U.S. patent application number 14/770299 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-07 for method and device for transferring heat.
The applicant listed for this patent is NOVOTHERMIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.. Invention is credited to Benoit CHAMPOUX, Lo c FROHN-VILLENEUVE, Guillaume LACROIX, Marc-Antoine LEGAULT, Manuel THEBERGE.
Application Number | 20160003564 14/770299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51390454 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160003564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THEBERGE; Manuel ; et
al. |
January 7, 2016 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING HEAT
Abstract
A method and corresponding device for transferring heat between
a discharge fluid (3) of a first system (5) and a second system
(7). The discharge fluid (3) from the first system (5) is received
and conveyed to a given location (9). There is provided at least
one non-vertical elongated member (11) being positioned, shaped and
sized so as to define an array of stacked cross-sectional profiles
(13) extending within at least one wall segment (15), said at least
one wall segment (15) being operatively connectable to the second
system (7). The discharge fluid (3) is allowed to free-flow (ex.
free-fall, cascade, etc.) over said at least one wall segment (15)
of stacked cross-sectional profiles (13) so as to allow a heat
exchange between the discharge fluid (3) and the array of stacked
cross-sectional profiles.
Inventors: |
THEBERGE; Manuel; (Montreal,
CA) ; CHAMPOUX; Benoit; (Sherbrooke, CA) ;
FROHN-VILLENEUVE; Lo c; (Quebec, CA) ; LACROIX;
Guillaume; (Montreal, CA) ; LEGAULT;
Marc-Antoine; (Deux-Montagnes, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOVOTHERMIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
51390454 |
Appl. No.: |
14/770299 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
February 25, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2014/050132 |
371 Date: |
August 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61768835 |
Feb 25, 2013 |
|
|
|
61809997 |
Apr 9, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 3/02 20130101; F28D
7/024 20130101; F28F 1/02 20130101; Y02B 30/56 20130101; D06F
39/006 20130101; F28F 27/02 20130101; A47L 15/4291 20130101; Y02B
30/566 20130101; F28D 3/04 20130101; F28F 1/003 20130101; F28D
21/0012 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28F 27/02 20060101
F28F027/02 |
Claims
1-61. (canceled)
62. A device (1) for transferring heat between a discharge fluid
(3) of a first system (5) and a second system (7), the device (1)
including: a housing (37); a conveying assembly (55) for conveying
the discharge fluid (3) from the first system (5) to a given
location (9); a heat exchanger assembly (57) operatively
connectable to the conveying assembly, the heat exchanger assembly
(57) including at least one non-vertical elongated member (11)
being positioned, shaped and sized so as to define an array of
stacked cross-sectional profiles (13) extending within at least one
wall segment (15), said at least one wall segment (15) being
operatively connectable to the second system (7); and a
distributing assembly (59) for allowing discharge fluid (3)
provided by the conveying assembly (55) to free-flow over a part of
the array of cross-sectional profiles (13) so as to allow a heat
exchange between the discharge fluid (3) and the array of
cross-sectional profiles (13).
63-74. (canceled)
75. The device (1) according to claim 62, wherein the distributing
assembly (59) includes a flow equalizer (61) for repartitioning a
flow of discharge fluid (3) to free-fall over the array of
cross-sectional profiles (3).
76-82. (canceled)
83. The device (1) according to claim 75, wherein the device (1)
includes at least one fluid intake (71).
84-86. (canceled)
87. The device (1) according to claim 83, wherein the housing (37)
includes a fluid receptacle (75) for collecting discharge fluid (3)
from the first system (5).
88. (canceled)
89. The device (1) according to claim 87, wherein the device (1)
includes at least one pump (19) for use with the conveying assembly
(55).
90. (canceled)
91. The device (1) according to claim 89, wherein the device (1)
includes a filtering apparatus (77) for filtering debris (47) from
the discharge fluid (3).
92. The device (1) according to claim 91, wherein the device (1)
includes a tank (79) for storing the discharge fluid (3) prior to
heat exchange with a second fluid of the second system (7).
93. The device (1) according to claim 92, wherein the device (1)
includes a detector (81) for detecting a presence of fluid in a
given location.
94. The device (1) according to claim 93, wherein the conveying
assembly (55) includes an upwardly extending fluid circuit
(17).
95. The device (1) according to claim 94, wherein the array of
stacked cross-sectional profiles (13) includes at least one hollow
tube (21) so as to define a fluid path (23) along which a working
fluid (25) of the second system (7) is allowed to travel.
96. The device (1) according claim 95, wherein the array of stacked
cross-sectional profiles (13) includes a plurality of hollow tubes
(21) being interconnectable to one another so as to define a fluid
path (23) along which a working fluid (25) of the second system (7)
is allowed to travel.
97-104. (canceled)
105. The device (1) according claim 96, wherein the device (1)
includes a controller (53) for adjusting flow rate parameters to
ensure that the discharge fluid (3) free-falling directly over
outer peripheral surfaces (13c) of stacked cross-sectional profiles
(13) creates a falling-fluid-film (3f) which coats said stacked
cross-sectional profiles (13) via a capillary action of the
discharge fluid (3) travelling over said stacked cross-sectional
profiles (13).
106. The device (1) according to claim 105, wherein the controller
(53) is further configured for controlling at least one of the
following: i) an energy exchange between the discharge fluid (3)
and the least one wall segment (15) of cross-sectional profiles
(13), ii) a pumping rate of the discharge fluid (3) free-falling
over said at least one wall segment (15) of stacked cross-sectional
profiles (13), and iii) a temperature difference between two
different points of the at least one non-vertical elongated member
(11).
107-109. (canceled)
110. The device (1) according to claim 105, wherein the device
includes internal sprayers (85) for spraying cleaning product (49)
within the housing (37) and onto the stacked cross-sectional
profiles (13) of the at least one wall segment (15) of stacked
cross-sectional profiles (13) so as to remove discharge fluid
debris (47) from said stacked cross-sectional profiles (13).
111-113. (canceled)
114. The device (1) according to claim 110, wherein the device (1)
includes a hot water make-up assembly (91).
115. The device (1) according to claim 114, wherein the hot water
make-up assembly (91) includes a storage tank (91a), a pair of
control valves (91b), a circulation pump (91c) and a control module
(91d) with temperature sensors (91e).
116-119. (canceled)
120. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a device
(1) according to claim 62.
121. An assembly being provided with a device (1) according to
claim 62.
122. The assembly according to claim 121, wherein the assembly is
an assembly selected from the group consisting of a dishwasher, a
washing machine, a system for processing discharge fluid from an
industrial process, a system for processing discharge fluid from a
cooling process, a system for processing residential discharge
fluid, a system for processing commercial discharge fluid, a system
for processing sewer discharge fluid, and a system conveying a
natural water stream.
123. The assembly according to claim 122, wherein the assembly is a
dishwasher, wherein the discharge fluid (3) is hot discharge fluid
from the dishwasher, and wherein the device (1) is used for
recuperating heat from the hot discharge fluid of the dishwasher.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat
exchanging technologies. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a method and to a device for transferring heat between a
discharge fluid of a first system and a second system. The present
application claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent
application No. 61/768,835 dated Feb. 25, 2013, and that of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 61/809,997 dated Apr. 9, 2013,
the contents of which are both incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In many instances, it is desirable to capture waste energy
(ex. heat, etc.) so that it can be recuperated, or be transferred
from one fluid to another, and put to productive use. One example
of such energy recovery and reuse occurs with sources of heated
effluent, an example of which includes the discharge from
appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, or other sources of
industrial effluents. Indeed, the heated effluent can be any
fluids, that can be charged or not with particulate matter, and
whose temperature is suitable for heat exchange with another
fluid.
[0003] It is known to use "falling-film" heat exchangers to recover
energy from an effluent heat source. Such heat exchangers can
produce important heat transfer rates, and the falling-film heat
exchanger can thus be an ideal device for effluent heat
recovery.
[0004] Typically, falling-film heat exchangers are used in
relatively large industrial configurations which can consist of
bundles of vertical straight tubes which carry a liquid to be
heated. A separate, heated liquid is allowed to fall on the tubes,
thereby achieving a transfer of energy from the heated liquid to
the liquid carried by the tubes. A further characteristic of such
falling-film heat exchangers is that they allow for a more
continuous operation because the presence of impurities in the
effluent such as debris, particulate or other contaminants does not
tend to clog the heat exchange process because such impurities are
removed from the tubes by the falling-film of effluent.
[0005] Another type of heat exchanger is the coiled heat exchanger,
which is often submerged or used as a tube in a tube heat exchange
apparatus. The immersed coil is generally used in reservoir heat
exchangers by being immersed in a larger body of contained or
circulated water. These heat exchangers often cannot achieve the
desired efficiencies for many applications, are not very compact,
and can be sensible to fouling.
[0006] Another frequent technique used for heat transfer is the
counter-flow coiled "tube in a tube", also known as a coaxial heat
exchanger. Such a heat exchanger is largely used in
refrigerant/water cooled systems, such as heat pumps, air
conditioners, and the like. In these systems, water flow and
refrigerant flow circulate in opposite directions in coaxial tube
heat exchanger. However, because of the small distance between the
co-axial tubes, these heat exchangers can be susceptible to fouling
and clogging.
