Drainage system and shower room or shower cubicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a drainage system (30, 130) for recovering thermal energy from a flow of shower room or faucet grey water. The drainage system (30, 130) comprises: a drainage inlet (32, 132) for receiving grey water; a heat exchanger (70) configured to heat the incoming flow of cold water with grey water flowing from the grey water inlet (72) to the grey water outlet (74); and a water level control conduit portion (40, 140) disposed downstream of the grey water outlet (74). The drainage system (30, 130) further includes a downcomer (50, 150) disposed downstream of the water level control conduit portion (40, 140). The downcomer (50, 150) includes a constriction (52) for increasing the flow rate of grey water from the grey water inlet (72) to the grey water outlet (74).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drainage system for recovering thermal energy from a flow of grey water. The present invention also relates to a shower cubicle or shower cubicle comprising such a drainage system. Background Art

[0002] A shower cubicle typically comprises a shower head fluidly connected to a shower mixer configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply and cold water from a cold water supply. The hot water supply may be, for example, water heated by a domestic boiler (using combustible fuels, electricity, district heating or a heat pump). Therefore, a shower cubicle is an energy-intensive unit, consuming a large amount of energy to heat the hot water for showering.

[0003] Devices for recovering heat from shower grey water (i.e. waste water discharged from the shower floor into a shower drainage system) are known in the prior art, for example in GB2232749, US4619311, GB2052698 and DE29615555. Such devices are usually installed in shower drainage systems to recover heat from shower grey water, for example from a shower tray, using a plate heat exchanger with high thermal efficiency. Such drainage systems may be referred to as heat recovery drainage systems. However, since the heat exchanger and shower drainage system are usually installed into the floor of a shower room or shower tray in relation to specific space requirements, adaptability of the drainage system size is very important. Therefore, at least for some reasons, the size of the heat exchanger and the associated equipment should be small. However, when the size of the heat exchanger and the associated equipment is kept down, the capacity of the heat recovery drainage system is reduced.

[0004] In other words, there is a trade-off between the size of the drainage system and the flow rate capacity and heat recovery performance of the drainage system, both of which are limited by the size of the system.Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved drainage system. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above problems and to provide a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a flow of grey water from a shower or tap, which drainage system is improved compared to the solutions of the prior art. The drainage system comprises a heat exchanger configured to recover heat energy from the grey water and a configuration capable of increasing the flow rate of the grey water through the heat exchanger. In particular, the increase in the flow rate of the grey water is achieved by a combination of a water level control pipe section and a downcomer arranged downstream of the heat exchanger. For example, the increased flow rate may refer to an increased total flow rate or average flow rate in the drainage system. Thus, the flow rate of the grey water through the heat exchanger can be increased while also maintaining a satisfactory degree of wetness of the heat exchanger. Thus, the heat recovery efficiency of the system can be kept maximized while increasing the flow capacity and limiting the scaling rate. If the heat exchanger is not satisfactorily wetted, some parts of the heat exchanger will become cooler than the wetted parts, resulting in increased scaling on the cooler parts of the heat exchanger. In addition, the drainage system of the present invention is relatively simple, cost-effective and user-friendly. This object and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by means of a drainage system and a shower room or shower cubicle comprising such a drainage system.

[0006] According to at least a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a flow of grey water from a shower or tap. The system comprises:

[0007] - a drain inlet for receiving grey water,

[0008] a heat exchanger arranged downstream of the drain inlet and comprising a grey water inlet and a grey water outlet, the heat exchanger being configured to heat the incoming flow of cold water with grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet,

[0009] - a water level control conduit section arranged downstream of the grey water outlet, wherein

[0010] The drainage system further includes a downcomer disposed downstream of the water level control pipe portion and including a constriction for increasing a flow rate of the grey water from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet.

[0011] Thus, an improved drainage system is provided, which includes wetting level control of a heat exchanger while increasing the flow rate of grey water from a grey water inlet to a grey water outlet by means of a downcomer. By providing a water level control conduit portion and a downcomer including said constriction and arranging the water level control conduit portion and the downcomer including said constriction downstream of the grey water outlet, the following combined effects are achieved: controlling the wetting level of the heat exchanger - typically ensuring that at least a majority of the heat exchange surfaces in the heat exchanger are wetted, and increasing the flow rate of grey water through the heat exchanger. Thus, the use of other types of fluid flow increasing devices, such as pumps or compressors, can be avoided. The drain inlet, the grey water inlet, the grey water outlet, the water level control conduit portion and the downcomer are typically in fluid communication with each other in an airtight manner between the drain inlet and downstream of the downcomer. Thus, during use of the drainage system, the grey water flows further from the drain inlet to the heat exchanger and the grey water inlet, through the heat exchanger to the grey water outlet, further to the water level control conduit portion and the downcomer and the constriction. Thereafter, the grey water is typically discharged to a sewer or the like. Therefore, the water level control conduit section and the downcomer are typically then arranged downstream of the grey water outlet. Furthermore, the heat exchanger is thus adapted for continuous flow of grey water from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet. Therefore, during use, the constriction increases and stabilizes the flow of grey water through the heat recovery drainage system, including increasing the flow rate from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet of the heat exchanger. The constriction prevents or at least reduces the flow of air into the system and into the downcomer, thereby improving and stabilizing the flow of grey water through the drainage system.

[0012] It will be appreciated that the water level control conduit portion is arranged to control the wetting level of the heat exchanger. The water level control conduit portion may, for example, be arranged to achieve full wetting of the heat exchanger. Thus, the water level control conduit portion may be referred to as a wetting level control conduit portion. In other words, the water level control conduit portion may be referred to as a conduit portion arranged downstream of the grey water outlet, which conduit portion is arranged to control the water level or wetting level of the heat exchanger. Thus, the drainage system may comprise a downstream conduit arranged to receive grey water discharged from the grey water outlet, wherein the downstream conduit comprises a conduit portion arranged to control the water level or wetting level of the heat exchanger. The water level control conduit portion may be arranged to ensure that the grey water flows continuously through the heat exchanger while maintaining at least a minimum wetting level, such as, for example, full wetting of the heat exchanger. In other words, the heat exchanger and the water level control conduit portion are arranged to enable the heat exchanger to be continuously wetted when in use, i.e. to maintain at least a minimum wetting level, such as, for example, full wetting of the heat exchanger during use.

[0013] It will be appreciated that the downcomer is arranged to act as a siphon for the heat exchanger and increase the flow rate of the grey water. Thus, during use, the downcomer or siphon conduit portion results in an increase in the height of the hydraulic column, thereby resulting in an increased driving pressure for the grey water, thereby achieving a higher flow rate. The downcomer may be referred to as a siphon conduit portion. A downcomer should be understood as a conduit or conduit portion arranged to direct or guide grey water downwardly. Thus, with reference to the previously described downstream conduit, the downstream conduit may include a conduit portion arranged to direct or guide grey water downwardly, wherein such conduit portion is arranged downstream of the water level control conduit portion and includes a constriction.

[0014] According to at least one example embodiment, the water level control conduit portion has a water flow section, the lowest point of which is arranged vertically above at least a portion of the grey water outlet.

[0015] Thus, the water level control conduit portion ensures that all heat exchange surfaces in the heat exchanger and vertically below the portion of the gray water outlet are wetted. Thus, gas or air in the heat exchanger can be reduced or even avoided. Therefore, the flow of gray water through the heat exchanger can remain uninterrupted, the degree of wettability of the heat exchange surface can remain very high or even completely wetted, and the efficiency of the heat exchanger remains very high. Therefore, the water level control conduit portion serves as a wetting level control portion arranged at a height corresponding to the wetting level of the heat exchanger. Therefore, the water level control conduit portion can be referred to as a wetting level control conduit portion. Therefore, the water level control conduit portion ensures that the wetting level or water level in the heat exchanger remains at the maximum (or rated) level. The lowest point can be referred to as the vertical lowest point of the water flow section. The water flow section whose lowest point is arranged vertically above the gray water outlet is typically a horizontally arranged conduit section of the water level control conduit portion. According to at least one example embodiment, such a water flow section is arranged at a height vertically above the gray water outlet, or at least partially arranged above the gray water outlet. The flow area of ​​the gray water outlet is generally defined by its radial cross section. Since the grey water outlet is configured to discharge the grey water mainly in a horizontal direction, the radial cross section usually extends in a vertical direction.

[0016] According to at least one example embodiment, the lowest point of the water flow section of the water level control conduit portion is arranged vertically above the highest point of the grey water outlet or its radial cross section. According to at least one example embodiment, the lowest point of the water flow section of the water level control conduit portion is arranged vertically above the central axis of the grey water outlet. According to at least one example embodiment, the lowest point of the water flow section of the water level control conduit portion is arranged vertically above the lowest point of the grey water outlet or its radial cross section.

[0017] According to at least one alternative example embodiment, the water flow section of the water level control conduit portion is arranged vertically at the same vertical level as the grey water outlet, or vertically above the grey water outlet.

[0018] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system further comprises a water trap arranged downstream of the grey water outlet, wherein the water level control pipe section is comprised in the water trap or arranged downstream of the water trap.

[0019] Therefore, the drainage system may include a water trap arranged downstream of the grey water outlet. The water trap may, for example, terminate at the water level control pipe section, or the water level control pipe section may be included in the water trap. Therefore, the water level control pipe section does not need to be included in the water trap. The water trap may, for example, be a U-shaped pipe section, which is typically designed to trap liquids or gases to prevent unwanted flows, such as sewer gases, from flowing upstream. In an alternative example embodiment, the drainage system includes a water trap arranged downstream of the water level control pipe section.

[0020] According to at least one example embodiment, the downcomer is arranged directly downstream of the water trap. For example, the water trap terminates in the downcomer. According to at least one alternative example embodiment, the downcomer forms part of the water trap, ie the downcomer is included in the water trap.

[0021] According to at least one example embodiment, the water level control conduit portion is connected to the downcomer by means of an elbow, such as a 90 degree elbow.

[0022] According to at least one example embodiment, the water level control pipe section is a horizontally arranged pipe section or is included in a pipe elbow.

[0023] Thereby, the wetting level in the heat exchanger can be controlled in an effective manner.For example, the horizontally arranged pipe section or elbow of the water level control pipe section comprises the previously mentioned water flow section, the lowest point of which is arranged vertically above the grey water outlet.

[0024] According to at least one example embodiment, the radial cross-section of the water level control conduit portion is non-circular.

[0025] Thereby, the previously mentioned water flow section having the lowest point can be adjusted. For example, by making the non-circular radial cross section of the water level control conduit section elliptical and defined by having a central horizontal axis that is larger than the central vertical axis, the lowest point of the water flow section can be arranged higher in the vertical direction than if a corresponding circular radial cross section was used.

[0026] According to at least one example embodiment, the downcomer is a vertically arranged pipe section.

[0027] Therefore, the downcomer can effectively increase the flow rate of the grey water.

[0028] According to at least one example embodiment, the constriction in the downcomer is tapered.

[0029] Thus, during use, the grey water will be directed to the central portion of the downcomer, thereby reducing the risk of forming air / gas pockets or air / gas channels along the inner wall portion of the downcomer. In other words, the water in the downcomer is forced against the walls and the center of the tapered constriction, thereby forming an improved water column, increasing the stability and performance of the flow of grey water in the downcomer. As a result, the total flow rate of grey water in the drainage system can be increased. Typically, downcomers taper in a downstream direction. Thus, according to at least one example embodiment, the constriction in the downcomer tapers in a downstream direction. In other words, the fluid flow cross-sectional area in the downcomer decreases in the downstream direction. In other words, at a first position of the downcomer, the fluid flow cross-sectional area (such as a radial cross-sectional area) has a first value, and at a second position of the downcomer arranged away from the first position or downstream of the first position, the fluid flow cross-sectional area (such as a radial cross-sectional area) has a second value lower than the first value.

[0030] According to at least one example embodiment, a downcomer is a vertically arranged pipe section, wherein a constriction in the downcomer generally tapers in a downstream direction. Thus, with reference to the previously mentioned first and second positions of the downcomer, the second position is arranged below the first position, such as arranged vertically below the first position.

[0031] According to at least one example embodiment, the constriction in the downcomer tapers conically.

[0032] According to at least one example embodiment, the drainage system further includes a drainage manifold having a first manifold inlet arranged downstream of the downcomer, and a manifold outlet arranged to supply any received grey water to the drainage outlet.

[0033] Thus, an efficient structure for directing grey water from a downcomer to a drain outlet is provided. Furthermore, the drain manifold provides the possibility of designing the downcomers (and other upstream components) independently of the drain outlet. For example, the dimensions of the downcomers may be different from the dimensions of the drain outlet pipe connected to the manifold outlet. Thus, standard sizes may be used for drain outlet pipes selected independently of the downcomers. The diameter of the drain outlet pipe may, for example, be between 50 mm and 110 mm, preferably 75 mm. The diameter of the downcomers may, for example, be between 15 mm and 70 mm. The drain manifold provides increased stability or fixity of the drainage system, since the downcomers (and other upstream components) as well as any drain outlet pipes are fixed in place by the drain manifold.

[0034] According to at least one example embodiment, the downcomer terminates in a first manifold inlet.

[0035] That is, the first manifold inlet is arranged directly downstream of the downcomer. According to at least one example embodiment, the downcomer is incorporated into the drain manifold. Thus, a structure is provided that provides efficient connectability for the heat exchanger and any drain outlet piping.

[0036] According to at least one example embodiment, the drain manifold comprises a second manifold inlet, and the drain system further comprises a bypass conduit arranged to supply grey water to the second manifold inlet by bypassing the heat exchanger.

[0037] Thus, grey water may be transferred to the drain manifold and drain outlet without passing through the heat exchanger and associated portions of the drain system. Thus, in the event of an overflow, or to handle grey water flows that exceed the capacity of the heat exchanger, the drain system is configured to direct grey water to the drain manifold and drain outlet via the bypass conduit. Thus, the drain manifold may have the multi-purpose function of providing a structure that is capable of collecting and directing various grey water flows to a common drain outlet. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the drain manifold may provide increased stability or fixity of the drain system because the downcomers (and other upstream components), the bypass conduit, and any drain outlet piping are all secured in place by the drain manifold.

[0038] According to at least one example embodiment, the downcomer is a first downcomer and the drainage system includes a second downcomer disposed in the bypass duct and including a constriction for increasing a flow rate of the grey water in the bypass duct.

[0039] Thereby, the flow rate of the grey water in the bypass duct may be increased in a corresponding manner as described with reference to the first downcomer. Although the first downcomer and the second downcomer may (but need not) be designed differently, the embodiments mentioned with respect to the first downcomer are equally applicable to the second downcomer. For example, the second downcomer is a vertically arranged pipe section and / or the contraction is a tapered contraction (typically a tapered contraction in the downstream direction and / or conically tapered).

[0040] According to at least one example embodiment, the drain manifold comprises a third manifold inlet arranged to supply grey water leaking from the heat exchanger or any pipe section or connection to the heat exchanger to the drain manifold and further to the drain outlet.

[0041] According to at least one example embodiment, the drain manifold, the second manifold inlet, and / or the third manifold inlet include a water trap or an odor trap. For example, in the example of an odor trap, the odor trap may be a membrane trap. For example, the odor trap may include a membrane, such as a silicon membrane, arranged to close when no grey water flows through the corresponding structure (i.e., the drain manifold, the second manifold inlet, and / or the third manifold inlet) to prevent odor from entering the upstream of the drainage system, and arranged to open when receiving grey water flowing through the corresponding structure. The odor trap may be referred to as a mechanical odor trap.

[0042] According to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0043] The plate heat exchanger generally provides efficient heat transfer between grey water and incoming cold water. For example, the grey water outlet of the plate heat exchanger is arranged in the upper half of the heat exchanger. According to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger is arranged for continuous heat exchange between grey water and incoming cold water.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a shower room or shower cubicle is provided. The shower room or shower cubicle comprises:

[0045] a shower room device having a shower mixer configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply source and preheated cold water from a cold water supply source, and a shower head fluidly connected to the shower mixer to supply shower water;

[0046] - A drainage system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0047] The effects and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention. The embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention are largely compatible with the second aspect of the invention, some of which are illustrated below.

[0048] The shower room or shower cubicle may comprise a shower floor or shower tray, or alternatively may be replaced by a shower tray (ie a shower cubicle without surrounding walls). The drainage system of the first aspect of the invention may for example be incorporated into such a shower floor or shower tray.

[0049] According to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger of the drainage system is configured to heat the incoming flow of cold water using grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet to provide the cold water as preheated cold water for the shower arrangement.

[0050] Therefore, the drainage system can be arranged and configured to preheat cold water from a cold water supply source before supplying cold water (or preheated cold water) to the shower mixer. The cold water can be tap water, for example. Therefore, the drainage system can be connected to a tap water supply source.

[0051] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drainage system for recovering heat energy from a flow of grey water from a shower or tap. The system comprises:

[0052] - a drain inlet for receiving grey water,

[0053] a heat exchanger arranged downstream of the drain inlet and comprising a grey water inlet and a grey water outlet, the heat exchanger being configured to heat the incoming flow of cold water with grey water flowing from the grey water inlet to the grey water outlet,

[0054] - a drain manifold having a first manifold inlet arranged downstream of the heat exchanger, and a manifold outlet arranged to supply any received grey water to the drain outlet.

[0055] Therein, the drainage manifold comprises a second manifold inlet, and the drainage system further comprises a bypass conduit arranged to supply grey water to the second manifold inlet by bypassing the heat exchanger.

[0056] Thereby, the grey water can be conveyed to the drain manifold and the drain outlet without passing through the heat exchanger and the relevant parts of the drainage system. Therefore, in the event of overflow, or in order to handle the flow of grey water exceeding the capacity of the heat exchanger, the drainage system is configured to guide the grey water to the drain manifold and the drain outlet via the bypass duct. The drainage system may include a downcomer, such as the second downcomer described with reference to the first aspect of the invention, which is arranged in the bypass duct and includes a constriction for increasing the flow rate of the grey water in the bypass duct. Thereby, the flow rate of the grey water in the bypass duct can be increased in a corresponding manner as described with reference to the first downcomer described with reference to the first aspect of the invention. The embodiments mentioned with respect to the first downcomer of the first aspect of the invention are applicable to the downcomer in the bypass duct. For example, the downcomer in the bypass duct may be a vertically arranged pipe section, and / or the constriction may be a tapered constriction (typically a tapered constriction in the downstream direction and / or conically tapered).

[0057] Applicable to the first, second and third aspects of the invention, it should be noted that the heat exchanger of the drainage system may be configured to preheat cold water entering a mixer or tap of a shower compartment. However, according to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger of the drainage system is configured to preheat cold water entering a water heater, such as an externally arranged water heater (i.e., a water heater arranged externally relative to the drainage system) or an instantaneous water heater, in part or in whole. Thus, the preheated cold water may be routed in part or in whole to the water heater, thereby resulting in an increased flow of cold water through the heat exchanger and thereby increasing heat recovery from the grey water compared to a situation where the cold water through the heat exchanger is only supplied to the shower mixer. The heat exchanger is typically arranged to discharge the grey water downstream, for example to a sewer. As mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger is preferably a plate heat exchanger.

[0058] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description.The skilled person realizes that different features of the present invention can be combined to produce embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] These and other aspects of the present inventive concepts will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a shower cubicle or shower stall including a drainage system for recovering thermal energy from a flow of grey water according to at least some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 The present invention is described in more detail according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 drainage system,

[0062] Figure 3 FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Details of the drainage system,

[0063] Figure 4 FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 other details of the drainage system, and

[0064] Figure 5 A drainage system according to at least one example embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In this detailed description, various embodiments of the invention are primarily described with reference to a shower cubicle (or shower stall) that includes a drainage system for recovering thermal energy from a flow of grey water.

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shower room or shower cubicle 1. The shower room or shower cubicle 1 comprises a shower pan or shower floor 3 and shower walls 5 (of which only one shower wall is shown). The shower wall 5 is either attached to a building in which the shower room 1 is installed, or is separated from the building and thus forms part of the shower cubicle 1. Correspondingly, the shower pan or floor 3 is either attached to the building (i.e., constituting a shower floor of the shower room) or is separated from the building (i.e., constituting a shower pan of the shower cubicle). For simplicity, the shower room or shower cubicle 1 will be described hereinafter simply as a shower room 1, and the shower pan or floor 3 will be described as a shower floor 3.

[0067] The shower room 1 further comprises a shower mixer 10 and a shower head 12, which is fluidly connected to the shower mixer 10 via a shower conduit 14 (e.g., a shower hose or shower pipe). The shower mixer 10 is configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply source, such as a hot tap water supply source, and preheated cold water from a cold water supply source, which is preheated cold water from a heat exchanger in a drainage system 30, as will be described below. During use, the shower mixer 10 mixes the required amount of preheated cold water with the hot water, supplies the mixed water to the shower head 12 via the shower conduit 14, and thereby provides shower water for showering. The shower water then encounters the shower floor 3 and enters the shower room drainage system 30 as grey water. As a result of showering, the grey water typically includes debris such as textile fibers and hair, as well as grease and shower products.

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the drainage system 30 is arranged in a recess of the shower floor 3, wherein the recess is covered by a plate 7 and wherein the plate 7 is provided with at least one opening, here in the form of a plurality of perforations 9a. However, it should be noted that the at least one opening may replace the plurality of perforations 9a, which may be constituted by one or more gaps or slits arranged in the plate 7, for example by one or more gaps or slits arranged along one or more of the lateral sides of the plate 7. Thus, grey water may enter the drainage system 30 via the perforations 9a.

[0069] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 2 Describing the drainage system 30 in further detail, Figure 2 The drainage system 30 vertically below the plate 7 is shown in more detail in FIG. The drainage system 30 includes a drainage inlet 32, which is used to drain the grey water after passing through the perforations 9a (e.g. Figure 1The grey water is received as shown in FIG.

[0070] The drainage system 30 also includes a heat exchanger 70 arranged downstream of the drainage inlet 32. The heat exchanger 70 includes a grey water inlet 72 and a grey water outlet 74. In addition, the heat exchanger 70 includes a cold water inlet 76 and a cold water outlet 78, wherein the cold water inlet 76 is used to receive cold water from a cold water supply source and the cold water outlet 78 is used to discharge preheated cold water to the shower mixer 10. The grey water inlet 72, the grey water outlet 74, the cold water inlet 76 and the cold water outlet 78 are shown in dotted lines because they are partially hidden behind the plate 7. However, it should be noted that the preheated cold water can alternatively be supplied to a water heater or an instant water heater. Therefore, the heat exchanger 70 is configured to heat the flow of incoming cold water using the grey water flowing from the grey water inlet 72 to the grey water outlet 74. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the heat exchanger 70 is a plate heat exchanger comprising heat exchange surfaces arranged and configured to transfer heat from the grey water to the incoming cold water.

[0071] The drainage system 30 includes a water level control pipe section 40 disposed downstream of the grey water outlet 74. Figure 3 to Figure 4 The water level control conduit portion 40 is described in further detail.

[0072] The drainage system 30 includes a downcomer 50 disposed downstream of the water level control pipe section 40. The downcomer 50 includes Figure 2 The contraction 52 schematically shown in FIG. 5 is used to increase the flow rate of the grey water from the grey water inlet 72 to the grey water outlet 74, as will be referred to in Figure 3 to Figure 4 described in further detail.

[0073] Figure 3 The water level control pipe section 40 and the downcomer 50 are shown in more detail in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in , the water level control conduit portion 40 is arranged to control the wetting level of the heat exchanger 70 and ensure that at least a majority of the heat exchange surfaces in the heat exchanger 70 are wetted. Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , this is achieved in that the water level control pipe section 40 has a water flow section 42 which is a horizontally arranged pipe section, the lowest point 42a of which (indicated by the vertical dashed line) is arranged vertically above the grey water outlet 74. Figure 3In an embodiment of the present invention, the lowest point 42a of the water flow section 42 is arranged vertically above the highest point 74a of the grey water outlet 74. The difference between the lowest point 42a of the water flow section 42 and the highest point 74a of the grey water outlet 74 corresponds to the wetting level control of the heat exchanger 70. Preferably, the lowest point 42a of the water flow section 42 is arranged at a higher vertical position as compared to the highest point 74a of the grey water outlet 74. Thereby, complete or almost complete wetting of the heat exchanger is achieved. For example, the vertical distance between the lowest point 42a of the water flow section 42 and the highest point 74a of the grey water outlet 74 is at least 5 mm. Therefore, the water level control conduit portion 40 ensures that all heat exchange surfaces within the heat exchanger 70 and located at the same level or below the grey water outlet 74 in the vertical direction are wetted. In other words, the water level control conduit portion 40 serves as a wetting level control portion, which is arranged at a height corresponding to the wetting level of the heat exchanger 70. Thus, the water level control conduit portion 40 ensures that the wetting level or water level within the heat exchanger 70 is maintained at a maximum (or rated) level. However, it should be noted that the water flow section 42 may be arranged vertically at the same level as the grey water outlet 74 (e.g. Figure 5 As shown in ). As described above, the water flow section 42 is a horizontally arranged pipeline section. Therefore, the water level control pipeline section 40 can correspondingly include or constitute a horizontally arranged pipeline section or a bend, wherein at least the water flow section 42 is a horizontally arranged pipeline section in the bend.

[0074] According to at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger 70 is arranged to be inclined from the grey water inlet 72 to the grey water outlet 74. For example, compared with the grey water inlet 72, the grey water outlet 74 is arranged at a lower vertical position, such as a vertical distance of 5 mm to 50 mm respectively.

[0075] Optionally, the radial cross section of the water flow section 42 is non-circular, for example by having an elliptical shape. Thus, the lowest point 42a of the water flow section 42 can be arranged higher vertically than if the water flow section 42 adopts a corresponding circular radial cross section.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view in , the downcomer 50 is arranged directly downstream of the water level control pipe section 40. Therefore, the water level control pipe section 40 ends in the downcomer 50. The downcomer 50 is a vertically arranged pipe section. Therefore, the water flow section 42 having the lowest point 42a is separated from the downcomer 50 by an elbow. This can be achieved, for example, by making the water level control pipe section 40 constitute an elbow or included in an elbow, as described above.

[0077] As shown in the cross-sectional view of the downcomer 50, the constriction 52 tapers in the downstream direction. Thus, during use, grey water will be directed to the central portion of the downcomer 50, thereby reducing the risk of air / gas pockets or air / gas passages forming along the inner wall portion of the downcomer 50. For example, the constriction 52 may taper conically.

[0078] By providing the level control piping section 40 and downcomer 50 disposed downstream of the grey water outlet 74 , the combined effects of controlling the wetting level of the heat exchanger 70 and increasing the flow rate of grey water through the heat exchanger from the grey water inlet 72 to the grey water outlet 74 are achieved.

[0079] Thus, during use, the downcomer 50 causes the height of the hydraulic column to be increased, as indicated by the first vertical arrow 90, compared to the case where the downcomer 50 with the constriction 52 is not used (indicated by the second vertical arrow 91), and / or compared to the case where the water level control pipe section 40 is not used and the downcomer 50 with the constriction 52 is not used (indicated by the third vertical arrow 92 extending from the lowest point 74b of the grey water outlet 74). As a result, an increased grey water driving pressure is achieved, thereby achieving a higher flow rate.

[0080] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the drainage system 30 includes a water trap 160 and a drainage manifold 180. The water trap 160 and the drainage manifold 180 are physically and functionally independent of each other and will be described separately below.

[0081] The water trap 160 is arranged downstream of the grey water outlet 74 and is Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment, a U-shaped pipe section is designed to capture liquid or gas to prevent unwanted flow, such as sewer gas, from flowing upstream in the drainage system 30. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the water trap 160 is arranged upstream of the water level control pipe portion 40 .

[0082] like Figure 3 As seen in FIG. 1 , the water trap 160 may extend from a first vertical level below the grey water outlet 74 to a second vertical level above the grey water outlet 74, the second vertical level being above the first vertical level. Thus, at least a portion of the water trap 160 may be formed in an S-shape.

[0083] The downcomer 50 is usually arranged downstream of the water collector 160. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the U-shaped water trap 160 can terminate at the water level control pipe section 40 as a horizontally arranged pipe section, and terminate downstream of the downcomer 50 as a vertically arranged pipe section. Typically, the water level control pipe section 40 is arranged vertically above the water trap 160.

[0084] The drain manifold 180 includes a first manifold inlet 182 disposed downstream of the downcomer 50 and a manifold outlet 184 disposed to supply any received grey water to the drain outlet 136 (shown only symbolically). Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the downcomer 50 terminates at a first manifold inlet 182, and the drain manifold 180 includes a drain outlet conduit 185 that accommodates a manifold outlet 184. Since the drain manifold 180 is disposed between the downcomer 50 and the drain outlet conduit 185 at least in terms of the direction of fluid flow (i.e., the downcomer 50 is disposed upstream of the drain manifold 180, and the drain outlet conduit 185 is disposed downstream of the drain manifold), the size of the downcomer 50 may be different from the size of the drain outlet conduit 185. For example, the diameter of the drain outlet conduit 185 may be greater than the diameter of the downcomer 50. The size (e.g., diameter and / or length) of the drain outlet conduit 185 may be adjusted, for example, according to predetermined requirements of the drainage system installation, such as to meet applicable standards. The drain manifold 180 also provides increased stability or fixity of the drainage system 30 because the downcomer 50 and the drain outlet conduit 185 are fixed in place by the drain manifold 180.

[0085] Go to the Figure 3 A more detailed view of the drainage system 30 Figure 4 .exist Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the water trap 160 and the water level control pipe section 40 and the downcomer 50 are indicated by dashed lines. Similarly, the drainage manifold 180 includes a first manifold inlet 182 and a manifold outlet 184, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The drainage manifold 180 also includes an optional second manifold inlet 186 and an optional third manifold inlet 188. The drainage system 30 also includes a bypass conduit 138 connected upstream of the second manifold inlet 186 (also in Figure 2 ). A bypass conduit 138 is arranged downstream of the alternative drain inlet 133 (also in Figure 2 ), and is arranged to supply grey water to the second manifold inlet 186 by bypassing the heat exchanger 70. That is, instead of or in addition to further directing the grey water to the drain manifold 180 via the drain inlet 32 ​​and the heat exchanger 70, the drain system 30 may also be configured to direct the grey water to the drain manifold 180 via the alternative drain inlet 133, the bypass conduit 138 without passing through the heat exchanger 70. Thus, in the event of an overflow, or to handle a grey water flow that exceeds the capacity of the heat exchanger 70, the drain system 130 is configured to direct the grey water to the drain manifold 180 via the bypass conduit 138.

[0086] The third manifold inlet 188 is arranged to supply grey water leaking from the heat exchanger 70 or any pipe, pipe section or connection to the heat exchanger 70 to the drain manifold 180. That is, since the drain system 130 can be arranged in the recess 3a of the shower floor 3 (such as Figure 1 3a, i.e., the drainage system 30 in FIG), so any leaked grey water that eventually enters the bottom 3b of the recess 3a, i.e., the outside of the drainage system 30, can re-enter the drainage system 30 via the third manifold inlet 188. It should be noted that the drainage manifold 180 and / or the bypass duct 138 may include a combined water trap or odor trap. For example, the bypass duct 138 may be U-shaped like the previously mentioned water trap 160, and / or an odor trap as a membrane 189 may be installed in the drainage manifold 180, such as, for example, at the first manifold inlet 182, the second manifold inlet 186 and / or the third manifold inlet 188 or at the manifold outlet 184. In Figure 4 In an example embodiment, the membrane 189 is arranged at the manifold outlet 184 and is arranged to be closed when no grey water flows through the manifold outlet 184, thereby preventing odor from entering the upstream of the drainage system 30, and the membrane 189 is arranged to be opened (e.g., by pivoting) when receiving grey water flowing through the manifold outlet 184.

[0087] In addition, if Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , the connection to the second manifold inlet 186 or the manifold inlet 186 itself may include a downcomer 187. Thus, the downcomer 150 disposed upstream of the first manifold inlet 182 may be referred to as a first downcomer 150, while the downcomer 187 associated with the second manifold inlet 186 may be referred to as a second downcomer 187. The second downcomer 187 may be disposed, for example, at a Figure 4 . Thus, the flow rate of the grey water in the bypass conduit 138 can be increased in a corresponding manner as described with reference to the first downcomer 150. The second downcomer 187 includes a contraction 187a for increasing and stabilizing the flow rate of the grey water, and is preferably a vertically arranged pipe section, and / or the contraction is a tapered contraction (usually a tapered contraction in the downstream direction, and / or tapered conically).

[0088] Turning to the diagram showing an alternative drainage system 30' Figure 5 ,and Figure 3 Like the drainage system 30 of FIG. 1 , the drainage system 30 ′ includes a corresponding water level control portion 40 ′ and a downcomer 50 ′, so only the differences between the drainage systems 30 and 30 ′ are described herein. Figure 5 Similar features are used in Figure 3 to Figure 4 The same reference numerals as in the reference numerals in FIG. 1 are used, such as, for example, the heat exchanger 70 and the grey water outlet 74. However, in Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the drainage system 30' is not like Figure 3 The water level control portion 40' is arranged as an extension of the grey water outlet 74 and is therefore arranged at the same vertical level as the grey water outlet 74. Furthermore, the downcomer 50' comprises a constriction 52' arranged as a throttling flange 52' located inside the downcomer 50'. As indicated by the vertical arrow 90', the height of the hydraulic column can still be maintained at a satisfactory level.

[0089] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, many different variations, modifications etc. will become apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the drainage system may be installed for heat recovery of grey water from a tap or bathtub instead of from a shower.

[0090] Furthermore, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A drainage system (30, 30') for recovering heat energy from a flow of grey water from a shower or tap, the drainage system (30, 30') comprising: - a drain inlet (32) for receiving grey water, a plate heat exchanger (70) arranged downstream of the drain inlet (32) and comprising a grey water inlet (72) and a grey water outlet (74), the heat exchanger (70) being configured to heat an incoming flow of cold water using the grey water flowing from the grey water inlet (72) to the grey water outlet (74), a water level control conduit section (40, 40') arranged downstream of the grey water outlet (74), the water level control conduit section (40, 40') being configured to control the wetting level of the plate heat exchanger, wherein The drainage system (30, 30') also includes a downcomer (50, 50') arranged downstream of the water level control pipe section (40, 40'), and the downcomer (50, 50') includes a contraction (52, 52'), and the contraction (52, 52') is used to increase the flow rate of the grey water from the grey water inlet (72) to the grey water outlet (74).

2. A drainage system (30, 30') for recovering heat energy from a flow of grey water from a shower or tap, the drainage system (30, 30') comprising: - a drain inlet (32) for receiving grey water, a heat exchanger (70) arranged downstream of the drain inlet (32) and comprising a grey water inlet (72) and a grey water outlet (74), the heat exchanger (70) being configured to heat an incoming flow of cold water using the grey water flowing from the grey water inlet (72) to the grey water outlet (74), - a water level control conduit section (40, 40') arranged downstream of the grey water outlet (74), wherein The drainage system (30, 30') also includes a downcomer (50, 50'), which is arranged downstream of the water level control pipe section (40, 40'), and the downcomer (50, 50') includes a contraction (52, 52'), and the contraction (52, 52') is used to increase the flow rate of the grey water from the grey water inlet (72) to the grey water outlet (74).

3. The drainage system (30, 30') according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The water level control conduit portion (40, 40') has a water flow section (42), the lowest point (42a) of the water flow section (42) being arranged vertically above at least a portion of the grey water outlet (74).

4. The drainage system (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a water trap (160) arranged downstream of the grey water outlet (74), and wherein: The water level control pipe section (40) is included in the water trap (160) or arranged downstream of the water trap (160).

5. Drainage system (30, 30') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The water level control pipe section (40, 40') is a horizontally arranged pipe section or is included in a bend pipe.

6. A drainage system (30, 30') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The downcomer (50, 50') is a pipe section arranged vertically.

7. A drainage system (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The contraction portion (52) tapers in the downstream direction.

8. The drainage system (30) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drainage manifold (180) having a first manifold inlet (182) disposed downstream of the downcomer (50) and a manifold outlet (184) disposed to supply any received grey water to a drainage outlet (136).

9. The drainage system (30) according to claim 8, wherein: The downcomer (50) terminates at the first manifold inlet (182).

10. The drainage system (30) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The drainage manifold (180) includes a second manifold inlet (186), and the drainage system further includes a bypass conduit (138) arranged to supply grey water to the second manifold inlet (182) by bypassing the heat exchanger (70).

11. The drainage system (30) according to claim 10, wherein: The downcomer (50) is a first downcomer (50), and the drainage system (30) includes a second downcomer (187), which is arranged in the bypass conduit (138) and includes a contraction (187a), wherein the contraction (187a) is used to increase the flow rate of the gray water in the bypass conduit (138).

12. A drainage system (30, 30') according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein: The heat exchanger (70) is a plate-type heat exchanger (70).

13. A drainage system (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The radial cross section of the water level control conduit portion (40) is non-circular.

14. The drainage system (30) according to claim 4, wherein: The water trap (160) is a U-shaped pipe section or an S-shaped pipe section.

15. A shower room (1) or shower cubicle (1), comprising: - a shower room device, the shower room device having a shower mixer (10) configured to mix hot water from a hot water supply source and preheated cold water from a cold water supply source, and a shower head (12) fluidly connected to the shower mixer to supply shower water; - Drainage system (30, 30') according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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