ECONOMIZER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAVING HEAT AND WATER

Abstract

An economizer system and method for saving heat and water, comprising a bathing facility for receiving hot water from a water heater through a pipeline; a first valve for controlling the flow of hot water received by the bathing facility; a second valve for allowing the flow of an initial volume of cold water existing in the pipeline between the water heater and the bathing facility 1 through a filling line; and a holding tank for collecting the initial volume of cold water flowing from the filling line before the hot water is delivered to the bathing facility.

Claims

1. An economizer system for saving heat and water, comprising: a bathing facility for receiving hot water from a water heater through a pipeline; a first valve for controlling the flow of hot water received by the bathing facility; a second valve for allowing the flow of an initial volume of cold water existing in the pipeline between the water heater and the bathing facility through a filling line; and a holding tank for collecting the initial volume of cold water flowing from the filling line before the hot water is delivered to the bathing facility.

2. The economizer system of claim 1, comprising a pump driven by a motor for pumping back into the pipeline the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank through a discharge line, wherein the discharge line is provided with a check valve for allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump only in the direction in which the pump discharges.

3. The economizer system of claim 2, comprising a control box having a user interface formed by: a start button for opening the second valve, allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water through the filling line until the water level in the holding tank reaches its maximum point; and a reset button for starting the motor of the pump, allowing the discharge of the initial volume of cold water into the pipeline until the water level in the holding tank reaches its minimum point.

4. The economizer system of claim 3, wherein the control box further comprises: a first pilot light for signaling a waiting period until the water level in the holding tank reaches its maximum point; and a second pilot light for signaling that the bathing facility is ready for delivering hot water.

5. The economizer system of claim 1, wherein the holding tank comprises: a vent to the atmosphere; a first sensor for detecting when the water level in the holding tank reaches its maximum point; and a second sensor for detecting when the water level in the holding tank reaches its minimum point.

6. The economizer system of claim 1, wherein the pipeline is formed by: a first section extending from the water heater to a first bifurcation; a second section extending from the first bifurcation to a second bifurcation; and a third section extending from the second bifurcation to the first valve.

7. The economizer system of claim 6, wherein the filling line is formed by: a first part extending from the second bifurcation to the second valve; and a second part extending from the second valve to the holding tank.

8. The economizer system of claim 6, comprising a pump driven by a motor for pumping back into the pipeline the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank through a discharge line, wherein the discharge line is provided with a check valve for allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump only in the direction in which the pump discharges, wherein the discharge line is formed by: a first segment extending from the holding tank to the pump; a second segment extending from the pump to the check valve; and a third segment extending from the check valve to the first bifurcation.

9. The economizer system of claim 6, wherein the first section extends from the top of water heater, and wherein the economizer system further comprises a supply pipeline for supplying cold water to the bottom of the water heater.

10. A method for saving heat and water comprising: a) providing a bathing facility for receiving hot water from a water heater through a pipeline; b) having a first valve for controlling the flow of hot water received by the bathing facility shut off; c) opening a second valve for allowing the flow of an initial volume of cold water existing in the pipeline between the water heater and the bathing facility through a filling line; d) collecting in a holding tank the initial volume of cold water flowing from the filling line; and e) opening the first valve for delivering the hot water to the bathing facility.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein step c) further comprises: c1) pressing a start button for opening the second valve; and c2) signaling a waiting period until the water level in the holding tank reaches its maximum point.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein step d) further comprises: d1) filling up the holding tank; d2) detecting when the water level in the holding tank reaches its maximum point; d3) shutting off the second valve; and d4) signaling that the bathing facility is ready for delivering hot water.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: f) shutting off the first valve once the bath is finished; and g) pumping back into the pipeline the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein step g) further comprises: g1) providing a pump driven by a motor for pumping back into the pipeline the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank through a discharge line, wherein the discharge line is provided with a check valve for allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump only in the direction in which the pump discharges; g2) displacing a remaining volume of hot water in the pipeline with the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump, causing said remaining volume of hot water in the pipeline to enter at the top of the water heater; and g3) forcing a returning volume of water from the bottom of the water heater, equal to the remaining volume of water entering at the top water heater, to return through a supply pipeline which allows supplying cold water to the bottom of the water heater.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the control of step g) comprises: e1) pressing a reset button for starting a motor driving a pump for pumping back into the pipeline the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank; e2) signaling that the bathing facility is not ready for delivering hot water; e3) discharging the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank; e4) detecting when the water level in the holding tank reaches its minimum point; e5) stopping the motor; and e6) signaling that the bathing facility is ready for reinitiating the step c).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The following is a brief description of a series of drawings which will help understand the invention better and which relate to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as a non-limiting example thereof.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the economizer system of the present invention, incorporated in an installation to provide hot water to a shower.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a control box and display corresponding to the economizer system of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIG. 3a shows a schematic diagram of the economizer system of FIG. 1 during the initial phase of operation, when the holding tank is being filled.

[0050] FIG. 3b shows a schematic diagram of the economizer system of FIG. 1 during operation of the shower, when the hot water from the water heater is being delivered to the shower.

[0051] FIG. 3c shows a schematic diagram of the economizer system of FIG. 1 during the final phase of operation, when the water collected in the holding tank is pumped back into the pipeline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the economizer system of the present invention, incorporated in an installation to provide hot water to a bathing facility. For clarity purposes, the installation (pipelines, valves, etc.) for supplying cold water is not shown.

[0053] As it can be seen in FIG. 1, the economizer system for saving heat and water of the present invention comprises; a bathing facility 1 for receiving hot water from a water heater 2 through a pipeline 3, a first valve 4 for controlling the flow of hot water received by the bathing facility 1, a second valve 5 for allowing the flow of an initial volume of cold water existing in the pipeline 3 between the water heater 2 and the bathing facility 1 through a filling line 6, and a holding tank 7 for collecting the initial volume of cold water flowing from the filling line 6 before the hot water is delivered to the bathing facility 1.

[0054] According to the present embodiment, the bathing facility 1 consists in a shower in which the hot water is delivered by a shower head. The first valve 4 is a manual valve, whereas the second valve 5 is a solenoid valve.

[0055] The holding tank 7 comprises a vent 8 to the atmosphere, a first sensor 10 for detecting when the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its maximum point, and a second sensor 9 for detecting when the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its minimum point.

[0056] The economizer system further comprises a pump 16, driven by a motor 15, for pumping back into the pipeline 3 the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank 7 through a discharge line 21, once the bath is finished. In turn, the discharge line 21 is provided with a check valve 19 for allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump 16 only in the direction in which the pump 16 discharges.

[0057] The hydraulic circuit of the present embodiment is described in more detail below.

[0058] The pipeline 3 is formed by a first section 3a extending from the top of the water heater 2 to a first bifurcation 31, a second section 3b extending from the first bifurcation 31 to a second bifurcation 32, and a third section 3c extending from the second bifurcation 32 to the first valve 4. In turn, the filling line 6 is formed by a first part 6a extending from the second bifurcation 32 to the second valve 5, and a second part 6b extending from the second valve 5 to the holding tank 7. The discharge line 21 is formed by a first segment 21a extending from the holding tank 7 to the pump 16, a second segment 21b extending from the pump 16 to the check valve 19, and a third segment 21c extending from the check valve 19 to the first bifurcation 31. Finally, the hydraulic circuit further comprises a supply pipeline 20 for supplying cold water to the bottom of the water heater 2.

[0059] As it can be seen in FIG. 2, in order to facilitate the control to the user, the economizer system comprises a control box 11 having a display which constitutes a user interface. The control box is formed by a start button 12 and a reset button 13, constituting the user inputs. The start button 12 is intended for opening the second valve 5, allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water through the filling line 6 until the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its maximum point. In turn, the reset button 13 is intended for starting the motor 15 of the pump 16, once the bath is finished, allowing the discharge of the initial volume of cold water into the pipeline 3 until the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its minimum point.

[0060] The control box 11 further comprises a first pilot light 17, preferably of red color, for signaling a waiting period until the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its maximum point, and a second pilot light 18, preferably of green color, for signaling that the bathing facility 1 is ready for delivering hot water. In addition, the control box 11 may incorporate audible signals for assisting the user in the preparation of the bath.

[0061] FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c represent a sequence of the operation cycle. The arrows alongside the pipelines and/or lines indicate the direction of the flow.

[0062] As it can be seen in FIG. 3a, to initiate the cycle, the start button 12 is pressed, causing the second valve 5 to open, whereas the first valve 4 is shut off. This results in an initial volume of cold water contained in the pipeline 3 flowing into the holding tank 7 through the filling line 6. At the same time the first pilot light 17 is turned on, signaling the beginning of a waiting period while the holding tank 7 fills up.

[0063] As it can be seen in FIG. 3b, when the level in said holding tank 7 reaches the maximum point, a signal from the first sensor 10 results in the shutting off of the second valve 5, while at the same time the first pilot light 17 is turned off and the second pilot light 18 is turned on, signaling to the user that the shower is ready for use. In addition, an audible signal of short duration may be incorporated at this time. The first valve 4 is then opened for immediately delivering hot water to the bathing facility 1, without having to purge previously the cold water existing in the pipeline. Therefore, no water is wasted flowing out into the drain in the preparation of the bath.

[0064] As it can be seen in FIG. 3c, once finished bathing and shutting the first valve 4, the user presses the reset button 13, causing the motor 15 to start. At the same time, the second pilot light 18 is turned off and the first pilot light 17 turned on. When the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its minimum point, the second sensor 9 sends a signal causing the motor 15 to stop while at the same time turning off the first pilot light 17. During this last phase of the cycle, the flow direction in pipeline 3 is reversed from the usual direction as cold water from holding tank 7 displaces the hot water in pipeline 3 before a significant drop in its temperature occurs. This hot water enters at the top of the water heater 2 displacing an equal volume of cold water from the bottom of the same, which is forced to return to the supply source through the supply pipeline 20. This prevents the loss of heat of the still hot water remaining in the pipeline once the bath is finished. In turn, the cold water collected in the holding tank 7 returns back to the pipeline 3 between the water heater 2 and the bathing facility 1. The economizer system is then ready for another cycle of operation.

[0065] The method for saving heat and water of the present embodiment comprises the steps of:

[0066] a) providing a bathing facility 1 for receiving hot water from a water heater 2 through a pipeline 3;

[0067] b) having a first valve 4 for controlling the flow of hot water received by the bathing facility 1 shut off;

[0068] c) opening a second valve 5 for allowing the flow of an initial volume of cold water existing in the pipeline 3 between the water heater 2 and the bathing facility 1 through a filling line 6;

[0069] d) collecting in a holding tank 7 the initial volume of cold water flowing from the filling line 6; and

[0070] e) opening the first valve 4 for delivering the hot water to the bathing facility 1.

[0071] The step c) further comprises the steps of:

[0072] c1) pressing a start button 12 for opening the second valve 5; and

[0073] c2) signaling a waiting period until the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its maximum point.

[0074] The step d) further comprises the steps of:

[0075] d1) filling up the holding tank 7;

[0076] d2) detecting when the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its maximum point;

[0077] d3) shutting off the second valve 5; and

[0078] d4) signaling that the bathing facility 1 is ready for delivering hot water.

[0079] The method further comprises the steps of:

[0080] f) shutting off the first valve 4 once the bath is finished; and

[0081] g) pumping back into the pipeline 3 the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank 7.

[0082] The step g) further comprises the steps of:

[0083] g1) providing a pump 16 driven by a motor 15 for pumping back into the pipeline 3 the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank 7 through a discharge line 21, wherein the discharge line 21 is provided with a check valve 19 for allowing the flow of the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump 16 only in the direction in which the pump 16 discharges;

[0084] g2) displacing a remaining volume of hot water in the pipeline 3 with the initial volume of cold water discharged by the pump 16, causing said remaining volume of hot water in the pipeline 3 to enter at the top of the water heater 2; and

[0085] g3) forcing a returning volume of water from the bottom of the water heater 2, equal to the remaining volume of water entering at the top water heater 2, to return through a supply pipeline 20 which allows supplying cold water to the bottom of the water heater 2.

[0086] The control of the step g) comprises the steps of:

[0087] e1) pressing a reset button 13 for starting a motor 15 driving a pump 16 for pumping back into the pipeline 3 the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank 7;

[0088] e2) signaling that the bathing facility 1 is not ready for delivering hot water;

[0089] e3) discharging the initial volume of cold water collected in the holding tank 7;

[0090] e4) detecting when the water level in the holding tank 7 reaches its minimum point;

[0091] e5) stopping the motor 15; and

[0092] e6) signaling that the bathing facility 1 is ready for reinitiating the step c).

[0093] The various embodiments described herein are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure