustrating flow of mains pressure water within the heater
  • FIGURE 19 is a schematic view of a modified water heating apparatus which includes an additional heat exchanger
  • FIGURE 20 shows a modified water heating apparatus which includes two additional heat exchangers
  • FIGURE 21 is a schematic view of a preferred form of water heating apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of the preferred form of second heat exchanger
  • FIGURE 23 is a side view of the exchanger shown in Figure 22;
  • FIGURE 24 is an end view of the exchanger;
  • FIGURE 25 is a cross-sectional view along the line 25-25;
  • FIGURE 26 diagrammatically shows the water flow paths in the preferred form of water heater
  • FIGURE 27 illustrates the preferred heater in a standby mode
  • FIGURE 28 illustrates the preferred heater when used for domestic heating
  • FIGURE 29 diagrammatically illustrates the operation of the refill mechanism
  • FIGURE 30 illustrates the location of insulating material in the preferred form of heater.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a known form of boiler 2 which can be used for supplying hot water to an hydronic heating system 4.
  • the heater includes a housing 5 within which is located a combustion chamber 8.
  • a gas burner 10 At the bottom of the combustion chamber 8 is a gas burner 10 which receives gas/air mixture from a control valve 12 which is coupled to a fan 14.
  • the control valve 12 is connected to a gas mains supply 15 via a gas line 16.
  • the combustion chamber 8 includes a flue pipe 18 fitted to a flue terminal 20 which is located exterior to the housing 5.
  • a heat exchanger 22 Located within the combustion chamber 8 is a heat exchanger 22 having an inlet line 24 which in use is coupled to the return line 26 from the hydronic heating system 4.
  • the heat exchanger 22 has an outlet line
  • a circulating pump 30 to supply hot water to an inlet line 32 of the hydronic heating system 4.
  • the apparatus shown in Figure 1 can be controlled in a variety of ways. One typical way is described briefly below.
  • the apparatus includes a room thermostat 33 which is coupled to cause operation of the pump 30 when there is a demand for heating in the room where the room thermostat 33 is located.
  • the gas burner 10 and thermostat 33 are coupled so that the burner cannot operate whilst the pump 30 is not flowing otherwise the heat exchanger 22 may be damaged by overheating.
  • the heater includes a flow sensor 36 on the inlet line 24 and it operates to control the control valve 12 so that the burner 10 will be on when the sensor 36 detects a flow above a predetermined level, normally say greater than 2 litres per minute.
  • the heater includes a second temperature sensor 34 which is coupled to the control valve 12 and operates to modulate the rate of supply of air/gas mixture to the burner 10 so as to try to avoid over-temperatures in the water in the outlet line 28 and in the heat exchanger 22. Operation of the apparatus will continue until the room thermostat 33 detects reaching a selectable operating temperature which will cause the pump 30 to stop and cause cessation of operation of the burner 10.
  • Boilers of the type shown in Figure 1 are very well known and widely understood and details of them need not be more fully described.
  • One typical example of such a boiler is made by Hangzhou Dayuan Artificial Environment Equipment Co. Ltd.
  • One such model has a 133mj per hour gas input and delivers about 11 lmj per hour of heating to the water being circulated.
  • the components of this unit can be incorporated (with some modifications) in the water heating apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 1 are also known. These, however, generally operate at mains pressure and do not require the circulating pump. Also, because of the higher pressure, smaller bore tubing is used in the inlet and outlet lines 24 and 28 as well as in the heat exchanger 22.
  • FIG 2 schematically illustrates one form of heating apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention which is arranged to supply hot water to a mains pressure hot water service.
  • the water heater 40 includes a boiler 42 which is generally the same as that shown in Figure 1 and accordingly the same reference numerals have been used to denote parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the boiler 2.
  • the boiler 42 is located within the upper part of the housing 6, as shown.
  • the housing 5 of the boiler is not required.
  • a water storage tank 44 for "dead" water is located in the lower part of the housing 6 and is surrounded by a layer (not shown in Figure 2) of insulating material to prevent heat loss therefrom. In accordance with the invention, the water storage tank 44 is located in the lower part of the housing 6.
  • the tank has a lid 72 upon which a layer of insulation (not shown in Figure 2) is placed to thermally isolate the upper chamber 47 of the housing in which the boiler is located from the lower chamber 49 of the housing in which the tank 44 is located. This minimises heat loss from the tank 44 and shields the tank 44 from the higher temperatures of the boiler 42.
  • the heater includes a second heat exchanger 46 which is located within the tank 44.
  • the heat exchanger 46 includes a heat exchange coil 48 having an inlet line 50 having a coupling 52 on or accessible from the housing 6 for connection to a mains water supply (not shown).
  • the coil 48 has a hot water outlet line 54 which is connected to an outlet coupling 56 on or accessible from the exterior of the housing 6 for delivery of hot water to a hot water system (not shown).
  • the outlet line 28 from the first heat exchanger 22 is coupled to a water discharge line 58 which is located in a chamber within the interior of the coil 48, as will be described in more detail below.
  • Water from the discharge line 58 flows into the tank 44 through predetermined gaps between adjacent convolutions in the coil 48 and then into the main body of the tank 44.
  • the heater includes a circulating pump 60 (which may correspond to the pump 30 of the boiler shown in Figure 1) for circulating water from at or near the bottom of the tank 44 to the inlet line 24 of the first heat exchanger 22.
  • the water within the storage tank 44 is regarded as dead water because it is merely circulated between the tank 44 and the first heat exchanger 22.
  • the tank 44 and the lid 72 are preferably moulded from plastics material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Normally blow moulding techniques would be used to form these components.
  • the tank 44 would have a capacity of say 38 litres, a width of say 500mm, height of 615mm and depth of 256mm.
  • the wall thickness of the tank and lid are preferably in the range 4mm to 10mm and preferably about 5mm.
  • the tank and lid are generally rectangular in plan so as to fit snugly within the housing 6. Normally the lid 72 would be clamped to the upper edge of the tank (not shown) provided to prevent vapour loss from the tank. It will be appreciated that the heater of the invention can be made compact and lightweight because the tank 44 is formed from plastics material.
  • the heater of the invention When hot water is required in the domestic hot water supply, cold water flows in the inlet line 50 of the coil 48 and extracts heat from the water stored within the tank 44 and hot water will be delivered on the hot water outlet line 54 at a predetermined temperature which can be set between 60°C and 90°C, as required.
  • the water initially within the coil 48 will be at the same temperature as the water within the tank 44 so that hot water will be immediately available at the outlet line 54 and cold water entering the coil 48 via the inlet line 50 will quickly extract heat from the dead water surrounding the coil 48.
  • the heater of the invention has a significant advantage over instantaneous hot water systems or boilers which require a significant volume of water to flow through the unit before operating temperature is reached. Accordingly, the heater of the invention is inherently more efficient in terms of minimising water wastage and energy wastage compare to known instantaneous heaters or boilers.
  • the heater 40 includes a first temperature sensor 62 which is located in the inlet line 50 of the coil 48.
  • the sensor 62 is below the upper level of the dead water within the tank 44 and will normally be at the same temperature as the water within the tank 44.
  • the temperature within the line 50 will quickly drop and this will be sensed by the first sensor 62.
  • the sensor 62 is arranged to cause operation of a circulating pump 60 so that dead water will be circulated from the tank 44 through the first heat exchanger 22.
  • the heater 40 includes a second temperature sensor 64 which is located within the outlet line 28.
  • the sensor 64 is again at a level lower than the upper water level within the tank 44 so that under static conditions it will be at the same temperature as the dead water within the tank 44. If relatively cold water is circulated through the heat exchanger 22 by operation of the pump 60, the temperature drop within the outlet line 28 will be immediately sensed by the second temperature sensor 64 and this will cause operation of the fan 14 and of the burner 10 to commence heating of the dead water within the heat exchanger 22.
  • the sensors 62 and 64 could be the same as the sensors 34 and 36 of the boiler shown in Figure 1 but it is preferred that they are mounted in probes which are the same as or similar to the temperature sensing probes disclosed in International Patent Application No.
  • the temperature sensor 62 and 64 preferably utilise thermistors. These are cheap and provide for rapid response times. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to sense changes of temperature so as to avoid unwanted starting or stopping of the heater owing to changes in ambient temperature. Known techniques could, of course, be used for detecting such changes in temperature.
  • the circulating pump 60 operates for a predetermined minimum period, say of the order of two minutes, so as to avoid intermittent operation thereof in the event that the temperature of the water in the line 54, as sensed by the sensor 62, is at or near the cut-off temperature. Further, it is also preferred that the pump 60 operates for a predetermined period, say one minute, after operation of the burner 10 so as to ensure that residual heat in the combustion chamber 8 is collected by the heat exchanger 22 after gas combustion ceases. This contributes to efficiency by avoiding losses which might otherwise occur.
  • Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates a modified water heater 41 which is similar to the water heater 40. The same reference numerals have been used to denote parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the earlier embodiment.
  • the heat exchange coil 48 is formed from four copper tubes which are connected in parallel and spiral wound. The four tubes in parallel produce less pressure drop compared to the single tube exchanger shown in Figure 2.
  • the second temperature sensor 64 which is used for controlling the valve 12 and fan 14, is mounted in a probe of the type disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/2005/001381. The lower part of the sensor 64 is located within the dead water in the tank 44 and under static conditions it will be at the same temperature as the surrounding dead water. When, however, cooler water flows in the outlet line 28, this will be sensed to cause rapid operation of the valve and fan and hence the burner 10.
  • the first temperature sensor 62 is located in the hot water outlet line 54.
  • the senor 62 Under static conditions, the sensor 62 will be at the temperature of the ambient air within the housing 6, i.e. comparatively cool compared to the temperature of the dead water within the tank 44. When the consumer requires hot water, cold water flows in the inlet line 50 and this will cause hot water to flow in the hot water outlet line 54. The increase in temperature will be sensed by the sensor 62 which is coupled to cause operation of the circulating pump 60. As the increase in temperature in the outlet line 54 will be rapid, the circulating pump 60 will respond rapidly to the demand for hot water, as required.
  • FIG 4 shows more details of the storage tank 44 shown in Figure 3 and the components therein.
  • the bottom 66 of the tank is moulded with recesses 68 and 70 which can accommodate pumps, the pump 60 being located in the recess 68 in the illustrated arrangement. Because the pump 60 is located beneath the level of the dead water within the tank 44, the pump 60 is inherently self-priming.
  • a layer 74 of insulating material surrounds all of the sidewalls and bottom of the tank 44 as well as the lid 72.
  • the tank can be supported by mounting brackets 76 and 78 which project upwardly from the bottom wall 80 of the housing 6.
  • the upper sidewall of the tank 44 is fitted with an overflow spout 82 to prevent overfilling of the tank 44 and to ensure that the pressure within the tank 44 is always atmospheric.
  • a float valve 83 is located within the tank so as to supply top-up water from the water mains line (not shown) when the level of the water within the tank falls below a predetermined level owing to evaporation or other inadvertent loss.
  • the float valve maintains the water at a top level indicated by broken line 84 when the water is cold.
  • the water level will rise to the hot water level 86 owing to thermal expansion when the water within the tank 44 reaches its operating temperature.
  • the level 86 is just below the overflow spout 82.
  • the housing 6 may include a barrier wall 87 to define separate compartments therein, one having the boiler 42 therein and the lower having the water tank 44 therein.
  • the barrier 87 helps to isolate the tank 44 from the proximity of the burner and this minimises the risk of over-heating of the plastic material which is used to form the tank 44. Also, by having a separate lower chamber for the tank 44, convection losses from the tank 44 are minimised since basically such losses will be confined to the components located within the upper chamber of the housing.
  • the modified water heater 41 includes a one-way valve 89 located in the outlet line 28 from the heat exchanger 22. This prevents any possible reverse flow of water which could otherwise occur due to temperature differentials.
  • the float valve 83 could be replaced by a float switch (not shown) which is coupled to control a solenoid valve. This arrangement would be preferred to the float valve because the whole control operation could be switched by the float switch so that gas is disabled until the tank is filled to the required level. Also, a low water warning signal could be activated by the float switch so that if the user has decided to isolate the apparatus from the mains after initial filling to avoid accidentally overfill or spiling into the house, the warning signal or light will indicate that water needs to be added to the tank 44. Finally, float switches and solenoid valves are generally less susceptible to malfunction than float valves.
  • tank 44 and lid 72 are made of plastics material, it is not susceptible to corrosion, galvanic action, pitting, etc. as is normally the case with a metal tank.
  • sumps 69 are formed between the recesses 68 and 70 and solid materials can enter and remain in the sumps and not be circulated. Normally, it would be undesirable for solid materials to be left in a sump because it would cause increased corrosion of a metal tank.
  • FIG. 5 is a similar drawing to Figure 4 but shows the heat exchanger 46 partly in section. It will be seen that in this arrangement, the outlet line 54 is coupled to an elongate water distributor 91.
  • the distributor is in the form of a hollow tube closed at one end with a plurality of openings 93 therein for discharge of water from the first heat exchanger 22 uniformly within the interior of the second heat exchanger 46. This improves the overall efficiency of the second heat exchanger 46.
  • FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate in more detail one form of construction of the second heat exchanger 46 in accordance with the invention, hi this arrangement, the coil 48 is formed from Vz" (13mm) copper tube 49 having a length of say 8 to 20 metres. It is wound about a mandrel so as to form convolutions which are closely spaced to one another so as to form a generally hollow cylindrical body.
  • the heat exchanger 46 includes two end caps 90 and 92 which are fitted over the ends of the coil 48 so as to define an essentially closed chamber 94 within the coil 48.
  • the heat exchanger includes a tie rod 96 which extends axially through the coil 48 and through openings provided in the end caps 90 and 92.
  • the ends of the tie rod 96 are threaded and nuts 98 and 100 are provided so as to apply tension to the end cap 92 which compresses the adjacent convolutions of the coil together.
  • the end cap 90 includes an opening 102 to permit the discharge line 58 to discharge hot dead water from the outlet line 28 into the chamber 94.
  • the end cap 90 also includes an opening 104 for the outlet line 54 of the coil.
  • the end cap 92 includes an opening 106 to allow the mains pressure inlet line 50 to pass therethrough.
  • each orifice 108 is generally uniformly spaced about the cylindrical surface which defines the coil. It is preferred that the cross-sectional area of each orifice 108 is in the range from say 1 to 5 sq mm and that the total area of the orifices is in the range from 50 to 250 sq mm. This arrangement ensures that the dead water within the chamber 94 passes with a relatively high velocity through the orifices 108 so as to enhance heat transfer to the mains water flowing within the coil 48. Also, this arrangement minimises the possibility of buildup of static layers within and exterior to the coil which would also reduce the efficiency of the heat exchanger.
  • the orifices can be formed by small dents 110 plastically deformed on the sidewall of the tube 49 which is used to form the coil 48.
  • Each dent is preferably about 0.25mm deep (as measured in the radial direction relative to the tube) and having a width of about 1.5mm (as measured transversely relative to the tube).
  • Figure 7 is an enlarged cross- sectional view through part of the coil 48. It will be seen that each of the dents 110 lies adjacent to an undeformed sidewall 112 of an adjacent convolution of the tube so that the orifices 108 are formed by the detents and parts of the undeformed sidewall 112 of the tubes.
  • shims having a nominal thickness of say 0.25mm in thickness could be used. These could be made from durable plastics material or be metallic.
  • each projection 111 are plastically deformed from the sidewall of the coil 48. It will be seen that each projection 111 has a length L, as measured in the longitudinal direction of the tube.
  • L is from 8 to 10mm and more preferably 9mm.
  • Each projection 111 has a height H as measured in a radial direction. Preferably, the height is in the range from 0.2 to 0.5mm and preferably 0.3mm.
  • the space between adjacent projections 111 is a distance S, as shown in Figure 9. Preferably, S is in the range from 40 to 60mm and most preferably 50mm.
  • each of the orifices 113 will have a nominal length of about 45mm and a width of about 0.3mm.
  • the height H of the projection 111 effectively determines the velocity of dead water passing through the orifices 113 and this can be selected as required.
  • approximately one litre per minute of dead water flow is provided for each complete convolution of the coil. In this arrangement, substantially more of the surface area of the coil is exposed to the hot dead water than in the arrangement of Figure 6 and hence it is more efficient.
  • the coil 46 together with the end caps 90 and 92 define an essentially closed hollow cylindrical body apart from the orifices 113 which are of the type shown in Figures 8 and 9.
  • the total surface area of the orifices is very small compared to the total surface area of the coil 46.
  • the surface area of the orifices would be from 1% to 3% of the outer curved surface of the coil 46 and preferably about 1.5%.
  • FIGs 10 and 11 schematically illustrate one way in which the projections 111 can be plastically deformed from the surface of the tube 49.
  • the tube 49 passes between a pair of opposed rollers 115 and 117, each of which has a generally semi- circular groove 119 and 121 of the same diameter (13mm) as the outer diameter of the tube 49.
  • the rollers 115 and 117 are provided with projections 123 which can be formed by grub screws having rounded ends.
  • the rounded ends of the grub screws project into the grooves 119 and 121 and are arranged symmetrically so that pairs of the projections are presented to the tube 49 as it passes through the rollers 115 and 117. This causes plastic deformation of the sidewall of the tube.
  • a gap 125 is located between the adjacent projections 123 so that the material of the tube can be plastically deformed into the gap 125 and so form the projection 111.
  • FIGs 12, 13 and 14 schematically illustrate a modified water heater 120 of the invention which is used for supplying hot water at mains pressure to a domestic hot water service and also to an hydronic heating system 4.
  • the same reference numerals have been used to denote parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5.
  • the circulating pump 30 for the hydronic heating system 4 is located beneath the tank 44. In practice it would preferably be located in the recess 70 of the tank. Because it is beneath the level of the tank 44, it will be inherently self-priming.
  • the heater 120 includes a dead water discharge pipe 122 which is connected to a coupling 124 which is accessible from the exterior of the housing 6. The coupling 124 is in use connected to the return line 26 of the hydronic heating system.
  • the circulating pump 30 circulates the dead water from within the tank to an outlet coupling 125 and then through the heating system 4 and then returns it to the discharge pipe 122.
  • the end 126 of the discharge pipe 122 is directed at the location of the second sensor 64.
  • the water discharged from the pipe 122 will be relatively cool and this cool water being directed at the sensor 64 ensures fast operation of the fan 14 and valve 12 to commence operation of the burner 10. This minimises the time taken to commence reheating of the dead water.
  • the illustrated arrangement also inherently favours heat input to the mains pressure water flowing within the coil 48 rather than to heat available to the hydronic system 4. This priority is effected because the outlet line 28 from the first heat exchanger 22 is located within the interior of the coil 48 and the hot dead water must first pass through the orifices 108 so that the hottest water from the heat exchanger 22 always passes over the convolutions of the coil 48 before entering into the main body of the tank 44.
  • mains pressure hot water water will flow through the coil 48 and it will be able to extract maximum heat from the hot dead water supplied to the interior of the coil. Only after heat has been extracted by the coil 48 is it then available for circulation by the pump 30. It will be seen that the outlet 128 for the pumps 30 and 60 is located at or near the bottom of the tank 44 and this also helps to ensure that priority is given to mains pressure hot water flowing within the coil 48.
  • the heat exchangers shown in Figures 4 to 7 are highly efficient.
  • the length of copper tubing used to form the coil 48 is 12 metres and this was wound about a mandrel so as to form 20 convolutions.
  • the width of the coil was 150mm and the length was 350mm.
  • This prototype was found to be able to handle 20kw of energy transfer at the typical operating temperatures, indicated above. In known arrangements approximately twice the amount of copper tubing was required to handle an equivalent amount of heat transfer.
  • FIG 13 schematically illustrates the flow of dead water in the heater 120. It will be seen that the dead water which has been supplied to the interior of the coil 48 initially flows generally radially, as indicated by radial arrows 138 through the orifices 108 in the second heat exchanger 46 or 47. The dead water will then be cooled and tend to flow downwardly, as indicated by downwardly directed arrows 132 towards the bottom of the tank 44 where the outlets 128 are located. The dead water will then be available for circulation through the hydronic system via the pump 30 or to the first heat exchanger 22 via the pump 60.
  • Figure 14 is a similar view to Figure 13 except that it shows the flow of the mains pressure water through the heater. It will be seen that the mains pressure water enters the heater via line 50 and then passes in a spiral path through the coil 48, as indicated by arrows 134. It then is discharged through the outlet line 54.
  • the capacity of the heater can be changed by connecting one or more heat exchangers 46 in parallel within the tank 44.
  • FIGs 15 and 16 show a further modified heater 140 constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • This heater is generally similar to that shown in the previous embodiments and accordingly the same reference numerals have been used to denote parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the earlier embodiments.
  • the water storage tank 44 is replaced by a much smaller capacity reservoir 142.
  • the reservoir 142 may be formed from a length of PVC pipe having end caps (not shown), solvent bonded or otherwise connected to its ends.
  • the coil 48 which can be the same as that shown in Figures 6 and 7, is located within the reservoir 142.
  • the reservoir 142 has a length of say 400mm, diameter of say 200mm and a volume of say 12 litres. Because the reservoir 142 is closed, a header tank 144 is provided and it is connected to the interior of the reservoir 142 by a connecting pipe 146 to allow for thermal expansion and compression as well of the water within the reservoir 142.
  • the float valve 83 is located in the header tank 144 so as to top up the dead water level if it should gradually go down owing to evaporation or other loss.
  • the outlet line 28 from the first heat exchanger 22 is located within the coil 48 of the second heat exchanger, as before.
  • the heater includes an outlet manifold 148 which dead water from the reservoir 142 can flow to the circulating pumps 30 and 60.
  • the pump 30 circulates the dead water through an hydronic heating system (not shown in Figure 11) and the circulating pump 60 returns the dead water to the first heat exchanger 22.
  • the drawing shows a fill/drain fitting 147 which can be used for initial filling of the tube which forms the heat exchanger 46 and for draining of the tube.
  • Figure 16 schematically illustrates the flow of mains pressure water within the heater 140. It will be seen that the water enters the coil 48 via the inlet line 50 and heated water leaves the second heat exchanger 46 via outlet line 54.
  • the first and second temperature sensor 62 and 64 are located within the lines 50 and 54 respectively.
  • the second temperature sensor 64 is preferably located within the reservoir 142 so that they will, under steady state conditions, be at the same temperature as the hot dead water within the reservoir 142.
  • FIGS 17 and 18 illustrate a further modified heater 150 which is generally similar to the heaters described in the previous embodiments.
  • the same reference numerals have been used to denote parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the earlier embodiments.
  • the heater 150 is generally the same as the heater 140 of Figures 15 and 16 except that the reservoir 142 is replaced by a cylindrical pressure vessel 152 within which the second heat exchanger 46 is located, as before.
