U.S. patent application number 10/206890 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for heating system for potable water and relatively small areas.
Invention is credited to Rixen, James M..
Application Number | 20030062423 10/206890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23193629 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030062423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rixen, James M. |
April 3, 2003 |
Heating system for potable water and relatively small areas
Abstract
A supplemental heating system for heating a first fluid such as
potable water. The supplemental heating system is configured for
use in a recreational vehicle having a primary heating system that
also heats the first fluid. The supplemental heating system
includes a heating element that heats a second fluid and a heat
exchanging component removably fitted into the recreational vehicle
and having a first fluid conduit for permitting the first fluid to
enter and exit the heat exchanging component, and a second fluid
conduit for permitting the second fluid to enter and exit the heat
exchanging component. Heat from the second fluid is transferred to
the first fluid within the heat exchanging component and thereby
provides a heating operation of the first fluid independent of the
heating system of the recreational vehicle.
Inventors: |
Rixen, James M.; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
520 S.W. YAMHILL STREET
SUITE 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
23193629 |
Appl. No.: |
10/206890 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60308349 |
Jul 27, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
237/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/00364 20130101;
F24D 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
237/19 |
International
Class: |
F24H 001/22; F24D
003/08 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A supplemental heating system for heating a first fluid, the
supplemental heating system being configured for use in a
recreational vehicle, the recreational vehicle having a primary
heating system that also heats the first fluid, the supplemental
heating system comprising: a heating element that heats a second
fluid; a heat exchanging component removably fitted into the
recreational vehicle and having a first fluid conduit for
permitting the first fluid to enter and exit the heat exchanging
component, and a second fluid conduit for permitting the second
fluid to enter and exit the heat exchanging component; wherein heat
from the second fluid is transferred to the first fluid within the
heat exchanging component and thereby provide a heating operation
of the first fluid independent of the heating system of the
recreational vehicle.
2. The supplemental heating system of paragraph 1, wherein the
supplemental heating system heats the first fluid prior to the
primary heating system heating the fluid.
3. A supplemental potable water heater for a recreational vehicle,
the vehicle having a primary potable water heating system installed
therein that heats potable water, the supplemental potable water
heater comprising: a heating element; a heat exchanging component
that transfers heat generated by the heating element to the potable
water prior to the potable water being heated by the primary
potable water heating system, thereby tending to provide a
substantially constant flow of potable water at a predetermined
temperature.
4. The supplemental potable water heater of paragraph 3, further
including: a heating fluid that transfers heat from the heating
element to the potable water; a first conduit that directs the
potable water into and out of the heat exchanging component; and a
second conduit that directs the heating fluid into and out of the
heat exchanging component.
5. The supplemental potable water heater of paragraph 4, further
comprising a tempering valve configured to mix selectively the
potable water flowing into the first conduit with the potable water
flowing from the first conduit, thereby to vary the temperature of
the potable water flowing from the first conduit.
6. The supplemental water heater of paragraph 3, wherein the
supplemental water heater is retrofittable into the recreational
vehicle.
7. A heating system for a recreational vehicle, comprising: a
primary water heater located in the recreational vehicle; a primary
water storage vessel associated with the primary water heater; a
pre-heater in communication with and installed upstream of the
primary water heater; a secondary water storage vessel associated
with the pre-heater, the secondary water storage vessel having a
substantially smaller water volume storage capacity than that of
the primary water storage vessel; wherein the pre-heater heats
water prior to the water being heated by the primary heater,
thereby tending to provide a substantially constant flow of water
at a preselected temperature.
8. The heating system of paragraph 7, further including: a heating
fluid that transfers heat from the pre-heater to the water; a first
conduit that directs the water into and out of the pre-heater; and
a second conduit that directs the heating fluid into and out of the
pre-heater.
9. The heating system of paragraph 7, further comprising a
tempering valve that is configured to mix selectively the water
flowing into the first conduit with the water flowing out of the
first conduit to vary the temperature of the water flowing out of
the first conduit.
10. The heating system of paragraph 7, wherein the pre-heater is
powered independent of the primary heating system and the
recreational vehicle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/308,349, filed Jul. 27, 2001 and entitled
"Heating System for Potable Water and Relatively Small Areas".
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to heating systems,
and more particularly, to potable water heating systems and heating
systems for use in recreational vehicles, campers, cabins, boats,
and other applications with relatively small areas to be heated, as
distinguished from general residential home or commercial
business/factory heating applications.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Conventional systems for heating water and/or relatively
small living spaces such as in a recreational vehicle generally
fall into two classes of systems. The first class includes systems
that have a heating element(s) that extend into a cavity which
holds several gallons of water. That heating element ultimately
heats the entire volume of water. Drawbacks to this first class
include a lack of continuous hot water. In other words, if the
entire tank containing several gallons of water is used, there is
no longer hot water for the user and a period of time must elapse
before hot water is available again. In addition, the first class
of systems takes a relatively long time period to heat water.
[0004] The second class of systems involves heating a relatively
small volume of water with a gas or electric heating device. That
class includes the drawbacks of added cost associated with the
heating device, and added complexity to the system by introducing
another device which will wear/fail over time. Conventional water
heating systems for recreational vehicles in this class usually
include a propane or other open-flame "flash furnace" heating
system that directly heats the domestic water. Open-flame systems
like these are relatively expensive and relatively unsafe when used
in a recreational vehicle. In addition, a propane heating system
generally cannot provide a constant supply of hot water.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of
conventional systems by providing a water heating system/heating
system that utilizes a flash heating process for heating potable
water. The flash heating process includes using water as the flash
heating source. As a result, the present invention is capable of
delivering a continuous supply of water heated to a desired
temperature such as between 100.degree.-130.degree. F. for potable
water uses including drinking, washing, showering, bathing, etc.
The present invention is designed for usage in relatively small, as
compared to commercial and residential applications, such as for
use in a space that is less than approximately 50,000 cubic
feet.
[0006] Preferably, the present invention is used to provide hot
water, and also to provide heat to the coach of a recreational
vehicle. The approximate volume of space to be heated in a
recreational vehicle coach is approximately 25,000 cubic feet.
[0007] The invention may also be thought of as a water heating
system for use in recreational vehicles such as boats and motor
homes. The hot water system of the present invention uses fluid
heated by an independent heat source to heat domestic water.
[0008] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be more readily understood after a consideration of
the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred
embodiment which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND ACCOMPANYING MATERIAL
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of
the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of
the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger used in
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how the second embodiment may be
installed in a recreational vehicle.
[0014] FIG. 5 is partially schematic and partially representational
diagram showing how the second embodiment of the invention may be
installed in a recreational vehicle.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the second
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the first
embodiment.
[0017] Attachment A depicts and describes yet another embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE OF
CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, one version of the present
invention (known commercially under the trademark CONSTAHOT.TM.) is
depicted as a heating system for a recreational vehicle. The
heating system includes a primary water heater T with a primary
water storage vessel, which may be a 6-gallon tank. The heating
system also includes a relatively small pre-heater or heat
exchanger X which is in communication with and is installed
upstream of water heater T. The heat exchanger has a capacity to
process and store about a quart of water, and may be therefore
thought of as a secondary water storage vessel.
[0019] Heating fluid from an independent heat source, such as a
combustion engine or furnace marketed under the trademark
HURRICANE, enters and exits the water heater T at H1 and H2,
respectively. The heating fluid moves through a pipe to the input
H3 of heat exchanger X and exits the heat exchanger at H4. The
heating fluid is maintained in a conduit between input H3 and
output H4. The independent heat source thus provides heating fluid
to both water heater T and heat exchanger X. However, it is within
the scope of the invention for the independent heat source to
supply only heat exchanger X with heating fluid. The heat source is
preferably a 12 volt/diesel-fired hydronic heat source with a
40,000 BTU output. The heating fluid is preferably a two-part
mixture of glycol and water. A preferred range for that mixture is
between 30-50% glycol and a corresponding 70-50% of water. It has
been found that a 40% glycol/60% water mixture is optimal for the
recreational vehicle application of the present invention.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, the water to be heated, known as
domestic or potable water, enters the invention at W1. The domestic
water enters heat exchanger X at W2 and is pre-heated by the
heating fluid by flowing through a conduit, which directs the
domestic water through alternating, stacked, stainless steel
plate-like elements, as shown in FIG. 3, to allow heat to transfer
between the two flows. The domestic water exits the heat exchanger
at W3 and enters water heater T at W4. The domestic water interacts
with the heating fluid within the water heater by conventional heat
transfer methods and exits the water heater at W5. A tempering
valve V allows a user to adjust final water output temperature. If
domestic water at W5 is too hot, tempering valve V mixes cooler
water from W1 to lower the temperature of the water. Water at the
desired temperature exits the invention at W6 ready to use.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic depiction of
how heated water is used to heat domestic (cold) potable water in a
heat exchanger. The heated water travels in a channel shown darkly
shaded, and the domestic water travels in a channel shown lightly
shaded. It should be understood that various heat exchangers may be
used depending upon the application and government regulatory
requirements. Heat exchangers that are double-walled with a vented
air gap between the double walls may be preferred to meet
government safety requirements. One such double walled heat
exchanger is made by Doucette Industries, Inc. and given part no.
NSY 2M1/1P-7SCC (O) SM.
[0022] A variation of the above embodiment adds a sensing switch
(not shown) that senses the temperature of the domestic water in
the 6-gallon tank. When the temperature reaches a certain level,
the independent heat source is activated, thereby circulating
heating fluid through the heat exchanger and pre-heating the
domestic water.
[0023] FIG. 4 provides an illustration of a typical plumbing system
for a recreational vehicle that includes the CONSTAHOT.TM. version
of the invention. FIG. 5 shows a partially schematic/partially
representational depiction of the CONSTAHOT.TM. version of the
invention, and also illustrates how and where that version of the
invention may be located in a standard coach of a recreational
vehicle.
[0024] FIGS. 2, 2A and 6 show another embodiment of the invention,
also referred to as the MAGICHOT.TM. heating system, which is a
supplemental heating system that includes a heat exchanging
component such as heat exchanger X that can be associated with or
fitted onto an existing primary heating system such as a water
heater unit B. Heat exchanger X is retrofittable or removably
fitted into a recreational vehicle. Heating fluid from a heating
element such as an independent heat source A enters the heat
exchanger at H1, flows through a conduit within the heat exchanger,
and exits the heat exchanger at H2. A fluid such as domestic or
potable water enters at D1, flows through tempering valve V, and
enters the heat exchanger at D2. The domestic water flows through a
conduit in the heat exchanger and exits the heat exchanger at D3.
As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, tempering valve V moderates
the temperature of the output domestic water by mixing it with
unheated domestic water from D1. A sensing switch (not shown) can
also be provided in the existing water heater to activate the
independent heat source to begin the pre-heating process.
[0025] Yet another way to described the invention is as follows:
The CONSTAHOT.TM. embodiment is a replacement 6-gallon domestic hot
water tank with a high efficiency, extremely compact heat exchanger
that, in conjunction with the HURRICANE FURNACE, will provide 106
degree hot water for as long as is desired. The system typically
requires a heat source with a minimum of 36K BTU. The CONSTAHOT.TM.
has a sensing switch that, when the water temperature in the 6
gallon buffer tank reaches a certain level, signals the Hurricane
furnace to come on, circulating hot fluid through the CONSTAHOT.TM.
heat exchanger and pre-heating the domestic water. The
CONSTAHOT.TM. uses a standard UL listed hot water heater made by
Seaward Products which has a 1500W 120V electric element as well as
a small heat exchange loop. The pre-heating heat exchanger is
IAMPMO rated for domestic water.
[0026] The MAGICHOT.TM. is an add-on accessory for installations
where the replacement of the entire water heater is not desirable.
It consists of the same pre-heating heat exchanger contained in a
small, easily mounted box with clearly labeled hose connections. An
accessory kit consisting of the sensing trigger and pipe fittings
is available to allow conversion of most existing hot water
heaters. Both the CONSTAHOT.TM. and the MAGICHOT.TM. are compact,
easily installed units that add an unlimited hot water feature to
systems where, because of space, fuel or safety considerations, was
unavailable.
[0027] The following Table provides technical information that may
be helpful in constructing the invention.
1TABLE ConstaHot MagicHot Size: 14"W-15"H-21"D 9"W-5"H-4.5"D
Fittings: On left side, 2 5/8hose barbs On front, 2 5/8 2 1/2 pipe
male pipe fittings. El. hose barbs 2 1/2 male pipe fittings. No el.
Storage: 6 gallons in aluminum tank N/A BTU Req.: Minimum 36 K
Minimum 36 K Construction: Case SS, Plumbing Case AL, Copper/Brass
Plumbing Copper/Brass Temp. Valve: Watts 70-A 120-160 degrees Adj
Watts 70-A 120- 160 degrees Adj.
[0028] Another embodiment of the invention, known under the
trademark COMFORTHOT, is a supplemental space heating system that
includes a supplemental heating unit coupled to an existing hot
water heating system in a recreational vehicle, and is powered by
electrical power from a conventional AC power outlet. Preferably,
the existing hot water heating system used with this embodiment is
the first embodiment of the present invention described above. The
supplemental heating unit includes a tank enclosed by an outer
covering. Cold water is input at the bottom of the tank, heated by
a pair of 2000-Watt heating elements, and allowed to exit the
invention. A plurality of thermostats control the actuation of the
unit.
[0029] This embodiment of the invention is designed to be installed
in a closed circuit relationship with the currently existing
furnace and holding tank of a recreational vehicle. Water from the
tank is driven by a pump through a furnace, through a series of
heat exchangers and back into the invention. This embodiment may be
wired via a three-way switch to an external source of 120 Volt AC
power, in parallel with an air conditioner mounted on the
recreational vehicle. This embodiment is advantageous because an
external source of power can be used to heat water instead of using
a conventional diesel fired furnace. This is important because a
recreational vehicle can take advantage of an electrical power
hookup at an RV park, where the cost of operating the invention is
absorbed into the overall nightly rental fee that is charged by the
RV park. Another advantage of this embodiment is that it is a
self-contained unit, and is compact and easy to install. Yet
another advantage is that the invention uses the existing
electrical circuitry that is designed for use for the air
conditioner in a recreational vehicle. Still another advantage is
that the tank of the present invention provides additional fluid
capacity in the water heating system of a recreational vehicle.
Still another advantage is that the invention can be used as a sole
heating source for a recreational vehicle as well as a supplement
to an existing diesel powered furnace.
[0030] One advantage of all embodiments of the invention is that
they can be used with a pre-existing, independent heat source. This
is important when the invention is installed in an environment
where weight and space is at a premium, such as in a boat, camper,
trailer or other recreational vehicle. Another advantage of the
invention is that the pre-heating operation that takes place in the
heat exchanger rapidly heats a small amount of water that is
immediately available for use. Additionally, the flash heating
process introduces no additional moving parts to the overall
heating system, and is safer than open flame/gas/electric heaters
because those heaters present a potential fire hazard.
[0031] The invention may be thought of as the devices or systems
shown above. It may also be thought of as a method of using a
water-containing fluid as a flash heating source. It may also be
thought of as a water-to-water method of heating potable water.
Distinguishing features of the invention include: (1) flash heating
a water-containing fluid to heat potable water; (2) using a
glycol/water mixture as a heating fluid (see mixture formulation
described above); (3) providing water-to-water heating of potable
water; (4) providing a heating system with a continuous hot-water
output; (5) providing a heating system with no moving parts; (6)
providing a non-demand system; and (7) providing a water heating
system that slaves off of an existing water heater.
[0032] Attachment A (thirteen pages) depicts and describes an
additional embodiment of the invention, which combines CONSTAHOT
and COMFORTHOT functionality in a single integrated unit. Page 1
includes schematic depictions of the internal piping and electrical
wiring for the integrated unit. Pages 2-5 detail technical
specifications for the integrated unit and describe various
features of the unit. Pages 6-13 are photographs depicting various
views of the integrated unit.
[0033] While the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to the foregoing operational principles and
preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that other changes in form and detail may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *