澳大利亚专利AU2013200499A1 A Water Heating System

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专利摘要:
The present invention provides a water heater system including a tank to store heated water and a first heat exchanger associated with the tank, the first heat exchanger including a conduit system to separate a heat transfer fluid from potable water in the tank, the first heat exchanger having fluid communication with a second heat exchanger to scavenge waste heat energy from an heat source, the heat source producing the waste heat energy during the performance of a primary function, the second heat exchanger drawing heat from the waste heat energy and transferring same to the heat exchange fluid so as to heat the water in the tank. Figure 2. ........ .........
公开号:AU2013200499A1
申请号:U2013200499
申请日:2013-01-31
公开日:2014-02-13
发明作者:Brendan Bourke
申请人:Rheem Australia Pty Ltd；
IPC主号:F28D1-02

专利说明:
1 A Water Heating System Field of the invention [001] The present invention relates to water heating systems which use as a heat source a secondary or waste heat which is the by-product of another process or application which is then utilised and the heat removed from the waste heat is utilised for the purposes of heating water of the potable kind. Summary of the invention [002] The present invention provides a water heater system including a tank to store heated water and a first heat exchanger associated with the tank, the first heat exchanger including a conduit system to separate a heat transfer fluid from potable water in the tank, the first heat exchanger having fluid communication with a second heat exchanger to scavenge waste heat energy from an heat source, the heat source producing the waste heat energy during the performance of a primary function, the second heat exchanger drawing heat from the waste heat energy and transferring same to the heat exchange fluid so as to heat the water in the tank. [003] The first heat exchanger can be one of the following: a thin film heat exchanger; an external coil heat exchanger; an immersed coil heat exchanger; a mantle heat exchanger; a heat exchanger which is integrally formed within the confines of the tank. [004] The second heat exchanger can be a gas to liquid heat exchanger or liquid to liquid heat exchanger. [005] Furthermore, when water in the tank does not require any further heat from the heat transfer fluid this situation can be determined by any one or a combination of: a temperature sensor with a predetermined set point, wherein a temperature controlled switch stops the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid, permitting the volume of liquid heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger to change to a gaseous phase, and thus terminate transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid to the water; and, a temperature sensor with a predetermined set point, and a temperature controlled shut off valve located in the liquid heat transfer circuit after the second heat exchanger and before the first heat exchanger stops the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid, permitting the volume of liquid heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger to change to a 2 gaseous phase, and thus terminate transfer of heat from the heat transfer fluid to the water. [006] Gasification of the heat transfer fluid will cause any remaining liquid heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger to move in the reverse flow direction to a reservoir for the liquid heat transfer fluid which is also the first heat exchanger. [007] The heat source can be a fuel cell, and its primary function is the generation of electricity. [008] A pump is provided to move the heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger. [009] The volume of conduits and or passages in the heat transfer fluid system is greater than the volume of heat transfer fluid in liquid phase prior to heat from the heat source heating the heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger. [010] The difference in volume can be designed to allow for expansion of the heat transfer fluid to a gaseous phase, without damaging the integrity of the heat transfer fluid system or creating high pressures in the heat transfer fluid system. [011] The first heat exchanger can be of the thin film type as described in co pending Australian patent applications 2005284678, 2011201690 and 2011216275. [012] It will be appreciated that the features discussed herein can be provided in the system described herein either individually or in combination with any other feature. Brief description of the drawings [013] Figure 1 illustrates a water heating system which uses a falling film heat exchanger whereby the pump associated with the water heating system is switched on and the valve between the heat exchanger in the waste heat unit is open; [014] Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of figure 1 where the valve is closed and water pump is off; [015] Figure 3 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1, where the valve of Figure 1 has been replaced with a non-return valve and the water pump is on; [016] Figure 4 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 3, where the non-returned valve is closed and the water pump is off; 3 [017] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of figures 1 and 2 except that the heat exchanger on the potable water side is an immersed coil heat exchanger; [018] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of figures 1 and 2 whereby the potable water heat exchanger is an