  • the pressure. vessel 152 can be made from a length of copper tube having a nominal length of 350mm, diameter of 200mm and volume of 12 litres.
  • End walls 154 can be soldered or braised to the ends of the pipe so as to form a substantially closed pressure vessel.
  • the header tank 144 is replaced by an expansion tank 156 which is coupled to the interior of the pressure vessel 152 by a connecting line 158.
  • the pressure vessel 152 accommodates thermal expansion and contraction of the dead water within the vessel 152.
  • the operation of the heater 150 is otherwise similar to that shown in Figures 15 and 16.
  • the heater 150 can be used in situations where the dead water for hydronic heating needs to be supplied at pressures above atmospheric, say 1 bar. Heaters of this type are sometimes desirable in multi-storey applications.
  • the overall efficiency of the water heater 40, 41, 120, 140 or 150 can be improved by effectively duplicating or triplicating the first heat exchanger 22 within the combustion chamber 8.
  • a modified water heater 160 is shown in Figure 19. This water heater is similar to the water heater 120 shown in Figure 13 except that a further heat exchanger 162 is effectively connected in series or parallel with the first heat exchanger 22.
  • the second heat exchanger 162 is preferably located above the first and operates to extract more heat from the combustion gases within the combustion chamber 8. It is thought that the addition of the further heat exchanger 162 would lift the combustion efficiency from about 80% to 90%.
  • the combustion products in the flue pipe 18 would be decreased and accordingly a condensate tray 164 is located beneath the further heat exchanger 162 and operates to drain condensate from the combustion products to a condensate outlet 166, as shown. ,
  • Figure 20 illustrates a further modified heater 170 which includes a still further heat exchanger 172 which is connected in series or parallel with the heat exchangers 22 and 162.
  • the still further heat exchanger 172 includes a condensate tray 174 which collects condensate which flows under gravity to a second condensate outlet 176. It is thought that the combustion efficiency would be further increased to approximately 95% in the heater 170.
  • the further heat exchangers 162, 172 can be fabricated in module form which can be added to the basic water heater. This provides savings in manufacturing and storage costs.
  • FIG 21 is a schematic illustration of a preferred form of heater 180 which is constructed with the modification noted above.
  • the same reference numerals have been used to denote parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the previous embodiments.
  • Details of the second heat exchanger 46 which forms part of a second heat exchanger assembly 47 are shown in more detail in Figures 22 to 25.
  • the coil 48 of the assembly 47 is made up from three coil segments 182, 184 and
  • Each of the coil segments includes projections 111 so as to form orifices 113 of the type shown in Figures 8 and 9.
  • the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 include cold water inlet lines 188, 190 and 192 respectively, the inlet lines being coupled to a cold water inlet manifold 194 which in turn is coupled to the cold water inlet line 50.
  • Each of the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 includes hot water outlet lines 196, 198 and 200, the ends of the lines 196, 198 and 200 being connected to a hot water outlet manifold line 202.
  • the hot water outlet manifold 202 is connected to the hot water outlet line 54 for supplying mains pressure hot water, when required.
  • the assembly includes end caps 204 and 206 which include peripheral grooves to enable them to be braised to the end convolutions in the coil segments 182 and 186.
  • Three tie rods 208, 210 and 215 extend through the chamber 94 and serve to maintain the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 firmly clamped together.
  • Normally the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 are all of the same diameter and are concentrically aligned.
  • the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 can also be spot braised to one another to assist in maintaining the integrity of the hollow cylindrical shape of the three coil segments.
  • the lower end 207 of the outlet line 28 from the first heat exchanger is located adjacent to the outer surface of the coil 48 and is provided with outlet openings 209 to direct heated dead water over the exterior surface of the coil 48.
  • the lower end 207 of the outlet line 28 is supported by means of a bracket 211 which is braised to the adjacent end convolutions of the coil segments 182 and 184, as shown in Figure 23.
  • the assembly 47 includes an extractor tube 213 which leads to the interior chamber 94 of the coil 48.
  • the end of the extractor tube 213 is braised to a collar 212 which in turn is braised to the end convolutions of the coil segments 184 and 186, as shown in Figure 23.
  • the collar 212 and the bracket 211 also serve to cover any gaps in the coil at the locations where the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 abut one another i.e. where the lines 192 and 198 and the lines 190 and 196 emerge from the coil.
  • the other end of the extractor tube 213 is connected to a spigot 214 mounted in the bottom 66 of the tank.
  • the arrangement is such that when the circulating pump 60 is operating, dead water from within the chamber 94 is sucked to the pump 60 through the extractor tube 213. This causes heated dead water being discharged through the openings 209 to be drawn through the orifices 113 in the coil to the interior chamber 94. As mentioned above, because the orifices 113 are relatively small, the dead water has high velocity and this enhances heat transfer to the mains pressure water flowing through the convolutions of the coil 48.
  • connection of the lower end of the extractor tube 213 to the spigot 214 does not need to be watertight because any dead water escaping will simply be returned to the tank 44.
  • the first temperature sensor 62 (not shown in Figures 22 to 25) is mounted in a probe 216 which is located in the cold water inlet line 192, as best shown in Figures 23 and 24.
  • the upper end of the probe can be formed as part of an elbow fitting (not shown) as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2005/001381 and thus forms part of the assembly 47.
  • the second temperature sensor 64 (not shown in Figures 22 to 25) can be mounted in a probe 218 which again is preferably of the type shown in the aforementioned International application and forms part of the assembly 47.
  • the probe 218 passes through the outlet line 196, the upper end of the line 196 being connected to the dead water outlet line 28 from the first heat exchanger.
  • the inner end of the probe 218 is located within the chamber 94 of the coil 48 and is thus responsive to the temperature of the dead water therein. Any lowering of the temperature of the dead water within the chamber 94 causes operation of the fan 14 without significant delay.
  • the overall control of the water heater is essentially the same as that described with respect to the previous embodiments.
  • the size of the assembly 47 can be made to suit requirements but typically the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 are formed from copper tubing having an outer diameter of say 12.7mm and a wall thickness of 0.91mm, each having about 8 to 10 convolutions each.
  • the manifolds 194 and 202 can be made of larger diameter copper tubing, say 19.05mm outer diameter and a wall thickness of say lmm.
  • the coil segments 182, 184 and 186 can be formed by winding about a mandrel so that they have an inner diameter of say 143mm.
  • FIG 26 diagrammatically illustrates the water heating apparatus 180 in operation at stable temperatures.
  • cold water is supplied to the cold water inlet coupling 52 and hot water is supplied to a domestic hot water service via the outlet coupling 56.
  • Efficient heat exchange occurs at the second heat exchanger 46 because relatively hot water from the tank 44 is sucked into the internal chamber 94 of the second heat exchanger and extracts heat from the coils of the second heat exchanger.
  • Dead water from within the chamber 94 is then pumped via the extractor tube 213 to the first exchanger 22 for heating by the hot combustion gases within the combustion chamber 8.
  • Figure 27 schematically illustrates the water heater 180 in a standby mode. It will be seen that in this mode all of the dead water has drained to the water storage tank 44.
  • the circulating pump 60 is at a lower level than the dead water in the tank 44 and hence it is primed in readiness for operation. It will be further seen that there is no dead water in the inlet line 24 and outlet line 28 above the level of the water in the tank 44 so that convection losses from these lines is minimised in the standby mode.
  • Figure 28 diagrammatically illustrates the heater 180 used for supplying heated dead water to an hydronic system, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 12. It will be seen in this arrangement that the circulating pump 30 supplies heated dead water from the bottom of the storage tank 44 to the inlet line 32 of the hydronic heating system. A return line 26 from the hydronic system returns cooled dead water to the top of the tank 44, as shown.
  • the circulating pump 30 can operate without necessarily causing operation of the burner.
  • Figure 29 diagrammatically illustrates a float valve or float operated solenoid valve 83 to top up dead water within the main tank 44 in the event that dead water is lost through evaporation or leakage. It will also be seen that the main tank 44 includes an overflow outlet 219 including an airtrap 220.
  • Figure 30 schematically illustrates the location of layers 222 of insulating material about the storage tank 44, inlet line 24, outlet line 28 and airtrap 220 so as to avoid heat losses from these parts.
  • the water heaters of the invention have substantial advantages over known water heaters. For instance, it is envisaged that it will be possible to construct a 28kw hot water heater which is capable of delivering mains pressure hot water and supply an hydronic heating system in a very compact form. Typically, the height of the housing would be about 1200mm, the width about 530mm and the depth about 230mm. With a plastic tank having a nominal volume of 38 litres, it is thought that the unit would have a weight in the range from say 40 to 50kg when empty of water. It will be appreciated that the overall dimensions of the heater are significantly smaller than prior art heaters having a similar capacity.
  • the heater is capable of delivering mains pressure hot water without significant delay as well as providing heating for hydronic heating systems.
  • the amount of copper used in the heat exchanger coil is very much less than would be normal for a water heater of this capacity. Accordingly, the heater of the invention has significant advantages over prior art heaters. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Details Of Fluid Heaters (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un chauffe-eau comprenant : un logement ; un réservoir de stockage d’eau morte ; un premier échangeur thermique ; des moyens de circulation destinés à faire circuler l’eau morte à travers le premier échangeur thermique et le réservoir de stockage d’eau morte ; des moyens chauffants destinés à appliquer de la chaleur sur le premier échangeur thermique ; un second échangeur thermique positionné dans le réservoir de stockage d’eau comportant une entrée d’eau froide destinée à être raccordée, durant l’utilisation, à une alimentation principale et une sortie d’eau chaude destinée à distribuer de l’eau chaude de pression de canalisation principale ; le premier échangeur thermique et les moyens chauffants étant positionnés dans une partie supérieure du logement et le réservoir de stockage d’eau étant positionné dans une partie inférieure du logement.
PCT/AU2006/000804 2005-06-09 2006-06-09 Chauffe-eau compact WO2006130929A1 (fr)

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Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005903027A AU2005903027A0 (en) 2005-06-09 Compact Water Heating Apparatus
AU2005903025 2005-06-09
AU2005903025A AU2005903025A0 (en) 2005-06-09 Novel Coil and Uses Thereof
AU2005903027 2005-06-09
AU2005904834A AU2005904834A0 (en) 2005-09-02 Compact Water Heating Apparatus
AU2005904834 2005-09-02

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2493222A (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-01-30 Thermal Integration Ltd Water heating system for heating mains water using a thermal store
EP2293005A3 (fr) * 2009-07-20 2014-06-04 Vaillant GmbH Surveillance d'écoulement d'un échangeur thermique
WO2014116943A2 (fr) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Spx Corporation Chauffe-eau jumelé
GB2552701A (en) * 2016-08-04 2018-02-07 Warmflow Engineering Company Ltd Improvements to boilers
GR1009695B (el) * 2018-06-14 2020-02-04 GLOBAL SOL ENERGY ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΑ ΕΞΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΗΣΗΣ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ με δ.τ. "G.S.E. A.E." Βελτιωμενο συστημα θερμανσης νερου χρησης

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US4278069A (en) * 1980-01-31 1981-07-14 Harsco Corporation Water heater
GB2250334A (en) * 1990-11-21 1992-06-03 Imi Range Ltd Waterheating apparatus
US5216743A (en) * 1990-05-10 1993-06-01 Seitz David E Thermo-plastic heat exchanger
US6167845B1 (en) * 1999-11-01 2001-01-02 Robert C. Decker, Sr. Instantaneous water heater
CA2349634A1 (fr) * 2000-06-19 2001-12-19 Aquabeat Pty Ltd Chauffe-eau au gaz

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4278069A (en) * 1980-01-31 1981-07-14 Harsco Corporation Water heater
US5216743A (en) * 1990-05-10 1993-06-01 Seitz David E Thermo-plastic heat exchanger
GB2250334A (en) * 1990-11-21 1992-06-03 Imi Range Ltd Waterheating apparatus
US6167845B1 (en) * 1999-11-01 2001-01-02 Robert C. Decker, Sr. Instantaneous water heater
CA2349634A1 (fr) * 2000-06-19 2001-12-19 Aquabeat Pty Ltd Chauffe-eau au gaz

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2293005A3 (fr) * 2009-07-20 2014-06-04 Vaillant GmbH Surveillance d'écoulement d'un échangeur thermique
GB2493222A (en) * 2011-07-27 2013-01-30 Thermal Integration Ltd Water heating system for heating mains water using a thermal store
WO2014116943A2 (fr) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Spx Corporation Chauffe-eau jumelé
WO2014116943A3 (fr) * 2013-01-25 2014-09-18 Spx Corporation Chauffe-eau jumelé
US9599365B2 (en) 2013-01-25 2017-03-21 The Marley-Wylain Company Companion water heater jacket
US10408495B2 (en) 2013-01-25 2019-09-10 The Marley-Wylain Company Companion water heater
GB2552701A (en) * 2016-08-04 2018-02-07 Warmflow Engineering Company Ltd Improvements to boilers
GB2552701B (en) * 2016-08-04 2018-10-17 Warmflow Engineering Company Ltd Combination boiler with firing delaying means
GR1009695B (el) * 2018-06-14 2020-02-04 GLOBAL SOL ENERGY ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΑ ΕΞΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΗΣΗΣ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ με δ.τ. "G.S.E. A.E." Βελτιωμενο συστημα θερμανσης νερου χρησης
GR20180100266A (el) * 2018-06-14 2020-02-13 GLOBAL SOL ENERGY ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΑ ΕΞΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΗΣΗΣ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΩΝΥΜΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ με δ.τ. "G.S.E. A.E." Βελτιωμενο συστημα θερμανσης νερου χρησης

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