U.S. patent application number 11/366109 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for heated fluid distribution apparatus for combined domestic hot water supply and space heating system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KYUNG DONG BOILER CO. LTD.. Invention is credited to Tae Young Kwak.
Application Number | 20070205292 11/366109 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470665 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070205292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kwak; Tae Young |
September 6, 2007 |
Heated fluid distribution apparatus for combined domestic hot water
supply and space heating system
Abstract
A combined domestic hot water supply and space heating system
includes a single water heating system, one or more space heating
systems and a heated fluid distribution apparatus. The apparatus
has piping that provides communication between the apparatus, the
water heating system, the space heating system, a fresh water
source, and a house tap. The apparatus also includes anti-scalding
device, a temperature and pressure gauge that monitors hot water
temperature, a priority device that controls flows between the
pipes and other safety and maintenance devices.
Inventors: |
Kwak; Tae Young; (Irvine,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARK LAW FIRM
3255 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 1110
LOS ANGELES
CA
90010
US
|
Assignee: |
KYUNG DONG BOILER CO. LTD.
|
Family ID: |
38470665 |
Appl. No.: |
11/366109 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
236/21B ;
62/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23N 1/082 20130101;
F24D 3/08 20130101; F23N 2241/06 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
236/021.00B ;
062/331 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/12 20060101
F25D023/12; F25D 15/00 20060101 F25D015/00; F23N 5/10 20060101
F23N005/10; F23N 1/08 20060101 F23N001/08 |
Claims
1. A heated fluid distribution apparatus for a combined domestic
hot water supply and space heating system, wherein the combined
domestic hot water supply and space heating system comprises a
water heating system and a space heating system, the apparatus
comprising: a) a cold water inlet fitting that is adapted to be
connected to a fresh water source; b) a hot water outlet fitting
that is adapted to be connected to a house plumbing fixture; c) a
water outlet fitting that is adapted to communicate with an inlet
of the water heating system; d) a water inlet fitting that is
adapted to communicate with an outlet of the water heating system;
e) a space inlet fitting that is adapted to communicate with
a,space heating system return fitting of the space heating system;
and f) a space outlet fitting that is adapted to communicate with a
space heating system inlet fitting of the space heating system;
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anti-scalding
valve, wherein the anti-scalding valve communicates with the cold
water inlet fitting and the water inlet fitting and has an outlet
that is connected to the hot water outlet fitting.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the temperature of water from
the anti-scalding valve is set to about 120.degree. F.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a temperature and
pressure gauge that indicates incoming hot water temperature from
the outlet of the water heating system.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two three-way
valves that changes the combined domestic hot water supply and
space heating system into a bypass mode in which the combined
domestic hot water supply and space heating system is operated for
providing domestic hot water to the house plumbing fixture.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a priority device
and a control board for prioritizing domestic hot water, wherein
the priority device is connected to the control board, wherein the
control board controls activation and deactivation of the three way
valves.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the control board is adapted
to communicate with a house room thermostat for turning on/off of
the space heating system.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising an anti-scalding
valve, wherein the anti-scalding valve communicates with the cold
water inlet fitting and the water inlet fitting and has an outlet
that is connected to the hot water outlet fitting.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an expansion tank
and an air separator between the water inlet fitting and the cold
water inlet fitting, wherein the expansion tank and the air
separator balance pressure and automatically eliminate air in water
flows between the water inlet fitting and the cold water inlet
fitting.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a thermostatic
mixing valve, which communicates with the water inlet fitting and
the space inlet fitting, and comprises an outlet that is connected
to the space outlet fitting.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a circulation
pump between the space inlet fitting and the water outlet
fitting.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an expansion tank
and an air separator between the water inlet fitting and the cold
water inlet fitting, wherein the expansion tank and the air
separator balance pressure and automatically eliminate air in water
flows between the water inlet fitting and the cold water inlet
fitting.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a thermostatic
mixing valve, which communicates with the water inlet fitting and
the space inlet fitting, and comprises an outlet that is connected
to the space outlet fitting.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a circulation pump
between the space inlet fitting and the water outlet fitting.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the circulation pump
provides water head that is high enough to activate a flow sensor
for the water heating system.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the circulation pump
comprises a check valve that prevents backflow from the water
outlet fitting to the space outlet fitting.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a space check
valve that prevents cold water backflow to the space heating
system.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water check
valve that prevents return water backflow to the cold water inlet
fitting.
19. A combined domestic hot water supply and space heating system
comprising: a) a water heating system; b) a space heating system;
and c) a heated fluid distribution apparatus; wherein the heated
fluid distribution apparatus comprises: 1) a cold water inlet
fitting that is adapted to be connected to a fresh water source; 2)
a hot water outlet fitting that is adapted to be connected to a
house plumbing fixture; 3) a water outlet fitting that communicates
with an inlet of the water heating system; 4) a water inlet fitting
that communicates with an outlet of the water heating system; 5) a
space inlet fitting that communicates with a space heating system
return fitting of the space heating system; and 6) a space outlet
fitting that communicates with a space heating system inlet fitting
of the space heating system.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the water heating system is an
on demand flow through tankless water heater.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the water heating system is a
fully modulating device, which can supply hot water at a
predetermined temperature ranging from about 100.degree. F. to
about 180.degree. F.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to a system that provides
both domestic hot water and space heating. More particularly, the
invention is related to an apparatus that properly distributes
heated water from a singe water heating system to domestic hot
water and space heating applications.
[0002] Most building or houses that require a domestic hot water
supply as well as space heating use separate appliances for each
purpose. For example, a conventional tank type gas water heater or
an electric water heater has been used for domestic hot water
supply. Conventional tank type gas heater or electric heater has
disadvantage that it takes significant amount of space and it
continuously lose heat energy due to its stand.
[0003] Conventionally, when space heating is required, a separate
furnace or any hydronic space heater has been used. The furnace or
heater has its own gas burner or electric heating element. This
scheme is inefficient and waste space and energy.
[0004] A more compact and efficient hot water and space heating
system has long been in need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide a
compact and efficient combined domestic hot water supply and space
heating system.
[0006] Another objective of the invention is to provide a fast,
safe and reliable combined domestic hot water supply and space
heating system.
[0007] In order to achieve the above objectives, the present
invention provides a combined domestic hot water supply and space
heating system that includes a water heating system, a space
heating system and a heated fluid distribution apparatus.
[0008] The heated fluid distribution apparatus includes a cold
water inlet fitting that is adapted to be connected to a fresh
water source, a hot water outlet fitting that is adapted to be
connected to a house plumbing fixture, a water outlet fitting that
communicates with an inlet of the water heating system, a water
inlet fitting that communicates with an outlet of the water heating
system, a space inlet fitting that communicates with a space
heating system return fitting of the space heating system, and a
space outlet fitting that communicates with a space heating system
inlet fitting of the space heating system.
[0009] The water heating system may be an on demand flow through
tankless water heater, or a fully modulating device, which can
supply hot water at a predetermined temperature ranging from about
100.degree. F. to about 180.degree. F.
[0010] The apparatus further includes an anti-scalding valve, which
communicates with the cold water inlet fitting and the water inlet
fitting and has an outlet that is connected to the hot water outlet
fitting. The temperature of water from the anti-scalding valve is
set to about 120.degree. F.
[0011] The apparatus further includes a temperature and pressure
gauge that indicates incoming hot water temperature from the outlet
of the water heating system.
[0012] The apparatus further includes two three-way valves that
change the combined domestic hot water supply and space heating
system into a bypass mode in which the combined domestic hot water
supply and space heating system is operated for providing domestic
hot water to the house plumbing fixture.
[0013] The apparatus further includes a priority device and a
control board for prioritizing domestic hot water. The priority
device is connected to the control board. The control board
controls activation and deactivation of the three way valves. The
control board is adapted to communicate with a house room
thermostat for turning on/off of the space heating system.
[0014] The apparatus further includes an expansion tank and an air
separator between the water inlet fitting and the cold water inlet
fitting. The expansion tank and the air separator balance pressure
and automatically eliminate air in water flows between the water
inlet fitting and the cold water inlet fitting.
[0015] The apparatus further includes a thermostatic mixing valve,
which communicates with the water inlet fitting and the space inlet
fitting, and includes an outlet that is connected to the space
outlet fitting.
[0016] The apparatus further includes a circulation pump between
the space inlet fitting and the water outlet fitting. The
circulation pump provides water head that is high enough to
activate a flow sensor for the water heating system. The
circulation pump includes a check valve that prevents backflow from
the water outlet fitting to the space outlet fitting.
[0017] The apparatus further includes a space check valve that
prevents cold water backflow to the space heating system, and a
water check valve that prevents return water backflow to the cold
water inlet fitting.
[0018] The present invention utilizes an on-demand water heater,
which is small enough to hang on a wall, as a water heating system.
Sine the water heater has no reservoir tank, the water heater takes
significantly less space compared to conventional water heater.
Fully modulating computer controlled gas valve brings out
significant energy saving. Automatic flow adjustment valve supplies
hot water at desired temperature. Various sizes of input water
heating system can be used anywhere.
