Integrated heat recovery system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for comprehensively recovering heat from warm wastewater.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 448,292, filed on February 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Technical Field and Background

[0004] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system and method for integrated heat recovery and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to recovering heat from warm wastewater.

[0005] Global warming appears to have already caused an average temperature increase of 1.5°C, with observable impacts on the environment. Glaciers are shrinking, ice on rivers and lakes is melting earlier, the distribution ranges of plants and animals are shifting, and trees are blooming earlier. Furthermore, heat waves caused by global warming can increase the risk of heat-related illness and death. Many people attribute a large portion of global warming to the burning of fossil fuels. Some of the heat generated by burning fossil fuels is waste heat from homes and industries (for example, from refrigerators, air conditioners, bathtubs, showers, power generation, household appliances, industrial processes, etc.). This wasted heat can lead to increased fossil fuel use and / or exacerbate global warming. Reusing waste heat can reduce the energy required to burn fossil fuels and / or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0006] Therefore, a way to use and / or recover waste heat is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system and method for integrated heat recovery and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to recovering heat from warm wastewater.

[0008] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, a system for waste heat recovery is provided, comprising: a first heat exchange coil immersed in clean water, the first heat exchange coil including a first channel through which a heat exchange fluid passes; and a second heat exchange coil immersed in a warm fluid containing waste heat, the second heat exchange coil including a second channel, the heat exchange fluid passing through the second channel, and the first channel being connected to the second channel.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the warm fluid comprises a waste fluid.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clean water is drinking water.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fresh water is hotter than the warm fluid.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the warm fluid comprises wastewater.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the warm fluid is collected from at least one of a shower, a bathtub, a wash basin, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, an air cooling system, an industrial process, a solar panel cooling system, or any combination thereof.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a compressor interconnected between the first channel and the second channel, wherein the heat exchange fluid is a refrigerant.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises an expansion valve located between the compressor and the second channel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises an agitator for increasing turbulence in the warm fluid.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the agitator comprises at least one of fins and plates.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second heat exchange coil further includes an ultrasonic vibrator.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises an air heat exchanger.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first heat exchange coil is immersed in flowing clean water stored in a first storage tank.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a plurality of interconnected storage tanks storing clean water, wherein each of the plurality of storage tanks is configured to directly receive water from the first storage tank.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a plurality of interconnected storage tanks for storing clean water.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second heat exchange coil is immersed in warm fluid stored in a second storage tank.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a plurality of interconnected storage tanks storing the warm fluid, wherein each of the plurality of storage tanks is configured to send the warm fluid directly to the second storage tank.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a plurality of interconnected storage tanks for storing the warm fluid.

[0026] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system for reusing heat from wastewater, comprising: a heat exchanger; a plurality of first storage tanks connected to a clean water source; wherein each of the plurality of first storage tanks is independently connected to the heat exchanger; and a second storage tank connected to a warm wastewater source and the heat exchanger.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second storage tank includes a plurality of second storage tanks, wherein each storage tank of the plurality of second storage tanks is independently connected to the heat exchanger.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the warm wastewater from the warm wastewater source to clean water.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system is configured to slowly transfer heat from any one of the plurality of second storage tanks to any one of the plurality of first storage tanks.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of first storage tanks and the plurality of second storage tanks are connected in series.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of first storage tanks and / or the plurality of second storage tanks are concentrically connected.

[0032] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying hot water, the method comprising: collecting warm wastewater into a first storage tank having a heat exchanger; transferring heat to the cold coolant by circulating cold coolant from a heat pump through a coil in a warm wastewater storage tank, wherein heat is extracted from the wastewater by heating the coolant in the coil; compressing the warmed coolant in a compressor to generate high pressure; transferring the heated coolant from the compressor to a coil in a second storage tank containing clean water; heating the clean water by the heated coolant in the coil in the second storage tank; expanding the coolant through an expansion valve to make the coolant a super-cooled low-pressure liquid / vapor mixture; returning the super-cooled liquid / vapor mixture to the first storage tank and heating it by the warm wastewater; and optionally, repeating the method.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchanger includes a coil, and at least one of an evaporator and a pillow heat exchanger.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the coolant is selected from the group consisting of: a gas, a liquid / gas mixture, and a liquid.

[0035] The implementation of the method and / or system of the embodiment of the present invention can relate to manually, automatically, or the two are combined to perform or complete the task of selection. In addition, according to the instrument and equipment of the embodiment of the method and / or system of the present invention, an operating system can be used to implement the task of multiple selections by hardware, software, firmware or its combination.

[0036] For example, the hardware for performing the selected tasks according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a chip or circuit. For software, the selected tasks according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as multiple software instructions executed by a computer using any appropriate operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more tasks according to the exemplary embodiments of the method and / or system described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing multiple instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data, for example, a magnetic hard disk and / or removable media for storing instructions and / or data. Optionally, a network connection is also provided. Optionally, a display and / or user input device such as a keyboard or mouse can also be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it should be emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and are provided for illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the description using the accompanying drawings will provide those skilled in the art with a clear understanding of how to implement the embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1A D to D are schematic diagrams of various views of storage tanks according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 is an example image of a spiral pillow heat exchanger according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 is a block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method for heating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a system for heating water according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a system for reversible heat transfer in heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a system for reversible heat transfer in cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a reversible heating and cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system and method for integrated heat recovery and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to recovering heat from warm wastewater.

[0052] Overview

[0053] Some embodiments relate to methods and / or systems for heat recovery. According to some embodiments, the system and / or method may be an integrated heat recovery system. According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system may recover heat from warm wastewater. According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system may be modular. According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system may exchange heat from warm wastewater and / or additional heat sources to cold, clean water. Alternatively or additionally, the heat from the warm wastewater may be concentrated by a heat pump and / or used for industrial processes, storage, for heating buildings and / or for generating energy (such as electricity), etc. Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may relate to a method for supplying hot water.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the system may include a heat pump for transferring heat from a warm waste fluid to provide heat, such as heating clean water. For example, the heat pump can facilitate raising the temperature of the clean water to a temperature higher than that of the heat source (e.g., warm waste water). Optionally, the heat pump can be designed to have a cold coil in direct contact with the warm waste fluid and a hot coil in direct contact with the clean water. For example, the heat exchange coil and / or the channel through which the coolant (e.g., refrigerant) flows can be immersed in a warm wastewater flow (e.g., wastewater and / or heated air) and / or a heated fluid (e.g., clean water). For example, the condenser coil of the heat pump can be directly immersed in the clean water and / or the evaporator coil can be directly immersed in a waste heat carrier (e.g., warm wastewater and / or the outlet of a cooling system (e.g., a solar cell cooling system)).

