U.S. patent application number 14/239770 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for heat exchanger, and energy recovery device and energy recovery system comprising heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to Allied Castle International Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Sai Fai Chan. Invention is credited to Sai Fai Chan.
Application Number | 20140311709 14/239770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46834526 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140311709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Sai Fai |
October 23, 2014 |
Heat exchanger, and energy recovery device and energy recovery
system comprising heat exchanger
Abstract
A heat exchanger (1) for recovering energy from a fluid, an
energy recovery device including the heat exchanger (1), and an
energy recovery system are provided. The heat exchanger (1)
includes: a first fluid collector (11) provided with an opening
(111) for introducing a first fluid, a cavity (113) and an outlet
(112); a first fluid flow guide (12) provided with a first fluid
duct (114) connected with the opening (111) and the outlet (112) of
the first fluid collector (11); a second fluid flow guide (13)
provided with a second fluid inlet (131), a flow diversion chamber
(132), a plurality of heat exchange tubes (133), a flow collection
chamber (134) and a second fluid outlet (135), a plurality of first
fluid annular spaces (141) being formed between the outer walls of
the heat exchange tubes (133) and the inner wall of the first fluid
duct (114), where a second fluid is entered from the second fluid
inlet (131) and flows through the plurality of heat exchange tubes
(133), and undergoes heat exchange with the first fluid flowing
through the first fluid annular spaces (141). The heat exchanger
(1), the energy recovery device and the energy recovery system can
effectively recover energy in the fluid is simple in installation
and convenient in use.
Inventors: |
Chan; Sai Fai; (Tsim Sha
Tsui, HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chan; Sai Fai |
Tsim Sha Tsui |
|
HK |
|
|
Assignee: |
Allied Castle International
Limited
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
HK
|
Family ID: |
46834526 |
Appl. No.: |
14/239770 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
July 17, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2012/000966 |
371 Date: |
June 5, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 1/05316 20130101;
F28F 1/42 20130101; F28D 21/0012 20130101; Y02B 30/56 20130101;
F28D 15/00 20130101; F28F 1/04 20130101; F28D 7/12 20130101; E03C
2001/005 20130101; E03C 1/00 20130101; F28D 7/04 20130101; F28F
1/426 20130101; Y02B 30/566 20130101; F28F 1/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.11 |
International
Class: |
F28D 15/00 20060101
F28D015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 19, 2011 |
HK |
11108771.5 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, comprising: a first fluid collector having an
opening, a cavity and a first fluid outlet, wherein the opening is
used for intake of a first fluid, and the first fluid outlet is for
discharging the first fluid; a first fluid flow guide having one or
more first fluid ducts connected with the opening and the first
fluid outlet of the first fluid collector; and a second fluid flow
guide having a second fluid inlet, a flow diversion chamber, a
plurality of heat exchange tubes, a flow collection chamber and a
second fluid outlet, the second fluid inlet for intake of a second
fluid having a temperature different from that of the first fluid,
wherein the second fluid enters the plurality of heat exchange
tubes upon entering the flow diversion chamber, for collection in
the flow collection chamber and subsequent discharge from the
second fluid outlet, the second fluid flow guide being located in
the cavity of the first fluid collector, and a plurality of first
fluid annular spaces surrounding the plurality of heat exchange
tubes being formed between the outer walls of the heat exchange
tubes and the inner walls of the first fluid ducts, wherein upon
flow of the second fluid along the plurality of heat exchange tubes
the second fluid undergoes heat exchange with the first fluid
flowing through the first fluid annular spaces so as to change the
temperature of the second fluid before the second fluid is
subsequently discharged from the second fluid outlet.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that,
the second fluid flow guide and the first fluid flow guide are
configured such that the second fluid flowing through the plurality
of heat exchange tubes and the first fluid flowing through the
first fluid annular spaces flow in opposite directions.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that,
the plurality of first fluid annular spaces are internally provided
with a first fluid non-axial flow guide structure for promoting the
first fluid to flow in the non-axial direction.
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that,
the first fluid non-axial flow guide structure is a helical
structure.
11. (canceled)
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that,
the centers of the heat exchange tubes are provided with strip
baffles, the second fluid annular spaces for the second fluid to
pass through are formed between the strip baffles and the inner
walls of the heat exchanger tubes.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, characterized in
that, one end of the heat exchange tubes is closed, the strip
baffles are hollow strip baffles with pipelines formed therein and
are connected with the second fluid annular spaces in vicinity of
the closed end of the heat exchange tubes.
14. (canceled)
15. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, characterized in
that, the second fluid annular spaces are internally provided with
a second fluid non-axial flow guide structure for promoting the
second fluid to flow in the non-axial direction.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A heat exchanger, comprising: a first fluid collector provided
with an opening, a cavity and a first fluid outlet, wherein the
opening is used for intake of a first fluid so that the first fluid
enters the cavity and discharges from the first fluid outlet; and a
second fluid flow guide provided with a second fluid inlet, a flow
diversion chamber, a plurality of heat exchange tubes, a plurality
of strip baffles, a flow collection chamber and a second fluid
outlet, wherein one end of the heat exchange tubes is closed, the
other end connects with the flow diversion chamber, the strip
baffles are hollow with pipelines formed therein, the strip baffles
each are respectively placed in the heat exchange tubes, forming
second fluid annular spaces between the strip baffles and inner
walls of the heat exchange tubes, one end of the hollow pipelines
of the strip baffles connects with the second fluid annular spaces
in vicinity of the closed end of the heat exchange tubes, the other
end connects with the flow diversion chamber, wherein the second
fluid inlet is used for intake of a second fluid wherein the
temperature of said second fluid is different from that of the
first fluid, the second fluid enters the second fluid annular
spaces in the plurality of heat exchange tubes in parallel upon
entering the flow diversion chamber and enters the hollow pipelines
of the strip baffles in vicinity of the closed end of the heat
exchange tubes, the second fluid is then collected in the flow
collection chamber, and is subsequently discharged from the second
fluid outlet, wherein the plurality of heat exchange tubes are
placed in the cavity of the first fluid collector, the second fluid
flowing through the plurality of heat exchange tubes undergoes heat
exchange with the first fluid flowing through the cavity so as to
change the temperature of the second fluid before the second fluid
is discharged from the second fluid outlet.
