Hot water circulation system

By introducing a zoned circulation design with a water storage tank and control valve into the home hot water circulation system, the problem of frequent start-stop of the circulation pump is solved, realizing instant hot water supply and energy saving, simplifying the pipeline structure, and improving the system's operating efficiency and user experience.

CN224108363UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-10何公平
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520921237.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-09
Publication Date
2026-04-10
Estimated Expiration
2035-05-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing home hot water circulation systems, the circulation pumps frequently start and stop due to the lack of hydraulic buffer units, resulting in energy waste and unnecessary heat loss.

Method used

A water storage tank is used as a return water buffer device. The return water branch pipe is used in conjunction with the control valve to achieve zoned circulation control, which avoids the circulation pump from being triggered by a small amount of return water. The pipeline structure is optimized by using tee fittings and cross connectors to ensure the stability and independence of water supply and return.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the frequency of starting and stopping the circulating pump, lowers energy consumption, ensures timely hot water supply, simplifies pipeline layout, and improves system operating efficiency and user convenience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224108363U_ABST
    Figure CN224108363U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of hot water circulation, and discloses a hot water circulation system which is characterized in that an outlet of a water heater is connected with a hot water header pipe, and an inlet is communicated with a cold water pipe; the water consumption equipment is provided with a hot water inlet and connected with the hot water header pipe through a three-way pipe fitting, and the three-way pipe fitting is provided with a second water outlet; an inlet of the water storage tank is connected with a second water outlet of the three-way pipe fitting through a water return branch pipe, and a control valve is arranged on the water return branch pipe; and an outlet of the circulating pump is communicated with an inlet of the water heater through a water return main pipe. According to the hot water circulating system provided by the utility model, the water storage tank can temporarily store return water returned by the water equipment through the water return branch pipe, and the return water is conveyed to the water heater through the circulating pump after being accumulated to a certain threshold value; and the control valve on the water return branch pipe is matched to realize partitioned circulation control, so that the circulating pump is prevented from being directly triggered to work due to a small amount of return water, the start-stop frequency of the circulating pump is effectively reduced, and the energy consumption is obviously reduced while the instant supply of hot water is ensured.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to hot water circulation technical field, concretely relates to a hot water circulation system. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the improvement of people's life quality, the timeliness and comfort requirement of hot water supply is increasing. In the early stage, the household hot water supply mode is relatively simple, and cold water is directly used after being heated by a water heater, when the water use area is far away from the water heater, hot water can be obtained after long time cold water is discharged, which causes water resource waste. With the development of technology, a hot water circulation system appears, which can make hot water circulate in the pipeline to ensure that hot water is supplied at any time.

[0003] The current home hot water circulation system mainly adopts two schemes of large circulation and small circulation. The large circulation is that an independent return water pipeline of each water use point is connected to a circulating pump, although the second hot water can be realized, the pipeline structure is complex and the circulating water quantity is large, the small circulation adopts a shared return water pipe design, although part of the circulating water quantity is reduced, but the circulating pump still needs to run continuously to maintain the pipeline water temperature.

[0004] Although the prior art can realize the zero cold water function, since the circulating pump is directly connected to the return water pipe, when the water use point starts and stops, any slight water flow change will directly trigger the circulating pump action, so that the circulating pump has to be frequently started and stopped to respond to the demand change of each water use point, causing energy waste and frequent start of the whole circulating system. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0005] Therefore, the utility model provides a hot water circulation system to solve the technical problem of frequent start and stop of the circulating pump and energy waste caused by lack of a water force buffer unit.

[0006] The utility model provides a hot water circulation system, comprising:

[0007] A water heater, the outlet of the water heater is connected with a hot water main pipe, and the inlet of the water heater is communicated with a cold water pipe; a water use equipment has a hot water inlet, the hot water inlet is connected with the hot water main pipe through a tee pipe fitting, and the tee pipe fitting has a second water outlet; a water storage tank, the inlet of the water storage tank is connected with the second water outlet of the tee pipe fitting through a return water branch pipe, and a control valve is arranged on the return water branch pipe; a circulating pump, the inlet of the circulating pump is connected with the water storage tank, and the outlet of the circulating pump is communicated with the inlet of the water heater through a return water main pipe.

[0008] Through the above setting, the water storage tank as a backwater buffering device can temporarily store the water flow returned by each water using device through the backwater branch pipe, and after the backwater amount accumulates to a certain threshold, it is uniformly delivered to the water heater through the circulating pump; in cooperation with the control valve on the backwater branch pipe, it can not only realize zoned circulation control, but also can avoid triggering the circulating pump to work directly due to a small amount of backwater. Through the buffering effect of the water storage tank, the start-stop frequency of the circulating pump is effectively reduced, which not only ensures the instant supply of hot water, but also significantly reduces energy consumption.