external coil heat exchanger which is wrapped or engaging the outer or external surfaces of the water tank; [019] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of figures 1 and 2 where an external heat exchanger in the form of a mantel type heat exchanger has been applied to the external surfaces of the tank where the tank is illustrated in a horizontal condition; [020] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment similar to Figure 3, and further including a boost element; [021] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment similar to Figure 1, and further illustrates heat being scavenged from a heat source releasing rising fluid/flowable substances; [022] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment similar to Figure 1, and further illustrates heat being scavenged from a heat source releasing falling fluids/flowable substances; and, [023] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment similar to Figure 3, where the heat source being a central heating furnace, heater, fireplace or the like, including a starter and burner. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [024] Illustrated in figure 1 is a water heating system 10 which has a hot water storage tank 12 which has incited a thin film or falling film heat exchanger 16 such as in described in co-pending applications 2005284678, 2011201690 and 2011216275, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such a heat exchanger 16 has central tank portion 16.1 which allows heat exchange fluid 16.2 to fall from an upper portion 16.3 down the inside of the tube 16.1 so as to heat water which is typically located in the tank space 12.1. Water enters the tank space 12.1 by means of the inlet 24 and when heated can exit the tank 12 via the outlet 26 located in the tank. One source of heat for heating the heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger 16 is derived from means a fuel cell 14 which generates waste heat as a by-product of its producing electricity for a home or 4 industrial environment. Associated with the fuel cell 14 is a heat exchanger 14.1 which if the fuel cell is generating heated waste gases the heat exchanger can draw the heat from said gases into a heat exchange fluid which can be conducted to the heat exchanger 16 by means of a heat transfer fluid delivery pipe 18. [025] On the return circuit from the heat exchanger 16 the heat transfer fluid return pipe 28 includes a pump 22 on this circuit so as to direct heat transfer fluid back to the heat exchanger 14.1 associated with the fuel cell 14. [026] It will be readily understood that the embodiment of figure 1 in being described with respect of the fuel cell 14 is able to be used to scavenge heat from any appropriate other system that might be utilised in a household or industrial environment. [027] For example, in the household environment, other sources of heat may include clothes dryers, range hoods, ovens and waste hot water whereas units which may be common to both commercial and residential can include gas central heating furnaces, stationary equipment and plant which might generate heat as a by product of producing other useful forms of energy such as generators or even heat that might come from geothermal sources or as may be available in ground based heat pump type systems. [028] Between the heat exchanger 14.1 and the heat exchanger 16 is a control valve 30 which has a solenoid or other control mechanism 32 associated with it. A control valve 30 is connected to a controller 40 by means of a connection 33 and the controller 40 is also connected by means of a connection 34 to control the pump 22. When the valve 30 is open and the pump 22 is activated heat transfer fluid can circulate between the fuel cell 14 and heat exchanger 14.1 to the heat exchanger 16 and thus water in the tank 12 can be heated. [029] A thermostat or other temperature sensing device is provided at 50 which can be at any appropriate location in the tank as provided. The temperature sensor 50 is connected into the controller 40 so that the valve 30 can be opened or closed and the pump 22 can be switched on or off as required. [030] In the embodiment of figure 1, a temperature sensor 50 is connected into controller 40 so that once an appropriate temperature is reached close to the bottom of the tank indicating that the tank being full of water has reached maximum required temperature and the temperature sensor can send a temperature signal to the controller 5 40 so as to the close the valve 30 and switch the pump 22 off at the same time or shortly thereafter. [031] Preferably the temperature sensor has a set point of approximately 700C where it would shutter the valve 30 in the heat transfer fluid circuit. [032] It will be noted from figure 1 that the valve 30 is in close proximity to the heat exchanger 14.1 on the outlet side of that heat exchanger 14.1 so as to minimise the volume of gasified heat transfer fluid which could be generated in the heat exchanger 14.1 upon the closing of the valve 30. This would assist in minimising the pressure in the heat exchange fluid system once a portion converts to the gaseous state. [033] An advantage of the arrangement of figure 1 is that any expansion of heat transfer fluid or increase in pressure due to the closing of the valve 30 can cause heat transfer fluid to flow back into the heat exchanger 16 from the second heat exchanger so that the amount of fluid 16.2 therein can increase or decrease depending upon whether heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state is present due to the closing off of the valve 30. [034] To this affect the pump 22 is a non-positive displacement pump that is preferably of the impeller or centrifugal type whereby if any flow in the opposite direction is required due to gasification of heat transfer fluid with the valve 30 being closed, then contraflow through the pump can allow heat transfer fluid to expand back into the central columns 16.1 of the thin film or falling film heat exchanger 16. in this way the heat exchanger acts both as a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the water to be heated but also as a reservoir so as to receive heat transfer fluid which can be pushed out of the line 20 by the gasification of the heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger 14.1 when the valve 30 is closed. [035] As illustrated in figure 2 where the valve 30 is closed and the pump 22 is switched off additional height of heat transfer fluid 16.2 to an amount equivalent to approximately additional height H whereby this additional fluid of height H can be added to the reservoir 16 of heat exchanger 16 so that as fluid escapes from the return line 20 of the heat transfer line circuit. [036] The fluid 16.2 at the base of the column 16.1 also provides a head of heat transfer liquid for the pump to pump there from.
6 [037] The amount of heat exchange fluid in the circuit which can be gasified when the valve 30 is closed can be limited to the volume of the heat transfer fluid inside the heat exchanger 14.1. It is this heat transfer fluid that can gasify and thus the amount of pressure or back pressure to force a contraflow is limited by this volume of heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger 14.1. [038] An additional benefit of this is that the pressure in the heat exchanger 16, during this stage of stagnation of the heat transfer fluid in the circuit may be able to be maintained below those of water mains pressure in the water storage tank thereby preventing entry of steam from the return pipe 20 from entering into the hot water delivery system. [039] It will be further appreciated that although Figures 1 and 2 illustrate similar systems, when the valve 30 is closed, as shown in Figure 2, the line 20 is evacuated (as shown in dotted lines in Figure 2). Furthermore, the height of the heat transfer fluid 16.2 increases within the central tank portion 16.1. Similar features can also be seen when comparing Figures 3 and 4. [040] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of the system as shown in figure 1. However, in the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the valve is a non-return valve. Figure 3 shows an example of the non-return valve being open, with the pump turned on, whereas figure 4 shows the valve being closed with the pump turned off. [041] Illustrated in figure 5 is a water heating system similar to that of figure 1 where the heat exchanger is the falling film heat exchanger 16 has been replaced by a heat exchanger 516 which is of the immersed coil variety. [042] Illustrated in figure 6 is a water system to that of figure 1 except that the heat exchanger 16 is replaced by a external coiled heat exchanger 616 around the outside of the water tank 12 to the heat the water contained therein. [043] In figure 7 is a further water heating system similar to that of figure 1 where heat exchanger 16 has been replaced by a mantel heat exchanger 716 which is illustrated in the vertical condition in figure 5, however the tank 12 could also be in a horizontal orientation, as shown in Figure 7. [044] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 4 as the water heating system 10 has a falling film heat exchanger 16 and this naturally provides a reservoir part thereof to allow 7 the expansion contraflow of heat transfer fluid out of the return line 20 the system illustrated in figure 5 to 7. [045] The expansion systems as illustrated in PCT/AU2004/000459 are not required with the present invention because the heat transfer fluid in the return line 20 has a place to move to when heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger 14.1 is gasified and evacuates liquid heat transfer fluid from the line 20. Such additional reservoir volume is not required. [046] The present invention is available to scavenge heat from other functioning equipment and by virtue of the temperature sensor 50, once this has completed the heat transfer, fluid may no longer flow in the circuit of the system. If geothermal heat was available this system could operate 24/7 however, where the system scavenges heat from waste produced by other processes which are not in continuous use such as dryers, ovens, range hoods, central heating systems and the like the system of the present invention can include electric or gas boosting so that the water in the tanks 12 can achieve the design for temperature for use by the owner of the water heating system 10. [047] One of the advantages or consequences of the water heating 10 is that in the design of residences and commercial facilities the exhaust systems from waste hot water, range hoods, stoves, clothes dryers, central heating furnaces, fuel cells can be centralised so that only a single heat exchanger 14.1 need be provided in the water heating system 10. By such centralisation all waste heat sources are directed through a single channel to atmosphere thus maximising the amount of heat that can be obtained from the heat exchanger 14.1. [048] Accordingly, in one particular example, the second heat exchanger 14.1 can take waste heat from various sources, including electricity generating fuel cells, and other heat generating appliances and processes discussed above. [049] Furthermore, in the falling film first heat exchanger as described herein, there can be provided further features such as top-down heating with appropriate water temperature or heat transfer liquid monitoring and flow control means. Additionally, the circulating pump can be speed controlled to optimise water temperature. [050] In yet a further example, the liquid heat transfer fluid can be circulated in a contra-flow direction to the flow of waste heat carrying fluid from the second heat 8 exchanger 14.1. It will be appreciated that the contra-flow can allow condensing heat exchange and increased thermal efficiency. [051] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, there is provided herein an alternative to the electrically controlled valve 30. In these examples, a non-return valve 31 is provided before the second heat exchanger 14.1 can limit the liquid converted to the gaseous phase as described herein. [052] Additionally, a temperature sensitive switch 50 (for example, a surface mounted contact thermostat) on the tank can also be used to switch off the pump (or pump and close valve). A temperature sensor 50 can be located on the water storage tank 12, where the sensor 50 can include a set point of about 70 degrees Celsius. The temperature sensor 50 can shut valve 30/31 in the heat transfer fluid circuit. Notably, this particular valve 30/31 can be located in close proximity to the exit from the second heat exchanger 14.1 so as to minimise the volume of steam and resulting pressure of heat exchange fluid in a gaseous state. [053] Thus, the system described herein can include electronic sensing and controlled systems or simple valve(s) and thermostat system(s). [054] It will also be appreciated that the tank 12 can further include a back-up boost element or other boost system 52 when waste heat is not being generated and hot water is required. Example boost elements 52 are shown in Figures 8 to 11. [055] Additionally, it will further be appreciated that the shut off valve 30/31 is an example of a preferred feature as steam can be used to break the heating cycle by causing the flow of the heat transfer fluid to cease. [056] In one particular example, the pump 22 is a non-positive, or not a positive, displacement pump. The pump 22 can typically include an impellor or centrifugal type pump, permitting fluid to pass contra-flow when not running and when pressure is greater on the delivery side. Additionally, the shut off valve 30/31 may be directly linked to the pump 22. Thus, the reservoir of heat exchange liquid can provide head for the pump 22. The head should be maintained at a level sufficient to provide the net positive suction pressure for the pump 22. [057] Accordingly, as the fuel cell runs, the pump 22 can circulate heat exchange fluid through first and second heat exchangers. When the water storage tank 12 is at a set temperature, the pump 22 turns off and the valve 30/31 closes. The heat 9 exchange fluid in the second heat exchanger 14.1 boils, and thus typically does not go forward into the top of the first heat exchanger. It therefore expands contra-flow pushing heat exchange fluid before it through non-positive pump and into first HX. [058] This would pressurise the first heat exchanger but this pressurisation is limited by the fact that the volume of heat exchange fluid is limited to that in the second heat exchanger 14.1. [059] An additional benefit of this is that pressures in the first heat exchanger during a state of stagnation may also be able to be maintained below those of the water mains pressure in the water storage tank 12, therefore preventing the entry of steam into the hot water delivery system. [060] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the system described herein can provide a system/method for scavenging heat from various devices, systems, localised heat sources or the like, which act as heat sources in a particular environment. Thus, for example, in a domestic environment, the system described herein can scavenge heat from a variety of heat sources , such as for example, dishwashers, dryers, range hoods, heaters, ovens, stoves, fireplaces, waste hot water and any electrical domestic appliance and device which generate heat, and use the waste heat energy to heat potable water. In an industrial setting, the heat source can include, for example, gas central heating furnaces, generators (such as stationary plant and equipment which generate heat as a by-product), and geo-thermal sources. . [061] Thus, for example, Figure 9 shows an example of heat being scavenged out of a heat source which produces rising fluids/flowable substances, such as for example exhausts or range hoods. Figure 10, shows an example of heat being scavenged from falling liquids (or fluids/flowable substances), such as for example, a drain with water flowing from a domestic shower or water from an industrial drain, or the like. Figure 11, shows an example of a heater (such as a central heating furnace or fireplace), which includes a starter and a burner. [062] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the heat described herein can be scavenged from a variety of sources. [063] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be 10 attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear. [064] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [065] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein. [066] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

权利要求:
Claims (10)
[1] 1. A water heater system including a tank to store heated water and a first heat exchanger associated with said tank, said first heat exchanger including a conduit system to separate a heat transfer fluid from potable water in said tank, said first heat exchanger having fluid communication with a second heat exchanger to scavenge waste heat energy from an heat source, said heat source producing said waste heat energy during the performance of a primary function, said second heat exchanger drawing heat from said waste heat energy and transferring same to said heat exchange fluid so as to heat said water in said tank.
[2] 2. A water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first heat exchanger is one of the following: a thin film heat exchanger; an external coil heat exchanger; an immersed coil heat exchanger; a mantle heat exchanger; a heat exchanger which is integrally formed within the confines of said tank.
[3] 3. A water heater as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said second heat exchanger is a gas to liquid heat exchanger or liquid to liquid heat exchanger.
[4] 4. A water heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when water in said tank does not require any further heat from said heat transfer fluid as determined by any one or a combination of: a. a temperature sensor with a predetermined set point, wherein a temperature controlled switch stops the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid, permitting the volume of liquid heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger to change to a gaseous phase, and thus terminate transfer of heat from said heat transfer fluid to said water; and, b. a temperature sensor with a predetermined set point, and a temperature controlled valve located in the liquid heat transfer circuit before the second heat exchanger which stops the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid, permitting the volume of liquid heat transfer fluid in the second heat exchanger to change to a gaseous phase, and thus terminate transfer of heat from said heat transfer fluid to said water. A water heater as claimed in claim 5, wherein gasification of said heat transfer fluid causes any remaining liquid heat transfer fluid to move to the first heat exchanger. 12
[5] 5. A water heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said heat source is a fuel cell, and its primary function is the generation of electricity.
[6] 6. A water heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a pump is provided to move said heat transfer fluid from said first heat exchanger to said second heat exchanger.
[7] 7. A water heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the volume of conduits and or passages in the heat transfer fluid system is greater than the volume of heat transfer fluid in liquid phase prior to heat from said heat source.
[8] 8. A water heater as claimed in claim 7, wherein the difference in volume allows for expansion of said heat transfer fluid to a gaseous phase, without damaging the integrity of said heat transfer fluid system.
[9] 9. A water heater system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said first heat exchanger is of the thin film type as described in co-pending applications 2005284678, 2011201690 and 2011216275.
[10] 10. A water heater system, the system being substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying figures.

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同族专利:

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AU2013200499B2|2015-04-09|

引用文献:

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

US4393663A|1981-04-13|1983-07-19|Gas Research Institute|Two-phase thermosyphon heater|

US6283067B1|1999-11-12|2001-09-04|Aos Holding Company|Potable water temperature management system|

WO2006029457A1|2004-09-16|2006-03-23|Rheem Australia Pty Limited|Drain back water heater|

CN101507035A|2006-09-26|2009-08-12|松下电器产业株式会社|Fuel cell system|

JP4650577B2|2009-03-24|2011-03-16|パナソニック株式会社|Fuel cell cogeneration system|

WO2011051379A2|2009-10-30|2011-05-05|Colipu A/S|A water heater for heating domestic water|

法律状态:
2015-08-06| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|

2018-08-23| MK14| Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired|

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

AU2012903255||2012-07-30||

AU2012903255A|AU2012903255A0||2012-07-30|A Water Heating System|

AU2013200499A|AU2013200499B2|2012-07-30|2013-01-31|A Water Heating System|AU2013200499A| AU2013200499B2|2012-07-30|2013-01-31|A Water Heating System|

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