20. The heat exchanger according to claim 19, characterized in
that, uniform gaps are formed between the plurality of heat
exchange tubes.
21. The heat exchanger according to claim 19, characterized in
that, the second fluid annular spaces are internally provided with
a helical flow guide structure, and outer walls of the plurality of
heat exchange tubes are provided with a helical flow guide
structure.
22. An energy recovery device, comprising: the heat exchanger
according to claim 1; and external means, for making the
temperature of the second fluid discharged from the second fluid
outlet of the heat exchanger after heat exchange changed through
the external means to an appropriate temperature of use and making
the second fluid serve as the first fluid entered to the opening of
the first fluid collector of the heat exchanger after use.
23. The energy recovery device according to claim 22, characterized
in that, the external means comprises a heater or cooler for
heating or cooling the second fluid discharged from the second
fluid outlet after heat exchange, the temperature of the first
fluid entered the opening of the first fluid collector after use is
higher than or lower than that of the second fluid entered the
second fluid inlet.
24. The energy recovery device according to claim 22, characterized
in that, the external means comprises a mixer that mixes the second
fluid discharged from the second fluid outlet with an external
pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid so as to increase or decrease
the temperature, the temperature of the first fluid entered the
opening of the first fluid collector after use is higher than or
lower than that of the second fluid entered to the second fluid
inlet.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. An energy recovery system, comprising: the energy recovery
device according to claim 23; a second fluid source, wherein the
second fluid inlet of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the second fluid source, for providing the second
fluid for the second fluid inlet; and a fluid discharge pipeline,
wherein the first fluid outlet of the first fluid collector of the
heat exchanger is directly or indirectly connected to the fluid
discharge pipeline, wherein an inlet of the heater or cooler is
directly or indirectly connected to the second fluid outlet of the
heat exchanger, for heating or cooling the second fluid being
discharged from the second fluid outlet, and an outlet of the
heater or cooler is used for discharging the heated or cooled
second fluid, wherein the opening of the first fluid collector of
the heat exchanger receives the first fluid after use the
temperature of said first fluid is higher than or lower than the
temperature of the second fluid so that the first fluid undergoes
heat exchange with the second fluid flowing through the plurality
of heat exchange tubes of the second fluid flow guide, the
temperature of the second fluid is increased or decreased and the
second fluid is discharged from the second fluid outlet, wherein
the first fluid after heat exchange is discharged to the fluid
discharge pipeline via the first fluid outlet.
28. An energy recovery system, comprising: the energy recovery
device according to claim 24; a second fluid source, wherein the
second fluid inlet of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the second fluid source, for providing the second
fluid for the second fluid inlet; a third fluid source, for
providing the pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid; and a fluid
discharge pipeline, wherein the first fluid outlet of the first
fluid collector of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the fluid discharge pipeline, wherein the mixer
comprises a fluid temperature and flow regulator, wherein the inlet
of said mixer is directly or indirectly connected to the second
fluid outlet of the heat exchanger and the third fluid source for
mixing the second fluid discharged from the second fluid outlet
after heat exchange and the pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid
from the third fluid source and regulating temperature and flow
thereof for use, and the mixed fluid becomes the first fluid to
enter the opening of the first fluid collector, wherein the opening
of the first fluid collector of the heat exchanger takes in the
first fluid after use wherein the temperature of said first fluid
is higher than or lower than the temperature of the second fluid,
so that the first fluid undergoes heat exchange with the second
fluid flowing through the plurality of heat exchange tubes of the
second fluid flow guide, and the temperature of the second fluid is
increased or decreased, the second fluid is discharged from the
second fluid outlet, wherein the first fluid is discharged to the
fluid discharge pipeline via the first fluid outlet after heat
exchange.
29. The heat exchanger according to claim 13, characterized in
that, the second fluid annular spaces are internally provided with
a second fluid non-axial flow guide structure for promoting the
second fluid to flow in the non-axial direction.
30. An energy recovery device, comprising: the heat exchanger
according to claim 19; and external means, for making the
temperature of the second fluid discharged from the second fluid
outlet of the heat exchanger after heat exchange changed through
the external means to an appropriate temperature of use and making
the second fluid serve as the first fluid entered to the opening of
the first fluid collector of the heat exchanger after use.
31. The energy recovery device according to claim 30, characterized
in that, the external means comprises a heater or cooler for
heating or cooling the second fluid discharged from the second
fluid outlet after heat exchange, the temperature of the first
fluid entered the opening of the first fluid collector after use is
higher than or lower than that of the second fluid entered the
second fluid inlet.
32. The energy recovery device according to claim 30, characterized
in that, the external means comprises a mixer that mixes the second
fluid discharged from the second fluid outlet with an external
pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid so as to increase or decrease
the temperature, the temperature of the first fluid entered the
opening of the first fluid collector after use is higher than or
lower than that of the second fluid entered to the second fluid
inlet.
33. An energy recovery system, comprising: the energy recovery
device according to claim 31; a second fluid source, wherein the
second fluid inlet of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the second fluid source, for providing the second
fluid for the second fluid inlet; and a fluid discharge pipeline,
wherein the first fluid outlet of the first fluid collector of the
heat exchanger is directly or indirectly connected to the fluid
discharge pipeline, wherein an inlet of the heater or cooler is
directly or indirectly connected to the second fluid outlet of the
heat exchanger, for heating or cooling the second fluid being
discharged from the second fluid outlet, and an outlet of the
heater or cooler is used for discharging the heated or cooled
second fluid, wherein the opening of the first fluid collector of
the heat exchanger receives the first fluid after use the
temperature of said first fluid is higher than or lower than the
temperature of the second fluid so that the first fluid undergoes
heat exchange with the second fluid flowing through the plurality
of heat exchange tubes of the second fluid flow guide, the
temperature of the second fluid is increased or decreased and the
second fluid is discharged from the second fluid outlet, wherein
the first fluid after heat exchange is discharged to the fluid
discharge pipeline via the first fluid outlet.
34. An energy recovery system, comprising: the energy recovery
device according to claim 32; a second fluid source, wherein the
second fluid inlet of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the second fluid source, for providing the second
fluid for the second fluid inlet; a third fluid source, for
providing the pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid; and a fluid
discharge pipeline, wherein the first fluid outlet of the first
fluid collector of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the fluid discharge pipeline, wherein the mixer
comprises a fluid temperature and flow regulator, wherein the inlet
of said mixer is directly or indirectly connected to the second
fluid outlet of the heat exchanger and the third fluid source for
mixing the second fluid discharged from the second fluid outlet
after heat exchange and the pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid
from the third fluid source and regulating temperature and flow
thereof for use, and the mixed fluid becomes the first fluid to
enter the opening of the first fluid collector, wherein the opening
of the first fluid collector of the heat exchanger takes in the
first fluid after use wherein the temperature of said first fluid
is higher than or lower than the temperature of the second fluid,
so that the first fluid undergoes heat exchange with the second
fluid flowing through the plurality of heat exchange tubes of the
second fluid flow guide, and the temperature of the second fluid is
increased or decreased, the second fluid is discharged from the
second fluid outlet, wherein the first fluid is discharged to the
fluid discharge pipeline via the first fluid outlet after heat
exchange.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, an energy
recovery device including the heat exchanger, and an energy
recovery system, and particularly to a heat exchanger for
recovering energy from a fluid, an energy recovery device including
the heat exchanger, and an energy recovery system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In daily life, people use different washing facilities for
cleaning and washing. The facilities include, for example, bathroom
showers, sinks, hair washing tanks and the like. However, if the
washing facilities use hot water as washing medium, the discharge
of such wastewater which contains large amount of heat energy would
result in energy waste.
[0003] Various methods were adopted with the aim to recover and
utilize the energy lost in vain. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,304,292 discloses a heat recovery device to be placed in a
bathroom. With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a heat exchanger
thereof includes helical heat exchange tubes 114a and 116 formed by
bending of metal tubes and are concentrically placed in helical
wastewater pits 104 and 106 opened on an upper surface 102 of a
base 100. The wastewater generated by the shower flows downwards
via through holes 128 from floor 124a towards a drain fitting 110
and a drain conduit 112a below a center drain opening 108 along the
helical wastewater pits 104 and 106. Cold water flows through the
helical heat exchange tubes 114a and 116 from an inlet pipe 120 via
a faucet pipe 56' and undergoes heat exchange with the wastewater
outside the heat exchange tubes to gain in temperature, then is
discharged via an outlet pipe 122a. However, the heat recovery
device has various drawbacks which will be discussed in the
below.
[0004] (1) Low Heat Recovery Efficiency
[0005] (a) As the wastewater flows towards a drain port via a
single pit, the pit must provide enough space for a large amount of
wastewater to pass through. However, when water consumption is low,
wastewater of small amount accumulates only at the bottom of the
heat exchange tube. Therefore, the heat exchange tubes could only
carry out heat exchange at the bottom portion, thus the recovery
efficiency is limited.
[0006] (b) When there is greater water consumption, the whole pit
is filled with wastewater. Due to the resistance of the wall of the
heat exchange tube and the peripheral wall of the pit, a
substantial amount of the wastewater flows past through a gap on
the top of the heat exchange tube at high speed and fails to
undergo heat exchange with the cold water in the heat exchange
tube. Further and under the effect of laminar flow phenomena the
fast flowing hot water fails to be thoroughly mixed with the
wastewater cooled in vicinity of the wall of the heat exchange
tube, leading to low recovery efficiency.
[0007] (c) As the cold water flows towards the outlet via a single
pipeline, the heat exchange tube must have a considerably large
inner diameter sufficient for the cold water to pass through.
However, due to heat exchange can only be carried out on the tube
wall and the resistance of the tube wall, the cold water in the
center of the heat exchange tube may pass at a higher speed and
will not be sufficiently heated. With the addition of laminar flow
phenomena of the water current in the tube, the cold water in the
center fails to be thoroughly mixed with the water heated at the
tube wall, which also leads to low recovery efficiency.
[0008] (2) A longer time is required to achieve the maximum
temperature: the entire heat exchange process can be completed only
if the cold water flows from one end of the heat exchange tube to
the other end. However, based on the above reasons, in order to
increase the amount of heat recovery the heat exchange tube must
have a considerable length so that the cold water would take a
longer time to reach the maximum stable temperature.
[0009] (3) The heat exchange tube is bent and coiled into a helical
shape. As most bathrooms are square shaped, thus it is unable to
make full use of the bathroom floor for heat exchange.
[0010] (4) The heat exchange device is only suitable for placing in
the bathroom and is not suitable for placing in sinks or other
washing facilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An objective of the present invention is to provide a heat
exchanger for recovering energy from a fluid, an energy recovery
device including the heat exchanger and an energy recovery system
having high energy recovery efficiency, which is simple in
installation, convenient in use and easy in cleaning.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a heat exchanger which includes a first fluid collector
provided with an opening, a cavity and a first fluid outlet, where
the opening is used for intake of a first fluid, and the first
fluid outlet is used for expelling the first fluid; a first fluid
flow guide provided with one or more first fluid ducts connected
with the opening and the first fluid outlet of the first fluid
collector; and a second fluid flow guide provided with a second
fluid inlet, a flow diversion chamber, a plurality of heat exchange
tubes, a flow collection chamber and a second fluid outlet. The
second fluid inlet is used for intake of a second fluid whose
temperature is different from that of the first fluid, so that the
second fluid enters the plurality of heat exchange tubes in
parallel after entering the flow diversion chamber, is collected in
the flow collection chamber, and is subsequently discharged from
the second fluid outlet. The second fluid flow guide is placed in
the cavity of the first fluid collector. A plurality of first fluid
annular spaces are formed between outer walls of the plurality of
heat exchange tubes and inner walls of the first fluid ducts which
surround the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The second fluid
flowing through the plurality of heat exchange tubes undergoes heat
exchange with the first fluid flowing through the first fluid
annular spaces so that the temperature of the second fluid changes
and the second fluid is discharged from the second fluid
outlet.
[0013] In the heat exchanger, the second fluid flow guide and the
first fluid flow guide are configured such that the second fluid
flowing through the plurality of heat exchange tubes and the first
fluid flowing through the first fluid annular spaces flow in
opposite directions.