[0009] Optionally, the water using device has a plurality of, each of the water using device is connected with the hot water main pipe through a separate hot water branch pipe, and each of the water using device is connected with the water storage tank through a separate backwater branch pipe.

[0010] Through the above setting, each water using device is connected with the hot water main pipe and the water storage tank through independent hot water branch pipe and backwater branch pipe, respectively, which realizes the independence of the water supply circuit of each water using device. The system can control each water using device individually, when a water using device is turned on, only the branch corresponding to the device participates in the hot water circulation, and the other branches remain closed, thereby avoiding unnecessary heat loss.

[0011] Optionally, the three-way pipe fitting has a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe is connected with the hot water branch pipe, the second connecting pipe is connected with the hot water inlet of the water using device, and the third connecting pipe is connected with the backwater branch pipe.

[0012] Through the above setting, the three-way pipe fitting is used to connect the water using device with the hot water branch pipe and the backwater branch pipe, wherein the first connecting pipe is directly connected with the hot water branch pipe to ensure smooth water supply, the second connecting pipe is directly connected with the water using device to realize fast hot water delivery, and the third connecting pipe is connected with the backwater branch pipe to form a complete circuit. The three-way connection structure realizes the compact integration of the water supply and backwater pipelines, simplifies the pipeline layout, ensures the sealing reliability of each interface, and makes the overall structure of the system more simple and efficient.

[0013] Optionally, a first one-way valve unidirectionally communicating toward the direction of the water storage tank is arranged on the backwater branch pipe.

[0014] Through the above setting, the first one-way valve unidirectionally communicating toward the direction of the water storage tank is arranged on the backwater branch pipe, forming a directional flow guiding mechanism, which ensures that the backwater can only flow into the water storage tank in one direction and cannot flow backward. The stability of the water flow direction in the system is effectively maintained, the backwater is prevented from flowing to the water using device through the three-way pipe fitting, and the operation reliability and thermal efficiency of the entire circulating system are thus ensured.

[0015] Optionally, the return water main and the cold water pipe are connected to the inlet of the water heater through a cross communication member; the cross communication member has four interfaces, the first interface connects the return water main of the outlet of the circulating pump, the second interface connects the inlet of the water heater, and the third and fourth interfaces respectively connect two ends of the cold water pipe.

[0016] Through the above arrangement, the first interface receives the return water output by the circulating pump, the second interface directly passes through the inlet of the water heater to ensure the smooth return of the circulating hot water, and the third and fourth interfaces respectively pass through two ends of the cold water pipe. This cross connection mode not only realizes the pressure balance of the return water and the cold water, but also maintains the compactness of the pipeline system, and through the shunt design, the mutual interference of water flow is avoided, so that the system maintains the circulating function while ensuring the stability of the cold water supply.

[0017] Optionally, a second one-way valve is arranged on the return water main between the first interface and the outlet of the circulating pump, and the second one-way valve is unidirectional to the direction of the water heater.

[0018] Through the above arrangement, when the circulating pump is working, the return water is allowed to flow to the water heater through the return water main; when the circulating pump stops, the cold water in the cold water pipe is effectively prevented from flowing backward into the circulating pump and the return water system through the cross communication member. Both ensure the forward flow of the circulating system and avoid the abnormal mixing of cold and hot water, while protecting the circulating pump from the impact of reverse water flow and maintaining the pure circulating path of the system.

[0019] Optionally, the second connecting pipe has a threaded port suitable for connecting the hot water inlet of the water using equipment.

[0020] Through the above arrangement, the standardized threaded interface arranged at the end of the second connecting pipe realizes quick docking with the water using equipment, ensuring the sealing reliability of the pipe connection and facilitating disassembly and assembly operation during installation and maintenance. The compatibility and construction efficiency of the system are effectively improved, and the leakage risk that may exist in traditional welding or glue connection is avoided through mechanical fastening.

[0021] Optionally, the water using equipment is also connected with the cold water pipe.

[0022] Through the above arrangement, the water using equipment is connected with the cold water pipe to form a complete cold and hot water mixing water supply terminal, so that the water temperature of each water using point can be independently adjusted. The double pipeline configuration maintains the independence of the cold and hot water system, and realizes accurate temperature control through the mixing function of the terminal equipment, which ensures the normal operation of the hot water circulating system and facilitates user adjustment of water temperature.

[0023] Optionally, the control valve is an electric control valve, and the electric control switch of the control valve is arranged near the water using equipment.

[0024] Through the above setting, the user can directly operate the electric control switch near the water using point to control the on-off state of the corresponding backwater branch pipe in real time, meets the accurate control demand of the partition circulation, improves the operation convenience, makes the system control more intuitive and efficient, and the user can complete the circulation mode switching without going back and forth between the circulation pump or the water storage tank position, and the use experience is significantly improved.

[0025] Optionally, the electric control switch is a control panel, and the control panel is fixedly installed on the wall surface of the area where the water using equipment is located.

[0026] Through the above setting, the electric control switch is designed as a wall-mounted control panel and is fixedly installed on the wall surface of the area where each water using equipment is located, the hot water circulation system is humanized and intelligentized, the user can adjust the hot water circulation state of the area without long distance movement, and the overall convenience of the system is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings needed in the specific embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of one specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of one specific embodiment of the three-way pipe fitting provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0030] Explanation of reference signs:

[0031] 1, water heater; 2, water using equipment; 3, water storage tank; 4, circulation pump; 5, hot water main pipe; 6, cold water pipe; 7, backwater branch pipe; 8, control valve; 9, backwater main pipe; 10, hot water branch pipe; 11, three-way pipe fitting; 12, first connecting pipe; 13, second connecting pipe; 14, third connecting pipe; 15, first one-way valve; 16, cross communication piece; 17, second one-way valve; 18, control panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 2 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this is a specific implementation of the hot water circulation system provided in this embodiment, including: a water heater 1, a water-using device 2, a water storage tank 3, and a circulation pump 4.

[0035] Specifically, there is a water heater 1, whose outlet is connected to the hot water main pipe 5, and whose inlet is connected to the cold water pipe 6; a water-using device 2, which has a hot water inlet, connected to the hot water main pipe 5 via a tee fitting 11, the tee fitting 11 having a second outlet; a water storage tank 3, whose inlet is connected to the second outlet of the tee fitting 11 via a return water branch pipe 7, the return water branch pipe 7 being equipped with a control valve 8; and a circulation pump 4, whose inlet is connected to the water storage tank 3, and whose outlet is connected to the inlet of the water heater 1 via a return water main pipe 9.

[0036] In this embodiment, the water heater 1 is connected to the main hot water pipe 5 via a three-way fitting 11 to supply hot water to each water-using device 2, while the cold water pipe 6 continuously replenishes the system with water. Each water-using device 2 is connected to a return water branch pipe 7 via a second outlet of an independently installed three-way fitting 11, which transports the return water to the storage tank 3. The control valve 8 installed on the branch pipe can precisely control the circulation status of each zone. The storage tank 3 acts as a buffer unit, temporarily storing the return water and accumulating it to a certain amount before sending it back to the water heater 1 for reheating via the circulation pump 4 and the main return water pipe 9. This ensures an instant hot water experience and avoids frequent start-stop of the circulation pump 4 through the buffering effect of the storage tank 3. At the same time, the zone control function effectively reduces unnecessary heat loss, significantly improving energy efficiency while ensuring comfort.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this is a specific implementation of the hot water circulation system provided in this embodiment. There are multiple water-using devices 2. Each water-using device 2 is connected to the hot water main pipe 5 through a separate hot water branch pipe 10. Each water-using device 2 is connected to the water storage tank 3 through a separate return water branch pipe 7.

[0038] Specifically, this embodiment adopts a multi-branch independent circulation design, with each water-using device 2 equipped with a hot water branch pipe 10 and a return water branch pipe 7. The hot water branch pipe 10 branches from the hot water main pipe 5 to ensure a stable hot water supply to each water-using point; the return water branch pipe 7 is connected separately to the water storage tank 3, forming a complete independent circulation loop. The hydraulics of each branch do not interfere with each other, ensuring stable system pressure and facilitating later maintenance and expansion.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, this is a specific implementation of the hot water circulation system provided in this embodiment. The three-way fitting 11 has a first connecting pipe 12, a second connecting pipe 13 and a third connecting pipe 14. The first connecting pipe 12 is connected to the hot water branch pipe 10, the second connecting pipe 13 is connected to the hot water inlet of the water-using equipment 2, and the third connecting pipe 14 is connected to the return water branch pipe 7.

[0040] Specifically, the first connecting pipe 12 is sealed to the hot water branch pipe 10 to ensure stable hot water delivery; the second connecting pipe 13 is directly connected to the hot water inlet of the water-using equipment 2 through a standard interface to achieve rapid water supply; and the third connecting pipe 14 is connected to the return water branch pipe 7 to form a complete circulation loop. The modular design simplifies the pipeline layout, making installation and maintenance more convenient. The compact integration of the water supply and return water pipelines saves installation space and ensures unobstructed water flow.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, this is a specific implementation of the hot water circulation system provided in this embodiment. The return water branch pipe 7 is provided with a first one-way valve 15 that unidirectionally flows toward the water storage tank 3.

[0042] Specifically, by installing a one-way valve on the return branch pipe 7 facing the water storage tank 3, this valve body only allows water to flow unidirectionally from the water-using device 2 to the water storage tank 3, effectively blocking the possibility of water in the return branch pipe 7 flowing back to the hot water outlet of the water-using device 2. This ensures the water temperature at the hot water supply end of the water-using device 2, so that when the user turns on the hot water, they can immediately obtain hot water from the hot water main pipe 5 without being mixed with the water stored in the return branch pipe 7.

[0043] In other embodiments, the first one-way valve 15 can be configured as a hydraulic automatic shut-off valve. This shut-off valve monitors the water flow direction in real time through a built-in hydraulic sensing device. When reverse water flow is detected in the return water branch pipe 7, the electromagnetic locking mechanism is immediately activated to cut off the pipeline. This can accurately distinguish between normal backflow and abnormal backflow.

[0044] It should be noted that the embodiment does not limit the specific type of one-way valve, and only needs to meet the performance requirements of one-way conduction to achieve the expected technical effect. In actual application, different types of one-way valves can be selected according to specific working conditions, including but not limited to: swing check valve, lift check valve, ball check valve or butterfly check valve, etc.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1 , a specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided by the embodiment is that the return water main 9 and the cold water pipe 6 are connected to the inlet of the water heater 1 through the cross communication piece 16.

[0046] Specifically, the embodiment realizes the parallel connection of the return water main 9 and the cold water pipe 6 by using a cross-shaped four-way pipe piece, the cross communication piece 16 has four interfaces, the first interface connects the return water main 9 at the outlet of the circulating pump 4, the second interface connects the inlet of the water heater 1, and the third and fourth interfaces respectively connect two ends of the cold water pipe 6. By using a compact structure layout, the system pipeline is significantly simplified, and the installation space is saved.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1 , a specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided by the embodiment is that the return water main 9 between the first interface and the outlet of the circulating pump 4 is provided with a second one-way valve 17 that is unidirectionally conducted towards the water heater 1.

[0048] Specifically, when the circulating pump 4 is working, the return water is allowed to flow to the water heater 1 through the return water main 9; when the circulating pump 4 stops, the cold water in the cold water pipe 6 is effectively prevented from flowing backward into the circulating pump 4 and the return water system through the cross communication piece 16. Both the forward flow of the circulating system and the abnormal mixing of cold and hot water are avoided, and at the same time the circulating pump 4 is protected from the impact of reverse water flow, and the pure circulation path of the system is maintained.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2 , a specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided by the embodiment is that the second connecting pipe 13 has a threaded port suitable for connecting the hot water inlet of the water using equipment 2.

[0050] Specifically, by providing a standardized threaded interface at the end of the second connecting pipe 13, quick and reliable pipeline connection is realized, the threaded structure provides mechanical fastening force, ensures the firm connection between the water using equipment 2 and the pipeline, and effectively prevents water leakage at the interface; The standardized interface specification makes the system have good equipment compatibility and can adapt to different models of water using equipment 2.

[0051] In addition, in other embodiments, the second connecting pipe 13 can adopt a quick plug connection structure, which realizes quick installation by matching a stainless steel clamp with a high-temperature-resistant silica gel sealing ring. Only the water using equipment 2 interface is inserted into the connecting pipe and a locking sound is heard to complete the installation. Compared with threaded connection, this design can improve installation efficiency and is suitable for batch construction and later equipment replacement.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1 , a specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided in the embodiment is shown, and the water using equipment 2 is also connected with the cold water pipe 6.

[0053] Specifically, the parallel configuration of the cold and hot water pipes enables each water using point to directly obtain cold water supply, which is complementary to the hot water circulation system, so that the user can freely adjust the cold and hot water mixing ratio at the water using terminal to obtain precise temperature control, while ensuring that the cold water supply is not disturbed when the hot water circulation is running.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1 , a specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided in the embodiment is shown, and the control valve 8 is an electric control valve, and the electric control switch of the control valve 8 is arranged near the water using equipment 2.

[0055] Specifically, by arranging the switch device of the electric control valve near the water using equipment 2, the electric control switch can be directly operated at the water using point to instantly control the on-off state of the corresponding backwater branch pipe 7, which improves the operation convenience, and the user can conveniently manage the hot water circulation state of the area, which significantly improves the use experience.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1 Figure 1 , a specific embodiment of the hot water circulation system provided in the embodiment is shown, and the electric control switch is a control panel 18, and the control panel 18 is fixedly installed on the wall surface of the area where the water using equipment 2 is located.

[0057] Specifically, by arranging the electric control switch as a wall surface fixedly installed control panel 18, the operation convenience is improved, and the fixed installation mode ensures the stability of the control element and avoids the common line loosening problem of the mobile switch; the partitioned configuration of the control panel 18 enables each water using equipment 2 to be independently operated, and the user can complete the hot water circulation control of the area without moving.

[0058] Working principle:

[0059] The hot water heated by the water heater 1 is distributed to each water using device 2 through the hot water main pipe 5, each water using device 2 forms a closed loop circuit through the independent hot water branch pipe 10 and the backwater branch pipe 7, wherein the backwater branch pipe 7 is provided with a control valve 8 and a one-way valve to guide the backwater to flow into the water storage tank 3 for temporary storage; when the backwater in the water storage tank 3 reaches the set capacity, the circulating pump 4 starts to send the backwater back to the water heater 1 through the backwater main pipe 9 for re-heating, each partition is independently operated by the wall control panel 18, the electric control valve is realized, the on-demand circulation and the water temperature accurate control are realized, and finally the hot water circulating system with the buffering energy storage, the partition regulation and control and the energy-saving operation characteristics is built.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present application are described in conjunction with the drawings, various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, and such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hot water circulation system, characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of hot water supply system, comprising: Water heater (1), the outlet of the water heater (1) connects hot water main pipe (5), the inlet of the water heater (1) is communicated with cold water pipe (6); Water using equipment (2) has hot water inlet, the hot water inlet is connected with the hot water main pipe (5) by three-way pipe fitting (11), the three-way pipe fitting (11) has second water outlet; Water storage tank (3), the inlet of the water storage tank (3) is connected with the second water outlet of the three-way pipe fitting (11) by backwater branch pipe (7), and control valve (8) is arranged on the backwater branch pipe (7); Circulating pump (4), the inlet of the circulating pump (4) is connected with the water storage tank (3), and the outlet of the circulating pump (4) is communicated with the inlet of the water heater (1) by backwater main pipe (9).

2. The hot water circulation system of claim 1, wherein, The water using equipment (2) has multiple, each water using equipment (2) is connected with the hot water main pipe (5) by separate hot water branch pipe (10) respectively, and each water using equipment (2) is connected with the water storage tank (3) by separate backwater branch pipe (7) respectively.

3. The hot water circulation system of claim 2, wherein, The three-way pipe fitting (11) has first connecting pipe (12), second connecting pipe (13) and third connecting pipe (14), the first connecting pipe (12) is connected with the hot water branch pipe (10), the second connecting pipe (13) is connected with the hot water inlet of the water using equipment (2), and the third connecting pipe (14) is connected with the backwater branch pipe (7).

4. The hot water circulation system of claim 1, wherein, The backwater branch pipe (7) is provided with first one-way valve (15) in the direction of the water storage tank (3) one-way conduction.

5. The hot water circulation system of claim 1, wherein, The backwater main pipe (9) is connected to the inlet of the water heater (1) by cross communication piece (16) with cold water pipe (6); The cross communication piece (16) has four interfaces, the first interface connects the backwater main pipe (9) of the outlet of the circulating pump (4), the second interface connects the inlet of the water heater (1), the third interface and the fourth interface are connected with both ends of cold water pipe (6) respectively.

6. The hot water circulation system of claim 5, wherein, Second one-way valve (17) is arranged on the backwater main pipe (9) between the first interface and the outlet of the circulating pump (4) in the direction of the water heater (1) one-way conduction.

7. The hot water circulation system of claim 3, wherein, The second connecting pipe (13) has a threaded port suitable for connecting the hot water inlet of the water using equipment (2).

8. The hot water circulation system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The water using equipment (2) is also connected with cold water pipe (6).

9. The hot water circulation system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The control valve (8) is an electric control valve, and the electric control switch of the control valve (8) is arranged close to the water using equipment (2).

10. The hot water circulation system of claim 9, wherein, The electric control switch is a control panel (18), and the control panel (18) is fixedly installed on the wall surface of the area corresponding to the water using equipment (2).