STRATIFIED HOT WATER INSULATED TUBE STORAGE SYSTEM INTEGRATED INTO BUILDING INTERSTITIAL SPACE

Abstract

One or more embodiments relates to a hot water storage system and a method for storing hot water, the system including at least one oversized diameter tube and at least one plumbing line diameter tube coupled to and in fluid communication with at least the at least one oversized diameter tube. The at least one oversized diameter tube is further coupled to and in fluid communication with a building hot water source.

Claims

1. A hot water storage system comprising: at least one oversized diameter tube coupled to and in fluid communication with a building hot water source; and at least one plumbing line diameter tube coupled to and in fluid communication with at least the at least one oversized diameter tube.

2. The hot water storage system of claim 1 wherein the at least one oversized diameter tube has a diameter ranging between about 3 and 6.

3. The hot water storage system of claim 1 wherein the at least one plumbing line diameter tube has a diameter ranging between about and 1.

4. The hot water storage system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the oversized diameter tube and the plumbing line diameter tube is comprised of lead, copper or a high-density polyethylene material.

5. The hot water storage system of claim 4 wherein the high-density polyethylene material is selected from the group consisting of HDPE, PEX-a, PEX-b and CPVC.

6. The hot water storage system of claim 4 wherein the at least one of the oversized diameter tube and the plumbing line diameter tube are comprised of the same high-density polyethylene material.

7. The hot water storage system of claim 4 wherein the at least one of the oversized diameter tube and the plumbing line diameter tube are comprised of different high-density polyethylene material.

8. The hot water storage system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the oversized diameter tube and the plumbing line diameter tube is insulated.

9. The hot water storage system of claim 1 wherein the building hot water source is selected from the group consisting of a heat pump water heater, instantaneous water heater, and a solar water heater.

10. The hot water storage system of claim 1 wherein the at least one plumbing line diameter tube is coupled to at least the at least one oversized diameter tube using storage tube constriction.

11. The hot water storage system of claim 10 wherein the storage tube constriction is selected from the group consisting of PEX heating, a collar crimping application, and a coupling reduction fitting.

12. A stratified hot water storage system integrated into a building interstitial space, the hot water storage system comprising: an oversized diameter tube having a first diameter; a first plumbing line diameter tube coupled to and in fluid communication with the oversized diameter tube and a building hot water source, the first plumbing line diameter tube having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; and a second plumbing line diameter tube coupled to and in fluid communication with the oversized diameter tube and a water supply device, the second plumbing line diameter tube having a third diameter smaller than the first diameter.

13. The hot water storage system of claim 12, wherein the third diameter is less than or equal to the second diameter.

14. The hot water storage system of claim 13 wherein at least one of the second diameter and third diameter ranges between about and 1.

15. The hot water storage of claim 12 wherein the first diameter ranges between about 3 and 6.

16. The hot water storage system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the oversized diameter tube, the first plumbing line diameter tube, and the second plumbing line diameter tube is comprised of lead, copper or a high-density polyethylene material selected from the group consisting of HDPE, PEX-a, PEX-b and CPVC.

17. The hot water storage system of claim 16 wherein at least two of the oversized diameter tube, the first plumbing line diameter tube, and the second plumbing line diameter tube are comprised of the same high-density polyethylene material.

18. The hot water storage system of claim 16 wherein at least two of the oversized diameter tube, the first plumbing line diameter tube, and the second plumbing line diameter tube are comprised of different high-density polyethylene material.

19. The hot water storage system of claim 12 wherein the second plumbing line diameter tube is coupled to and in fluid communication with at least one of a kitchen faucet, a bathroom faucet, a shower spigot, a tub spigot, a shower head, a washing machine, a dishwasher and a sink faucet.

20. A method for providing hot water in a building comprising: heating water in a building hot water supply forming the hot water; providing the hot water to an oversized diameter tube, forming stored hot water in the oversized diameter tube; receiving a demand for the hot water; and meeting a least a portion of the demand for the hot water using the stored hot water in the oversized diameter tube.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a building including interstitial space and a stratified hot water storage system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged view of a horizontal oversized diameter tube of one embodiment of the system circled in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged view of a vertical oversized diameter tube of one embodiment of the system circled in FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a high-level block diagram of the hot water storage system of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts another high-level block diagram of the hot water storage system of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged view of one embodiment of a storage constriction device depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged view of another embodiment of the storage constriction device depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts an enlarged view of still another embodiment of the storage constriction device depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3; and

[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method of providing hot water using a stratified hot water storage system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0019] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0020] One or more embodiments relate to a stratified hot water storage system integrated into a building having interstitial space. Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a building generally designated 10, a multiuse building for example, but other buildings are contemplated. As illustrated, building 10 contains several rooms including one or more bathrooms 12, one or more kitchens 14, one or more common or meeting rooms 16 and one or more hallways 18. As shown, building 10 defines one or more interstitial spaces 20. As shown the interstitial spaces 20 comprise intermediate space located between floors 22, ceilings 24, walls and support beams 26, and the like used to provide space for the building's 10 mechanical systems and elements 28 which may include wiring, duct work, blowers, and the like.

[0021] As illustrated, one embodiment of the present invention includes a stratified hot water storage system 30 positioned, at least partially, in the interstitial spaces 20 connected to and in fluid communication with one or more hot water sources 34 via one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32, where the hot water sources 34 includes a heat pump water heater, an instantaneous water heater, a solar water heater, a tank water heater and/or a tankless water heater. In one or more embodiments, the plumbing line diameter tube 32 is between about and 1 in diameter but embodiments are contemplated in which the tube 32 is between about and 1 in diameter. In one or more embodiments tube 32 is selected from materials including lead, copper, and high-density polyethylene such as HDPE, PEX-a, PEX-b, and/or CPVC.

[0022] FIG. 1 further illustrates hot water storage system 30 is fluidly coupled to one or more bathroom plumbing fixtures 36 including a tub spigot, a sink faucet, a shower spigot, a shower head, a hot tub/whirlpool, a washing machine and the like, and one or more kitchen plumbing fixtures 38 including a dishwasher, a kitchen or sink faucet, a hot water dispenser, a washing machine and the like via one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32. In one or more embodiments, building 10 includes one or more cold water supplies 40 and drainpipes (not shown). It should be appreciated that all or a portion of the plumbing line diameter tube 32 may be insulated.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged view of a horizontally arrayed hot water storage system 30 depicted in the circle labeled FIG. 2 in FIG. 1, while FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged view of a vertically arrayed hot water storage system 30 depicted in the circle labeled FIG. 3 in FIG. 1 all in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Both FIGS. 2 and 3 depict the hot water storage system 30 including at least one oversized diameter tube 50 coupled to and in fluid communication with at least the building hot water source 34 via one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32. Further, the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 is coupled to and in communication with one or more bathroom plumbing fixtures 36 and/or one or more kitchen plumbing fixtures 38 via one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32.

[0024] FIGS. 2 and 3 further depict the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 is removably or non-removably coupled to one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32 via a storage constriction 52. In one or more embodiments the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 has a diameter ranging between about 3 and 6 although larger diameters are contemplated and is selected from materials including lead, copper, and high-density polyethylene such as HDPE, PEX-a, PEX-b and/or CPVC. It should be appreciated that the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 and the plumbing line diameter tube 32 are comprised of the same material (i.e., the same high-density polyethylene material such as HDPE for example) or different material (i.e., one tube is comprised of HDPE and another tube is comprised of PEXa for example). It should be appreciated that all or a portion of the at least one of the oversized diameter tube 50 is insulated.

[0025] As provided above, the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 is removably or non-removably coupled to one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32 via a storage tube constriction 52. Embodiments are contemplated wherein the storage tube constriction 52 may be selected from a group consisting of pipe cement, PEX heating, a collar crimping application, threaded couplings, a coupling reduction fitting and the like.

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a high-level block diagram of the hot water storage system 30 of FIG. 1 where the plurality of oversized diameter tubes 50 are positioned in a serial arrangement, while FIG. 5 depicts the plurality of oversized diameter tubes 50 are positioned in a serial arrangement.

[0027] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hot water storage system 30 includes one or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32 in fluid communication with a cold water source, a municipal water source for example (not shown), such that a cold water supply 40 is provided to one or more hot water sources 34. One or more plumbing line diameter tubes 32 is illustrated in fluid communication with the one or more hot water sources 34, such that a hot water supply 70 is provided to the plurality of oversized diameter tubes 50, which in turn are in fluid communication with the one or more bathroom plumbing fixtures 36 and/or one or more kitchen plumbing fixtures 38. The system illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 further includes a pump 74 in fluid communication with water return 72, cold water supply 40 and/or one or more hot water supplies. It should be appreciated that, while three oversized diameter tubes 50 are shown, more or less are contemplated. Further, system 30 could include a control device coupled to at least the hot water source 34, oversized diameter tubes 50, and pump 74 to control the heat and flow through the system.

[0028] FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of the storage tube constriction 52, specifically a coupling reduction fitting 53 including clamps 58 and 60. Specifically, the coupling reduction fitting 53 is made of a rubber or silicone material and includes large end 54 adapted to receive the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 and small end 56 adapted to receive the at least one plumbing line diameter tube 32. As shown, large end 54 includes first clamp 58 adapted to removably secure the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 in large end 54 while smaller end 56 includes second clamp 60 adapted to removably secure the at least one plumbing line diameter tube 32 in small end 56.

[0029] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the storage tube constriction 52, including threaded coupling. Specifically, the storage tube constriction 52 includes large end 54 adapted to receive the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 and small end 56 adapted to receive the at least one plumbing line diameter tube 32. As shown, large end 54 includes threaded coupling 64 adapted to threadedly, removably secure the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 in large end 54 while smaller end 56 includes threaded coupling 62 adapted to threadably, removably secure the at least one plumbing line diameter tube 32 in small end 56.

[0030] FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the storage tube constriction 52. Again, the storage tube constriction 52 includes large end 54 adapted to receive the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 and small end 56 adapted to receive the at least one plumbing line diameter tube 32. It should be appreciated that the at least one oversized diameter tube 50 is non-removably secured in large end 54 and the at least one plumbing line diameter tube 32 is non-removably secured in small end 56 by means of PEX heating, collar crimping and/or gluing as is well known in the art.

[0031] FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method, generally designated 100, of providing hot water using a stratified hot water storage system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, method 100 includes heating water in a building hot water supply forming the hot water, block 112 and providing the hot water to an oversized diameter tube, forming stored hot water in the oversized diameter tube, block 114. Method 100 further includes receiving a demand for the hot water, block 116 and meeting a least a portion of the demand for the hot water using the stored hot water in the oversized diameter tube, block 118.

[0032] Having described the basic concept of the embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations and various improvements of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the spirited embodiments as recited in the appended claims. Additionally, the recited order of the elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters or other designations therefor, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified. All ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof. Any listed range is easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as up to, at least, greater than, less than, and the like refer to ranges which are subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. As utilized herein, the terms about, substantially, and other similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in conjunction with the common and accepted usage by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. As utilized herein, the term approximately equal to shall carry the meaning of being within 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 percent of the subject measurement, item, unit, or concentration, with preference given to the percent variance. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the exact numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, the embodiments are limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto. All publications and patent documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent document were so individually denoted.

[0033] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term about, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term about generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms about may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0034] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0035] One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the present invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Accordingly, for all purposes, the present invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The present invention also envisages the explicit exclusion of one or more of any of the group members in the claimed invention.