[0019] The present invention wisely controls conjunction of hot
water supply and space heating with flow through type water heating
system and space heating. Combining domestic hot water and space
heating system involves a lot of confusion and difficulties in
practice especially in controlling heat generation system, heated
water temperature and flow rate.
[0020] The present invention supplies and maintains potable
domestic hot water at steady temperature, maximizes efficiency in
output BTU in supplying hot water, and maximizes efficiency in
space heating by optimized control for radiant floor heating
system, base board heating system, or force air heating system with
a single flow through water heating system. The single flow through
water heating system adopts an on-demand tankless water heater or
an instantaneous water heater.
[0021] The present invention utilizes an open loop system and a
semi-closed loop system simultaneously. The open loop system is
used for domestic hot water supply, and the semi-closed loop system
is used for space heating mostly.
[0022] The present invention may be applied for various space
heating system and wide area applications. For flow through water
heating system that offers between 110,000 BTU/hour to 350,000
BTU/hour, the present invention can continuously produce hot water
from 2 GPM to 12 GPM with 77.degree. F. rise from ground water
temperature. The present invention uses this hot water effectively
to the combination of domestic hot water supply and space
heating.
[0023] The distribution apparatus is used for distributing heated
water to potable domestic hot water supply and space heating with
the single water heating system.
[0024] The apparatus includes the priority device for supplying
domestic hot water at 120.degree. F., the step down mixing valve,
the circulation pump for space heating, and safety and performance
devices.
[0025] The single water heating system is a flow through type, and
has the inlet for replenishing the system with unheated water and
the outlet for supplying heated water. The water heating system can
be set to provide hot water at 100.degree. F..about.180.degree. F.
depending on the space heating system.
[0026] The space heating system includes a radiant in floor space
heating, base board space heating and forced fan assistant space
heating system. The temperature drop through the space heating
system is designed to 14.degree. F..about.35.degree. F. on average
using predetermined water flow rate and hot water temperature.
[0027] Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the
fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the
following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0029] FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of a heated fluid
distribution apparatus for a combined hot water supply and space
heating system according to the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the heated fluid
distribution apparatus; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the
combined hot water supply and space heating system;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a water heating
system; and
[0032] FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams showing space heating
devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a heated water distributing apparatus
32 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows that the
apparatus 32 has a cold water inlet fitting 21 for connection to a
filtered and treated water source (not shown) as a potable fresh
water source. The apparatus 32 also has a hot water outlet fitting
23 that delivers domestic hot water at a predetermined temperature,
which is set about 120.degree. F. The domestic hot water outlet
fitting 23 normally supplies the household potable hot water via
potable hot water taps or any plumbing fixtures that use potable
hot water.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows that the apparatus 32 has a water inlet fitting
24 that is connected to an outlet 2 of a water heating system 31.
The apparatus 32 has a water outlet fitting 22 that is connected to
an inlet 1 of the water heating system 31 for replenishing unheated
water. The water heating system 31 is an on demand flow through
tankless water heater, and uses gas (Natural gas or Propane gas) or
electricity. Alternatively, the water heating system 31 is a fully
modulating device, which can supply hot water at a predetermined
temperature ranging from about 100.degree. F. to about 180.degree.
F.
[0035] The cold water inlet fitting 21, the water inlet fitting 24,
the water outlet fitting 22, the hot water outlet fitting 23 of the
apparatus 32, and the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 of the water heating
system 31 are made of 3/4'' copper pipe and fittings.
[0036] The apparatus 32 has a space outlet fitting 20 that is
connected to a space heating system inlet fitting 27 or 29 as a
heated water supply fitting, and a space inlet fitting 19 that is
connected to a space heating return fitting 28 or 30 as a return
conduit for reheating water. The space inlet fitting 19 and the
space outlet fitting 20 of the apparatus are made of 1'' copper
pipe.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 32 has an anti-scalding
device 9 for setting domestic hot water supply at 120.degree. F.
The anti-scalding device 9 is connected to the inlet fitting 24 and
the cold water inlet fitting 21, and it has an outlet that is
connected to the hot water outlet fitting 23.
[0038] The apparatus 32 has a priority device 8 for prioritizing
domestic hot water. The priority device 8 is connected to the
control board 26. The control board 26 controls activation and
deactivation of three way valves 11, 15.
[0039] The apparatus 32 has a temperature and pressure gauge 7 that
indicates incoming hot water temperature from the outlet 2 of the
water heating system 31. The temperature is between 100.degree.
F..about.180.degree. F. depending on the temperature set in the
water heating system 31. The temperature and pressure gauge 7 is
used to prevent high temperature replenish water.
[0040] The apparatus 32 has an air separator 10, an expansion tank
13 and a pressure regulator 12 for adjusting heated water pressure
in space heating systems 33, 34 (refer to FIG. 3).
[0041] The apparatus 32 has a thermostatic mixing valve 17, which
has an inlet that is connected to the water inlet fitting 24, and
another inlet that is connected to the space inlet fitting 19, and
an outlet that is connected to the space outlet fitting 20 for
supplying tempered hot water to the space heating system. As
explained above, the space inlet fitting 19 is connected to the
space heating return fitting 28 of the space heating system 33 or
the space heating return fitting 30 of the space heating system 34.
The space outlet fitting 20 is connected to the space heating
system inlet fitting 27 of the space heating system 33 or to the
space heating system inlet fitting 29 of the space heating system
34. The thermostatic mixing valve 17 keeps preset heated water
supply temperature around 110.degree. F. for the radiant space
heating system 33 and above 140.degree. F. for the forced air space
heating system 34.
[0042] The apparatus 32 has a circulation pump 16 between the space
inlet fitting 19 and the water outlet fitting 22 for circulating
heated water in closed loop at the space heating system 33 or
34.
[0043] When temperature drops between the space outlet fitting 20
and the space inlet fitting 19 around 14.degree.
F..about.35.degree. F. from the supply temperature depends on the
space heating system 33, 34.
[0044] The circulation pump 16 provides water head that is high
enough to activate a flow sensor 54 for the water heating system
31. The circulation pump 16 includes a check valve 56 that prevents
backflow from the water outlet fitting 22 to the space outlet
fitting 20.
[0045] The apparatus further includes a space check valve 58 that
prevents cold water backflow to the space heating system 33, 34,
and a water check valve 14 that prevents return water backflow to
the cold water inlet fitting 21.
[0046] A house space heating thermostat 44 is connected to the
control board 26 of the apparatus 32 for activating a space heating
mode. When the space heating thermostat 44 is engaged to start, the
control board 26 starts the circulation pump 16, which circulates
heated water through the space heating circuit. The temperature of
circulated water is set around 110.degree. F. for a radiant floor
heating system, around 180.degree. F. for a base board heating
system. The heated water supply temperature is set above
140.degree. F. for a forced air space heating system.
[0047] The domestic hot water capacity is from 2 GPM to 10 GPM
depending on the input rate of the water heating system 31.
[0048] The operation of the invention is explained. If there is a
request for domestic hot water supply through the domestic hot
water outlet fitting 23, fresh cold water is supplied through the
cold water inlet fitting 21. Immediately after the cold water
supply, the priority device 8 communicates to the control board 26,
and the control board 26 controls the three way valves 11, 15 to
change to a bypass mode in which the whole system is operated for
providing domestic hot water to household plumbing fixtures.
[0049] If there is no request for domestic hot water supply, and a
thermostat for house space heating sends request for heating, the
whole system is operated only for space heating with semi-closed
loop system until domestic hot water supply is requested.
[0050] The room air temperature in the bypass mode may drop
2.degree. F..about.10.degree. F. from the room air temperature
before the bypass mode is activated in about 20 minutes. The
temperature drop depends on the heat insulation rate of the
house.
[0051] The apparatus 32 of the present invention with the single
water heating system 31 and the space heating systems 33, 34 can
satisfy most of domestic hot water requirements for traditional
household plumbing fixtures. The relationship between the input
capacity and hot water flow rate is explained under the
predetermined temperature of 120.degree. F. for the anti-scalding
device 9.
[0052] Basic Equation for apparatus 32 that produces hot water as
is, and in case that the hot water temperature of the water heating
system 31 is set above 120.degree. F. Input BTU.times.Efficiency
(%)=500.times.GPM.times..DELTA.T [0053] Where [0054] Input BTU by
BTU/hour [0055] .DELTA.T=preset temperature-fresh cold water
temperature [0056] GPM as gallons per minute
[0057] Actual GPM with 120.degree. F. can be predicted with the
following equation: GH=(TM-TC)/(TH-TM) [0058] Where [0059] GH:
Gallon of hot water requirement for one gallon of cold water [0060]
TM: Cold and hot water mixture temperature (The apparatus is set as
TM=120.degree. F.) [0061] TC: Fresh cold water temperature [0062]
TH: Output hot water temperature in the water heating system
[0063] The input BTU may be changed depending on each house's
domestic hot water requirement and/or space heating
requirement.
[0064] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail,
compositions and operation may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *