Electric hot water micro-tank preheater unit (4)

Abstract

2024323230 18 Nov 2024 In optimal operation, the apparatus improves the service of hot water to a point of use, such as a hot water tap (23), by delivering heated water in a timely manner due to its integration into the hot water service supply pipework (24) and due to this integration being close in proximity upstream from the point of use. The hot water supply from a heating source further downstream (25), that has cooled in hot water service supply pipework (24) while the hot water tap (23) has been closed, feeds the tank once the tap (23) is open and the cooled water entering the micro-tank (5) undergoes reheating, as the tap user experiences water being raised rapidly to the desired temperature. The storage volume of the micro-tank (5) shall be greater than the volume of water in the length of hot water service supply pipework (24) delivering water from the main heated water source (25) to the apparatus, ensuring the apparatus delivers hot water until the incoming supply from the main heated water source (25) has reached its intended hot temperature. At this point hot water entering the micro-tank (5) undergoes natural convection and makes its way to the micro-tank outlet (19) quicker than the cooler water being reheated, thus creating a seamless flow of hot water at the hot water tap (23) and eradicating an unwanted large drop in the water temperature being delivered. Once the water in the micro-tank (5) has reached the desired temperature, the thermostatic control (7) switches the heating element (6) off to save energy and protect the tank (5) from overheating. If water is detected by the electronic sensor (11) in the safe tray (8), the solenoid valve (12) operates to divert the flow of water directly to the hot water tap (23) bypassing the micro- tank (5). The resulting disruption of the apparatus to deliver hot water in a timely manner is noticed by the user of the tap (23). Normal operation of the hot water tap (23) can continue while maintenance on the apparatus is scheduled to return it to optimal operation. In optimal operation, the apparatus improves the service of hot water to a point of use, such as a hot water tap (23), by delivering heated water in a timely manner due to its integration into the hot water service supply pipework (24) and due to this integration being close in proximity upstream from the point of use. The hot water supply from a heating source further downstream (25), that has cooled in hot water service supply pipework (24) while the hot water tap (23) has been closed, feeds the tank once the tap (23) is open and the cooled water entering the micro-tank (5) undergoes reheating, as the tap user experiences water being raised rapidly to the desired temperature. The storage volume of the micro-tank (5) shall be greater than the volume of water in the length of hot water service supply pipework (24) delivering water from the main heated water source (25) to the apparatus, ensuring the apparatus delivers hot water until the incoming supply from the main heated water source (25) has reached its intended hot temperature. At this point hot water entering the micro-tank (5) undergoes natural convection and makes its way to the micro-tank outlet (19) quicker than the cooler water being reheated, thus creating a seamless flow of hot water at the hot water tap (23) and eradicating an unwanted large drop in the water temperature being delivered. Once the water in the micro-tank (5) has reached the desired temperature, the thermostatic control (7) switches the heating element (6) off to save energy and protect the tank (5) from overheating. If water is detected by the electronic sensor (11) in the safe tray (8) the solenoid valve (12) operates to divert the flow of water directly to the hot water tap (23) bypassing the micro- tank (5) . The resulting disruption of the apparatus to deliver hot water in a timely manner is noticed by the user of the tap (23) , Normal operation of the hot water tap (23) can continue while maintenance on the apparatus is scheduled to return it to optimal operation. 20 24 90 37 95 18 N ov 2 02 4 20 24 32 32 30 1 8 N ov 2 02 42024323230 18 Nov 2024 The inclusion of the pressure reduction valve (16), the pressure vessel (17), and the thermostatic controls (7) are all measures to not only protect the micro-tank from rupturing due to excessive temperature and / or pressure, but also to minimize water being wasted, and reduce the chances of water discharging into the safe tray (8) leading to the disruption of optimal operation of the apparatus. An isolation valve (26) on the incoming hot water supply to shut off supply to the tap allows for the apparatus to be integrated. The isolation valve (26), the tap (23),the main heated water source (25), and the associated external pipework do not form part of the invention. Figure 1 The inclusion of the pressure reduction valve (16), the pressure vessel (17), and the thermostatic controls (7) are all measures to not only protect the micro-tank from rupturing due to excessive temperature and / or pressure, but also to minimize water being wasted, and reduce the chances of water discharging into the safe tray (8) leading to the disruption of optimal operation of the apparatus. An isolation valve (26) on the incoming hot water supply to shut off supply to the tap allows for the apparatus to be integrated. The isolation valve (26), the tap (23) , the main heated water source (25) , and the associated external pipework do not form part of the invention. 23 1 19 13 18 20 3 5 II 14 17 25 16 24 4 2 26 8 12 15 9 10 7 6 21 22 11 Figure 1 20 24 90 37 95 18 N ov 2 02 4 20 24 32 32 30 1 8 N ov 2 02 42024323230 18 Nov 2024 23 3 16 24 2 26 8 22 1 19 13 18 20 5 3 1417 24 4 16 23 2 8 1215 9 10 7 6 21 11 20 24 90 37 95 18 N ov 2 02 4 20 24 32 32 30 1 8 N ov 2 02 4 9 8 2024323230 18 Nov 2024 7 + 2 3

Description

water in the pipework cools to room temperature. When the tap is opened, water travels from the main hot water source at a relatively slow velocity to avoid damage to fixtures and equipment and reduce noise and vibrations associated with water hammer. For these reasons there is a delay in hot water arriving at the fixture outlet. The delay is an inconvenience to the user and results in water and energy being wasted. One common solution to this problem is to do away with the main hot water source altogether and install an electric instantaneous hot water unit as close as practicable to the outlet. Single-phase electric instantaneous units provide inadequate hot water flow rates and are therefore impractical in nearly all applications, and so electrical circuits must be upgraded from a single-phase power supply to a three-phase power supply to allow the cold water supply to be instantly and continuously heated to the desired temperature and flow rate when the hot water tap it serves is opened. Another common solution to this problem is to loop the hot water pipework back to the main hot water source which creates a closed heating system of the storage unit and looped pipework. To create the loop additional pipework is required. A pump is also required to circulate water around the loop. A less common solution to this problem is to treat hot water pipework from the main hot water source by wrapping it with a trace of electrical wiring that imparts heat onto the pipework when current is run through the wiring. This solution requires a 2024323230  18 Nov 2024 constant input of additional energy and can pose a risk of electrocution if any branches are cut into the loop while in operation. SUMMARY

[0002] Electric instantaneous hot water units require a large amount of energy to operate effectively. The additional amount of energy required and the associated costs in upgrading electrical circuits, make it a non-preferred option. Looping pipework back to a main hot water source requires additional pipework and a pump, resulting in high installation costs and additional running costs making it another nonpreferred option. Heat tracing pipework is the least preferred option due to its installation cost, running costs, and risk of electrocution.

[0003] The invention solves these problems by utilizing a small electric hot water storage tank, or micro-tank, on the hot water pipework and in close proximity to a hot water plumbing fixture, such as a hot water tap, by acting only as a preheater on the hot water supply rather than as a main heating source on the cold water supply. The volume of water to be preheated is no greater than the volume of cooled water in the pipework from the main hot water source. When hot water does reach the inlet of the micro-tank from the main hot water source, natural convection allows the hot water to make its way to the outlet of the micro-tank while the cooler water in the micro-tank continues to be reheated. This provides the user with an initial fast delivery of hot water and maintains a flow of heated water without a large drop in temperature. Once all the water in the micro-tank has reached the desired temperature a thermostat within the unit switches off power to the unit. The invention also includes an integral safe tray that captures water in the unlikely event of the micro-tank malfunctioning. If this should occur water can be redirected to bypass the unit and the user 2024323230  18 Nov 2024 can continue to utilize the plumbing fixture until maintenance work is carried out.

[0004] The advantageous effect of the Invention is to reduce the delay in waiting for heated water at a hot water plumbing fixture, such as a hot water tap, without requiring large amounts of additional energy to do so, and to continue delivering heated water without a large drop in temperature, all with the safety of an integral safe tray and bypass function that allows the user continued use of the tap in the unlikely event of failure.

[0005] The labelled drawing of the invention indicates the components that make up one complete apparatus (ref figure 1).

Claims

1. An apparatus containing a small electric hot water storagetank or micro-tank is connected in-line on a hot water servicesupply pipe close in proximity upstream to the fixture, such asa hot water tap, being served. The effect is to dramatically decrease the wait time for hot water to be delivered to the tapby providing heated water from the micro tank at the same timeas cooled water in the hot water service line enters the microtank. The storage volume of the micro-tank is to be greater thanthe volume of water in the length of hot water service supplypipework delivering water from the main heated water source tothe apparatus, ensuring the apparatus delivers hot water until the incoming supply from the main heated water source hasreached its intended hot temperature. At this point hot waterentering the micro-tank undergoes natural convection and makes its way to the micro-tank outlet quicker than the cooler waterbeing reheated, thus creating a seamless flow of hot water atthe hot water tap and eradicating an unwanted large drop in thewater temperature being delivered. Once the water in the microtank has reached the desired temperature, the thermostaticcontrol switches the heating element off to save energy andprotect the micro-tank from overheating.

2. Main components of the apparatus are all housed within a container with integral 50mm deep safe tray for the containmentof water in the unlikely event of water escaping from the microtank, and this integral safe tray is built-in rather thanneeding a standard, separate, stand-alone safe tray.

3. The floor of the container includes a raised set of platforms on which the micro-tank is positioned. Clear of theplatform, an electronic water sensor is located on the floor ofthe container to offer the earliest possible detection of the presence of escaped water and provide a higher level of protection for the internal components and prevention of property damage.2024323230  18 Nov 20244. The electronic sensor is wired to a battery powered 3-way solenoid valve located immediately downstream of the incoming water pipe connector. The 3-way solenoid valve directs water flow to pipework either extending to the micro-tank inlet or to bypass pipework that bypasses the micro-tank and exits thecontainer via the outgoing hot water pipe connecter, to allowthe ongoing use of the hot water tap by the end user. Theresulting disruption of the apparatus to deliver hot water in atimely manner is noticed by the user of the tap. Normaloperation of the hot water tap can continue while maintenance onthe apparatus is scheduled to return it to optimal operation.

5. The pipework extending to the micro-tank inlet incorporates a pressure reduction valve and a pressure vessel and the microunit contains thermostatic controls, all to minimize the chancesof any water discharging via the temperature and pressure reliefvalve, which is acting as a last-resort failsafe, into theremoveable water containment tray. The water containment tray isonly large enough to capture the water produced during testingof the temperature and pressure relief valve and can be removedand emptied before being reinstated within the container. Waterentering the containment tray as a result of a malfunction willoverflow into safe tray and lead to the disruption of optimal operation of the apparatus.

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