Heat recovery system for a shower tray, bathtub or similar and shower tray provided with said system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat recovery systems for shower trays and bathtubs increase the height, compromising ergonomics and posing difficulties for users with mobility issues, while lacking a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A heat recovery system featuring a stainless steel heat exchanger with a downwardly inclined top cover and integrated drainage, hidden beneath a solid laminar top cover, ensuring efficient heat transfer without increasing tray height, and compatible with various tray dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a heat exchanger medium (plates or coils) is placed underneath the shower tray surface, then energy saving function is achieved, but the height of the shower tray increases, worsening ergonomics for users with mobility problems
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is repositioned from a horizontal placement underneath the shower tray to a vertical placement within a recessed cavity. This dimensional change allows the heat exchanger to fit within the depth of the tray rather than extending its height, resolving the contradiction between energy recovery function and ergonomic height requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is nested within a recessed cavity formed in the shower tray structure. This nesting approach allows the heat exchanger to be housed inside the existing tray depth, eliminating the need to increase overall tray height while maintaining the energy recovery function
2Loss of energy
If a heat exchanger is integrated into the shower tray, then heat recovery function is achieved, but the system becomes visible and accessible to users, posing safety and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is nested within a recessed cavity that is covered by a top cover, completely enclosing the heat exchanger. This nesting and covering approach allows the heat recovery function to operate while preventing any user contact, eliminating safety and hygiene issues
3Loss of energy
If a heat exchanger system is added to the shower tray, then energy saving is achieved, but installation complexity increases requiring additional assembly works
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger, recessed cavity, and top cover are designed and manufactured as an integrated assembly. This merging of components into a single unit eliminates the need for separate assembly works during installation, resolving the contradiction between energy recovery function and installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat recovery system is designed with standardized dimensions that can be universally applied to different shower tray models. This multi-functionality approach allows the same heat recovery unit to be installed across various tray sizes without requiring custom modifications, simplifying installation
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
The system achieves energy savings by efficiently transferring heat from grey water to incoming water, maintaining ergonomic comfort and ease of installation, suitable for diverse tray sizes, and hidden from user contact.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger provided to bring about a heat transfer between a flow of water to be supplied to the shower and the flow of water coming from the shower
Implementation Method 2
a top cover consisting of a preferably solid laminar body, which is provided with a plurality of faces with a degree of inclination in a downward direction from the central part towards the sides, which are provided to guide the flow of water coming from the shower towards the sides of the top cover
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heat recovery system for a shower tray, bathtub or similar, comprising a heat exchanger provided to bring about a heat transfer between a flow of water to be supplied to the shower and the flow of water coming from the shower. It comprises a top cover, and a heat exchanger located between the top cover and the top surface of the shower tray, bathtub or similar, with the heat exchanger being formed of a body made of stainless steel, and a water outlet port, such that the outlet port is linked to a flow of water exiting through the shower.