[0014] In the heat exchanger, the first fluid flow guide is
detachably installed into the cavity, and the second fluid flow
guide is detachably installed into the cavity.
[0015] In the heat exchanger, a centerline of each heat exchange
tube is linear, and the centerlines may be parallel to each
other.
[0016] In the heat exchanger, cross sections of the heat exchange
tubes are circular, and may also be polygonal.
[0017] In the heat exchanger, the first fluid annular spaces are
uniform.
[0018] In the heat exchanger, inside of the fluid annular spaces
are provided with a first fluid non-axial flow guide structure for
promoting flow of the first fluid in the non-axial direction.
[0019] In the heat exchanger, the first fluid non-axial flow guide
structure is a helical structure.
[0020] In the heat exchanger, the first fluid non-axial flow guide
structure is formed on the inner walls of the first fluid ducts,
and may also be integrally connected with the heat exchange
tubes.
[0021] In the heat exchanger, the centers of the heat exchange
tubes are provided with strip baffles, between therein and the
inner walls of the heat exchanger tubes the second fluid annular
spaces for the second fluid to pass through are formed.
[0022] In the heat exchanger, one end of the heat exchange tubes is
closed. The strip baffles are hollow strip baffles, with pipelines
formed therein, and are connected with the second fluid annular
spaces in vicinity of the closed end of the heat exchange
tubes.
[0023] In the heat exchanger, the second fluid annular spaces are
uniform.
[0024] In the heat exchanger, the second fluid annular spaces are
internally provided with a second fluid non-axial flow guide
structure for promoting flow of the second fluid in the non-axial
direction.
[0025] In the heat exchanger, the second fluid non-axial flow guide
structure is a helical structure.
[0026] In the heat exchanger, the second fluid non-axial flow guide
structure is integrally connected with the heat exchange tubes, and
may also be integrally connected with the strip baffles.
[0027] In the heat exchanger, the hollow strip baffles are made of
heat-insulating materials or heat-insulating structures.
[0028] The present invention further provides a heat exchanger,
including a first fluid collector having an opening, a cavity and a
first fluid outlet, where the opening is used for introducing a
first fluid so that the first fluid enters the cavity and is
discharged from the first fluid outlet; and a second fluid flow
guide having a second fluid inlet, a flow diversion chamber, a
plurality of heat exchange tubes, a plurality of strip baffles, a
flow collection chamber and a second fluid outlet. One end of the
heat exchange tubes is closed while the other end connects with the
flow diversion chamber. The strip baffles are hollow with pipelines
formed therein and are each placed respectively in the heat
exchange tubes and form second fluid annular spaces between therein
and inner walls of the heat exchange tubes. One end of the hollow
pipelines of the strip baffles connects with the second fluid
annular spaces in vicinity of the closed end of the heat exchange
tubes. The other end connects with the flow diversion chamber. The
second fluid inlet is used for intake of a second fluid whose
temperature is different from that of the first fluid so that the
second fluid enters the second fluid annular spaces in the
plurality of heat exchange tubes in parallel after entering the
flow diversion chamber, the same enters the hollow pipelines of the
strip baffles in vicinity of the closed end of the heat exchange
tubes, is then collected in the flow collection chamber and is
finally discharged from the second fluid outlet. The plurality of
heat exchange tubes are placed in the cavity of the first fluid
collector. The second fluid flowing through the plurality of heat
exchange tubes undergoes heat exchange with the first fluid flowing
through the cavity so that the temperature of the second fluid
changes and the second fluid is discharged from the second fluid
outlet.
[0029] In the heat exchanger, uniform gaps are formed between the
plurality of heat exchange tubes.
[0030] In the heat exchanger, the second fluid annular spaces are
internally provided with a helical flow guide structure. The outer
walls of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are provided with a
helical flow guide structure.
[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an
energy recovery device is provided, which includes the heat
exchanger described above and an external means for changing the
temperature of the second fluid discharged from the second fluid
outlet to an appropriate temperature of use and making the second
fluid serve as the first fluid entered the opening of the first
fluid collector of the heat exchanger after use.
[0032] In the energy recovery device, the external means includes a
heater or cooler for making the second fluid discharged from the
second fluid outlet after heat exchange heated or cooled. The
temperature of the first fluid entered the opening of the first
fluid collector after use is higher than or lower than that of the
second fluid entered the second fluid inlet.
[0033] In the energy recovery device, the external means includes a
mixer that mixes the second fluid discharged from the second fluid
outlet after heat exchange with an external pre-heated or
pre-cooled third fluid to increase the temperature or decrease the
temperature, and the temperature of the first fluid entered the
opening of the first fluid collector after use is higher than or
lower than that of the second fluid entered the second fluid
inlet.
[0034] In the energy recovery device, the first fluid is
wastewater, and the second fluid is clean water.
[0035] In the energy recovery device, the heat exchanger is
installed on a base of a shower in a bathroom, or is installed to
the bottom of a bathtub or a sink of a washing facility, or is
integrally formed with the base of the shower or the bottom of the
bathtub or the sink of the washing facility.
[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an
energy recovery system is provided, which includes: the energy
recovery device described above; a second fluid source, where the
second fluid inlet of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly
connected to the second fluid source for providing the second fluid
for the second fluid inlet; and a fluid discharge pipeline, where
the first fluid outlet of the first fluid collector of the heat
exchanger is directly or indirectly connected to the fluid
discharge pipeline, where an inlet of the heater or cooler is
directly or indirectly connected to the second fluid outlet of the
heat exchanger, for heating or cooling the second fluid discharged
from the second fluid outlet, and an outlet of the heater or cooler
is used for discharging the heated or cooled second fluid for use,
where the opening of the first fluid collector of the heat
exchanger enters the first fluid after use whose temperature is
higher than or lower than the temperature of the second fluid, so
that the first fluid undergoes heat exchange with the second fluid
flowing through the plurality of heat exchange tubes of the second
fluid flow guide, and the temperature of the second fluid is
increased or decreased and the second fluid is discharged from the
second fluid outlet, where the first fluid after heat exchange is
discharged to the fluid discharge pipeline via the first fluid
outlet.
[0037] According to the third aspect of the present invention, an
energy recovery system is further provided, which includes: the
energy recovery device described above; a second fluid source,
where the second fluid inlet of the heat exchanger is directly or
indirectly connected to the second fluid source, for providing the
second fluid for the second fluid inlet; a third fluid source, for
providing the pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid; and a fluid
discharge pipeline, where the first fluid outlet of the first fluid
collector of the heat exchanger is directly or indirectly connected
to the fluid discharge pipeline, where the mixer includes a fluid
temperature and flow regulator, whose inlet is directly or
indirectly connected to the second fluid outlet of the heat
exchanger and the third fluid source, for mixing the second fluid
discharged from the second fluid outlet after heat exchange and the
pre-heated or pre-cooled third fluid from the third fluid source
and regulating temperature and flow thereof for use, and the mixed
fluid, after use, becomes the first fluid entered the opening of
the first fluid collector, where the opening of the first fluid
collector of the heat exchanger enters the first fluid after use
whose temperature is higher than or lower than the temperature of
the second fluid, so that the first fluid undergoes heat exchange
with the second fluid flowing through the plurality of heat
exchange tubes of the second fluid flow guide, and the temperature
of the second fluid is increased or decreased and the second fluid
is discharged from the second fluid outlet, where the first fluid
after heat exchange is discharged to the fluid discharge pipeline
via the first fluid outlet.
[0038] The heat exchanger, the energy recovery device and the
energy recovery system according to the present invention can
effectively recover energy in a fluid; meanwhile, they are simple
in installation, convenient in use, and easy in cleaning, which are
suitable for use in showers or sinks or other facilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The basic structure of the present invention is illustrated
below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:
[0040] FIG. 1A is a planar view of a heat recovery device in the
prior art;
[0041] FIG. 1B is a sectional view along Line 10-10 in FIG. 1A,
which shows structural details of a heat exchanger thereof;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a first embodiment
of a heat exchanger according to the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger
shown in FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional perspective view of a cold
water flow guide shown in FIG. 3;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along a section cutting plane V-V
in FIG. 2, which shows an assembly structure of the heat
exchanger;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of a second embodiment
of the heat exchanger according to the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger
shown in FIG. 6;
[0048] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a wastewater flow
guide shown in FIG. 7;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cold water flow guide
shown in FIG. 7;
[0050] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cold water
flow guide shown in FIG. 7;
[0051] FIG. 11 is a broken-open perspective view of the cold water
flow guide shown in FIG. 7;
[0052] FIG. 12 is a broken-open perspective view of the heat
exchanger shown in FIG. 6, which shows an assembly structure of the
heat exchanger;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of a third embodiment
of the heat exchanger according to the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the heat
exchanger shown in FIG. 13;
[0055] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cold water flow guide
shown in FIG. 14;
[0056] FIG. 16 is a broken-open perspective view of the cold water
flow guide shown in FIG. 15; and
[0057] FIG. 17 is a broken-open perspective view of the heat
exchanger shown in FIG. 13, which shows an assembly structure of
the heat exchanger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger and an
energy recovery device including the heat exchanger for recovering
energy from a fluid. The fluid may be liquid, for example, water or
other liquids, or steam or the like. Embodiments in which the heat
exchanger of the present invention is combined with a shower in a
bathroom and a sink of a washing facility are described below only
by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. It
should be understood that the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0059] FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 show the structure of a first embodiment of
a heat exchanger according to the present invention, and describe
the situation where the heat exchanger is combined with a shower in
a bathroom.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, a heat exchanger 1 is
installed on a bathroom base 9, which comprises a wastewater
collector 11, a wastewater flow guide 12 and a cold water flow
guide 13.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the wastewater collector 11
has an opening 111, a wastewater outlet 112, a cavity 113 and a
plurality of semicircular ducts 114. The wastewater flow guide 12
has surrounding edges 122, through holes 121, a plurality of
semicircular ducts 123 disposed at the bottom and a platform 124.
The cold water flow guide 13 has a cold water inlet 131, a flow
diversion chamber 132, a plurality of heat exchange tubes 133, a
flow collection chamber 134, a tepid water outlet 135 and strip
baffles 136 positioned within the heat exchange tubes 133. Surfaces
of the strip baffles 136 are protruded to form a cold water flow
guide walls 137 of helical shape while the outer walls of the heat
exchange tubes 133 are protruded to form a helical wastewater flow
guide walls 138.
[0062] FIG. 5 shows an assembly structure of the heat exchanger 1.
The wastewater flow guide 12 is laid flat in the opening 111 of the
wastewater collector 11 so that the plurality of semicircular ducts
114 of the wastewater collector 11 and the plurality of
semicircular ducts 123 at the bottom of the wastewater flow guide
12 jointly form a plurality of circular pipelines leading to the
wastewater outlet 112. The cold water flow guide 13 is disposed in
the cavity 113 so that the plurality of heat exchange tubes 133 and
a plurality of circular pipelines formed by upper and lower
semicircular ducts 114 and 123 are substantially concentric, so as
to form substantially uniform wastewater annular spaces 141
surrounding the plurality of heat exchange tubes 133. During
assembly of the heat exchanger, gaps may be retained between
partition walls between the semicircular ducts 114 of the
wastewater collector 11 and partition walls between the
semicircular ducts 123 at the bottom of the wastewater flow guide
12 such that the circular pipelines formed connect with each
other.
[0063] During use, the cold water inlet 131 is directly or
indirectly connected to a cold water source (not shown) of a
building, the tepid water outlet 135 is connected to an external
heater (not shown) for heating tepid water discharged from the
tepid water outlet 135 into optimum-temperature water, or to a
water temperature and flow regulator (not shown) of a bathroom for
mixing tepid water discharged from the tepid water outlet 135 with
hot water from a hot water source (not shown) of the bathroom into
optimum-temperature water for shower. In the event that a person on
the platform 124 takes a shower, the wastewater from the shower is
collected at the platform 124 and flows into the cavity 113 via the
through holes 121, then flows into the plurality of wastewater
annular spaces 141 towards the wastewater outlet 112, then flows
into a bathroom discharge port 91 from a gap 142 between the
wastewater collector 11 and the bathroom base 9. Simultaneously,
after being guided into the cold water flow guide 13 from the cold
water inlet 131, the cold water enters the cold water annular
spaces 139 between the plurality of heat exchange tubes 133 and the
strip baffles 136 in parallel manner via the flow diversion chamber
132, and then flows into the flow collection chamber 134.
Meanwhile, the cold water undergoes heat exchange with hot
wastewater flowing in an opposite direction outside the tubes
through walls of the heat exchange tubes and is heated up as tepid
water. The tepid water, after being collected within the flow
collection chamber 134, is then fed into the heater or the water
temperature and flow regulator (not shown) in external means of the
bathroom at the tepid water outlet 135 for shower.
[0064] The wastewater flowing through the wastewater annular spaces
141 is resisted by the helical wastewater flow guide walls 138
protruding on outer walls of the heat exchange tubes 133. One part
thereof may advance helically along the helical wastewater flow
guide walls 138, while one part thereof may advance linearly at
gaps 140 between top section of the helical wastewater flow guide
walls 138 and inner walls of a plurality of circular pipelines
formed by upper and lower semicircular ducts 114 and 123. Two water
flows interfere with each other effectively destroy the laminar
flow of the wastewater, such that the advancing wastewater can be
thoroughly mixed and undergo effective heat exchange. In addition,
the helical wastewater flow guide walls 138 also increase heat
exchange surfaces of the heat exchange tubes 133 so as to increase
heat exchange efficiency.
[0065] The cold water flowing through the cold water annular spaces
139 is resisted by helical cold water flow guide walls 137
protruding from surfaces of the strip baffles 136. One part thereof
may advance helically along the helical cold water flow guide walls
137 while one part thereof may linearly advance at gaps 142 between
top section of the helical cold water flow guide walls 137 and
inner walls of the heat exchange tubes. Two water flows interfere
with each other effectively destroy the laminar flow of the cold
water such that the advancing cold water can be thoroughly mixed
and undergo effective heat exchange. In addition, as the strip
baffles 136 occupy a significant volume in the center of the heat
exchange tubes, there is only a small amount of cold water remains
in the tubes. The heat exchanger 1 can rapidly reach a steady state
during shower and reduces clean water lost for regulating the water
temperature.
[0066] After the device has been operated for a certain period of
time, dirt is inevitably accumulated inside the device and affects
energy recovery efficiency. In order to maintain a high energy
recovery efficiency, users can clean off the dirt inside the device
by simply removing the wastewater flow guide 12. The users can even
extract the cold water flow guide 13 for cleaning
[0067] The above clearly describes one embodiment of the heat
exchanger according to the present invention with reference to the
accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not
limited thereto. For example, the cold water flow guide 13 shown in
FIG. 4 has only eight heat exchange tubes 133. However, a floor of
a one-square-meter bathroom is sufficient to place a heat exchanger
having tens or even hundreds of heat exchange tubes in real
application. In addition, the heat exchanger 1 as shown is an
external part installed on the floor of the bathroom. However, the
heat exchanger may also be installed at the bottom of a bathtub, on
a shower base or integrally formed therewith. Further, the heat
exchange tube of the heat recovery device shown is circular, or may
also be a rectangular or polygonal structure in order to increase
the heat exchange area.
[0068] FIG. 6 to FIG. 12 show a second embodiment of the heat
exchanger according to the present invention and illustrate the
situation where the heat exchanger is combined with a sink of a
washing facility.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, a heat exchanger 2 is installed
underneath a sink 8 and a tabletop 7 and positioned with waterproof
pads 31 and 32 and a fastener 33.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 2 includes
a wastewater collector 21, a wastewater flow guide 22, a cold water
flow guide 23 (refer to FIG. 9 to FIG. 11) and a wastewater
connector 24. The wastewater collector 21 has an opening 211, a
cavity 212, a wastewater outlet 213 and two through holes 214 and
215 located at the bottom. The wastewater flow guide 22 includes a
base 223, a plurality of cylinders 222, a top cover 221 and a
handle 224. The cylinders 222 are formed by blow moulding,
internally provided with helical wastewater flow guide walls 225.
The wastewater connector 24 has a cavity 241 and a wastewater
outlet 242, and the wastewater connector 24 is positioned onto the
wastewater collector 21 with waterproof pads 243 and 244 and screw
caps 245 and 246.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the cold water flow guide 23
includes a cold water inlet 231, a flow diversion chamber 232, a
plurality of heat exchange tubes 233 each with one closed end,
hollow strip baffles 236, a flow collection chamber 234 and a tepid
water outlet 235 Inner walls of the plurality of heat exchange
tubes 233 are protruded to form helical cold water flow guide walls
237.
[0072] The wastewater flow guide 22 is detachably disposed within
the cavity 212 of the wastewater collector 21 such that the
plurality of cylinders 222 internally provided with helical
wastewater flow guide walls 225 form a plurality of wastewater
ducts between the opening 211 and the wastewater outlet 213.
Further, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 233 and the plurality
of cylinders 222 are internally provided with helical wastewater
flow guide walls 225 and are substantially concentric, forming
substantially uniform wastewater annular spaces 251 (refer to FIG.
12) surrounding the plurality of heat exchange tubes 233.
[0073] FIG. 12 shows an assembly structure of the heat exchanger 2.
During use, the cold water inlet 231 is directly or indirectly
connected to a cold water source (not shown) of a building. The
tepid water outlet 235 is connected to an external heater (not
shown) for heating tepid water discharged from the tepid water
outlet 235 into optimum-temperature water, or to a water
temperature and flow regulator (not shown) of a sink for mixing
tepid water discharged from the tepid water outlet 235 with hot
water from a hot water source (not shown) of the sink into
optimum-temperature water for washing purposes. Hot wastewater
generated during washing flows through the opening 211 of the
wastewater collector, enters the wastewater flow guide 22, flows
into the wastewater outlet 213 from the wastewater annular spaces
251 between the cylinders 222 internally provided with helical
wastewater flow guide walls 225 and the heat exchange tubes 233,
enters the cavity 241 of the wastewater connector 24, and further
to the wastewater outlet 242 which connects to a discharge pipe
(not shown) of the building. Simultaneously, cold water, after
being fed into the cold water flow guide 23 from the cold water
inlet 231, enters cold water annular spaces 239 between the
plurality of heat exchange tubes 233 and the hollow strip baffles
236 in parallel manner via the flow diversion chamber 232 and
upwards to the closed end of the heat exchange tubes 233, then
towards the flow collection chamber 234 via pipelines in the center
of the hollow strip baffles 236. Meanwhile, the cold water
undergoes heat exchange with hot wastewater flowing outside the
heat exchange tubes 233 in an opposite direction through walls of
the heat exchange tubes and is heated as tepid water. The tepid
water, after being collected within the flow collection chamber
234, is fed into the external heater (not shown) at the tepid water
outlet 235 to be heated into optimum-temperature water, or the
tepid water is fed into the water temperature and flow regulator
(not shown) of the sink to be mixed with hot water into
optimum-temperature water for use.
[0074] The wastewater flowing through the wastewater annular spaces
251 is resisted by helical wastewater flow guide walls 225 of
helical cylinders 222. One part thereof may advance helically along
the helical wastewater flow guide walls 225, while one part thereof
may linearly advance at gaps 252 between tops of the helical
wastewater flow guide walls 225 and the heat exchange tubes 236.
The two water flows interfere with each other effectively destroy
the laminar flow of the wastewater so that the advancing wastewater
can be thoroughly mixed and undergo effective heat exchange.
[0075] The cold water flowing through the cold water annular spaces
239 is resisted by helical cold water flow guide walls 237 on inner
walls of the heat exchange tubes 233. One part thereof may advance
helically along the helical cold water flow guide walls 237, while
one part thereof may linearly advance at gaps 238 between the
helical cold water flow guide walls 237 and the hollow strip baffle
236. The two water flows interfere with each other effectively
destroy the laminar flow of the cold water so that the advancing
cold water can be thoroughly mixed and undergo effective heat
exchange. In addition, the helical wastewater flow guide walls 237
also increase heat exchange surfaces of the heat exchange tubes 233
so as to increase heat exchange efficiency.
[0076] In order to avoid the tepid water at the center of the
hollow strip baffles 236 from flowing towards the flow collection
chamber 234 to undergo unnecessary heat exchange with cold water
outside the hollow strip baffles 236 (of which the temperature has
not been completely raised), the hollow strip baffles 236 may be
made of good thermal insulators such as plastics, or formed by good
insulators, for example, hollowed double-wall structures.
[0077] After the device has been used for a period of time, dirt is
inevitably accumulated inside the device and affects energy
recovery efficiency. In order to maintain high heat recovery
efficiency, users can take out the whole wastewater flow guide 22
simply by holding the handle 224. The dirt inside the helical
cylinders 222 may be rinsed with clean water or clean up the dirt
with a long-handled small round brush. As the helical wastewater
flow guide walls 225 in the helical cylinders 222 surround the heat
exchange tubes 236, especially one to two turns of helical
wastewater flow guide walls 225 at the bottommost part are designed
to tightly sleeve the heat exchange tubes 233, the dirt on the heat
exchange tubes 233 will be scratched off together when the
wastewater flow guide 22 is taken out. It is not necessary to
deliberately clean the heat exchange tubes 233.
[0078] The above clearly describes the second embodiment of the
heat exchanger according to the present invention with reference to
the accompanying drawings but the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, the cold water flow guide 23 shown in the
figures has only four heat exchange tubes 236. However, a hair
washing tank commonly used in hair salons is taken as an example at
present. The pore size from its center to the water is about 85 mm
and the heat exchanger 2 disposed therein is sufficient to
accommodate tens of heat exchange tubes 233. In addition, the heat
exchanger shown is an external member mounted underneath the sink
may also be installed to a bathroom or integrally formed with the
sink or bathroom with slight modifications. Besides, as the hollow
strip baffles 236 occupy a substantial amount of space at the
center of the heat exchange tubes, only a small amount of cold
water remains in the tubes. Therefore, the heat exchanger can
rapidly reach a steady state during use and hence reducing clean
water lost in regulating the water temperature.
[0079] FIG. 13 to FIG. 17 show a third embodiment of the heat
exchanger according to the present invention and describe the
situation where the heat exchanger is combined with a sink of a
washing facility.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, a heat exchanger 4 is installed below a
sink 8 and a tabletop 7 and is positioned with a waterproof pad 32
and a fastener 33.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 14, the heat exchanger 4 includes a
wastewater collector 41, a cold water flow guide 43 and a
wastewater connector 44. The wastewater collector 41 has an opening
411, a cavity 412 and a wastewater outlet 413. The wastewater
connector 44 is positioned onto the wastewater collector 41 with a
waterproof pad 443 and a screw cap 446.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the cold water flow guide
43 includes a cold water inlet 431, a flow diversion chamber 432, a
plurality of heat exchange tubes 433 with one closed end, a
plurality of hollow strip baffles 436, a flow collection chamber
434 and a tepid water outlet 435. One end of the heat exchange
tubes 433 is closed, while the other end connects with the flow
diversion chamber 434. The strip baffles 436 are hollow with
pipelines formed therein. The strip baffles 436 are each
respectively placed in the heat exchange tubes 433 and formed a
second fluid annular spaces 439 (see FIG. 17) between the strip
baffles 436 and inner walls of the heat exchange tubes 433. One end
of the hollow pipelines of the strip baffles 436 connects with the
second fluid annular spaces 439 in vicinity of the closed end of
the heat exchange tubes 433, while the other end connects with the
flow diversion chamber 434. In the second fluid annular spaces 439,
similar to the structure in the first or second embodiment, outer
walls of the plurality of hollow strip baffles 436 or inner walls
of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 433 may be provided with
helical cold water flow guide walls (not shown) so as to increase
heat exchange efficiency. As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16,
substantially uniform gaps 437 are formed between the heat exchange
tubes 433. Similar to the structure in the first embodiment, outer
walls of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 433 may be provided
with helical flow guide walls (not shown) so as to increase heat
exchange efficiency.
[0083] FIG. 17 shows an assembly structure of the heat exchanger 4.
During use, the cold water inlet 431 is directly or indirectly
connected to a cold water source (not shown) of a building. The
tepid water outlet 435 is connected to an external heater (not
shown) for heating tepid water discharged from the tepid water
outlet 435 into optimum-temperature water, or the tepid water
outlet 435 is connected to a water temperature and flow regulator
(not shown) of a sink for mixing tepid water discharged from the
tepid water outlet 435 with hot water from a hot water source (not
shown) of the sink into optimum-temperature water for washing
purposes. Hot wastewater generated during washing flows through the
opening 411 of the wastewater collector enters the substantially
uniform gaps 437 between the heat exchange tubes 433, or enters the
substantially uniform gaps 438 formed by the plurality of heat
exchange tubes 433 and the inner wall of the wastewater collector
41 to flow towards the wastewater outlet 413, enters the cavity 441
of the wastewater connector 44, and then to the wastewater outlet
442 connected to a discharge pipe (not shown) of the building.
Simultaneously, after being directed into the cold water flow guide
43 from the cold water inlet 431, the cold water enters cold water
annular spaces 439 between the plurality of heat exchange tubes 433
and the hollow strip baffles 436 in parallel manner via the flow
diversion chamber 432, and flow upwards to the closed end of the
heat exchange tubes 433. Cold water flows towards the flow
collection chamber 434 via pipelines in the center of the hollow
strip baffles 436. Meanwhile, the cold water undergoes heat
exchange with hot wastewater flowing outside the heat exchange
tubes 433 in an opposite direction through walls of the heat
exchange tubes and heated into tepid water. The tepid water, after
being collected within the flow collection chamber 434, is fed into
the external heater (not shown) via the tepid water outlet 435 to
be heated into optimum-temperature water, or is fed into the water
temperature and flow regulator (not shown) of the sink to be mixed
with hot water into optimum-temperature water for use.
[0084] The following describes a first embodiment of an energy
recovery device including the foregoing heat exchangers 1, 2, and 4
according to the present invention. The energy recovery device has
a heater (not shown) as external means such that the tepid water
(second fluid) discharged from the tepid water outlets 135 and 235
(second fluid outlets) of the heat exchangers 1 and 2 after heat
exchange heated through the heater to an appropriate temperature of
use and serve as the wastewater (first fluid) entered the openings
111 and 211 of the wastewater collectors 11 and 21 (first fluid
collectors) of the heat exchangers 1 and 2 after use. The
temperature of the first fluid entered the opening of the first
fluid collector after use is higher than that of the second fluid
entered to the second fluid inlet.
[0085] The following describes a second embodiment of the energy
recovery device including the aforementioned heat exchangers 1, 2,
and 4 according to the present invention. The energy recovery
device has an external means (not shown), where the external means
includes a mixer (not shown) for mixing the tepid water (second
fluid) discharged from the tepid water outlets 135, 235, and 435
(second fluid outlets) after heat exchange with external pre-heated
hot water (third fluid) to increase the temperature, and the
temperature of the first fluid entered the opening of the first
fluid collector is higher than that of the second fluid entered the
second fluid inlet after use.
[0086] On the other hand, an energy recovery system (not shown)
according to the present invention includes the foregoing energy
recovery device, and further includes a second fluid source, a
fluid heater or cooler, a third fluid source, a fluid temperature
and flow regulator and a fluid discharge pipeline. An embodiment of
the energy recovery system according to the present invention is
described below only by way of examples in combination with the
foregoing heat exchangers 1 and 2 integrated with a shower of a
bathroom and a sink of a washing facility. It should be understood
that the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0087] In this embodiment, the second fluid source may be a cold
water source (not shown), and the cold water inlets 131, 231, and
431 (second fluid inlets) of the heat exchangers 1, 2, and 4 are
directly or indirectly connected to the cold water source for
providing cold water (second fluid) for the cold water inlets 131,
231, and 431. The fluid heater or cooler may be a water heater (not
shown) for heating the second fluid discharged from the tepid water
outlets 135, 235 and 435 (second fluid outlets) and then
discharging the heated second fluid. The present invention may also
provide a third fluid source to replace the fluid heater or cooler.
The third fluid source may be a hot water source (not shown) for
providing pre-heated hot water (third fluid). The fluid temperature
and flow regulator may be a water temperature and flow regulator
(not shown) directly or indirectly connected with the water heater
or the hot water source and the tepid water outlets 135, 235 and
435 (second fluid outlets) of the heat exchangers 1, 2 and 4 for
mixing the hot water heated by the water heater or the pre-heated
hot water from the hot water source with the tepid water (second
fluid) of which the temperature is increased and discharged from
the tepid water outlets 135, 235 and 435 to be regulated into a
temperature suitable for use. The mixed fluid, after use, becomes
wastewater (first fluid). The openings 111, 211 and 411 of the
wastewater collectors 11, 21 and 41 (first fluid collectors) of the
heat exchangers 1, 2 and 4 let in the wastewater of which the
temperature is higher than that of the cold water (second fluid)
after use. The wastewater undergoes heat exchange with the cold
water through the plurality of heat exchange tubes 133, 233 and 433
of the cold water flow guides 13, 23 and 43 (second fluid flow
guides), resulting in increase of the cold water temperature. The
cold water is then discharged from the tepid water outlets 135, 235
and 435. In this embodiment, a discharge pipeline (fluid discharge
pipeline, not shown) is further provided in which the wastewater
outlets 112, 213 and 413 (first fluid outlets) of the wastewater
collectors 11, 21 and 41 are directly or indirectly connected to
the discharge pipeline so as to discharge the wastewater after heat
exchange.
[0088] The above describes the embodiments for recovering heat
energy of the energy recovery device and the energy recovery system
according to the present invention where the temperature of the
second fluid is lower than that of the first fluid. However, the
present invention may also be applied in recovering cold energy
where the temperature of the second fluid is higher than that of
the first fluid. The above clearly describes the embodiments of the
heat exchanger, the energy recovery device and the energy recovery
system according to the present invention with reference to the
accompanying drawings, however it should be understood that the
present invention is not limited thereto. Improvements and
variations thereto may be undertaken by the person skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *