Patent classifications
F24H1/08
Heating and hot water supply apparatus
A distribution valve controls a distribution ratio of a heat transfer medium between a hot water supply path including a heat exchanger for hot water supply and a beating circulation path through which the heat transfer medium is supplied to a heating terminal. A bypass flow rate control valve controls a bypass ratio which is a ratio of a flow rate of low temperature water introduced into a bypass pipe that bypasses the heat exchanger for hot water supply to a flow rate of low temperature water introduced into a water inlet pipe. The bypass ratio is regulated so that a hot water temperature detected by a temperature sensor reaches a hot water target temperature. During a simultaneous operation of hot water supply and heating, the distribution valve is controlled so that, when a bypass ratio is low, a distribution ratio is higher than when a bypass ratio is high.
SYSTEM FOR WATER MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED METHODS
A system and method for monitoring and managing water delivered to users hydraulically connected via a dedicated conduit loop to a water supply source and a water heating unit via a dedicated conduit loop, the system including a mixing valve(s) hydraulically connected to the dedicated conduit loop; a first set of sensing devices operatively coupled to an input and an output of the mixing valve, wherein each sensing device of the first set is adapted to generate and transmit sensed data signals; a recirculation pump hydraulically coupled to the dedicated conduit loop; a second set of sensing devices operatively coupled to selected portions of the dedicated conduit loop, wherein each sensing device of the second set is adapted to generate and transmit sensed data signals; a pressure regulating or balancing device(s) hydraulically coupled to the dedicated conduit loop; a data collection system for receiving and storing sensed data transmitted by the first set of sensing devices and/or the second set of sensing devices; and a system controller for comparing sensed data with rules, data patterns, data signatures, relationships between data, or mathematically calculated values associated with water event anomalies and generating and transmitting a notification, a warning, and/or an alert if the comparison is suggestive of a water event anomaly.
SYSTEM FOR WATER MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED METHODS
A system and method for monitoring and managing water delivered to users hydraulically connected via a dedicated conduit loop to a water supply source and a water heating unit via a dedicated conduit loop, the system including a mixing valve(s) hydraulically connected to the dedicated conduit loop; a first set of sensing devices operatively coupled to an input and an output of the mixing valve, wherein each sensing device of the first set is adapted to generate and transmit sensed data signals; a recirculation pump hydraulically coupled to the dedicated conduit loop; a second set of sensing devices operatively coupled to selected portions of the dedicated conduit loop, wherein each sensing device of the second set is adapted to generate and transmit sensed data signals; a pressure regulating or balancing device(s) hydraulically coupled to the dedicated conduit loop; a data collection system for receiving and storing sensed data transmitted by the first set of sensing devices and/or the second set of sensing devices; and a system controller for comparing sensed data with rules, data patterns, data signatures, relationships between data, or mathematically calculated values associated with water event anomalies and generating and transmitting a notification, a warning, and/or an alert if the comparison is suggestive of a water event anomaly.
APPARATUS FOR HEATING LIQUID
A liquid heating apparatus includes a top portion with a burner unit, a coil, an external housing, and an internal housing. The burner unit is arranged to burn a fuel so as to generate a downward directed flame. The coil includes first and second layers of windings. The internal housing is arranged within the external housing. The apparatus is in a substantially upright position during operation. A compartment between the internal housing and the external serves as a first liquid reservoir. The flame from the burner unit is peripherally contained by an inner part of the first layer of windings of the coil. The first layer of windings is configured to direct the flame or exhaust gases downwards. The flame or exhaust gases are redirected such that the they contact all of the second layer of windings, the internal housing inner wall, and the first layer of windings
APPARATUS FOR HEATING LIQUID
A liquid heating apparatus includes a top portion with a burner unit, a coil, an external housing, and an internal housing. The burner unit is arranged to burn a fuel so as to generate a downward directed flame. The coil includes first and second layers of windings. The internal housing is arranged within the external housing. The apparatus is in a substantially upright position during operation. A compartment between the internal housing and the external serves as a first liquid reservoir. The flame from the burner unit is peripherally contained by an inner part of the first layer of windings of the coil. The first layer of windings is configured to direct the flame or exhaust gases downwards. The flame or exhaust gases are redirected such that the they contact all of the second layer of windings, the internal housing inner wall, and the first layer of windings
Portable hot water supply tank
A portable hot water supply tank is adapted to be used with a heat source, and includes a water storage unit, a heat exchange unit, and a circulation unit. The water storage unit includes a base member defining a lower water chamber. The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchanger connected to the base member. The circulation unit includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The heat exchanger is movable relative to the base member between an unfolded position and a folded position. When the heat exchanger is at the first position, water stored in the lower water chamber is drawn into the inlet pipe, flows through the heat exchanger to be heated by the heat source, and eventually flows back to the lower water chamber via the outlet pipe.
Portable hot water supply tank
A portable hot water supply tank is adapted to be used with a heat source, and includes a water storage unit, a heat exchange unit, and a circulation unit. The water storage unit includes a base member defining a lower water chamber. The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchanger connected to the base member. The circulation unit includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The heat exchanger is movable relative to the base member between an unfolded position and a folded position. When the heat exchanger is at the first position, water stored in the lower water chamber is drawn into the inlet pipe, flows through the heat exchanger to be heated by the heat source, and eventually flows back to the lower water chamber via the outlet pipe.
TANKLESS ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
A tankless electric water heater system including a heating chamber having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a heating element connected to the heating chamber, a first temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the heating chamber, a second temperature sensor disposed near the second end of the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water and disposed near the heating chamber, and a controller connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the flow sensor, and the heating element. The controller is configured to have a set point temperature, to detect temperature and flow data from the first and second temperature sensors, and the flow sensor, and to provide as output a power setting to the heating element.
TANKLESS ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
A tankless electric water heater system including a heating chamber having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a heating element connected to the heating chamber, a first temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the heating chamber, a second temperature sensor disposed near the second end of the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water and disposed near the heating chamber, and a controller connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the flow sensor, and the heating element. The controller is configured to have a set point temperature, to detect temperature and flow data from the first and second temperature sensors, and the flow sensor, and to provide as output a power setting to the heating element.
Tankless electric water heater
A tankless electric water heater system including a heating chamber having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a heating element connected to the heating chamber, a first temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the heating chamber, a second temperature sensor disposed near the second end of the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water and disposed near the heating chamber, and a controller connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the flow sensor, and the heating element. The controller is configured to have a set point temperature, to detect temperature and flow data from the first and second temperature sensors, and the flow sensor, and to provide as output a power setting to the heating element.