WASTEWATER HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

Abstract

Provided herein are water distribution systems and methods of operating water distribution systems that include a heat pump transferring heat between a first water stream dispensed into a space and a second water stream collected after use of the first water stream in the space. The heat pump can efficiently and effectively raise the temperature of the first water stream to a comfortable level for a user. In some embodiments, the first water stream may be further conditioned and/or processed downstream from the heat pump prior to being dispensed, e.g., using a mixing valve, a water storage tank, and/or a thermal storage device. In some embodiments, one or more operating parameters of the heat pump may be controlled according to a desired temperature of the first water stream being dispensed into the space.

Claims

1. A water distribution system comprising: an outlet dispensing a first water stream into a space, wherein use of the first water stream in the space produces a second water stream; a receptacle collecting the second water stream; and a heat pump circulating a working fluid for transferring heat between the first water stream and the second water stream, wherein the first water stream flows through the heat pump toward the outlet and heat is transferred between the working fluid and the first water stream, and wherein the second water stream flows from the receptacle through the heat pump and heat is transferred between the working fluid and the second water stream.

2. The water distribution system of claim 1, wherein the heat pump absorbs heat from the second water stream into the working fluid and the heat pump rejects heat from the working fluid into the first water stream to raise a temperature of the first water stream.

3. The water distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a mixing valve receiving the first water stream and a third water stream, wherein the mixing valve combines the first and third water streams upstream from the outlet.

4. The water distribution system of claim 3, wherein the mixing valve is positioned between the heat pump and the outlet.

5. The water distribution system of claim 4, wherein a temperature of the third water stream entering the mixing valve is lower than a temperature of the first water stream entering the mixing valve.

6. The water distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a storage tank positioned between the heat pump and the outlet, the storage tank receiving the first water stream and storing a volume of the first water stream upstream from the outlet.

7. The water distribution system of claim 6, wherein the storage tank receives a third water stream and stores a volume of the first and third water streams upstream from the outlet.

8. The water distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a thermal storage device positioned between the heat pump and the outlet, the thermal storage device absorbing heat from the first water stream and/or the heat pump.

9. The water distribution system of claim 8, wherein the thermal storage device contains a heat storage material absorbing the heat from the first water stream and/or the heat pump.

10. The water distribution system of claim 9, wherein the heat storage material comprises a phase change material.

11. The water distribution system of claim 8, wherein the thermal storage device receives a third water stream and rejects heat into the third water stream.

12. The water distribution system of claim 11, wherein a temperature of the third water stream entering the thermal storage device is lower than a temperature of the first water stream exiting the heat pump.

13. The water distribution system of claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the working fluid circulating between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger transfers heat between the working fluid and the first water stream, and wherein the second heat exchanger transfers heat between the working fluid and the second water stream.

14. The water distribution system of claim 13, wherein the heat pump comprises a compressor coupled between the first and second heat exchangers and pressurizing the working fluid.

15. The water distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a controller controlling at least one operating parameter of the heat pump according to a desired temperature of the first water stream being dispensed into the space.

16. A method of operating a water distribution system, the method comprising: dispensing a first water stream into a space via an outlet, wherein use of the first water stream in the space produces a second water stream; collecting the second water stream; and transferring heat between the second water stream and the first water stream via a heat pump located upstream from the outlet to control a temperature of the first water stream being dispensed into the space.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising combining the first water stream with a third water stream via a mixing valve positioned between the heat pump and the outlet, wherein a temperature of the third water stream entering the mixing valve is lower than a temperature of the first water stream entering the mixing valve.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising storing a volume of the first water stream in a storage tank positioned between the heat pump and the outlet.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: absorbing heat from the first water stream and/or the heat pump via a thermal storage device positioned between the heat pump and the outlet; and rejecting heat into a third water stream using the thermal storage device.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising controlling at least one operating parameter of the heat pump according to a desired temperature of the first water stream being dispensed into the space.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example water distribution system that includes a heat pump.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example heat pump.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example water distribution system that includes a heat pump.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example water distribution system that includes a heat pump.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example water distribution system that includes a heat pump.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example method of operating a water distribution system.

[0011] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a water distribution system, e.g., a shower system, that utilizes a heat pump to transfer heat between used water, or wastewater, and incoming water, or fresh water, that is dispensed by the shower system. The heat pump may include a first heat exchanger, or fresh water heat exchanger, receiving fresh water from a fresh water supply and a second heat exchanger, or wastewater heat exchanger, receiving wastewater from the water distribution system. A heat transfer fluid, also referred to as a working fluid, circulating through the heat pump between the heat exchangers may transfer heat between the wastewater and the fresh water. For example, the heat transfer fluid may absorb heat, also referred to as thermal energy or heat energy, from the wastewater via the wastewater heat exchanger and reject heat into the fresh water via the fresh water heat exchanger. The heat pump is thereby operable to utilize the wastewater for effectively and efficiently controlling the temperature of the fresh water. The heat pump may provide over 100% efficiency, such as between 300% to 600% efficiency. The fresh water exiting the fresh water heat exchanger may be routed toward an outlet, e.g., a shower head or shower spray, that dispenses the fresh water. The dispensed fresh water may then be used and subsequently collected via a receptacle as wastewater that is then routed toward the wastewater heat exchanger. The wastewater exiting the wastewater heat exchanger may be routed toward a drain or another component for processing the wastewater. This cycle may continue for a portion of or the entirety of a water distribution process, e.g., for a portion of or an entire duration of a showering operation.

[0013] The water distribution system may optionally be equipped with additional components utilized in conjunction with the heat pump for controlling the temperature of the fresh water. The additional components may be positioned upstream and/or downstream from the heat pump, e.g., upstream and/or downstream from the fresh water heat exchanger. A mixing valve may be positioned downstream from the heat pump and upstream from the outlet. The mixing valve may receive the fresh water exiting the fresh water heat exchanger and an additional incoming water stream, e.g., a second fresh water stream, from the fresh water supply connected to the heat pump or another fresh water supply. The mixing valve may operate to combine the fresh water exiting the fresh water heat exchanger with the additional incoming water stream to achieve a desirable or target temperature of the fresh water that is dispensed via the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the water distribution system may include a fresh water storage tank, or hot water tank, positioned between the heat pump and the outlet. Additionally or alternatively, the water distribution system may include a thermal storage device comprising a heat storage material, e.g., a phase change material, positioned between the heat pump and the outlet. The hot water tank and/or the thermal storage device may be utilized alone or in conjunction with the mixing valve. For example, the hot water tank and/or the thermal storage device may be positioned between the fresh water heat exchanger and the mixing valve. The heat pump may be controllable, e.g., via a controller and a user interface, to adjust the temperature of the fresh water exiting the fresh water heat exchanger according to a user input indicative of a desired water temperature and/or a desired temperature setpoint.

[0014] Additional features and advantages are provided by the present disclosure, which can be realized by the following detailed description. The figures illustrate exemplary systems involving shower systems by way of example. The present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0015] Example embodiments of shower systems that include a heat pump for efficiently recovering heat from wastewater and controlling a temperature of fresh water using the recovered heat will now be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to shower systems. Aspects of the present disclosure that are depicted in the illustrated embodiments or otherwise described herein may be used in conjunction with other water distribution systems. Water distribution systems encompassed by the present disclosure include, without limitation, water distribution systems that dispense water for consumption and/or washing and water distribution systems used for private, public, domestic, residential, commercial, and/or industrial use. For example, water distribution systems such as, for example and without limitation, showers, baths, washtubs, hot tubs, sinks, fountains, water dispensers, and the like may incorporate aspects of the present disclosure and are encompassed herein. Example water distribution systems may include an outlet dispensing the fresh water that is conditioned via the heat pump. The outlet may include any suitable device that is configured to dispense liquid or water. The outlet may include an ablutionary fitting, such as, for example and without limitation, a showerhead, shower spray, hand shower, faucet, wand, spigot, tap, spout, or the like. The outlet can include a single outlet or more than one outlet. Where the outlet includes multiple, e.g., two or more outlets, the outlets can be similar types of outlets or dissimilar types of outlets. Elements and features described with reference to one illustrated embodiment are not limited to that embodiment only; the features and elements of any one or more of the illustrated embodiments can be utilized in any other embodiment in any combination.

[0016] The example embodiments described herein include water distribution systems with various water streams which may flow through various process stages. The present disclosure is not limited to water and may be used with any suitable type of liquid. Accordingly, reference to a water stream or stream of water may encompass other liquid streams or streams of liquid unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise. The phrases liquid stream, stream of liquid, water stream, stream of water, and the like refer to a flow of liquid, e.g., water, in a flow direction; a stream or flow of liquid, e.g., water, is not limited to any particular type of flow and may be in a single conduit, distributed in multiple conduits, freely dispersed in a space (e.g., as a spray or droplets), accumulated in one or more vessels, or in another form that allows the stream to flow in the flow direction.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a water distribution system 100 including a heat pump 102 operable to efficiently and effectively control a temperature of a first water stream or a first fresh water stream 104. The heat pump 102 may be operable to recover heat, also referred to as thermal energy or heat energy, from a second water stream or wastewater stream 106. The wastewater stream 106 is produced from use of the first water stream 104 in a space 108. The heat pump 102 may transfer the recovered heat to the fresh water 104 to thereby produce a conditioned fresh water stream 110, e.g., warm fresh water, that is routed toward an outlet 112. In this way, the heat pump 102 may advantageously provide an energy efficient and effective means for controlling, e.g., raising, the temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 before it is dispensed and used in the space 108. The heat pump 102 may circulate a working fluid or heat transfer fluid therein and the working fluid is used as a heat transfer medium between the wastewater stream 106 and the first fresh water stream 104.

[0018] The outlet 112 may dispense a fresh water stream 114 into the space 108. The dispensed fresh water stream 114 may include the conditioned fresh water stream 110 from the heat pump 102. The dispensed fresh water stream 114 can be used by a user in the space 108, e.g., for showering, bathing, washing, etc. The wastewater stream 106 may be produced as a result. The wastewater stream 106 is understood to include water that is dispensed into the space 108 and collected within and/or downstream from the space 108; the wastewater stream 106 may be produced irrespective of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 being used by a user. The wastewater stream 106 may flow toward and through the heat pump 102, where heat may be transferred to the first fresh water stream 104 and the cycle continues. This cycle may continue for a portion, or the entirety, of a water distribution process performed by the system 100, e.g., a showering operation.

[0019] The conditioned fresh water stream 110 may flow directly toward and be dispensed by the outlet 112. As such, the characteristics of the dispensed fresh water stream 114, e.g., temperature, may be substantially similar to the characteristics of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 exiting the heat pump 102.

[0020] The water distribution system 100 may be a shower system, which may be located indoors or outdoors. The outlet 112 may be or may include a shower outlet, e.g., a shower head, spray head, nozzle, hand shower, etc., that dispenses water into a shower space 108. Additionally or alternatively, the water distribution system 100 may be another type of system that dispenses fresh water to the space 108 via the outlet 112, and may include any suitable type of outlet device, unit, module, or component configured to dispense water. For example, the water distribution system 100 may include, for example and without limitation, a shower system, a bath, a washtub, a hot tub, a sink, a fountain, a water dispenser, and/or the like. The outlet 112 may include an ablutionary fitting, such as, for example and without limitation, a showerhead, shower spray, hand shower, faucet, wand, spigot, tap, spout, or the like. The outlet 112 can include a single outlet or more than one outlet. Where the outlet 112 includes multiple, e.g., two or more outlets, the outlets can be similar types of outlets or dissimilar types of outlets. For example, the outlet 112 may include a single ablutionary fitting or multiple of the same and/or different types of ablutionary fittings. The space 108 may include a shower space or may include any other type of space adapted to receive water from the outlet 112 such as a bathroom space, a kitchen space, an outdoor space, a sink space, a water dispenser space, a fountain space, a tub space, etc.

[0021] The water distribution system 100 may include a receptacle 116 positioned relative to the outlet 112 for collecting the wastewater stream 106. For example, the receptacle 116 may be positioned below the outlet 112. The receptacle 116 may include any suitable configuration to collect the wastewater stream 106. For example, where the water distribution system 100 is a shower system, the receptacle 116 may include a shower tray, shower base, washbasin, bathtub, etc. The receptacle 116 may additionally or alternatively include a floor, such as a bathroom floor, kitchen floor, outdoor floor, etc., a vessel, a bowl, a basin, a tub, a pan, a drip tray, a fountain basin, and/or a surface that may become wet from and/or collect the dispensed fresh water stream 114 and the wastewater stream 106.

[0022] The receptacle 116 may include one or more access points 118, e.g., drain holes or openings, defined or integrated in the receptacle 116. The access points 118 may be positioned at any suitable location of the receptacle, such as a center or periphery of the receptacle 116. The one or more access points 118 may be configured such that the wastewater stream 106 collected from the dispensed water stream 114 in the space 108 may flow through the access points 118 during use of the system 100 and into one or more wastewater conduits 120. The one or more wastewater conduits 120 may connect the one or more access points 118 with the heat pump 102 and direct the wastewater stream 106 toward the heat pump 102. The receptacle 116 may include a cover, not illustrated, that can selectively cover the one or more access points 118.

[0023] The receptacle 116 may be configured, e.g., shaped, to direct or funnel the wastewater stream 106 toward and into the access points 118. For example, the receptacle 116 may be angled, slanted, tilted, bowl-shaped, curved, or the like, such that a natural flow of water may flow directionally across the receptacle 116 toward and into the one or more access points 118.

[0024] One or more screens, not illustrated, may be coupled with or positioned relative to the receptacle to catch or otherwise prevent debris from collecting within the receptacle and entering the access points 118. In this way, debris may be limited or prevented from entering into water lines, pumps, valves, etc. via the access points 118. The one or more screens may be coupled adjacent, to or within the one or more access points 118 to catch or otherwise prevent debris from flowing through the water distribution system 100.

[0025] The one or more wastewater conduits 120 direct the wastewater stream 106 toward the heat pump 102. The heat pump 102 may transfer heat with the wastewater stream 106 therein. For example, the heat pump 102 may absorb residual heat from the wastewater stream 106, e.g., into a working fluid circulating in the heat pump 102. The temperature of the wastewater stream 106 may be lowered via the heat pump 102. The wastewater stream 106 may exit the heat pump 102 as a drain stream 122, which may be at a lower temperature than the wastewater stream 106. The drain stream 122 may exit the heat pump 102 into one or more drain conduits 124. The one or more drain conduits 124 may direct the drain stream 122 toward a drain 126. Additionally or alternatively, the drain stream 122 may be recycled or recirculated within the water distribution system 100 and may be referred to as a recirculation stream or a recycled stream.

[0026] Concurrently, or nearly concurrently, the first fresh water stream 104 may be supplied via a fresh water supply 128 and directed toward the heat pump 102 via one or more fresh water conduits 130. The heat pump 102 may transfer heat with the first fresh water stream 104 therein. For example, the heat pump 102 may reject the heat absorbed from the wastewater 106 via the working fluid into the first fresh water stream 104. The temperature of the first fresh water stream 104 may be raised via the heat pump 104, thereby producing the conditioned fresh water stream 110 having a higher temperature than the first stream 104. The conditioned fresh water stream 110 may exit the heat pump 102 into one or more outlet conduits 132. The one or more outlet conduits 132 may direct the conditioned fresh water stream 110 toward the outlet 112.

[0027] The heat pump 102 may operate to absorb residual heat from the wastewater stream 106 via the working fluid circulating in the heat pump 102 and reject that heat into the first fresh water stream 104. Through work performed on the working fluid via the heat pump 102, e.g., a vapor compression cycle, the heat pump 102 may condition, e.g., heat, the first fresh water stream 104 at an efficiency over 100%, such as between 300% to 600%. In this way, the heat pump 102 may provide improve heat transfer efficiency between the wastewater stream 106 and the first fresh water stream 104 relative to relying on passive or spontaneous heat transfer between the streams 104, 106. Utilizing residual or remaining heat energy from warmer wastewater may aid in the overall efficiency of the heat pump 102. This may enable water distribution systems like the system 100, such as electrical shower systems, to use less energy and reduce water consumption. Utilizing an effective warm wastewater boost for the heat pump 102 may facilitate using about a third of the energy as compared to systems that use passive heat transfer.

[0028] Depending on the desired conditions of the system 100, the heat transfer direction between the first fresh water stream 104 and the wastewater stream 106 could be reversed. For example, the heat pump 102 may reverse a flow direction of the working fluid therein such that heat is absorbed from the first fresh water stream 104 and heat is rejected into the wastewater stream 106. The heat pump 102 may operate to absorb heat from the first fresh water stream 104 to lower the temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110. Operating the heat pump 102 to lower the temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 may be implemented in applications where a cold or chilled water stream is dispensed via the outlet 112, such as in ice showers, ice baths, or applications where cold or chilled water is dispensed for consumption.

[0029] The system 100 may include one or more fluid motive devices, e.g., pumps, that are operable to move one or more of the first fresh water stream 104, the wastewater stream 106, the conditioned fresh water stream 110, and/or the drain stream 122 through the system 100. For example, the system 100 may include a fluid motive device operable to move the first fresh water stream 104 toward and through the heat pump 102 and/or the conditioned fresh water stream 110 from the heat pump 102 toward the outlet 112. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 may include a fluid motive device operable to move the wastewater stream 106 toward and through the heat pump 102 and/or the drain stream 122 from the heat pump 102 toward the drain 126 or a recirculation/recycle path.

[0030] The system 100 may include one or more controllers 134 connected with the heat pump 102 and a user interface or UI 136 that enables a user to adjust the temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 100. The controller(s) 134 can be centralized and/or decentralized. One or more of the controller(s) 134 may be dedicated to the heat pump 102 and connected with the user interface 136. Electrical connection between the heat pump 102, the controller(s) 134, and the user interface 136 may be established via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection such as via Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or another wireless interface.

[0031] The one or more controllers 134 may be operable to control one or more operating parameters of the heat pump 102 based on, or in response to, a user input received via the user interface 136. The user input may be indicative of a desired temperature of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 in the space 108. Additionally or alternatively, the controller(s) 134 may be operable to control one or more operating parameters of the heat pump 102 based on or according to a temperature setpoint of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 and/or the conditioned fresh water stream 110, which may be set or dynamically adjusted according to a user input, according to stored user preferences, according to a pre-programmed routine, etc. The operating parameter(s) of the heat pump 102 controlled via the controller(s) 134 may control or adjust a temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110, for example, by controlling or adjusting the heat transfer capability of heat pump 102. The operating parameter(s) of the heat pump 102 may include, for example and without limitation, a flow rate and/or pressure of the working fluid circulating in the heat pump 102, a temperature of the working fluid circulating in the heat pump 102, a flow rate of the first fresh water stream 104 through the heat pump 102, and/or a flow rate of the wastewater stream 106 through the heat pump 102.

[0032] The controller(s) 134 may utilize feedback from sensors positioned within the system 100 and/or the heat pump 102. The system 100 and/or the heat pump 102 may include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters, and/or the like positioned for monitoring various operating parameters of the system 100 and/or the heat pump 102 and providing feedback to the controller(s) 134. The sensors may be positioned at any suitable location along a working fluid loop of the heat pump 102 and/or at any suitable location of any one or more of the conduits of the system 100, e.g., the conduit(s) 120, 124, 130, and/or 132 of the system 100. The controller(s) 134 may communicate with the sensor(s) using wired and/or wireless connections as described above.

[0033] The user interface or UI 136 may be mounted on a support structure adjacent to the space 108. For example, the user interface 136 may be mounted on a side wall of a shower space. The user interface 136 may include user input devices for receiving user inputs associated with the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and/or the dispensed fresh water stream 114. The user interface 136 may include manual input devices such as control buttons, knobs, dials, switches, triggers, or any other type of manual input device. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 136 may include a touchscreen display, such as an LED or LCD display, configured to receive user inputs.

[0034] The user interface 136 may allow the user to control flow rate, pressure, temperature, and/or another characteristic of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and/or the dispensed fresh water stream 114. The user interface 136 may additionally or alternatively allow the user to initiate, transition between, terminate, or cycle through different operating modes of the system 100 including those described herein. For example, the user interface 136 may allow the user to initiate the heat pump 102 for conditioning the first fresh water stream 104 and/or control one or more operating parameters of the heat pump 102 to achieve a desired temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and/or the dispensed fresh water stream 114. The user input devices of the user interface 136 may be dedicated to a particular control feature. For example, one or more of the user input devices may be dedicated to controlling water temperature, water flow rate, water pressure, type of water spray, the operating mode of the shower system, etc. The controls enabled by the user interface 136 described herein are provided by way of example and are not an exhaustive list of functions. The user interface 136 may be operable to control any desired functions of the system 100 including those described elsewhere herein.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the heat pump 102 may include a compressor 202, a first heat exchanger or a fresh water heat exchanger 204, and a second heat exchanger or a wastewater heat exchanger 206. The compressor 202, the fresh water heat exchanger 204, and the wastewater heat exchanger 206 may each be positioned along a closed loop or circuit 208 in which a working fluid or heat transfer fluid circulates. The working fluid may include a refrigerant, glycol, brine, or another suitable fluid that enables the heat pump to function as described herein. The compressor 202 may be positioned between the fresh water heat exchanger 204 and the wastewater heat exchanger 206. An expansion device 210 may be positioned on the circuit 208 between the heat exchangers 204, 206 and opposite the compressor 202.

[0036] The fresh water heat exchanger 204 may be positioned to receive the first fresh water stream 104 via the fresh water conduit(s) 130. The fresh water heat exchanger 204 may facilitate transferring heat between the first fresh water stream 104 and the working fluid therein, producing the conditioned fresh water stream 110 that exits the fresh water heat exchanger 204 toward and into the outlet conduit(s) 132. For example, the fresh water heat exchanger 204 may facilitate rejecting heat from the working fluid into the first fresh water stream 104, raising the temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110. A fluid motive device, e.g., a pump, may be provided that drives the first fresh water stream 104 toward and through the fresh water heat exchanger 204 and/or the conditioned fresh water stream 110 from the heat exchanger 204.

[0037] The wastewater heat exchanger 206 may be positioned to receive the wastewater stream 106 via the wastewater conduit(s) 120. The wastewater heat exchanger 206 may facilitate transferring heat between the wastewater stream 106 and the working fluid therein, producing the drain stream 122 that exits the wastewater heat exchanger 206 toward and into the drain conduit(s) 124. For example, the wastewater heat exchanger 206 may facilitate absorbing heat from the wastewater stream 106 into the working fluid, lowering the temperature of the drain stream 122. A fluid motive device, e.g., a pump, may be provided that drives the wastewater stream 106 toward and through the wastewater heat exchanger 206 and/or the drain stream 122 from the heat exchanger 206.

[0038] The heat exchangers 204, 206 can include any heat exchanger configuration that enables the heat exchangers 204, 206 to transfer heat as described herein. For example, each of the heat exchangers 204, 206 can include a coil configuration, a shell-and-tube configuration, and/or a plate-and-frame configuration. While the heat exchangers 204, 206 are respectively referred to as the fresh water and wastewater heat exchanger, this is for convenience and conciseness for this example in which the heat exchangers 204, 206 may operate. The heat exchangers 204, 206 can each be used to transfer heat between any water stream within the system 100 and can also be referred to as a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The heat exchangers 204, 206 may also each independently include one heat exchanger or multiple heat exchangers. The heat exchangers 204, 206 may be utilized as separate units, components, or modules; additionally or alternatively, the heat exchangers 204, 206 may be integrated with another component of the system 100. For example, the heat pump 102, or a component thereof such as the wastewater heat exchanger 206, may be integrated with the receptacle 116 of FIG. 1.

[0039] The compressor 202 may include, for example, a centrifugal compressor, a scroll compressor, a rotary compressor, a piston compressor, an axial compressor, or another suitable compressor. The compressor 202 may pressurize the working fluid, which may raise the temperature of the working fluid and facilitate circulating the working fluid through the circuit 208.

[0040] The expansion device 210 may include, for example, an expansion valve, expansion orifice, capillary tube, or the like. The expansion device 210 may lower the pressure of the working fluid which can cause the working fluid to at least partially vaporize. In some embodiments, the expansion device 210 may be omitted.

[0041] In the illustrated example, pressurized working fluid is routed from the compressor 202 toward the fresh water heat exchanger 204, in which the working fluid rejects heat into the first fresh water stream 104 thereby producing the conditioned fresh water stream 110 having a raised temperature. The working fluid then optionally flows through the expansion device 210, which may lower the pressure of working fluid before it flows toward and through the wastewater heat exchanger 206. The working fluid absorbs heat from the wastewater stream 106 in the wastewater heat exchanger 206, thereby lowering the temperature of the drain stream 122. The heat transfer fluid can then be routed back toward the compressor 202 and the process may repeat.

[0042] The heat pump 102 may include a reversing valve that can be positioned to reverse the flow direction of the working fluid through the circuit 208. For example, a reversing valve can be positioned to route the working fluid from the compressor 202 toward the wastewater heat exchanger 206, in which the working fluid rejects heat into the wastewater stream 106, thereby raising the temperature of the drain stream 122. The working fluid may then flow toward the fresh water heat exchanger 204, and optionally through the expansion device 210, and the working fluid may absorb heat from the first fresh water stream 104 in the fresh water heat exchanger 204, thereby lowering the temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110.

[0043] FIG. 3 depicts another example of a water distribution system 300 that may include similar elements and components to the system 100 of FIG. 1. Like elements and components between the system 100 and the system 300 may be indicated using like reference numerals. For example, the water distribution system 300 may include the heat pump 102 operable to transfer heat between the first fresh water stream 104 and the wastewater stream 106, thereby producing the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and the drain stream 122. Additionally, the water distribution system 300 may include a mixing valve 302 that may operate to further condition the fresh water before it is dispensed via the outlet 112 as the fresh water stream 114. In particular, the mixing valve 302 may receive a second fresh water stream 304 that may be utilized to further condition the conditioned fresh water stream 110, or another fresh water stream, e.g., by raising or lowering the temperature, upstream from the outlet 112. In this way, the mixing valve 302 may be operable to achieve a desired temperature of the dispensed fresh water stream 114.

[0044] The mixing valve 302 may be positioned between the heat pump 102 and the outlet 112. The mixing valve 302 may receive the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and the second fresh water stream 304. The mixing valve 302 may combine the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and the second fresh water stream 304 to produce a mixed water stream 306 that flows through the outlet conduit(s) 132 towards the outlet 112. The second fresh water stream 304 may be utilized to further condition the conditioned fresh water stream 110, e.g., by raising or lowering the temperature, upstream from the outlet 112. The characteristics of the dispensed fresh water stream 114, e.g., temperature, may be substantially similar to the characteristics of the mixed water stream 306 exiting the mixing valve 302.

[0045] The mixing valve 302 may include one mixing valve or multiple mixing valves. Although the mixing valve 302 is shown positioned between the heat pump 102 and the outlet 112, a mixing valve 302 may additionally or alternatively be positioned at another location of the system 300 for receiving another water stream for combining with the second fresh water stream 304. For example, a mixing valve 302 may be positioned for receiving the first fresh water stream 104 and combining the first fresh water stream 104 with the second fresh water stream 304 upstream from the heat pump 102 and the outlet 112. Additionally or alternatively, a mixing valve 302 may be positioned for receiving the wastewater stream 106 and combining the wastewater stream 106 with the second fresh water stream 304 upstream from the heat pump 102 and the outlet 112.

[0046] The conditioned fresh water stream 110 may flow toward the mixing valve 302 via one or more intermediate conduits 308 connected between the heat pump 102 and the mixing valve 302. Concurrently, or nearly concurrently, the second fresh water stream 304 may be supplied via a second fresh water supply 310 and directed toward the mixing valve 302 via one or more second fresh water conduits 312. The second fresh water supply 310 may be or include the fresh water supply 128 or may be or include a different water supply. The conditioned fresh water stream 110 and the second fresh water stream 304 may be combined or mixed in the mixing valve 302, whereby the characteristics of the second fresh water stream 304 may influence and further condition the conditioned fresh water stream 110. In this way, the mixed water stream 306 and the dispensed water stream 114 may be provided with a desirable temperature for the user of the system 100. For example, a temperature of the second fresh water stream 304 entering the mixing valve 302 may be lower than a temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 entering the mixing valve 302. Alternatively, a temperature of the second fresh water stream 304 entering the mixing valve 302 may be higher than a temperature of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 entering the mixing valve 302.

[0047] The mixing valve 302 may be controllable to adjust flow of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and/or the second fresh water stream 304. For example, the mixing valve 302 may be controllable to increase and/or decrease flow of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 received by the mixing valve 302. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing valve 302 may be controllable to increase and/or decrease flow of the second fresh water stream 304 received by the mixing valve 302. Control valve(s) may also be provided upstream from the mixing valve 302, e.g., on the conduit(s) 308 and/or 312, for adjusting flow of the water streams 110, 304. Adjusting the flow of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and/or the second fresh water stream 304 entering the mixing valve 302 may provide greater flexibility and control over the temperature of the mixed water stream 306 exiting the mixing valve 302. The flow of the water streams 110 and/or 304 may be controlled manually and/or via the controller(s) 134. The flow of the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and/or the second fresh water stream 304 may be controlled via the controller(s) 134 based on, or in response to, a user input indicative of a desired temperature of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 in the space 108. The user input may be received via the user interface 136. Additionally or alternatively, the controller(s) 134 may be operable to control flow of the water streams 110 and/or 304 based on or according to a temperature setpoint of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 and/or the mixed water stream 306, which may be set or dynamically adjusted according to a user input, according to stored user preferences, according to a pre-programmed routine, etc. The flow of the water streams 110 and/or 304 may be controlled in conjunction with or in the alternative to the control operations of the heat pump 102 described above.

[0048] FIG. 4 depicts another example of a water distribution system 400 that may include similar components to the system 100 of FIG. 1 and/or the system 300 of FIG. 3. Like elements and components between the system 100 and/or 300 and the system 400 may be indicated using like reference numerals. For example, the water distribution system 400 may include the heat pump 102 operable to transfer heat between the first fresh water stream 104 and the wastewater stream 106, thereby producing the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and the drain stream 122. The water distribution system 400 may also include the mixing valve 302 that may operate to further condition the fresh water before it is dispensed via the outlet 112 as the fresh water stream 114. Additionally, the water distribution system 400 may include a storage tank 402, e.g., a hot water tank, that receives the conditioned fresh water stream 110 via the intermediate conduit(s) 308. The storage tank 402 may store a volume of the conditioned fresh water upstream from the outlet 112. The storage tank 402 may be integrated with the mixing valve 302 or may be a separate component. The storage tank 402 may be positioned between the heat pump 102 and the mixing valve 302. The conditioned fresh water may be stored in the storage tank 402 for future use, e.g., for future supply to the mixing valve 302 to produce the mixed water stream 306 with the second fresh water stream 304 at a desired temperature. The storage tank 402 may include one storage tank or multiple storage tanks.

[0049] The conditioned fresh water stored in the storage tank 402 may be supplied to the mixing valve 302 as a stored water stream 404 via one or more second intermediate conduits 406. The storage tank 402 and/or the second intermediate conduit(s) 406 may be equipped with one or more outlet control valves controlling the supply of the stored water stream 404 to the mixing valve 302. For example, the outlet control valve(s) may be controllable to initiate, terminate, and/or adjust flow of the stored water stream 404 from the storage tank 402 to the mixing valve 302. The outlet control valve(s) may be controlled manually and/or via the controller(s) 134. The outlet control valve(s) may be controlled to initiate, terminate, and/or adjust flow of the stored water stream 404 via the controller(s) 134 based on, or in response to, a user input indicative of a desired temperature of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 in the space 108. The user input may be received via the user interface 136. Additionally or alternatively, the controller(s) 134 may be operable to control the outlet control valve(s) based on or according to a temperature setpoint of the dispensed fresh water stream 114 and/or the mixed water stream 306, which may be set or dynamically adjusted according to a user input, according to stored user preferences, according to a pre-programmed routine, etc. The mixing valve 302 may be controlled as described above in conjunction with or in the alternative to the outlet control valve(s) of the storage tank 402 for controlling flow of the stored water stream 404.

[0050] The storage tank 402 may also be connected with a conditioned water supply 408, e.g., a hot water supply, that may replenish or supplement the volume of conditioned fresh water stored in the storage tank 402. A supplemental conditioned water stream 410 may be supplied from the conditioned water supply 408 via one or more supplemental conditioned water conduits 412. The storage tank 402 and/or the supplemental conditioned water conduit(s) 412 may be equipped with one or more inlet control valves controlling the supply of the supplemental conditioned water stream 410 to the storage tank 402. For example, the inlet control valve(s) may be controllable to initiate, terminate, and/or adjust flow of the supplemental conditioned water stream 410 to the storage tank 402. The inlet control valve(s) may be controlled manually and/or via the controller(s) 134. The inlet control valve(s) may be controlled to initiate, terminate, and/or adjust flow of the supplemental conditioned water stream 410 via the controller(s) 134 based on, or in response to, a user input or feedback indicative of a low level of stored conditioned fresh water in the storage tank 402. The feedback indicative of a level of the stored conditioned fresh water may be received via one or more level sensor(s) included in the storage tank 402.

[0051] FIG. 5 depicts another example of a water distribution system 500 that may include similar components to the system 100 of FIG. 1, the system 300 of FIG. 3, and/or the system 400 of FIG. 4. Like elements and components between the system 100, 300 and/or 400 and the system 500 may be indicated using like reference numerals. For example, the water distribution system 500 may include the heat pump 102 operable to transfer heat between the first fresh water stream 104 and the wastewater stream 106, thereby producing the conditioned fresh water stream 110 and the drain stream 122. The water distribution system 500 may also include the mixing valve 302 that may operate to further condition the fresh water before it is dispensed via the outlet 112 as the fresh water stream 114. Additionally, the water distribution system 500 may include a thermal storage device 502, e.g., a thermal battery. The thermal storage device 502 may be integrated with the mixing valve 302 or may be a separate component. The thermal storage device 502 may be positioned between the heat pump 102 and the outlet 112. The thermal storage device 502 may receive the conditioned fresh water stream 110 via the intermediate conduit(s) 308. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal storage device 502 may be directly connected to or integrated with the heat pump 102 and may transfer heat directly with the heat pump 102. The thermal storage device 502 may include one thermal storage device or multiple thermal storage devices.

[0052] The thermal storage device 502 may absorb heat from the conditioned water stream 110. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal storage device 502 may absorb heat directly from the heat pump 102. For example, the thermal storage device 502 may contain a heat storage material that absorbs the heat from the conditioned water stream 110 and/or the heat pump 102. The heat storage material may include a phase change material. Non-limiting examples of phase change material may include hydrated salts, fatty acids, and paraffin wax. The phase change material may transition into a first phase, e.g., a gaseous phase, when absorbing the heat energy from the conditioned water stream 110 and/or the heat pump 102. The phase change material may subsequently transition into a second phase, e.g., a liquid or solid phase, when rejecting the absorbed heat energy. In this way, the thermal storage device 502 may harvest heat energy from the conditioned water stream 110 and/or the heat pump 102 and store the harvested heat energy for later use to assist in heating a fresh cold water stream 510. The harvested heat energy may be stored via the thermal storage device 502 and remain usable, for at least a period of time, for later activations of the system 100. Thus, for example the system 100 may avoid losing all of the heat energy that may be available following the conclusion of a shower or other water distribution operation.

[0053] The thermal storage device 502 may reject the stored heat energy to produce a heated fresh water stream 504. The heated fresh water stream 504 may be directed to the mixing valve 302 and/or the outlet 112 via one or more third intermediate conduits 506. The thermal storage device 502 may produce the heated fresh water stream 504 by rejecting the stored heat energy into a third fresh water stream 510. The third fresh water stream 510 may be supplied from a third fresh water supply 508 via one or more third fresh water conduits 512. The third fresh water supply 508 may be or include the fresh water supply 128 and/or the second fresh water supply 310 or may be or include a different water supply.

[0054] In the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5, components and elements may be illustrated and described as individual components and elements. It is understood that multiple of such components and elements may be integrated to cooperatively perform the functions of the individual components and elements unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, all or part of the heat pump 102 may be integrated or incorporated in the receptacle 116. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing valve 302 may be integrated with the storage tank 402 and/or the thermal storage device 502. Additionally or alternatively, the storage tank 402 and the thermal storage device 502 may be integrated with each other.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 of operating a water distribution system, e.g., the system 100, 300, 400, and/or 500, is depicted. The method 600 may include dispensing 602 a first water stream into a space, e.g., the space 108, via an outlet, e.g., the outlet 112. Use of the first water stream in the space may produce a second water stream, e.g., the wastewater stream 106. The method 600 may also include collecting 604 the second water stream, e.g., using the receptacle 116. The second water stream may be collected 604 within and/or downstream from the space. The method 600 may also include transferring 606 heat between the second water stream and the first water stream via a heat pump, e.g., the heat pump 102. For example, the method 600 may include absorbing heat from the second water stream and rejecting heat into the first water stream via the heat pump, thereby raising the temperature of the first water stream. Additionally or alternatively, the method 600 may include absorbing heat from the first water stream, thereby lowering the temperature of the first water stream, and rejecting heat into the second water stream. The heat pump may be located upstream from the outlet to control a temperature of the first water stream being dispensed into the space. The first water stream may encompass or include the first fresh water stream 104, the conditioned water stream 110, the dispensed water stream 114, and, optionally, one or more intermediate water streams between the heat pump and the outlet as described herein.

[0056] In some examples, the method 600 may include combining the first water stream with a third water stream via a mixing valve, e.g., the mixing valve 302. The mixing valve may be positioned between the heat pump and the outlet. A temperature of the third water stream entering the mixing valve may be lower than a temperature of the first water stream entering the mixing valve. The third water stream may be or may include the fresh water stream 304 supplied via the supply 310.

[0057] In some examples, the method 600 may include storing a volume of the first water stream in a storage tank, e.g., the storage tank 402. The storage tank may be positioned between the heat pump and the outlet. In some examples, the method 600 may include absorbing heat from the first water stream and/or the heat pump via a thermal storage device, e.g., the thermal storage device 502. The thermal storage device may be positioned between the heat pump and the outlet. The thermal storage device may reject heat into a third water stream, e.g., the fresh water stream 510. In some examples, the method 600 may include controlling, e.g., via the controller(s) 134, at least one operating parameter of the heat pump according to a desired temperature of the first water stream being dispensed into the space.

[0058] The present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications, applications, variations, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the present constructions will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. All such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present inventions are deemed to be covered by the inventions which are limited only by the claims which follow.

[0059] Additional or alternative features or iterations may be incorporated in the described shower system. For example, iterations of a shower system may include a level of improved filtration. One or more additional filters or improved filtration systems or mechanism may be integrated into a shower system. Ultraviolet disinfection (e.g., UV, UV-C, UVGI, etc.) may be incorporated into a shower system. The improved filters, Ultraviolet disinfection, or a combination thereof may be integrated inline with the plumbing. Coupling or otherwise integrating the improved filters, Ultraviolet disinfection, or a combination thereof into sump may be considered. Coupling said components within the sump may provide easier access and serviceability for the user.

[0060] The embodiments are not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles a, an, and the are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms mounted, connected, supported, and coupled and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. References to one embodiment or an embodiment of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms upstream and downstream refer to a flow direction of fluid through a conduit.

[0061] It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the techniques). In addition, while certain aspects of this disclosure are described as being performed by a single component, module or unit for purposes of clarity, it should be understood that the techniques of this disclosure may be performed by a combination of components, units or modules, and vice versa. Where individual components, units or modules are depicted, such components, units or modules may be integrated to cooperatively perform the functions of the individual components, units or modules unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0062] In one or more examples, the described techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer).

[0063] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term processor as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structure or any other physical structure suitable for implementation of the described techniques. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.