Potable water temperature management system

Details Potable water temperature management system Potable water temperature management system

1999-11-12

2001-09-04

Wilson, Gregory (Department: 3749)

Liquid heaters and vaporizers

Stand boiler

And condition responsive feature

C122S015100, C122S018100, C122S018310, C122S02000R, C122S031100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06283067

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system for managing the temperature of potable water in a water heater.
BACKGROUND
In known storage-type water heaters, potable water is commonly heated inside a holding tank with either a gas heater or an electric heating element. The temperature of the water is usually monitored with a thermostat that is operatively interconnected with the source of gas for the gas heater, or the source of electricity for the electric heating element. In order to conserve energy and fuel, the gas heater or electric heating element is actuated only when the temperature of the water falls below a selected minimum temperature.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides a potable water temperature management system including a tank containing potable water, a device that generates waste heat and that has a primary purpose other than heating the potable water in the tank, a heat exchanger using the waste heat to heat the potable water in the tank, and a heat shedding system for shedding heat from the potable water in the tank. A controller may be used to monitor the temperature of the potable water in the tank and actuate the heat shedding system in response to the temperature of the potable water in the tank exceeding a selected temperature.
Preferably, the device that generates waste heat is either a heat pump or a fuel cell. Preferably, the heat exchanger includes a conduit that extends into the tank, and is shaped as a coil. Preferably, the heat shedding system includes either a blower that draws air through a flue in the tank, or a drain that permits the flow of hot potable water from the tank. A cold potable water inlet conduit communicates with the tank and delivers cold potable water to the tank at a head pressure. When a faucet is opened upstream of the water heater, the head pressure forces hot potable water from the tank and replaces it with cold potable water. Preferably, the potable water temperature management system also includes an auxiliary energy transfer system, such as a gas burner or electric element, for selectively providing heat to the potable water in the tank in addition to the heat provided by the heat exchange conduit.
The invention also provides a method for modifying a conventional water heater. The method preferably includes the steps of heating the potable water in the tank with the waste heat, and shedding heat from the potable water in the tank in response to the temperature of the potable water in the tank exceeding a selected temperature. A controller may be provided to monitor the temperature of the potable water in the tank, and actuate the heat shedding system.
One feature of the present invention is to use waste heat from a device to heat potable water. Thus, heat that may otherwise be wasted is put to a useful purpose through the present invention.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a unified system that heats potable water and performs at least one other function. For example, a fuel cell may be used to provide electricity to a residence, and the waste heat from the fuel cell may be used to heat potable water. Another example includes the use of a heat pump for cooling a residence, and using the waste heat from the heat pump to heat potable water. Regardless of the type of device used in conjunction with the water heater, the present invention creates a potential savings in natural resources or energy that would otherwise be used to separately heat the potable water.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.


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