[0055] According to some embodiments, the system can recover heat from the wastewater. Optionally, the system can be modular. Optionally, the system can include one or more heat exchangers and / or a heat pump. Optionally, the heat exchanger can transfer heat from the warm waste fluid to heat the clean water. Optionally, the heat exchanger can be designed to have a cold coil in direct contact with the warm waste fluid and a hot coil in direct contact with the clean water. Optionally, the heat exchanger can include multiple clean water storage tanks and / or multiple warm wastewater storage tanks. Optionally, each of the wastewater storage tanks and / or each of the multiple clean water storage tanks can be independently connected to a heat exchanger.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the system can transfer and / or store heat between multiple storage tanks. Optionally, the system can transfer heat at various speeds, for example, slowly transferring heat over a period of hours, quickly transferring heat over a period of minutes, etc. Optionally, a low-power heat exchanger can supply large volumes of hot water (for example, by slowly heating and storing water during low-demand times, and continuing to heat and supply water during high-demand times). Optionally, the power range of the low-power heat exchanger can be between about 10W and 500W, and / or between 500W and 1kW, and / or between 1kW and about 5kW, and / or between about 5kW and about 10kW, and / or between about 10kW and about 20kW.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the system can store hot water in an inner storage tank and cooler water in a plurality of peripheral storage tanks, for example, to conserve heat. Alternatively, the storage tanks can be arranged in a 1D array and / or a 2D array, such as a concentric array, such as a plurality of rings. In some cases, the waste stream can be continuous and not stored in the storage tank. In some cases, the purge stream can be continuous and not stored in the storage tank.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the system can be used to transfer heat from one storage tank to the next. Optionally, the heat can be increased in a gradient from one storage tank to the next. Optionally, by using a small heat exchanger to transfer heat from the warm water stream, a very high final temperature can be achieved. Some embodiments may relate to methods of supplying hot water.

[0059] As used herein, the term "drainage" may relate to used water from a building and / or an application such as a shower, washing machine, dishwasher, toilet and other similar and / or industrial processes.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "dirty water" and "wastewater" are used interchangeably and may refer to gray water and / or drainage, but in some applications may also refer to sewage and / or potable water. Alternatively, a warm stream of valuable fluid may be used instead of warm wastewater. For example, the valuable fluid may include clean fluid (e.g., drinking water) and / or industrial fluid (e.g., lubricants, clean fluids, coolants, etc.). In some embodiments, recovering heat from valuable fluids or waste fluids will be referred to as waste heat recovery.

[0061] Unless otherwise stated, the term "clean water" can relate to drinking water, technical water or any other liquid used at the hot end of a heat pump.

[0062] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "warm water", "hot water", "heat carrier" and "heating medium" are used interchangeably and may relate to a liquid, usually water, that can be heated, for example, by the hot part of a heat pump.

[0063] In some embodiments, warm fluid refers to a fluid having a temperature in the range of 0 to 20 degrees Celsius and / or 20 to 40 degrees Celsius and / or 40 to 100 degrees Celsius.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger may include one or more storage tanks for wastewater, one or more storage tanks for clean water, one or more coils, fins, plates and / or tubing, which may include a coolant. According to some embodiments, one or more wastewater storage tanks and / or one or more clean water storage tanks may be insulated. According to some embodiments, one or more wastewater storage tanks and / or one or more clean water storage tanks may include an agitator (e.g., to increase turbulence and / or spread heat and / or inhibit particle settling) and / or fins (e.g., to spread heat and / or accelerate heat exchange).

[0065] According to some embodiments, each storage tank can hold a liquid volume between about 1 liter and about 5 liters, and / or between about 5 liters and about 25 liters, and / or between about 25 liters and about 60 liters, and / or between about 60 liters and 120 liters, between about 120 liters and about 200 liters, and / or between about 200 liters and about 500 liters, and / or between about 500 liters and about 1,000 liters, and / or between about 1,000 liters and about 5,000 liters, and / or between about 5,000 liters and about 10,000 liters.

[0066] According to some embodiments, each storage tank may have a diameter and / or a length of one or more sides ranging from about 25 cm to about 50 cm, about 50 cm to about 100 cm, about 100 cm to about 500 cm, about 500 cm to about 1,000 cm, about 1,000 cm to about 5,000 cm, and / or about 5,000 cm to about 20,000 cm.

[0067] According to some embodiments, each storage tank may be equipped with a heat exchanger, a heat pump, multiple sensors (e.g., temperature sensors and / or water quality sensors), and / or a processor. According to some embodiments, each storage tank may also include a dirty water release valve and / or a pump. Optionally, the pump may be submersible. Alternatively or additionally, a heat pump may be included between two or more storage tanks.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system may be modular. According to some embodiments, a unit of the integrated heat recovery system may include at least one storage tank having associated multiple coils, multiple pumps, multiple sensors, multiple processors, etc. Optionally, the integrated heat recovery system may include one or more modules and / or units. Optionally, the modules and / or units may be connected in series. Optionally, the modules and / or units may be connected in parallel. Optionally, the modules and / or units may be connected concentrically, for example, with the hottest module in the center and the coldest module on the outside. Optionally, a modular unit may include a storage tank and / or a heat pump and / or a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, a modular unit may be added to the system and / or deleted from the system while changing an existing unit and / or changing an existing unit.

[0069] According to some embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be provided. Optionally, the plurality of sensors may be connected to at least one processor. According to some embodiments, the plurality of sensors may be selected from a group of sensors including, but not limited to, temperature, (electrical and / or fluid) flow, (electrical and / or fluid) current, voltage, humidity, pressure, water presence, etc. According to some embodiments, each storage tank may include at least one temperature sensor. According to some embodiments, the processor may be capable of estimating the amount of heat available in each storage tank and / or the expected performance of the heat pump under current conditions based, at least in part, on signals from the one or more sensors.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the processor may control the movement of wastewater through the system. According to some embodiments, the processor may control the movement of clean water through the system. According to some embodiments, the processor may control the movement of coolant through the system. According to some embodiments, the processor may be connected to a central control unit. According to some embodiments, the central control unit may be located locally and / or remotely, such as cloud-based. According to some embodiments, the sensors and / or the processor and / or the central control unit may be connected wirelessly. According to some embodiments, the sensors and / or the processor and / or the central control unit may be connected via one or more cables.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system can be integrated into a structure, such as a house, a building, an industrial plant, a hotel, an apartment building, a power station, a sports facility, a public facility, a medical facility, etc. Optionally, the hot wastewater can flow into a wastewater storage tank via pipes in and / or on the structure, for example, the pipes and / or the wastewater storage tank can be located in a floor, a wall, a water treatment room, a boiler room, etc.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the wastewater storage tank and / or the clean water storage tank can be positioned to reduce heat loss. According to some embodiments, the wastewater storage tank and / or the clean water storage tank can be positioned to reduce the need for a circulation pump (e.g., by adopting a natural thermal gradient and / or gravity, etc.). According to some embodiments, a favorable positioning of the wastewater storage tank and / or the clean water storage tank can be when the wastewater storage tank is positioned to facilitate discharge filling with the help of gravity. According to some embodiments, a beneficial positioning of the wastewater storage tank and / or the clean water storage tank can be to place the wastewater storage tank and / or the clean water storage tank concentrically (e.g., inner cylinder and outer annular) to facilitate reducing heat loss and / or facilitating heat recovery efficiency. According to some embodiments, there can be an array of wastewater storage tanks and / or clean water storage tanks.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the temperature of the clean water can be raised to a temperature between about 25°C and about 35°C, and / or about 35°C and 45°C, and / or about 45°C and about 55°C, and / or about 55°C and about 75°C, and / or about 75°C and about 100°C.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system can collect warm wastewater from one or more sources into a single storage tank. Optionally, the integrated heat recovery system can collect warm wastewater from one or more sources into multiple storage tanks. Optionally, the integrated heat recovery system can collect warm wastewater from multiple sources into multiple storage tanks based on predetermined criteria (e.g., water source water temperature, water pressure, etc.). According to some embodiments, warm wastewater can be collected from showers, bathtubs, washbasins, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, air cooling systems, industrial processes, solar panel cooling systems, and / or any other suitable sources. In some embodiments, the warm fluid can be waste heat, which can be collected in a clean fluid, such as from an industrial process and / or a cooling system (e.g., a solar panel cooling system).

[0075] According to some embodiments, one or more storage tanks may be connected together. According to some embodiments, one or more storage tanks may be connected together in series and / or in parallel and / or concentrically, such as in a daisy chain, etc. Optionally, a connector may be reversibly attached to one or more storage tanks. Optionally, the connector may be a capillary, a valve, a piston, a pipe and / or a pump. Optionally, the connected storage tanks may include one or more wastewater storage tanks. Optionally, the connected storage tanks may include one or more clean water storage tanks. Optionally, the connected storage tanks may include one or more wastewater storage tanks and / or clean water storage tanks of different temperatures. Optionally, the connected storage tanks may be connected in sequence to control their temperature, such as by raising and / or lowering their temperature to reach a selected temperature and / or temperature range. Optionally, heat may be transferred from one storage tank to the next, such as in sequence.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the storage tank may include one or more coils, agitators, fins, plates and / or tubes. According to some embodiments, the coils, agitators, fins, plates and / or tubes of a first storage tank may be connected to the coils, fins, plates and / or tubes of a second storage tank, etc. According to some embodiments, the coils, agitators, fins, plates and / or tubes may include a coolant. According to some embodiments, the coolant may be a liquid and / or a fluid and / or a gas and / or a liquid / gas mixture. According to some embodiments, the coolant may be compressible. According to some embodiments, the coils, agitators, fins, plates and / or tubes may be connected to a compressor. In some embodiments, the agitator may increase turbulence in the storage tank and / or inhibit sedimentation of particles in the storage tank and / or increase heat transfer.

[0077] Advantageously, according to some embodiments, the coils, stirrers, fins, plates and / or tubes comprising the coolant may be located within the storage tank, making the heat exchanger very efficient and relatively inexpensive to construct.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the units of the integrated heat recovery system may further include an air heat exchanger. According to some embodiments, the air heat exchanger may be operably coupled to the heat pump compressor (e.g., transferring heat from the air to a cooling fluid (e.g., refrigerant) that has passed through an expansion valve and / or transferring heated heat from a warm fluid (e.g., refrigerant that has been compressed) to the air). According to some embodiments, the central control unit may operate the dirty water heat exchanger or the air heat exchanger, or both. According to some embodiments, the exchanger may be coupled to the hot portion and / or cold portion of the heat exchanger and / or the compressor via an expansion valve, a three-way valve, and / or a separate valve.

[0079] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is positioned to contact and / or be immersed in one or more fluids (for example, warm fluid and / or clean water including waste heat). In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid circulates between multiple heat exchangers. For example, the heat transfer fluid can pass through multiple heat exchangers. Alternatively, the heat transfer fluid provides interconnection between multiple heat exchangers. Alternatively, the heat transfer fluid (for example, refrigerant) passes through a compressor and / or an expansion valve when flowing between the heat exchangers, thereby promoting active heat transfer between the fluids. In some embodiments, the interconnection between the exchangers (for example, transferring heat between a wastewater storage tank and / or a clean water storage tank and / or transferring heat between air and a storage tank) can be arranged to promote heat rebalancing. In some embodiments, the interconnection between the exchangers (for example, transferring heat between wastewater and / or clean water and / or transferring heat between air and a transfer fluid) can be arranged to pump hot and / or cold fluids to different locations and / or at different rates. For example, the system can be set to a VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system. Additionally, or alternatively, the storage tank may include one or more interfaces for connection to an external heat pump (e.g., an external VRF system). Optionally, the variable frequency heat pump may include an adjustable available compressor volume and / or range, e.g., which may be adjusted according to heating conditions.

[0080] In some embodiments, a heat exchanger can be connected and / or disconnected to a circuit that includes a heating element. In some embodiments, a heat exchanger can be connected and / or disconnected to a circuit that includes a cooling element. Optionally, the direction of the circuit (e.g., from heating to cooling, or vice versa) can be reversed (e.g., switching the cooling portion of the cycle to the heating portion of the cycle). Optionally, when the application of the heat exchanger changes (or is turned off), the total amount of coolant (e.g., coolant gas and / or refrigerant) may also change. For example, by controlling the pressure of the coolant contained in the disconnected heat exchanger, the amount of coolant can be controlled to a certain extent. Optionally, the coolant can be in a low pressure state. Optionally, the term low pressure can relate to a pressure ranging from about 0.004psi to about 0.903psi.

[0081] According to some embodiments, each wastewater unit can be coupled to a heat pump compressor via at least two valves. Optionally, the valves can individually connect and / or disconnect the heat pump compressor. According to some embodiments, the valves can support system operation. Optionally, when some wastewater unit modules may not be functioning properly and / or undergoing maintenance, one or more valves can be opened and / or closed without interrupting system service.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the central control unit can be configured to control the sequencing, timing, and / or synchronization of valves and / or compressors. Alternatively, the central control unit can be configured to control the pressure and / or volume of coolant in the active coils, fins, plates, and / or tubes. According to some embodiments, the scope of heat pumping methods can be expanded in a manner similar to that of frequency converters and / or the need for a greywater-coolant heat exchanger and / or associated circulation pump can be eliminated.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the integrated heat recovery system may include a main exchange unit and / or multiple heat exchangers coupled to a waste heat source (e.g., a storage tank for conveying warm waste fluid), multiple output storage tanks, one or more waste fluid input pumps, a sensor array (e.g., temperature, flow, current, voltage, pressure sensors, etc.), a dirty fluid inlet, a clean water outlet, and / or a circulation pump. Optionally, the system may include various sensors (e.g., temperature and / or pressure sensors) at various points. For example, the sensors may report the conditions of various locations to a controller. Optionally, the controller may control the temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of the coolant at various points around the system, for example, by controlling valves and / or controlling a compressor.

[0084] In some embodiments, each waste heat unit can be included in a module. For example, waste heat can be collected from a warm fluid (such as wastewater). Optionally, within the module, a wastewater storage tank can be operably coupled to a main exchange unit. Optionally, within the module, a wastewater storage tank can be operably coupled to another wastewater unit, for example, in a daisy-chain, series, parallel, and / or concentric arrangement. In some embodiments, each dirty water module can include one or more of the following: a dirty water input, a power input, a control input, an isolated storage tank, etc. In some embodiments, a wastewater module can contain multiple temperature sensors, multiple pressure sensors, and / or multiple flow sensors. Optionally, the sensors can help calculate the module's stored energy and / or temperature distribution. In some embodiments, the module can include an internal pump, for example, to supply the contents to the main wastewater heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the wastewater module can include a built-in heat exchanger. Optionally, the built-in heat exchanger can include coolant connection piping and / or be coupled to a heat pump.

[0085] According to some embodiments, some waste fluid units may be equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism. According to some embodiments, one or more heat exchangers may be equipped with a cleaning mechanism. Optionally, this mechanism may perform mechanical cleaning. Optionally, one or more heat exchangers may be equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning system. Additionally or alternatively, vibrations may be used to improve mixing and / or heat transfer. For example, an ultrasonic generator may be used to clean and / or mix the fluid. According to some embodiments, the system may include other functions to improve process efficiency, such as promoting induced circulation through the heat exchanger. Optionally, the induced circulation mechanism may be separate from the cleaning mechanism.

[0086] According to some embodiments, an air heat exchanger module can be coupled to the system. Alternatively, an air heat exchanger can be used in place of a wastewater unit. Alternatively, an air heat exchanger can be used in conjunction with a wastewater unit. Alternatively, the wastewater unit and / or the air heat exchanger can operate simultaneously or as a single heat exchanger.

[0087] According to some embodiments, an external heat exchanger can be coupled to the system for use in conjunction with and / or in place of the wastewater unit. Alternatively, the external heat source can be waste heat (e.g., from air conditioning units, ovens, industrial heating units, server farms, computing and / or laboratory infrastructure, composting, etc.), and / or heat from a solar system, and / or from direct sunlight, and / or indirect sunlight, etc.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the central control unit may be capable of evaluating the efficiency of the system configuration based on sensor readings (e.g., the coefficient of performance of the heat pump, the operating cost in terms of energy, and / or money, including the cost of reconfiguring the system). Optionally, the central control unit may be capable of evaluating the efficiency of the system configuration based on the sensor readings to operate within a predefined efficiency margin. Optionally, the predefined efficiency margin may be defined by the operator and / or the system itself. For example, the system may be configured to operate only when the coefficient of performance is above 10 during peak electricity hours and to operate only when the coefficient of performance is above 7 during off-peak hours. According to some embodiments, the system may be capable of reducing the number of on-off cycles of the heat pump by maintaining a specific amount of energy in the wastewater storage tank.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the system can perform delayed operation. According to some embodiments, the system can perform pre-scheduled operation. According to some embodiments, the system can collect dirty water during a set time period. According to some embodiments, the system can be turned on when specific conditions are met, such as efficiency, coefficient of performance, minimum heat pump operating time, electricity price, etc.

[0090] According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the system may be made from recycled and / or recyclable materials. According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the system may be recyclable and / or reusable.

[0091] According to some embodiments, a method of recovering heat using an integrated heat exchanger may include:

[0092] The warm wastewater is collected in a first storage tank having a heat exchanger (e.g., coil and / or evaporator and / or pillow heat exchanger) that transfers heat to a cold coolant (optionally, the coolant may comprise a gas and / or a liquid / gas mixture and / or be at low pressure).

[0093] Super-cooled coolant from a heat pump circulates through coils within a warm wastewater storage tank.

[0094] Heat is extracted from the wastewater by heating the coolant in the coils.

[0095] The warmed coolant becomes slightly superheated gas, which is then fed into the compressor and compressed into high-pressure, high-temperature superheated steam.

[0096] • The compressed very hot vapor coolant is fed to the coils in the second storage tank filled with fresh water to heat the fresh water by the heated coolant in the coils in the storage tank where it condenses into a high pressure saturated liquid.

[0097] The cooled refrigerant then enters the expansion valve where, after the pressure drops, it boils and becomes a super-cooled low-pressure liquid / vapor mixture.

[0098] The super-cooled coolant returns to the first storage tank and is heated by the warm wastewater.

[0099] ·The process then repeats from the beginning.

[0100] The above description is exemplary. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the coolant may take a different form than described above at various stages of the process. For example, when the coolant is described as a liquid / vapor mixture, it may be a liquid or a vapor. For example, when the coolant is described as a liquid or a vapor, it may be a liquid / vapor mixture. Specific embodiments

[0102] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the components and / or methods described in the following description and / or the construction and arrangement details shown in the accompanying drawings and / or embodiments. The present invention is capable of other embodiments or of being implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0103] Reference is now made to the drawings.

[0104] Figure 1AD to D are schematic diagrams of various views of a storage tank according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the storage tank 100 may include wastewater 106. Optionally, the storage tank 100 may include a mechanism for stirring (e.g., a stirrer 102) and / or cleaning the storage tank. Optionally, the storage tank 100 may include a plurality of coils, a plurality of fins, a plurality of plates, a plurality of tubes and / or tubes within the plurality of fins, through which the coolant may flow. For example, the fins 104 may include a pillow heat exchanger. Optionally, the storage tank 100 may include a plurality of concentric layers of coils, fins, plates, tubes and / or tubes within the fins, through which the coolant may flow. Optionally, this arrangement may result in increased heat transfer (e.g., convection). For example, the stirrer 102 may promote enhanced forced convection and / or the size and shape of the coils / fins 104 may promote enhanced diffusion and / or natural convection. Optionally, the system may include one or more modules. Optionally, the system may operate when one or more modules are shut down for cleaning.

[0105] Figure 2is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the integrated heat recovery system may include one or more heat inlet pipes 200 for waste heat (e.g., stored in warm wastewater). For example, the inlet pipes 200 may transport hot and / or warm wastewater to a wastewater storage tank 202. Alternatively, the wastewater storage tank 202 may be a ring storage tank (e.g., a toroidal storage tank). Alternatively, piping (e.g., coils 204) for a cold coolant (e.g., refrigerant and / or coolant gas) may be located directly within the wastewater storage tank. Optionally, such coolant piping may be less expensive to construct and / or may provide more efficient heat transfer. Heat may then be transferred from the hot wastewater in the wastewater storage tank 202 to the coolant within the coils 204. The now-hot coolant may then pass through a heat pump 206, which compresses the coolant into a hot liquid that can be pumped into the coils 210 in a storage tank 208 of clean, cold water. Clean water can be pumped into the clean water storage tank via cold water inlet line 220. The heated coolant then transfers heat to the clean cold water in cold water storage tank 208, thereby using the heat from the hot wastewater to heat the clean water and / or cool the coolant. The cooled coolant then flows back to heat pump 206, for example, via an expansion valve, where it further expands and / or cools before returning to wastewater storage tank 202. The wastewater, now cooled by the heat transfer to the coolant, can be pumped out of cold wastewater discharge line 212. For example, the discharge line can lead to a central drainage system, such as a municipal sewer system. The heated clean water can then be used, for example, for showers, dishwashers, washing machines, industrial processes, etc., via one or more hot clean water discharge lines 214. Optionally, cold water storage tank 208 may include a release valve 222, for example, to release pressure, store heat, and / or rapidly cool the system, and / or a magnesium rod 224, for example, to inhibit corrosion. Optionally, cold water storage tank 208 may include a drain pipe 226. Optionally, one or more sensors 216 can be connected to a processor 218 that can control the system. For example, the sensors 216 can include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and / or other sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the heat from the heat pump can be used directly for industrial processes and / or to generate energy (e.g., electricity), etc. It should be noted that the incoming cold water is cold relative to the outgoing clean hot water, but may be hotter than the hot waste water.

[0106] Figure 3is a photograph of an example spiral pillow heat exchanger according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, heat exchanger 300 that can be used as described herein can include a pillow wall, pillow-inside, spiral, double-wall, flat pillow array, circular array, curved array, or any other heat exchanger suitable for a particular medium and / or environment. Heat exchanger 300 can include an inlet 302 and an outlet 304 to transfer heat from wastewater 306 to clean water (not shown).

[0107] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system 400 according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the integrated heat recovery system may include one or more hot waste heat inlet pipes 401 that can convey hot wastewater and / or waste steam and / or another fluid containing waste heat to a waste heat storage tank 404, which may optionally be equipped with a steam release valve 402. Alternatively, piping for cold coolant 406 (e.g., refrigerant and / or coolant gas) may be located directly within the waste heat storage tank 404. Heat may then be transferred from the hot fluid (e.g., wastewater and / or waste steam) to the coolant within the coils. The now-hot coolant may then pass through a heat pump and / or compressor 408, which may compress the coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated coolant (which may be in vapor and / or fluid form), which may be pumped to the coils 410 in a clean cold water storage tank 412. Clean cold water may enter the clean water storage tank 412 via one or more clean water inlet pipes 424. The hot coolant then transfers heat to clean cold water, thereby utilizing the heat from the hot wastewater and / or waste steam to heat the clean water. Optionally, the clean water can be heated to convert it into steam, for example, for use in industrial processes, power generation, etc. Optionally, the clean water may include a release valve 414. The cold coolant then flows back to the compressor 408 and / or expansion valve 409, where it is further expanded and / or cooled before returning to the wastewater storage tank 404. The cooled wastewater is optionally pumped from the cold wastewater discharge pipe 416 into a central drainage system 428, such as a municipal sewer system. The heated clean water and / or steam can then be used, for example, in showers, dishwashers, washing machines, industrial processes, etc., through one or more hot clean water discharge pipes 418. Optionally, one or more sensors 420 may be connected to a processor 422 that can control the system. For example, the sensors may include pressure sensors and / or temperature sensors. Optionally, the sensors may measure a drop in energy source. Optionally, the cold water storage tank 412 may include a release valve 414 and / or a magnesium rod 426, for example, to release pressure, store heat, and / or rapidly cool the system, if desired.

[0108] Figure 5is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the integrated heat recovery system can be a modular system. Optionally, multiple storage tanks can be connected to a heat recovery system 501 (e.g., heat recovery system 400 and / or heat recovery system 701) including a heat pump 500. Optionally, warm wastewater from many sources can be collected into multiple wastewater storage tanks 502. Optionally, clean water circulates between multiple clean water storage tanks 510. Warm wastewater from any storage tank 502 is pumped into the wastewater storage tank of the heat recovery system. Clean water from any clean water storage tank 510 is pumped into the clean water side of the heat recovery system 501.

[0109] In some embodiments, the heat pump 500 can be operated at selected times of the day, such as when electricity is cheap and / or when there is a high demand for clean hot water, to transfer waste heat from the wastewater side of the heat recovery system 501 to the clean water side. Optionally, the heated water is distributed between the clean water storage tanks 510 to achieve the desired distribution of water at various temperatures. Alternatively, the water can be heated for a long time using a small heating system. Alternatively, long-term small-scale heat exchange may require the use of a smaller system. The system may include one or more automatic valves 504. The controller 506 may control one or more automatic valves 508 to distribute heat back and forth between the heat pump 500 (e.g., compressor) through various parts of the system and / or between different storage tanks. The control may facilitate the transfer of heat (e.g., hot water or cold water) to various storage tanks as needed. Optionally, the valve may include a local programmable controller and / or may be controlled by a central controller. The connection between the controller and the valve may be wireless and / or wired. In some embodiments, heat exchange coils may be included in a pair of storage tanks (e.g., one storage tank for waste heat fluid (warm wastewater) and one storage tank for fluid to be heated (e.g., fresh water)). Optionally, the fluid will circulate back and forth between the storage tank without heat exchange coils (cools) and the storage tank with heat exchange coils to heat and cool the fluid. Alternatively or additionally, heat exchange coils may be provided in multiple storage tanks and / or all storage tanks.

[0110] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the integrated heat recovery system can be a modular system. Optionally, the storage tanks can include connectors and / or standard mounting parts, etc., which can be ready to be connected to each other and / or to the system. Optionally, the size of the system can be adjusted according to the needs of the user by adding and / or removing modular units. Optionally, the system can include a 2D and / or 3D array of storage tanks. Optionally, the storage tanks can be cylindrical, cubic, etc. Optionally, the heat exchanger can be selected to accommodate the size and / or shape of the storage tank, for example, a rectangular storage tank can use a flat heat exchanger, etc. For example, warm wastewater can be used to heat clean water. Optionally, the system includes an automatic valve 600 controlled by a local and / or central controller. In some embodiments, a circulation pump 604 can be included, for example, to direct the fluid to effectively achieve the desired flow rate at the desired temperature. Optionally, clean water can be transported in one or more circulation pipes 606 between one or more clean water storage tanks 610 and the clean water side of one or more heat recovery systems 611 (where heat is transferred between the waste heat source and the clean water, such as system 400 and / or system 701). The hot clean water can be discharged through one or more valves 602 on the circulation pipe 608. Optionally, fluid from one or more heat sources and / or at one or more different temperatures is stored in the waste heat storage tank 612. Optionally, the fluid containing waste heat can be circulated between different storage tanks 612 and / or between any of the storage tanks 612 and the heat recovery system 611.

[0111] According to some embodiments, an integrated heat recovery system can be integrated into a structure, such as a house, building, industrial plant, hotel, apartment building, power station, or the like. Optionally, hot wastewater can flow through pipes in the structure's floor to a wastewater storage tank. Alternatively, the structure's floor may need to be raised to accommodate the integrated heat recovery system. Alternatively, a low storage tank can be used to avoid raising the floor.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the system may include one or more modules. Optionally, the system can operate while one or more modules are shut down. For example, a unit may be shut down for cleaning and / or maintenance. Optionally, the system can include a cleaning mode. Optionally, the system can operate only some storage tanks, such as those closest to the wastewater source, to reduce heat loss during the transfer of hot wastewater to the wastewater storage tanks.

[0113] Figure 7is a schematic diagram of an integrated heat recovery system 701 according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the integrated heat recovery system may include one or more hot wastewater inlet pipes 700 that can transport hot wastewater and / or waste steam to a wastewater storage tank 702. Optionally, a pipe (e.g., coil 704) for a cold coolant (e.g., refrigerant and / or cooling gas) can be located directly within the wastewater storage tank 702. Heat can then be transferred from the hot wastewater and / or waste steam to the coolant within the coil 704. Optionally, for example, when the heat from the hot wastewater is insufficient, the coolant can be heated and / or cooled via an air heat exchanger 708. Optionally, the integrated heat recovery system may further include an air heat exchanger. Optionally, the air heat exchanger may be operably coupled to a heat pump 710 compressor. Optionally, a processor 712 may operate the dirty water heat exchanger and / or the air heat exchanger, or both. The hot coolant can then pass through a compressor, which compresses it into high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated steam. This high-pressure, high-temperature, superheated steam can then be pumped into coils 716 in the clean, cold water storage tank 714. The hot coolant then transfers heat to clean, cold water in the clean water storage tank 714, which enters through one or more cold, clean water inlet pipes 724, thereby heating the clean water using the heat from the hot wastewater and / or waste steam. Optionally, the clean water can be heated to convert it into steam, for use in industrial processes, power generation, etc. It is further expanded and / or cooled at an expansion valve before returning to the wastewater storage tank 702, whereupon the cooled coolant flows back to the expansion valve. Once the wastewater has cooled sufficiently to facilitate heat transfer, it is pumped out of the cold wastewater discharge pipe 718 into a central drainage system, such as a municipal sewer system. The heated clean water and / or steam can then be used through one or more hot, clean water discharge pipes 720 for use, for example, in showers, dishwashers, washing machines, industrial processes, etc. Optionally, one or more sensors 722 can be connected to a processor that can control the system.

[0114] Figure 8is a block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, an integrated heat recovery system may include a waste heat storage tank 800 that contains a fluid with waste heat (e.g., warm wastewater and / or exhaust fluid from a cooling system). Cold coolant piping (e.g., an evaporator coil 802 containing cold refrigerant) may be located directly within the wastewater storage tank and / or immersed in the fluid. Heat may then be transferred from the warm wastewater to the coolant in the condenser coil 802. The warmed coolant may then pass through a compressor 804, which may compress the coolant into a high-pressure, high-temperature fluid (e.g., refrigerant vapor), which is then transported to the condenser coil 806 in the clean water storage tank 808. The hot coolant then transfers heat (e.g., through the walls of the coil 806) to the clean water in the storage tank 808, thereby utilizing the heat from the hot wastewater to heat the clean water. It should be noted that due to the heat pump effect, the system can be used to heat the clean water to a temperature that is higher than the temperature of the heat source (e.g., the warm wastewater in the waste heat storage tank). Alternatively, an expansion valve (not shown) may be used to reverse the process.

[0115] Figure 9 is a flow chart according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a method 900 for recovering heat using an integrated heat exchanger may include:

[0116] • Warm waste water is collected 902 into a first storage tank with a coil containing cold coolant.

[0117] • Super-cooled coolant from the heat pump circulates 904 through coils in the warm wastewater storage tank.

[0118] Extract 906kJ of heat from wastewater by heating the coolant in the coils

[0119] The warmed coolant is delivered 908 to the compressor and compressed into high-pressure, high-temperature superheated steam.

[0120] • The compressed very hot coolant is delivered 910 to the coil in a second storage tank with clean water.

[0121] • Very hot coolant is used to heat 912 the clean water via the coolant being heated in the coils within the storage tank.

[0122] • The cooled coolant then returns 914 to the expansion valve where it is further expanded and / or cooled.

[0123] • The super-cooled coolant is returned 916 to the first storage tank to be heated by the warm waste water.

[0124] Then, the process is repeated from the beginning.

[0125] These examples are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0126] Figure 10 1006 is a schematic diagram of a system for heating water according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the system may include an air heat exchange unit. Optionally, the system may not include an overheat protection system, such as for a solar thermal module. In some embodiments, heat can be transferred from waste heat (e.g., warm wastewater 1002) to clean water in a clean water storage tank 1004 (i.e., pumping coolant between the compressor and / or expansion valve and / or heat exchanger in the storage tank). Optionally, the system may include a backup heat source (e.g., an air heat exchanger 1006 that can warm the cooled coolant from ambient air). For example, after the coolant expands at the expansion valve 1008, it can be warmed by ambient air and / or wastewater and then compressed by the compressor 1010 to produce a heated coolant that can be used to heat the clean water. Optionally, the clean water stream can include clean water and / or wastewater heated by solar energy.

[0127] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Schematic diagrams of refrigerant flow scheme systems for reversible heat transfer in heating mode and cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the system, the air unit and the refrigerant flow scheme system for reversible heat transfer in heating mode (such as Figure 11 ) or overheat protection in cooling mode (such as Figure 12 ) can be included.

[0128] In some embodiments, heat can be transferred from waste heat (e.g., warm waste water and / or waste steam in the warm waste water storage tank 1102) to clean water in the clean water storage tank 1104. Optionally, the system can include a backup heat source (e.g., an air heat exchanger 1106 that can warm the cooled coolant from ambient air). Optionally, the clean water flow can include solar-heated clean water. In the heating mode, the flow can be similar to Figure 10 system.

[0129] In some embodiments, the heat flow may be reversible (e.g., by reversing the direction of coolant flow, such as by Figure 12 Reversing valve 1108 is shown. For example, the coolant can be compressed to a high temperature and pressure by compressor 1110 and then cooled by ambient air and / or wastewater. The cooled compressed coolant can be expanded and further cooled in expansion valve 1112 and sent to cool fresh water. Optionally, heat can be transferred from superheated fresh water (for example, when the solar heating system may become overheated) to the coolant via heat exchanger 1116, which is compressed and then cooled by ambient air and / or wastewater flow, for example, via check valve 1114. This can be used, for example, to prevent overheating of a solar water heating system.

[0130] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a reversible heating and cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the heating system can include a variable refrigerant flow system with an air unit, the system having overheat protection for the solar thermal module for the air conditioning indoor unit 1308. In some embodiments, the system can have flows that can be reversed and / or redirected in multiple circuits. For example, the system can include an air transfer unit 1308 (e.g., an air conditioning unit). The coolant can be directed in either direction, such as in the indoor circuit to heat the room in heating mode and / or to cool the room in cooling mode. Another circuit optionally transfers heat from and / or absorbs heat from the wastewater stream 1306. Another circuit transfers heat to or absorbs heat from the clean water stream 1304. Optionally, there can also be a solar thermal collector (e.g., for heating the clean water). Thus, the system can be used like an existing heat pump climate control system, using ambient air to transfer heat to heat or cool the building. When a wastewater stream is available, the system can use the wastewater 1306 as a heat source and / or heat sink. Additionally or alternatively, the system can heat fresh water and / or cool fresh water (e.g., to prevent overheating of a solar water heating system). Additionally or alternatively, the system can utilize heat from a solar water heater to heat a building (e.g., when demand for hot water decreases).

[0131] exist Figure 13 In the exemplary configuration shown, the heated hot water is used as a heat sink for the air conditioner in the climate control system, for example, via heat exchanger 1302. This can improve efficiency by using the heat transferred to the hot water in the cooling cycle of the heat pump and for heating the fresh water. Heat from the wastewater stream can optionally be used to heat the fresh water.

[0132] In some embodiments, the system can provide heat or cooling to various parts of the system by redirecting the coolant between the various loops of the system. For example, by opening and closing valves 1310 and 1312. For example, in the summer, the wastewater stream may be colder than the ambient air. For example, after the coolant is compressed using compressor 1314, the coolant can be partially cooled in the ambient atmosphere and then further cooled in the wastewater stream and / or clean water. The cooled high-pressure coolant can then pass through expansion valve 1316, become cold, and then be sent to the indoor air conditioner. Alternatively or additionally, for example, when the ambient air is colder than the waste stream, after compression, the hot compressed coolant can first be sent to the clean water and / or wastewater stream to cool, and then further cooled in the ambient atmosphere before being sent to the expansion valve, cooled, and used to cool the indoor air conditioner. For example, in the winter, after expansion in the expansion valve, the cold coolant can be warmed in the wastewater, sent to the compressor, compressed, and used to heat the interior (for example, using the indoor air conditioning unit as a heater). Optionally, the system can include an air heat exchanger 1318. Optionally, an air heat exchanger may be used in conjunction with and / or in place of a water heat exchanger. Optionally, the system may include a check valve 1320. Optionally, the system may include one or more sensors.

[0133] Although the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that the description is given by way of example only and that many changes may be made in the details of construction, manufacture and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0134] Overview

[0135] It is anticipated that during the period between this application and the grant of this patent, many related construction techniques, artificial intelligence methods, computer user interfaces, and image capture devices will be developed, and it is intended that the scope of terms such as design elements, analysis programs, and user devices be a priori to include all such new technologies.

[0136] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. In the event of a conflict, the patent specification (including definitions) shall prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[0137] As used herein, the term "about" refers to ±10%.

[0138] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includs," "including," "having," and the like and their variations mean "including but not limited to."

[0139] “Consisting of” is intended to mean “including and limited to.”

[0140] “Consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially change the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0141] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0142] It is anticipated that many related energy production and distribution technologies will be developed during the expiration of the patent in this application, and the scope of the terms "heat generating", "heat exchanging", "heat pump", "valve", "sensor", "coolant", and "refrigerant" will a priori include all such new technologies.

[0143] Throughout this application, various embodiments of the present invention may be presented in range format. It should be understood that descriptions in range format are merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as rigid limitations on the scope of the invention. Therefore, descriptions of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges and individual numerical values ​​within that range. For example, descriptions of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, and so forth, as well as individual numbers within that range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0144] Whenever a numerical range is expressed herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integer) within the expressed range. The phrases "ranging / ranges between" and "ranging / ranges from" are used interchangeably herein and are meant to include the first and second expressed numerals and all fractions and integers therebetween.

[0145] Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various embodiments. Moreover, for the purposes of this disclosure, directional or positional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front,” “frontal,” “forward,” “rear,” “rearward,” “back,” “trailing,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “outer,” “inner,” “exterior,” “interior,” “intermediate,” etc., are used merely for the convenience of describing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0146] As used herein, the terms “hot,” “cold,” “warm,” and “cool” are relative terms used only for the convenience of describing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0147] As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to one or more items, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... 10, 15, 20, ... 50, ... 100, ... 1,000, etc., and any sub-ranges.

[0148] The term "coupled," including its various forms such as "operably coupled," "coupling," or "couplable," means and includes any direct or indirect structural coupling, connection, or attachment, or the adaptation or capability of such direct or indirect structural or operational coupling, connection, or attachment, including integrally formed components and components coupled through another component or through a molding process. Indirect coupling may involve coupling through intermediate members or adhesives, or by mutual abutment or other support, whether by friction or independently without any physical connection. The term may also refer to other system components that enable the system functionality.

[0149] It should be understood that certain features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination, or as appropriate in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is inoperable without those elements.

[0150] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0151] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference into this specification. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. Where section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A waste heat recovery system, characterized in that: The system comprises: a first heat exchange coil immersed in the clean water, wherein the first heat exchange coil comprises a first channel through which a heat exchange fluid passes; and A second heat exchange coil is immersed in a warm fluid containing waste heat, the second heat exchange coil includes a second channel, the heat exchange fluid passes through the second channel, and the first channel is connected to the second channel.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The warm fluid includes a waste fluid.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein The clean water is drinking water.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fresh water is hotter than the warm fluid.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The warm fluid includes wastewater.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The warm fluid is collected from at least one of a shower, a bathtub, a wash basin, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, an air cooling system, an industrial process, a solar panel cooling system, or any combination thereof.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system also includes a compressor interconnected between the first channel and the second channel, wherein the heat exchange fluid is a refrigerant.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The system further includes an expansion valve located between the compressor and the second passage.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system also includes an agitator for increasing turbulence in the warm fluid.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The agitator includes at least one of fins and plates.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The second heat exchange coil further includes an ultrasonic vibrator.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein The system also includes an air heat exchanger.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first heat exchange coil is immersed in flowing clean water stored in a first storage tank.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The system further includes a plurality of interconnected storage tanks storing clean water, wherein each of the plurality of storage tanks is configured to receive water directly from the first storage tank.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system further comprises a plurality of interconnected storage tanks for storing clean water.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein: The second heat exchange coil is immersed in warm fluid stored in a second storage tank.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein: The system further includes a plurality of interconnected storage tanks storing the warmed fluid, wherein each of the plurality of storage tanks is configured to deliver the warmed fluid directly to the second storage tank.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein: The system also includes a plurality of interconnected storage tanks for storing the warm fluid.

19. A system for recycling wastewater heat, characterized in that The system comprises: a heat exchanger; and a plurality of first storage tanks connected to a clean water source; and wherein each storage tank of the plurality of first storage tanks is independently connected to the heat exchanger; A second storage tank is connected to a warm wastewater source and the heat exchanger.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The second storage tank includes a plurality of second storage tanks, and Each of the plurality of second storage tanks is independently connected to the heat exchanger.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein: The heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from warm wastewater from the warm wastewater source to clean water.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein: The system is configured to slowly transfer heat from any one of the plurality of second storage tanks to any one of the plurality of first storage tanks.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein: At least one of the plurality of first storage tanks and the plurality of second storage tanks is connected in series.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein: The plurality of first storage tanks and / or the plurality of second storage tanks are concentrically connected.

25. A method for supplying hot water, characterized in that: The method comprises: The warm wastewater is collected into a first storage tank having a heat exchanger; transferring heat to cold coolant from a heat pump by circulating said coolant through a coil in a warm wastewater storage tank, wherein heat is extracted from the wastewater by heating said coolant in said coil; compressing the warmed coolant in a compressor to generate high pressure; transferring the heated coolant from the compressor to a coil in a second storage tank filled with clean water; Heating the clean water by means of the refrigerant heated in the coil in the second storage tank; expanding the refrigerant through an expansion valve to form a super-cooled low-pressure liquid / vapor mixture; returning the supercooled liquid / vapor mixture to the first storage tank and being heated by the warm wastewater; and Optionally, the method is repeated.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The heat exchanger includes a coil, and at least one of an evaporator and a pillow heat exchanger.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein: The coolant is selected from the group consisting of: a gas, a liquid / gas mixture, and a liquid.

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