An apparatus for heating water has a tank for storing water and an air conditioning system that defines a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flow path passes through the heat exchanger so that refrigerant heat is contributed to the tank. A control system controls operation of the water heating apparatus.

An apparatus for heating water has a tank for storing water and an air conditioning system that defines a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flow path passes through the heat exchanger so that refrigerant heat is contributed to the tank. A control system controls operation of the water heating apparatus.

Cogeneration system (200, 300) comprising: a boiler (201, 301) able to heat water for domestic use; a combustor (201a, 301a) placed into the boiler; a compressor (204, 304); a heat exchanger (202, 302) for the exchange of thermal energy between the combustion fumes generated in the combustor (201a, 301a) and a fluid coming from the compressor (204, 304); a gas turbine (203, 303); a current generator (205, 305) and a current converter (206, 306) able to produce electrical energy; a main fumes/water exchanger (207, 307) able to recover thermal energy.

The cogeneration system (200, 300) comprises also a by-pass valve (210, 310) configured to adjust the flow of fluid entering the gas turbine (203, 303).

Cogeneration system (200, 300) comprising: a boiler (201, 301) able to heat water for domestic use; a combustor (201a, 301a) placed into the boiler; a compressor (204, 304); a heat exchanger (202, 302) for the exchange of thermal energy between the combustion fumes generated in the combustor (201a, 301a) and a fluid coming from the compressor (204, 304); a gas turbine (203, 303); a current generator (205, 305) and a current converter (206, 306) able to produce electrical energy; a main fumes/water exchanger (207, 307) able to recover thermal energy.

The cogeneration system (200, 300) comprises also a by-pass valve (210, 310) configured to adjust the flow of fluid entering the gas turbine (203, 303).

A hybrid heating system is disclosed. The hybrid heating system includes a compressor that is configured to compress refrigerant. The hybrid heating system further includes a first heat exchanger that is configured to adjust a temperature of water by exchanging heat between the water and refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The hybrid heating system further includes a second heat exchanger that is configured to evaporate refrigerant by exchanging heat exchange with exterior air. The hybrid heating system further includes a first boiler heat exchanger that is configured to increase a temperature of water using heat generated by combustion. The hybrid heating system further includes a second boiler heat exchanger that is configured to exchange heat between exhaust gas discharged from the first boiler heat exchanger and refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger.

A hybrid heating system is disclosed. The hybrid heating system includes a compressor that is configured to compress refrigerant. The hybrid heating system further includes a first heat exchanger that is configured to adjust a temperature of water by exchanging heat between the water and refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The hybrid heating system further includes a second heat exchanger that is configured to evaporate refrigerant by exchanging heat exchange with exterior air. The hybrid heating system further includes a first boiler heat exchanger that is configured to increase a temperature of water using heat generated by combustion. The hybrid heating system further includes a second boiler heat exchanger that is configured to exchange heat between exhaust gas discharged from the first boiler heat exchanger and refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger.

A microscale energy cogeneration system comprising at least one micro/nano-turbine for converting fuel into mechanical energy and a generator for converting mechanical energy produced by the micro/nano-turbine into electrical energy in the range of 1 to 5 kWh. Compressed air passes through a cold side of a heat exchanger. The compressed cold air and fuel delivered to a combustion chamber drives the turbine. At least one heat exchanger receives high temperature exhaust gas from an exhaust passage downstream from the micro/nano-turbine for heat transfer. The heat exchanger can be used to heat water and/or air of a house. A water heating system can be coupled to the heat exchanger for converting tap water into potable hot water and/or converting cool air into hot air. The portable micro/nano-turbine set can be scaled up by interconnecting several units to a network for balancing out the energy demand of multiple users.

A heat recovery system for recovering waste heat from exhaust gases that are expelled through a flue that are generated as a byproduct from a heating system, comprises a venting arrangement that connects to the flue from the heating system and a motorized damper to direct the exhaust gases from the flue through the venting arrangement to an intake plenum. The intake plenum directs the exhaust gases to a heat exchanger that comprising a series of serpentine conduits between which the exhaust gases pass through. The heat exchanger is connected to exhaust plenum which is in turn connected to an exhaust fan that draws the exhaust gasses through the heat recovery system. The heat exchanger further comprises a series of inlet ports and outlet ports that add and remove coolant to the serpentine conduits at selected temperatures.

A heat recovery system for recovering waste heat from exhaust gases that are expelled through a flue that are generated as a byproduct from a heating system, comprises a venting arrangement that connects to the flue from the heating system and a motorized damper to direct the exhaust gases from the flue through the venting arrangement to an intake plenum. The intake plenum directs the exhaust gases to a heat exchanger that comprising a series of serpentine conduits between which the exhaust gases pass through. The heat exchanger is connected to exhaust plenum which is in turn connected to an exhaust fan that draws the exhaust gasses through the heat recovery system. The heat exchanger further comprises a series of inlet ports and outlet ports that add and remove coolant to the serpentine conduits at selected temperatures.

A dual heating process is performed in the absence of an open flame. Heat is created by a rotating prime mover(s) driving a fluid shear heater. Heat is also collected from a cooling system of the prime mover, and from any exhaust heat generated by the prime mover. The heat energy collected from all of these sources is transmitted through heat exchangers to a fluid where heat energy is desired. The fluid being heated may be glycol or air, depending on the type of heat desired.