Sewage Pipe Inlet Preheating for Lower Hot Water Energy Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing plumbing systems require significant energy to heat cold water supply to the desired temperature, as the initial inlet water is often very cold, leading to increased energy consumption by heating units.
Innovation Solution
Redirecting the water supply inlet pipe through the interior portion of a sewage pipe, allowing the cold water to be preheated by the naturally warmer sewage before reaching the heating unit, thereby reducing the energy needed for heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cold inlet water is heated directly by a heating unit, then the desired hot water temperature is achieved, but significant energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preheating the cold inlet water using waste heat from sewage before the water enters the heating unit. This preliminary heating action reduces the temperature differential that the heating unit must overcome, thereby reducing energy consumption while still achieving the desired hot water temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat in sewage, which would otherwise be discarded, into a beneficial heating source. By routing the cold inlet water through or alongside the sewage pipe, the waste thermal energy from sewage is captured and utilized to preheat the incoming cold water, transforming an environmental waste product into a useful energy resource
2Use of energy by moving object
If sewage is used as a heat source to preheat inlet water, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste heat recovery function with the existing sewage drainage system by integrating the heat exchange mechanism into the sewage pipe structure. This combining of functions allows the system to capture thermal energy without requiring a completely separate infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding the preheating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchange medium or structure that acts as an intermediary between the cold inlet water and the warm sewage. This intermediary enables thermal energy transfer while maintaining the separation of the two water streams, allowing heat recovery without direct mixing and simplifying the system design compared to more complex heat pump or thermal exchange systems
3Loss of energy
If the inlet water temperature is reduced before heating, then energy savings are achieved, but the heating unit must handle variable temperature inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature parameter of the inlet water through preheating with sewage. This controlled temperature adjustment reduces the energy loss in the heating process while the heating unit's existing design accommodates the variable temperature input, as the preheating only partially raises the temperature rather than requiring the heating unit to handle extreme temperature variations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces the energy required to heat the inlet water by utilizing the heat from sewage, resulting in cost savings and efficient energy use without the need for additional pumps or system modifications, maintaining a maintenance-free installation.
Implementation Method 1
passage of sewage within a drain that contacts an outer surface of an inlet pipe disposed within said sewer will preheat the inlet water
Implementation Method 2
an inlet supply is directed through an interior portion of a sewage pipe, causing the cold water to be preheated
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention provides for a kit and method of raising inlet temperature of a water supply by utilizing thermodynamic properties associated with difference in temperatures across a gradient and friction. In particular a portion of an inlet supply pipe is disposed in a sewer line such that the opposing flow of waste water and related material interacts with the inlet piping by increasing the temperature thereof.