[0007] Known to the Applicant are following patents and patent
applications related to heat-transfer systems, and other
devices:
[0008] AT 397114 B; and AU 2011216275 A1;
[0009] CA 1225987 A1; CA 1236088 A1; CA 2563969 A1; and 2,600,265
A1;
[0010] CN 1576766 A; CN 2474976 Y; and CN 102155854 A;
[0011] DE 4238450 A1; DE 29915788 U1; DE 102008021698 A1; and DE
102008022890 A1;
[0012] EP 0000192 A1; EP 0797065 A2; EP 1469269 A1; EP 1864603 A2;
and EP 2292136 A1;
[0013] JP 6277171 A; JP 8219663 A1; JP 9014870 A; JP 2000283662 A1;
JP 2002062063 A1; JP 2010019537 A1; and JP 2011089755 A1;
[0014] KR 100843515 B1; KR 100843516 B1; and KR 20100082555 A;
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,332,469 A; U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,709 A; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,437,124 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,140 A1; U.S. Pat. No.
4,202,406; U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,551 A; U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,032 A;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,572 A; U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,985; U.S. Pat. No.
4,572,287; U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,311; U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,254; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,857,144; U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,578-1; U.S. Pat. No.
5,660,193 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,264 A; U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,924 A;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,061 A; U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,312; U.S. Pat. No.
6,241,010 B1; U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,926 B2; U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,777
B2; US 2008283099 A1; US 2009120465 A1; and US 2011155179 A1;
and
[0016] WO 0017594 A1; WO 2009009341 A2; and WO 2009016650 A1.
[0017] The Applicant is also aware of the following disadvantages
associated with some of these known systems: a) many do not resist
fouling which results from the presence of impurities in the
effluent, and which leads to many systems slowly being corrupted
over time, in that their heat transfer coefficient lowers, and/or
the fluid flow path is reduced or blocked, which leads to process
interruption and maintenance costs which are detrimental to the
process efficiency for the client; b) many cannot be visually
inspected without a thorough dismantling of the system by trained
practitioners, which increases labour costs associated with
maintenance and inspection; c) some of the immersed heat exchangers
have a poor external convection coefficient due to the nature of
the flow pattern; d) many are not readily adaptable to existing
sources of hot effluent and thus cannot be used with these sources
unless a specific engineering design is realised on each situation,
which is costly and not likely to result in an optimum solution; e)
many are not suitable for premises where a low-cost-installation,
rapid payback and/or ease-of-operation solution is required; f)
etc.
[0018] Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for
an improved device or method which would be able to overcome or at
least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
which, by virtue of its design and features, satisfies some of the
above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement over other
related conventional heat-exchanging/transferring methods.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention, the above object
is achieved, as will be easily understood from the present
description, with a method such as the one briefly described herein
and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. Also
described is a corresponding device for carrying out the
method.
[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of transferring heat between a discharge fluid of
a first system and a second system, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0022] a) receiving the discharge fluid from the first system;
[0023] b) conveying the discharge fluid to a given location;
[0024] c) providing at least one non-vertical elongated member
being positioned, shaped and sized so as to define an array of
stacked cross-sectional profiles extending within at least one wall
segment, said at least one wall segment being operatively
connectable to the second system; and
[0025] d) allowing the discharge fluid to free-flow over said at
least one wall segment of stacked cross-sectional profiles so as to
allow a heat exchange between the discharge fluid and the array of
stacked cross-sectional profiles.
[0026] The above-mentioned method is innovative and advantageous in
that with the action of gravity, the free-falling fluid will spread
itself on the profile resulting in a very thin layer of fluid, in a
manner which is also dictated by the profile, the viscosity and the
flow rate of the fluid. This thin layer exhibits enhanced heat
transfer coefficient for laminar flow and has the further advantage
of exposing heat transfer surface for easy maintenance, allows
debris to fall upon without altering flow rate, etc.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is also provided a device for carrying out the above-mentioned
method.
[0028] For example, according to another aspect of the present
invention, there is also provided a device for transferring heat
between a discharge fluid of a first system and a second system,
the device including:
[0029] a conveying assembly for conveying the discharge fluid from
the first system to a given location;
[0030] a heat exchanger assembly operatively connectable to the
conveying assembly, the heat exchanger assembly including at least
one non-vertical elongated member being positioned, shaped and
sized so as to define an array of stacked cross-sectional profiles
extending within at least one wall segment, said at least one wall
segment being operatively connectable to the second system; and
[0031] a distributing assembly for allowing discharge fluid
provided by the conveying assembly to free-flow over a part of the
array of cross-sectional profiles so as to allow a heat exchange
between the discharge fluid and the array of cross-sectional
profiles.
[0032] The device may comprise a housing which may consist of a
"casing", for example, intended to include one or several of the
conveying assembly, the heat exchanger assembly and the
distributing assembly, as well as other possible components, as
exemplified in the accompanying drawings. Alternatively, in the
context of the present description, housing may also simply refer
to the room, plant, treatment factory and/or infrastructure,
whether opened, partially opened, partially closed, or closed,
cooperating with one or several components of the device, and thus,
the term "housing" in the context of the present description is
obviously not limited to "casing" per se and/or other similar
components.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a device for exchanging thermal energy between a first
fluid and second fluid, the device comprising:
[0034] a housing providing a closed volume and comprising at least
one fluid intake and at least one fluid exit, the housing further
comprising a fluid receptacle disposed at the bottom of the housing
for collecting fluid;
[0035] a closed circuit mountable within the housing and coiling
about a vertical axis from an inlet to an outlet, the closed
circuit comprising an outer circuit surface and configured for
conveying the second fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and
[0036] a distributor mountable above the closed circuit, the
distributor configured for distributing the first fluid along the
outer circuit surface of the closed circuit such that the first
fluid substantially coats the outer circuit surface before
collecting in the fluid receptacle, thereby allowing thermal energy
to be exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid via
the outer circuit surface of the closed circuit.
[0037] In some optional embodiments, the closed circuit can take on
a circular, loop, helical, etc. configuration, although other
non-cylindrical configurations are possible. The closed circuit can
consist of a singular tube coiling about a vertical axis, or can
consist of a plurality of such tubes that collect to a common
piping system at the beginning and the end of the closed circuit,
such as double-tubing, for example. Optionally, the tubes can be
co-axial, or allow for reverse and/or opposing flows.
[0038] In some optional embodiments, the closed circuit can be a
singular tube forming an elongated coil, which can be used in
series or parallel, or which can include a plurality of modular
components so as to form a heat exchanger, for example.
[0039] In some optional embodiments, the distributor consists of a
diffusion geometry which distributes the first fluid evenly over
the top of the outer circuit surfaces.
[0040] Further optionally, at least one of the fluid intakes of the
housing can be equipped with an apparatus, which in its nature and
position, acts as a filter for filtering the first fluid of
impurities and/or debris.
[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a device for exchanging thermal energy between a first
fluid and second fluid, the device comprising:
[0042] a circuit coiling about a vertical axis from an inlet to an
outlet, the circuit comprising an outer circuit surface and
configured for conveying the second fluid from the inlet to the
outlet; and
[0043] at least one fluid distributor system, mountable above the
closed circuit, the at least one distributor configured for equally
distributing by descent or by pressure the first fluid along the
outer circuit surface of the closed circuit such that the first
fluid substantially coats the outer circuit surface before
collecting in a fluid receptacle, thereby allowing thermal energy
to be exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid via
the outer circuit surface of the closed circuit.
[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is also provided an appliance, such as a dishwasher, for example,
equipped with the above-mentioned device(s).
[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is also provided a kit with components for assembling the
above-mentioned device(s) and/or appliance.
[0046] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with
components of the above-mentioned kit.
[0047] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a method of assembling components of the
above-mentioned device(s), appliance, kit and/or set.
[0048] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned
device(s), appliance, kit and/or set.
[0049] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a method of doing business with the
above-mentioned device(s), appliance, kit, set and/or
method(s).
[0050] Certain objects, advantages, and other features of the
present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the
following non-restrictive description of possible embodiments
thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a heat-transferring
device according to a possible embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of what is shown in
FIG. 1, the device being now shown with a top lid of its outer
casing in an exploded relationship with respect to a bottom portion
of the casing to better illustrate inner components of the device
according to a possible embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 3 is another front perspective view of what is shown in
FIG. 1, the device being now shown with its outer shell being
completely removed to better illustrate inner components of the
device according to a possible embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a left perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a left elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a right elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0061] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 3.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of what is shown in FIG.
3.
[0063] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of at least one elongated
non-vertical member (ex. coil) being positioned, shaped and sized
so as to define an array of stacked cross-sectional profiles
extending within at least one wall segment and cooperating with a
distributing assembly (ex. diffusion plate) according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention
[0064] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a
heat-transferring device according to a possible embodiment of the
present invention, this view illustrating an example of possible
way in which the discharge fluid can be distributed over the at
least one wall segment of stack cross-sectional profiles.
[0065] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a
heat-transferring device according to another possible embodiment
of the present invention, this view illustrating another example of
possible way in which the discharge fluid can be distributed over
the at least one wall segment of stack cross-sectional
profiles.
[0066] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a
heat-transferring device according to another possible embodiment
of the present invention, this view illustrating yet another
example of possible way in which the discharge fluid can be
distributed over the at least one wall segment of stack
cross-sectional profiles.
[0067] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a
heat-transferring device according to yet another possible
embodiment of the present invention, this view illustrating another
example of possible way in which the discharge fluid can be
distributed over the at least one wall segment of stack
cross-sectional profiles.
[0068] FIG. 18 is a schematic elevational view of a
heat-transferring device according to another possible embodiment
of the present invention, this view better illustrating an example
of possible falling-fluid-film being created with the discharge
fluid over the at least one wall segment of stack cross-sectional
profiles.
[0069] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 18.
[0070] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of at least one
wall segment of stacked cross-sectional profiles according to a
possible embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wall
segment being shown interacting with a falling-fluid-film of
discharge fluid free-flowing (ex. free-falling) over said at least
one wall segment.
[0071] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
FIG. 20.
[0072] FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of at least one
wall segment of stacked cross-sectional profiles according to a
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of at least one
wall segment of stacked cross-sectional profiles according to
another possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of at least one
wall segment of stacked cross-sectional profiles according to
another possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] FIGS. 25a-25f are examples of possible cross-sectional
profiles to be used according to possible embodiments of the
present invention.
[0076] FIGS. 26a-26d are examples of possible fluid path patterns
according to possible embodiments of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 27 is a front view of a coil pattern and distributor
assembly according to a possible embodiment of the present
invention.
[0078] FIG. 28 is a top view of what is shown in FIG. 27.
[0079] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a closed circuit
having single tubing according to a possible embodiment of the
present invention.
[0080] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of a closed circuit
having multiple tubing according to a possible embodiment of the
present invention.
[0081] FIG. 31 is schematic cross-sectional view of a leak
detecting mechanism according to a possible embodiment of the
present invention.
[0082] FIG. 32 is schematic cross-sectional view of a leak
detecting mechanism according to another possible embodiment of the
present invention.
[0083] FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for
transferring heat from one system to another according to a
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for
transferring heat from one system to another according to another
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a filtering apparatus (ex.
inside strainer) for filtering discharge fluid according to a
possible embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 35.
[0087] FIG. 37 is a partial sectional view of a portion of what is
shown in FIG. 35.
[0088] FIG. 38 is an enlarged front view of a portion of what is
shown in FIG. 37.
[0089] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a filtering apparatus (ex.
external strainer) for filtering discharge fluid according to a
possible embodiment of the present invention, the external strainer
being shown in a closed configuration.
[0090] FIG. 40 is another perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
39, the filtering apparatus (ex. external strainer) being now shown
in an open configuration.
[0091] FIG. 41 is another perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
39, the filtering apparatus (ex. external strainer) being now shown
connected to a heat-transferring device according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of a filtering apparatus
according to another possible embodiment of the present
invention.
[0093] FIG. 43 is a cut-away top view of what is shown in FIG.
42.
[0094] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 43.
[0095] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate
rectangular design taken along line A-A of FIG. 43.
[0096] FIGS. 46-56 provide schematics of a heat-transferring device
being used in different applications, according to different
possible embodiments of the present invention.
[0097] FIG. 57 is a schematic view of a heat-transferring device
being used with a hot water make-up device according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention.
[0098] FIG. 58 is an enlarged view of the hot water make-up device
shown in FIG. 57.
[0099] FIG. 59 is a schematic view of a heat-transferring device
being used in another different application according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention.
[0100] FIG. 60 is an enlarged view of the heat-transferring device
shown in FIG. 59.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF OPTIONAL EMBODIMENTS
[0101] In the following description, the same numerical references
refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity
and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with
several references numbers, not all figures contain references to
all the components and features, and references to some components
and features may be found in only one figure, and components and
features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other
figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments,
geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions
shown in the figures are optional, and are given for
exemplification purposes only.
[0102] Furthermore, although the present heat-transferring method
and/or device was primarily designed to be used with an appliance,
such as a dishwasher for example, in order to recuperate heat from
the discharge fluid thereof (also for example), it may be used with
other objects and/or in other types of applications, as apparent to
a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as
"appliance", "dishwasher", "recuperate", "heat", "discharge fluid",
etc. as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of
the present invention and include all other kinds of objects,
applications and/or purposes with which the present invention could
be used and may be useful, as can be easily understood by a person
skilled in the art.
[0103] Indeed, the use of the term "vertical" herein to describe
the structure does not limit the device to being used only with
structures being "perpendicular" to the surface. For this reason,
expressions such as "upright", "straight", "erect", "raised",
"inclined", "slanted", etc. can be used interchangeably with the
term "vertical".
[0104] Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the
expressions "system", "kit", "assembly", "device", "heat
exchanger", "module", "product", "unit" and "appliance", as well as
any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof
known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a
person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually
equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "exchanging",
"transferring", "conveying", etc.; b) "energy", "thermal energy",
"heat", etc.; c) "recovering", "recuperating", "extracting",
"reusing", "storing", etc.; d) "discharge", "effluent", "waste
cleaning water", etc.; e) "fluid", "gas", "liquid", "water", etc.;
f) "free-falling", "flowing", "circulating", "travelling",
"passing", "cascading", etc.; g) "inlet", "intake", etc.; h)
"outlet", "exit", etc.; h) "distributing", "spreading",
"diffusing", etc.; i) "discharge fluid", "first fluid", etc.; j)
"working fluid", "second fluid", etc.; k) "path", "circuit",
"conduit", "tube", "tubing", "pipe", etc.; l) "filtering",
"screening", "straining", etc.; m) "adjacent", "consecutive",
"neighboring", etc.; n) "panel", "door", "lid", etc.; o) "housing",
"shell", "body", "casing", "room", "plant", "treatment factory",
"infrastructure", etc.; p) "providing", "defining", etc.; as well
as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the
aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or
functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a
person skilled in the art.
[0105] Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it
will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit
"longitudinal axis" or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis
of an pipe for example (whether "hollow" of "full"), or the
centerline of a bore, for example, and that expressions such as
"connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be
interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a
kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully
assembled and operational heat-transferring device and/or resulting
assembly including the same.
[0106] In addition, although the optional configurations as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various
components and although the optional configurations of the method,
device and corresponding assembly as shown may consist of certain
geometrical configurations and/or dimensions as explained and
illustrated herein, not all of these components, geometries and/or
dimensions are essential and thus should not be taken in their
restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope
of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as
other suitable geometrical configurations and/or dimensions may be
used for the method/device/assembly, and corresponding parts, as
briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without
departing from the scope of the invention.
List of Numerical References for Some of the Corresponding Possible
Components Illustrated in the Accompanying Drawings
[0107] 1. device [0108] 3. discharge fluid (or "first" fluid) (of
first system) [0109] 3f. falling-fluid-film [0110] 5. first system
[0111] 7. second system [0112] 9. given location [0113] 11.
elongated member [0114] 13. cross-sectional profile [0115] 13a.
first cross-sectional profile (ex. "upper" cross-sectional profile)
[0116] 13b. second cross-sectional profile (ex. "lower"
cross-sectional profile) [0117] 13c. outer surface (of
cross-sectional profile) [0118] 15. wall segment [0119] 15a. first
side (ex. "front" side) (of wall segment) [0120] 15b. second side
(ex. "rear" side) (of wall segment) [0121] 17. fluid circuit [0122]
19. pump [0123] 21. tube [0124] 23. fluid path (for working fluid
or second fluid) [0125] 23a. inner wall (of fluid path) [0126] 23b.
outer wall (of fluid path) [0127] 25. working fluid (or "second"
fluid) (of second system) [0128] 25'. heat-containing fluid [0129]
27. air [0130] 29. leak-detecting mechanism [0131] 31. recess (of
leak-detecting mechanism) [0132] 33. flow direction (of discharge
fluid) [0133] 33a. first flow direction (of discharge fluid) [0134]
33b. second flow direction (of discharge fluid) [0135] 35. vertical
axis [0136] 37. housing [0137] 39. loop(s) [0138] 41. flow
equalizing surface [0139] 43. gap (between adjacent cross-sectional
profiles) [0140] 45. fluid circuit (for working fluid or second
fluid) [0141] 45a. inlet (of closed fluid circuit) [0142] 45b.
outlet (of closed fluid circuit) [0143] 45c. outer surface (of
fluid circuit) [0144] 47. debris (of discharge fluid) [0145] 49.
cleaning product [0146] 51. cleaning solution [0147] 53. control
system (or simply "controller") [0148] 55. conveying assembly
[0149] 57. heat exchanging assembly [0150] 59. distributing
assembly (or simply "distributor") [0151] 61. flow equalizer [0152]
63. diffusion plate (of flow equalizer) [0153] 65. channel (of flow
equalizer) [0154] 67. access panel (of housing) [0155] 69. vent (of
housing) [0156] 71. fluid intake [0157] 71a. first fluid intake
[0158] 71b. second fluid intake [0159] 73. fluid exit [0160] 73a.
first fluid exit [0161] 73b. second fluid exit [0162] 75. fluid
receptacle [0163] 77. filtering apparatus [0164] 77a. perforated
tube (of filtering apparatus) [0165] 77b. cylindrical screen (of
filtering apparatus) [0166] 77d. perforated pipe (of filtering
apparatus) [0167] 77e. filter screen (of filtering apparatus)
[0168] 77f. gasket (of filtering apparatus) [0169] 77g. screwable
cap (of filtering apparatus) [0170] 79. tank [0171] 81. detector
[0172] 83. drainage channel (of leak-detecting mechanism) [0173]
85. sprayer [0174] 87. suction assembly [0175] 89. evacuation pump
[0176] 91. hot water make-up assembly (or simply "make-up device")
[0177] 91a. storage tank (of hot water make-up assembly) [0178]
91b. control valve (of hot water make-up assembly) [0179] 91c.
circulation pump (of hot water make-up assembly) [0180] 91d.
control module (of hot water make-up assembly) [0181] 91e.
temperature sensor (of hot water make-up assembly) [0182] 93.
display (of device) [0183] 95. bio-hazard control system [0184] 97.
cleaning system [0185] 99. kit (for assembling device) [0186] 101.
assembly (including device) [0187] 103. transmission system (for
wired or wireless data transmission)
[0188] Broadly stated, the present disclosure relates to a method
and device for exchanging energy between two systems, and according
to one possible embodiment, between two fluids, or more. The
expression "exchanging energy" as used herein refers to the
transfer of energy, in all its forms, from one fluid (such as a
"first fluid" of a first system, hereinafter referred to also as
"discharge fluid") to another system, and/or fluid thereof. One
possible example of such a transfer occurs between a refrigerant
and air, such as in air conditioners. Another example of such a
transfer occurs within heat exchangers, where energy in the form of
thermal energy (i.e. heat) is transferred from one fluid (i.e. a
hot fluid) to another (i.e. a colder fluid), thereby allowing for
the heat exchanger to transfer the energy of the hot fluid so as to
heat the cool fluid, for example. Such heat exchangers can be used
for heat recovery with dishwashers, washing machines, industrial
effluents, and many other applications. In the present disclosure,
the device will be described as being used in conjunction with an
industrial application, such as recovering energy from waste
cleaning water, but the device is not limited to such use, nor is
it limited to being used only for heat recovery. Similarly, it is
understood that the term "fluid" is not limited to liquids, and
includes gases as well, of any density and/or volume and includes
brines, refrigerants, pure elements and mixtures of different
fluids and/or gas.
[0189] Referring to FIGS. 1-34, and according to different one
possible embodiment, the device 1 is used for exchanging energy
between a first fluid 3 and a second fluid 25. The first and
seconds fluids 3,25 can be any liquid or gas. Moreover, the device
1 is not limited to exchanging energy between only two fluids, and
can facilitate the exchange of energy between more than two fluids,
if desired. Also, it can be understood that the device 1 could
ultimately be used for facilitating the exchange of heat from one
fluid of a first given system to at least one non-vertical
elongated member of another second system, said non-vertical
elongated being positioned, shaped and sized so as to define an
array of stacked cross-sectional profiles extending within at least
one wall segment, said at least one wall segment being operatively
connectable to the second system, wherein the at least one
non-vertical elongated member could be "full" instead of having a
second fluid 25 circulating along a "hollow" fluid path or circuit
of the second system, etc. In this configuration, the first fluid 3
would exchange energy with a "solid" elongated member of different
temperature.
[0190] In one optional configuration, as exemplified in the
accompanying drawings, the second fluid 25 is relatively cold water
which requires preheating, and the first fluid 3 is the relatively
hot effluent from the industrial process, such as wash water. The
device 1 can be used to transfer heat from the effluent first fluid
3 to the cold water second fluid 25. Alternatively, the device 1
can be used to draw heat from the first fluid 3 so as to cool it
down for further use. It is thus apparent that the exchange of
energy can go from either the first fluid 3 to the second fluid 25,
and/or vice versa.
[0191] The device 1 can include a casing or a housing 37. The
housing 37 can be any reservoir, tank, vessel, container, etc.
which provides an interior having a volume for containing the
fluids 3,25, the closed circuit, and optionally the distributor. In
most embodiments, the housing 37 is considered "closed" because it
does not allow for the unintentional escape of energy and/or
fluids, with the exception of air/or fluid through a vent 69
specifically designed for such a purpose. The vent 69 can permit
the free circulation of air and/or fluids from inside the device 1
to atmosphere. As such, an unrestricted passage between the
internal atmosphere of the housing 37 and the external environment
can be created, which permits fluid movement out of the housing 37,
and thus avoiding the creation of suction or pressure which can
result from the change in fluid height inside the device 1.
[0192] The housing 37 can have multiple fluid intakes 71, and
multiple fluid exits 73 through which the fluids 3,25 enter and
exit the housing 37, respectively. In one possible configuration,
the housing 37 is provided with two fluid intakes 71a, 71b--a first
fluid intake 71a through which the heated effluent first fluid 3
enters the housing 37, and a second fluid intake 71b through which
the cold water second fluid 25 enters the housing 37. In such a
configuration, the housing 37 can also include two fluid exits 73a,
73b--one for releasing the heat-depleted first fluid 3, and the
other one for releasing the heated second fluid 25. The
dispositions of the fluid intakes 71 and fluid exits 73 are not
limited to the optional embodiment illustrated in the accompanying
figures.
[0193] The housing 37 can also include a fluid receptacle 75
disposed at the bottom of the housing 37. The receptacle 75
collects fluids, and it can therefore take any suitable shape or
configuration, examples of which include a pan, tray, vessel,
receptacle, etc. In most embodiments, the receptacle 75 collects
the first fluid 3 after it has coated the last of the outer circuit
surface of the closed circuit. Optionally, the receptacle 75 can be
inclined towards a central pump and/or drain so as to facilitate
drainage and/or disposal of the first fluid 3 which collects
thereon. The spent flow of the first fluid 3 is recovered with the
receptacle 75 and thus can be discharged outside the reservoir. The
housing 37 can also include a pump 19 which can be disposed at a
low point in the housing 37, such as at the base of the receptacle
26, so as to circulate and/or recirculate fluids. Optionally, the
pump 19 can be used to pump spent first fluid 3 from the bottom of
the housing 37 to the distributor, as further explained below. The
pump 19 can be protected by a grill and/or screen so as to prevent
impurities from entering therein.
[0194] In some optional embodiments, the housing 37 can include a
filtering apparatus 77 mounted to at least one of the fluid intakes
71. In the example where the first fluid 3 is hot effluent from a
dishwasher, it may be necessary to filter the first fluid 3 before
exchanging energy so as to remove any debris 47. Such retention of
undesirable particles can advantageously protect the pump and coil
from clogging. The filtering apparatus 77 performs such a function
by removing debris, solid matter, gunk, impurities, etc., often
from the heated effluent first fluid 3. This advantageously allows
for the heated first fluid 3 to be pumped, conveyed, etc. without
risking that debris 47 therein contaminates or corrupts equipment
used to move the first fluid 3. The filtering apparatus 77 can take
many different forms, as illustrated in FIGS. 35-45, for
example.
[0195] Indeed, as shown in these figures, the filtering apparatus
77 can consist of an elongated perforated tube 77a, into which can
be inserted a substantially cylindrical screen 77b. As the first
fluid 3 enters the filtering apparatus 77, it first encounters the
screen 77b, which can be finer than the perforated tube 77a. This
first encounter removes many of the problematic impurities from the
first fluid 3, which is then allowed to leave the screen 77b and to
enter the housing 37 via the perforations in the tube 77a.
Advantageously, the housing 37 can be equipped with an access door
or panel 67 which allows a user or maintenance technician to easily
access the screen 77b and/or tube 77a, and to clean the same so as
to prevent blocking. In some optional embodiments, the filtering
apparatus 77 can be automatically cleaned by the action of a water
jet wash and/or sprayers 85.
[0196] Another example of a form for the filtering apparatus 77 is
provided in FIGS. 42-45. The filtering apparatus 77 can be provided
with a perforated pipe 77d into which can be inserted a removable
filter screen 77e. The operation of such a filtering apparatus 77
is similar to the one described in the preceding paragraph. The
filtering apparatus 77 can be provided with a gasket 77f for
providing a suitable seal. The filtering apparatus 77 can also be
provided with a screwable cap 77g so as to provide a watertight
seal with the housing 37. The shape, configuration, form, etc. of
the filtering apparatus 77 can vary, and it is understood that it
is not limited to tubular and/or circular configurations.
[0197] The device 1 can also include a fluid path 23 (hereinafter
referred to also as fluid "circuit" 45), which can take on the form
of a closed circuit 45, an example of which is provided in FIGS.
1-19. The use of the term "closed" to describe the circuit 45 means
that the fluid carried within the circuit 45 is not exposed nor
mixed with the first fluid 3, and is conveyed by the circuit 45.
The term "circuit" can refer to the periodical path travelled by
the fluid therein. In some embodiments, the circuit 45 consists of
a helical, twisted, wound, etc. route along which the fluid (e.g.
the second fluid 25) travels, and whereby the fluid returns to the
direction from whence in came. In some optional embodiments, the
circuit 45 is mounted within the housing 37 and coils about a
vertical axis from an inlet 45a to an outlet 45b of the circuit 45.
Although the circuit 45 is shown in some figures as being
incorporated into the housing 37, the circuit 45 can also be used
independently of the housing 37, in another device, as desired.
This optional configuration is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, where the
device 1 can include a circuit 45 and a distributing assembly 59
which operate independently of the housing. FIG. 27 also
illustrates an example of a flow equalizer 61 for equalizing and
repartitioning the flow of first fluid 3 on the closed circuit
45.
[0198] The term "coil" as used herein refers to the fact that the
fluid and/or the circuit 45 moves in a winding path so as to form a
series of upwardly-extending, interconnectable loops or a bended
hollow tube geometry. As such, the circuit 45 can take the form of
a helix, twist, spiral, etc., but can also take any other
non-circular forms such as a rectangular coil, a triangular coil,
or another polygonal coil. In this regard, reference is made to
FIG. 26, which shows examples of various coil patterns that the
circuit 45 can take. For example, the circuit 45 can have a
serpentine coil, as shown in configuration "A". The circuit 45 can
also have a circular or "round" coil, as shown in configuration
"B". Further optionally, the circuit 45 can have an elongated or
oblong coil, as shown in configuration "C". The circuit 45 can also
have an elliptical or oval coil, as shown in configuration "D". The
possible coil patterns that can be taken by the circuit 45 are not
limited to those shown in FIG. 26 or elsewhere. Indeed, the choice
of coil pattern for the circuit 45 can depend upon numerous
factors, such as: the available space or volume for the circuit 30,
the fluid being used for exchanging energy, the desired energy
exchange rate, the material being used for the circuit 30, etc. The
coiled circuit 45 can be coiled at any angle or orientation,
provided that the circuit 45 is directed substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the falling first fluid 3
flow.
[0199] Indeed, a considerable advantage resulting from the present
system is that it meant to have a working fluid 25 travel along a
"longest" path as possible between two vertical points (for
example, between an inlet 45a and an outlet 45b of the fluid
circuit 45, or fluid path 23), that is, via the longest "at least
one non-vertical elongated member" 11 possible, so that the working
fluid 25 can be exposed with the desired heat exchange surface to
the discharge fluid 3 flowing (ex. free-falling, free-flowing,
etc.) over the at least one wall segment 15 of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 defined by the aforementioned "at least
one non-vertical elongated member" 11, in order to optimize and/or
maximize heat transfer between the first fluid 3 and the second
fluid 25.
[0200] In some optional embodiments, examples of which are shown in
FIGS. 31 and 32, the coiled circuit 45 is composed of two or more
tubes 21 that are arranged to provide a void space in their middle,
which can advantageously assist in providing a leak detection
technique as further explained below.
[0201] Returning back to FIGS. 1-31, the coiled circuit 45 includes
an outer circuit surface 37. The surface 45c consists of the
exterior of the circuit 30, and can thus take many different forms.
In one possible example of the form the surface 45c can take, and
considering the example where the circuit 45 is made up of a
plurality of coiled tubings, of any suitable cross-section
geometry, the surface 45c can be the outer surface of the tubes 21.
The surface 45c is thus the portion of the circuit 45 that is
exposed to the volume of the housing 37 and/or to the first fluid 3
falling thereon, as further explained below.
[0202] It can thus be appreciated that the coiled circuit 45
conveys (e.g. transports, takes, brings, pumps, etc.) the second
fluid 25 from the inlet 45a to the outlet 45b, whether the circuit
45 is incorporated within the housing 37, or used independently
thereof. In the optional configuration provided in FIG. 14, the
dispositions of the inlet 45a and the outlet 45b advantageously
allow the second fluid 25 to exchange energy with the first fluid
3, the temperature of which increases as it advances higher within
the coiled circuit 45. It is of course understood that the
dispositions of the inlet 45a and the outlet 45b are not limited to
the optional configuration illustrated in FIG. 14. Indeed, in an
example of one possible alternative configuration, the inlet 45a
can be disposed near the top of the housing 37 and the outlet 45b
near the bottom of the housing 37. In such a configuration, the
second fluid 25 can be conveyed under gravity through the coiled
circuit 30, and such a flow of second fluid 25 can enable a heat
exchange approaching a "parallel" heat exchange.
[0203] In some optional embodiments, an example of which is
provided in FIGS. 2-32, the coiled circuit 45 can consist of a
plurality of tubing where the second fluid 25 is distributed
equally in individual tubes 21. The tubing can be made of any
heat-conduction material, such as metal alloys. Such tubing can be
a pair of individual tubes 21, and can also be a coil composed of
three tubes 21. In such a configuration, the source of the second
fluid 25 can flow through both tubes 21. Such a flow can be
uni-directional or bi-directional, as required. Advantageously,
such a configuration of tubing can allow for a greater volume
and/or flow rate of second fluid 25 to be exposed to energy
exchange without the associated penalty of pressure losses of
increased flow rate. Of course, more or fewer individual tubes 21
can be used, depending on numerous factors such as: the volume or
flow rate of second fluid 25, the volume of first fluid 3, space
constraints, etc. The distance separating the tubing can vary
provided that a "falling film" of first fluid 3 can still be
produced, as further explained below. Therefore, the tubing can be
wound vertically by leaving an interval between adjacent tubing in
such a manner that the surfaces of the next revolution are close
enough together so as to maintain a continuous flow of first fluid
3 over the outer circuit surface 45c (i.e. not inducing a
separation of the flow). As such, spacers can be used to precisely
calibrate the space between the tubes 21.
[0204] In other optional embodiments, the coiled circuit 45 can
consist of a single tube 21. Such a tube 21 can coil upwardly about
a vertical axis. Optionally, the coiled circuit 45 can be made of
two or more concentric tubes 21 which together form the fluid path
21. These concentric tubes 21 can consist of an outer tube or wall
21b being press-fitted very closely to an inner tube or wall 21a.
The purpose of such double coiling is to provide means for
detecting leaks within the coiled circuit 30, as exemplified in
FIGS. 31 and 32.
[0205] In such an embodiment, a drainage channel 83 can be created
between inner and outer walls 23a,23b of the fluid path 23. The
drainage channel 83 can consist of a spacing or cavity which allows
for leak detection. In some optional embodiments, the drainage
channel 83 can be located on the outer wall 23b. The drainage
channel 83 can also be located on the inner tube wall 23a. In the
optional configuration where the drainage channel 83 is located on
the inner wall 23a, this allows for any leaks in the inner tube 21
to remain within the outer tube 21, and thus prevents potential
contamination as well as indicates to the user the rupture of the
inner wall 23a. This may also, in some cases, advantageously allow
for energy exchange to continue without hindrance. In some optional
embodiments, the drainage channel 83 consists of a notched inner
passage which is press fitted into the outer tube 21. If a leak is
detected in the tube of the drainage channel 83, the leaked second
fluid 25 will collect in the drainage channel 83 and will be
prevented from escaping or being corrupted by the first fluid 3
outside of the circuit 45 because it is blocked by the outer tube
21 (i.e. the outer wall 23b of fluid path 23). The outer tube 21
can be configured for leak detection so that the leak becomes
apparent to the user. Such leak detection can be performed
visually, or with a suitable device or instrument.
[0206] Other optional embodiments of the circuit 45 include: a) the
tubing can be made with a simple wall, a double wall, a double wall
with ventilation separation, etc.--two tubings can be fitted
together with the interior or exterior tubing being deformed as to
create a cavity where the ruptured wall fluid can be detected, as
exemplified in FIGS. 31 and 32; b) the interior tubing can be
fabricated with surface enhancing properties or turbulence flow
enhancer so as to augment the efficiency of the interior heat
transfer; c) the tubing can be provided with heat transfer surface
enhancement devices, such as fins, grooves, dimples; d) the tubing
can be of any cross-sectional geometry, such as oval, square,
rectangular or any form, some of which are shown in FIG. 25; e) the
external tubing surface can be treated with a surface treatment
method such as dipping, galvanizing, annealing, etc. in order to
enhance surface properties for corrosion resistance, capillarity,
self-cleaning, fouling, bio-hazard control, to name but a few
properties; and f) the outer circuit surface 45c can be covered by
a very thin material such as a polymer or thin film coating in
order to seal any gaps and enhance surface properties for corrosion
resistance, capillarity, self-cleaning, fouling, bio-hazard
control, etc., as exemplified in FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0207] As mentioned earlier, the device 1 also includes a
distributing assembly 59 (hereinafter referred to also simply as a
"distributor" 59), an example of which is provided in FIG. 14. The
distributor 59 controls the distribution of fluid, typically but
not exclusively the first fluid 3, onto the outer circuit surface
45c of the circuit 30, thereby achieving the exchange of energy
between the first fluid 3 and the second fluid 25. The distributor
59 can be used to evenly distribute the flow of the first fluid 3,
thereby advantageously assuring a more even exchange of energy. The
distributor 59 can be mounted about the housing 37, and
advantageously above the circuit 45 such that it can distribute by
"descent" (i.e. by gravity or under pressure) the first fluid 3
onto the circuit. The distributor 59 can be mounted elsewhere
provided that it can control the rate of distribution of the first
fluid 3 over the circuit 45.
[0208] In another possible embodiment, the first or second fluid
3,25 can be sprayed upon the outer circuit surface 45c of the
coiled circuit 45. This can advantageously create an equal film
around the coiled circuit 45. The amount of fluid sprayed, as well
as the position of the spray nozzle, can be varied so as to control
or optimise the energy exchange process.
[0209] FIGS. 14-19 provide examples of some of the many different
forms that the distributor 59 may take. FIG. 15 shows a distributor
59 which draws the first fluid 3 from a bottom of the housing 37,
such as the fluid receptacle 75, where the first fluid 3 collects.
The distributor 59 then pumps the first fluid 3 up through the
middle of the coiled circuit 45 and into a diffusion plate 63. The
diffusion plate 63 can take many different forms. In one possible
example, the diffusion plate 63 can have a conical geometry. This
geometry can be aligned with a horizontal plane, upon which the
first fluid 3, directed from the center of the conical diffusion
plate 63, is equally repartitioned by the effect of gravity. The
geometry of the diffusion plate 63 can vary, and can possess
groves, cuts, embossing, holes, etc. The goal of such geometry is
to ensure that the first fluid 3 is equally repartitioned before
falling by gravity upon the circuit 45 located below the diffusion
plate 63. Indeed, the flow equalizer 61 can be a diffusion plate
63, a diffusion ring and/or any geometric apparatus permitting
diffusion of flow of the first fluid 3 over the array of
cross-sectional profiles 13.
[0210] In one possible embodiment, an example of which is provided
in FIG. 15, the diffusion plate 63 can be a downwardly sloped
circular pan. As shown, the first fluid 3 is pumped into the
diffusion plate 63 and exits, under pressure or not, from outlets
on the periphery of the diffusion plate 63 so as to fall onto the
outer circuit surface 45c of the coil 45. Alternatively, the first
fluid 3 can be forced under pressure to impinge the distributor 59
at a certain velocity. By these velocity forces impacting on the
distributor 59, the first fluid 3 is repartitioned equally around
the surface on which it is impinged. In the optional embodiment
shown in FIG. 16, the diffusion plate 63 is a downwardly-sloping
circular pan or "overflow" type. The first fluid 3 is pumped above
the middle of the diffusion plate 63 with the first fluid 3 fluid
vertically emerging as a fountain to fall upon the diffusion plate
63 by gravity flow. The first fluid 3 eventually drains via gravity
towards the periphery of the diffusion plate 63 so as to eventually
free-fall over the outer circuit surface 45c. In yet another
alternative, the first fluid 3 could be sprayed on the coiled
circuit 45 directly.
[0211] In the optional embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the first fluid
3 is brought (under pressure or not) to a point above the diffusion
plate 63, which can again consist of a circular downwardly-sloping
pan. Once released onto the diffusion plate 63, the first fluid 3
can flow under pressure or freely over the periphery of the
diffusion plate 63 and onto the outer circuit surface 45c. FIG. 19
provides a top schematic view of the diffusion plate 63, and of the
distribution of the first fluid 3 by the diffusion plate 63 over
the coiled circuit 45. Optionally as well, the distributor 59 may
consist of a plurality of spouts 44 radially interspersed about the
vertical axis at the middle of the coil 45. The first fluid 3 can
thus be distributed via the spouts 44 onto the outer circuit
surface 45c. Optionally, the distributor 59 can include dispersers
46 provided near the outlet of the spouts 44 so as to widely
disperse the first fluid 3 over the outer circuit surface 45c.
[0212] Having now described some of the features of the device 1,
an example of a typical operation of the device will be
discussed.
[0213] The first fluid 3, such as external heated effluent from a
dishwasher, for example, enters the housing 37. Before entering,
the first fluid 3 is filtered by the filtering apparatus 77, which
can be removed and cleaned manually or automatically by a wash
cycle. After passing through the filtering apparatus 77, the first
fluid 3 collects at the bottom of the housing 37, such as in the
fluid receptacle 75. Once a sufficient volume of first fluid 3 has
collected, a centrifugal pump 19 can be used to pump the collected
first fluid 3 upward and onto the distributor 59 so as to generate
a "waterfall" upon the circuit 45 and the outer circuit surface
45c.
[0214] Referring to FIG. 19, the distributor 59 controls the
distribution of the first fluid 3 onto the circuit 30, and provides
a substantially equal repartition around the circuit 45. This
control can be achieved through some of the following
non-limitative features of the distributor 59: the downward slope,
the flow rate of first fluid 3 over the periphery of the
distributor 59, the form of the distributor 59, etc. Once it leaves
the distributor 59, the flow of first fluid 3 is equally
repartitioned around the outer circuit surface 45c. Such a flow of
first fluid 3 can be characterized by the very thin fluid
thickness, or "film", on the surface 30c, which advantageously
helps to achieve a significant exchange of energy. This efficient
exchange occurs because with such a thin film 3f, the effects of
capillarity are observed, and the flow of the first fluid 3 over
the surface 45c can thus remain attached to the tubes 21 of the
coil 30, and this, for each descending level of tubes 21. The flow
of first fluid 3 can thus be prevented from separating from tube to
tube, and the distributor 59 thus allows the first fluid 3 to
substantially "coat" the outer circuit surface 45c with a thin film
3f of first fluid 3. A "falling-film" flow of first fluid 3 is
therefore achieved on the surface 45c of the coiled tubing,
resulting in a high heat transfer coefficient for this first fluid
3. An inner convection flow can be induced inside the coiled tubing
of the circuit 30, where the second fluid 25 is flowing, to enhance
the heat transfer coefficient of the second fluid 25 and optimize
heat transfer between the two fluids 3,25.
[0215] The flow of first fluid 3 thus flows down the coiled tubing
in a cascading manner, ensuring that the tubing of the circuit 45
is covered in heated fluid, for example. The heat transfer can be
enhanced by the use of the falling film, which is characterized by
the thinness of the first fluid 3 upon the outside circuit surface
37. At the bottom of the circuit 30, the first fluid 3 is either
discarded by gravity (i.e. falling to the bottom of the housing 37,
in a channel, etc.) or captured. The flow of the second fluid 25
can be induced in either a counter-current flow/heat-exchange or a
parallel flow/heat-exchange dependent upon the direction of the
gravity falling first fluid 3. It can thus be appreciated that an
exchange of energy from the first fluid 3 to the second fluid 25,
in the form of thermal energy, is achieved.
[0216] In some optional embodiments, the device 1 includes an
electronic control system (i.e. controller 53) for controlling the
exchange of energy, and which can measure such exchange. The
control system can monitor the pump 19 so that it can pump more or
less depending on the efficiency of the device measured in real
time. Such control of the pump can be achieved by using temperature
sensors, of resistive or other type, which are installed on the
inlet 45a and outlet 45b of the circuit 45. The control system can
also detect flow rates for the fluids, and in particular, the
second fluid 25, so as to allow for operating the device 1
accordingly. The control system can also detect changes in the
volume of first fluid 3 accumulating in the housing 37, and adjust
the pump 19 accordingly. The control system 53 can also be fitted
with a transmission module 103, in order to transmit the data by
means of wireless or connected capacity.
[0217] Moreover, the control system 53 can calculate the energy
exchanged and/or recovered according to the flow rate of the second
fluid 25 and the difference in temperature from the inlet 45a to
the outlet 45b. To detect the flow rate, a pressure loss sensor can
be used which can determine the coiled circuit 45 pressure drop
versus flow rate. The control system can also initiate a purge
procedure according to the number of cycles of the device 1.
Similarly, the control system 55 can initiate a self-cleaning
procedure by either not performing energy exchange, by augmenting
the flow rate, and/or by heating the coiled circuit 45 with
electric tape resistance. Furthermore, the control system 53 can
advise the operator of all these measurements and parameters, and
can suggest maintenance based on the previous performance of system
maintenance. All the data from energy measuring, maintenance, etc.
can be transmitted or received by means of a data transfer system
103 in order to realise an "intelligent" system that can interact
with other control systems.
[0218] In some optional embodiments, the device 1 includes a
bio-hazard control system 95, an example of which is provided in
FIG. 33. The bio-hazard control system can control the water
quality of the first or second fluids 3,25, either before or after
circulation in the device 1. The bio-hazard control system 48 can
employ various techniques, and take different configurations, so as
to achieve the above-described functionality. Examples of these
include, but are not limited to: UV lamp, electric heating,
chemical dilution, ozone generation, application of an
antibio-hazard agent, copper/silver ion control, etc. The
bio-hazard control system 95 can be one of, or a combination of
these, and can further be controlled manually, automatically, or at
pre-set intervals.
[0219] In some optional embodiments, the device 1 includes a
cleaning system 97, an example of which is shown in FIG. 33. The
cleaning system 97 can project, spray, wash, etc. cold, hot or
lukewarm water and/or a mixture of water and cleaning agent, onto
the outer circuit surface 45c in order to clean the outer surface
45c of possible debris, grease, biological film or other
accumulation of material detrimental to the operation of the device
1.
[0220] In some optional embodiments, a suction apparatus 87 can be
provided and attached either to the device 1 or a source of heated
effluent. The suction apparatus can allow for capturing drainage
effluent without disturbing the drainage system of the source. The
suction apparatus can be fitted on the drain line of the source,
such as a dishwasher, and a fluid tubing can then connect to the
device 1 so as to collect and/or suck the first fluid 3 passing by.
Further optionally, the device 1 can include an evacuation pump 89,
which can be used to evacuate the first fluid 3 under pressure,
instead of using the sole forces of gravity flow. Further
optionally, the device 1 can be used to feed a heat pump or can be
integrated with a heat pump system so as to reclaim and heat to a
better temperature the preheated amount of second fluid 25, such as
shown in FIG. 56.
[0221] In some optional embodiments, and example of which is shown
in FIGS. 57 and 58, an intermittent hot water make-up device 91 can
be integrated within the device 1, or used externally as a
complementary module whenever required. The make-up device 91 can
be used to complement energy exchange in the device 1 when said
device 1 is not able to supply the required flow or temperature
needs. In the particular application where heat energy is recovered
from a commercial dishwasher, for example, the make-up device 91
allows for the installation of the device 1 without the need to
connect it to the hot water heater. The make-up device 91 therefore
allows a water supply at the correct flow and temperature
requirements to be constantly available to the appliance being
served, and this, whether or not the device 1 has recovered a
sufficient amount of energy for the appliance in question. One
possible technique by which the make-up device 91 accomplishes this
is by allowing for an automatic selection of the source of water.
Another possible technique is the incorporation of auxiliary source
of energy for completing the heating process. Auxiliary equipment
such as an electric hot water heater, gas water heater and/or other
type of water heater can be incorporated and/or externally
connected to the unit.
[0222] In one possible configuration, the make-up device 91
consists of a water storage volume, such as piping or tank, 91a,
two flow control valves 91b (such as solenoid acting valves, for
example), a circulation pump 91c, and a control module 91a with
temperature sensors 91e. The make-up device 91 can be used to
complement the device 1, which in this example is used to supply
and/or pre-heat a hot water supply to a commercial dishwasher. The
solenoid valves can be controlled such that when one is opened, the
other is closed (i.e. inverse operation). By default, the hot water
from the building's hot water distribution system valve can be
opened. The device 1 is connected to said system and recirculates
recovered energy through the storage tank of the make-up device 91
via its circulation pump 91c. When the temperature of the tank 91a
attains a preset value, the temperature sensor 91e can activate a
sequence whereby the hot water valve is closed and the recovered
water valve is opened. The recovered energy water can then be
supplied to the appliance for use during the appliance's water-use
cycle, until the temperature in the tank attains a preset value.
When this value is attained, the hot water valve opens, the
recovered energy valve closes, and the water is then again supplied
by the building's hot water system, until enough energy has been
reclaimed and the cycle begins again.
[0223] In some optional embodiments, the device 1 can be used to
feed an instantaneous water heater, and/or electric, gas and/or
other energy source, or can be integrated with such a heater as a
single system. In such a configuration, the device 1 can assist in
providing heated second fluid 25 at a predefined temperature such
as, but not restricted to, about 140.degree. F. to about
180.degree. F.
[0224] The device 1 can be integrated with, or attached to, various
devices and/or appliances. Some non-limiting examples of such
integration and attachment are provided in FIGS. 46-59. In FIGS. 46
and 47, the device 1 receives heated effluent from a dishwasher via
a drain-water entrance. The device 1 is provided with an internal
storage volume of second fluid 25. A pump can be used to pump the
second fluid 25 from the storage volume to the circuit 45. The
housing 37 consists of an external casing, and is equipped with a
display which can be used to display important information to the
user/technician. The energy-depleted first fluid 3 can exit the
housing via the drain water exit.
[0225] In FIG. 48, the device 1 can be used to preheat the second
fluid 25 before it is used in a conventional hot water heater. The
device 1 is similar to the one shown in FIG. 46 or 47. The output
of second fluid 25 from the device 1 is directed to a water storage
tank, from where it can be drawn by the hot water heater as
required. Advantageously, this configuration can reduce the energy
required to heat the second fluid 25 in the hot water heater.
[0226] In FIG. 49, the device 1 is similar to the ones described in
FIGS. 46-48. The device 1 in this configuration can be used to
preheat the relatively cold second fluid 25 before it is sent to
the dishwasher requiring hot water for cleaning purposes. The
device 1 can be used to preheat the second fluid 25, and can store
this preheated second fluid 25 in the storage tank. The preheated
second fluid 25 can then be drawn from the storage tank to the hot
water heater integrated within the dishwasher. Advantageously, this
configuration can reduce the energy required to heat the second
fluid 25 in the hot water heater of the dishwasher.
[0227] In FIG. 50, multiple devices 10 are shown being used, in
series or in parallel, to preheat the second fluid 25 before it is
used in the dishwasher.
[0228] In FIG. 51, the device 1 is being shown used in conjunction
with a storage system, which may be suitable for evacuation of
high-flow loads from the dishwasher. The dishwasher may discharge
the heated effluent first fluid 3 through an external filtration
and catch basin located on the drainage side of the dishwasher.
After being filtered, the first fluid 3 can be pumped, or flow
under gravity, to the storage system, which can include a
supplemental pump to evacuate high-flow loads from the dishwasher.
From the storage system, the first fluid 3 can be fed slowly (i.e.
via gravity) to the device 1. The heated second fluid 25 can then
be run back to the dishwasher for use.
[0229] In FIG. 50, the device 1 is shown integrated within the
dishwasher, as a component of the dishwasher. Relatively cold
second fluid 25 can be preheated by the device 1 via the heated
effluent first fluid 3. This preheated second fluid 25 can be
stored in the storage tank of the device 1, and from there can be
drawn to the hot water heater of the dishwasher.
[0230] In FIG. 53, the device 1 and the storage system of FIG. 51
are shown integrated within the dishwasher.
[0231] In FIG. 54, the device 1 is shown positioned beneath a
dishwasher, and can be fed hot water effluent (i.e. first fluid 3)
by gravity drainage from the dishwasher. The device 1 can be used
to pre-heat cold second fluid 25 for use in the dishwasher.
[0232] In FIG. 55, the device 1 is shown positioned beneath a
dishwasher, as in FIG. 54. Here, the pre-heated second fluid 25 can
be used to supply a detachable jet faucet and/or spray valve which
is commonly used in restaurant kitchens for cleaning and/or rinsing
off dishes before they enter the dishwasher. The amount of heat
needed to supply the jet can thus be reduced, advantageously saving
energy costs. Indeed, such a configuration can use the residual
heat of dishwasher effluent to reduce the amount of hot water used
by the spray valve.
[0233] In FIGS. 57 and 58, the device 1 is shown associated with an
intermittent heat recovery make-up device 91. Here, the recovered
energy from device 1 can be stored and discharged in an
intermittent way with the help of the make-up device 91. When
enough recovered energy is available, full recovered energy is
supplied to the dishwasher. When not enough flow is available, the
hot water from the existing hot water supply system can be used to
supply the dishwasher. Optionally, hot water can be blended with
the recovered energy water.
[0234] As can now be better appreciated in reference to the
heat-transferring device described hereinabove, as exemplified in
the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a
method of transferring heat between a discharge fluid 3 of a first
system 5 and a second system 7, the method comprising the steps of:
a) receiving the discharge fluid 3 from the first system 5; b)
conveying the discharge fluid 3 to a given location 9; c) providing
at least one non-vertical elongated member 11 being positioned,
shaped and sized so as to define an array of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 extending within at least one wall
segment 15, said at least one wall segment 15 being operatively
connectable to the second system 7; and d) allowing the discharge
fluid 3 to flow (ex. free-fall, free-flow, etc.) over said at least
one wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 so as to
allow a heat exchange between the discharge fluid 3 and the array
of stacked cross-sectional profiles.
[0235] According to different possible embodiments having been
discussed, step a) may comprise: i) the step of filtering debris 47
from the discharge fluid 3 prior to carrying out step b); ii) the
step of storing the discharge fluid 3 prior to carrying out step
b); and iii) the step of detecting a presence of the discharge
fluid 3 in a given location prior to carrying out step b.
[0236] According to other possible embodiments having been
discussed, step b) may comprise: i) the step of conveying the
discharge fluid 3 along an upwardly extending fluid circuit 17; and
ii) the step of using a corresponding pump 19 to adjustably control
a flow rate of the discharge fluid 3. However, as previously
explained, the discharge fluid 3 could be naturally conveyed, via
the effect of gravity for example, onto and/or into the device 1,
and more particularly, its heat exchanger (i.e. the at least one
wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13, etc.).
[0237] According to other possible embodiments having been
discussed, step c) may comprise: i) the step of providing at least
one hollow tube 21 so as to define a fluid path 23 along which a
working fluid 25 of the second system 7 is allowed to travel; ii)
the step of providing a plurality of hollow tubes 21 being
interconnectable to one another so as to define a fluid path 23
along which a working fluid 25 of the second system is allowed to
travel; iii) the step of providing a closed fluid path 23; iv) the
step of providing a single-wall fluid path 23; and v) the step of
providing a double-wall fluid path 23 having an inner wall 23a and
an outer wall 23b, a working fluid 25 of the second system 7 being
configured for travelling within the inner wall 23a) of the fluid
path 23 and air 27 being provided between the inner wall 23a and
the outer wall 23b.
[0238] As also discussed hereinabove, step c) may also comprise the
step of providing a leak-detecting mechanism 29, and according to
one possible embodiment, the step of providing a leak-detecting
mechanism 29 comprises the step of defining a recess 31 within one
wall of a pair of inner and outer walls 23a,23b, as better shown in
FIGS. 31 and 32, wherein in these particular examples, the inner
and outer walls 23a, 23b are shown concentric with respect to one
another.
[0239] According to a particular given embodiment, step c)
comprises the step of conveying a working fluid 25 of the second
system 7 along a fluid path 23 extending within the at least one
wall segment 15 of cross-sectional profiles 13 so as to allow a
heat transfer between said working fluid 25 of the second system 7
and the discharge fluid 3 of the first system 5 free-falling over
said the at least one wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional
profiles 13. The working fluid 25 of the second system 7 may be
water, for example, although other types of suitable working fluids
(ex. refrigerants, etc.) could also be used with the present
system.
[0240] Step c) can also comprise the step of selecting at least one
flow direction 33 for the working fluid 25 of the second system 7
along the fluid path 23 so as adjustably select a type of heat
exchange between the discharge fluid 3 and the working fluid 25 via
the at least one wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional
profiles 13, and according to a possible embodiment, step c)
comprises the step of selectively conveying the working fluid 25
between opposite first and second flow directions 33a,33b along the
fluid path 23. Namely, flow direction and flow rate of the working
fluid 25 can be adjustably selected so that a heat exchange between
the discharge fluid 3 and the working fluid 25 via the at least one
wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 adjustably
ranges between a parallel heat exchange and a counter-current heat
exchange, as discussed hereinabove.
[0241] According to other possible embodiments, step c) comprises
the step of conveying the working fluid 25 along the fluid path 23
in a pressurized manner.
[0242] Step c) can also comprise the step of extending the fluid
path 23 in a substantially coiled manner about a vertical axis 35
and within a given confined housing 37. The fluid path 23 can
comprise a plurality of upwardly-extending loops 39 or a bended
hollow tube geometry.
[0243] In applications where the working fluid 25 of the second
system 7 is a fluid having a temperature less than that of the
discharge fluid 3 of the first system 5 so that heat is transferred
from the first system 5 to the second system 7, the method can be
used for cooling the discharge fluid 3 of the first system 5 prior
to effluence into a given system. The method can also be used for
recuperating heat from the discharge fluid 3 of the first system 5
so as to employ said heat as workable heat for a given system.
[0244] In applications where the working fluid 25 of the second
system 7 is a fluid having a temperature higher than that of the
discharge fluid 25 of the first system 5 so that heat is
transferred from the second system 7 to the first system 5, the
method can be used for cooling the working fluid 25 of the second
system 7 prior to effluence into a given system. The method can
also be used for recuperating heat from the working fluid 25 of the
first system 5 so as to employ said heat as workable heat for a
given system.
[0245] As was discussed in reference to FIGS. 46-59, and depending
on the given applications and the desired end results, the
above-mentioned given system can be either the first system 5, the
second system 7 and/or another separate system. Indeed, the method
further can comprise the step of storing working fluid 25 having
extracted heat from the discharge fluid 3 back as a source of
usable heat-containing fluid 25', for any of the above-mentioned
systems. For instance, the method can comprise the step of
redirecting working fluid 25 having extracted heat from the
discharge fluid 3 back into the first system 5 as a source of
usable heat-containing fluid 25' for said first system 5.
Alternatively, the method can comprise the step of redirecting
working fluid 25 having extracted heat from the discharge fluid 3
into another different system as a source of usable heat-containing
fluid 25' for said different system.
[0246] According to other possible embodiments, step d) may
comprise: i) the step of exposing the discharge fluid 3 to
atmospheric pressure; ii) the step of diffusing the discharge fluid
3 over a flow equalizing surface 41; iii) the step of allowing the
discharge fluid 3 to free-fall via gravity in a substantially
transversal manner with respect to a longitudinal disposition of
the stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 contained within the at
least one wall segment 15; iv) the step of allowing the discharge
fluid 3 to free-fall over opposite front and rear sides 15a,15b of
the at least one wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional
profiles 13; v) the step of providing a gap 43 between adjacent
cross-sectional profiles 13a,13b so as to allow free-falling
discharge fluid 3 to pass from one side 15a,15b of the at least one
wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 to another
opposite side 15b,15a of said at least one wall segment 15, which
enables to improve the lateral liquid dispersion on the wall
segment, etc.; vi) the step of allowing the discharge fluid 3 to
free-fall directly over outer peripheral surfaces 13c of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13; vii) the step of adjusting flow rate
parameters to ensure that the discharge fluid 3 free-falling
directly over outer peripheral surfaces 13c of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 creates a falling-fluid-film 3f which
coats said stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 via a capillary
action of the discharge fluid 3 travelling over said stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13, etc.
[0247] Depending on particular application and desired end results,
dimensional values of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 may
differ between adjacent stacked cross-sectional profiles 13a,13b.
For example, a given upper cross-sectional profile 13a within the
array of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 may be bigger than a
subsequent lower cross-sectional profile 13b within said array of
stacked cross-sectional profiles 13, as shown in FIG. 23.
Alternatively, a given upper cross-sectional profile 13a) within
the array of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 may be smaller
than a subsequent lower cross-sectional profile 13b) within said
array of stacked cross-sectional profiles, as shown in FIG. 24.
This provides a way of controlling different parameters, such as
debris accumulation, flow repartition, etc. The stacked profiles 13
can also be offset and/or staggered in order to control the falling
flow characteristics and thus control and/or optimize heat transfer
or debris filtration.
[0248] According to a particular embodiment, dimensional values of
stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 are substantially the same
between adjacent stacked cross-sectional profiles 13a,13b, as shown
in FIG. 22. Also, the array of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13
extending within the at least one wall segment 15 can be an array
of stacked hollow tubes 21 which define a fluid path 23 along which
a working fluid 25 of the second system 7 is allowed to travel.
[0249] Stacked hollow tubes 21 of the at least one wall segment 15
of stacked tubes 21 can be cylindrical tubes 21, and according to
another possible embodiment, diameters of stacked tubes 21 may be
substantially the same throughout the at least one wall segment 15
of stacked tubes 21. However, it is worth mentioning that the
stacked hollow tubes 21 of the at least one wall segment 15 of
stacked tubes 21 may be tubes having varied cross-sectional
profiles 13, such as, for example: a triangular cross-sectional
profile 13, a rectangular cross-sectional profile 13, a square
cross-sectional profile 13, a polygonal cross-sectional profile 13,
an elliptical cross-sectional profile 13 and a circular
cross-sectional profile 13, as shown in FIG. 25.
[0250] According to other possible embodiments, step d) may also
comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of:
i) controlling an energy exchange between the discharge fluid 3 and
the least one wall segment 15 of cross-sectional profiles 13, ii)
controlling a pumping flow rate of the discharge fluid 3
free-falling over said at least one wall segment 15 of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13, and iii) controlling a temperature
difference between two different points of the at least one
non-vertical elongated member 11.
[0251] Step d) may also comprise at least one step selected from
the group consisting of: iv) controlling a temperature difference
between working fluid 25 of the second system 7 travelling at two
different locations along a fluid path 23, v) controlling a flow
rate of working fluid 25 travelling between said two different
locations, vi) controlling bio-hazard quality of the discharge
fluid 3, and vii) controlling bio-hazard quality of the working
fluid 25.
[0252] Bio-hazard control can be carried out using a component
selected from the group consisting of UV lamp, electric heating,
chemical dilution, ozone generation, application of an
antibio-hazard agent and copper/silver ion control.
[0253] As explained therein, the method can comprise the step of
carrying out steps a), b), c) and d) within a same housing 37 being
configured for retrofitting onto a conventional system (i.e. an
appliance, such as a dishwasher, for example, etc.). Alternatively,
the method may comprise the step of carrying out steps a), b), c)
and d) in an integrated manner within said conventional system.
[0254] According to other possible embodiments, the method may
comprise the step of e) recuperating discharge fluid 3 after having
free-fallen over said at least one wall segment 15 of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13. Step e) may further comprise the step
of evacuating discharge fluid 3.
[0255] According to other possible embodiments, the method may
comprise the step of f) cleaning discharge fluid debris 47 off from
stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 of the at least one wall
segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13.
[0256] Step f) comprises the step of spraying cleaning product 49
within the housing 37 and onto the stacked cross-sectional profiles
13 of the at least one wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional
profiles 13 so as to remove discharge fluid debris 47 from said
stacked cross-sectional profiles 13. Alternatively and/or in
combination with this first option, step f) may also comprise the
step of soaking the stacked cross-sectional profiles 13 of the at
least one wall segment 15 of stacked cross-sectional profiles 13
within the housing 37 with a cleaning solution 51 so as to remove
discharge fluid 47 debris from said stacked cross-sectional
profiles 13.
[0257] Different combinations of the different steps and sub-steps
of the method are contemplated. For example, steps a), b), c) and
d) could be carried out in parallel. Alternatively, the method can
comprise the step of carrying out steps a), b), c) and d) in
series. According to a given embodiment, steps of the method,
including a cleaning step, are carried out in an automated manner
via a controller 53.
[0258] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an assembly being provided with such a device. In the
examples given, the assembly has been shown as a dishwasher,
wherein the discharge fluid 3 is hot discharge fluid from the
dishwasher, and wherein the device 1 is used for recuperating heat
from the hot discharge fluid of the dishwasher. However, as can be
easily understood, the assembly can be any assembly with which the
present device could be used and may be useful, such as, for
example, a washing machine, a system for processing discharge fluid
from an industrial process, a system for processing discharge fluid
from a cooling process, a system for processing residential
discharge fluid, a system for processing commercial discharge
fluid, a system for processing sewer discharge fluid, a system
conveying a natural water stream, etc.
[0259] As previous explained, and according to another aspect of
the present invention, there is provided a kit with corresponding
components for assembling a device 1 (and/or resulting assembly
including the same) such as the one described and illustrated
herein. Similarly, an appliance (i.e. dishwasher, air conditioner,
washing machine, etc.), or a process of an industrial or
residential nature, can be provided with any and/or all of the
components of the device 1 described above.
[0260] Numerous modifications can be made to the present
heat-transferring device 1, without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. For example, and as previously explained, the
at least one non-vertical elongated member 11 being positioned,
shaped and sized so as to define an array of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 extending within at least one wall
segment 15, is not necessarily limited to being disposed about a
"coiled" pattern extending about a vertical axis 35 within a
housing 37, and may take on various other geometrical dispositions
within various other types of environments, depending on the
particular application(s) for which the heat-transferring device 1
is intended for, and the desired end result(s).
[0261] Furthermore, although the at least one elongated member 11
has been exemplified as being possibly a "tube" 21 along which a
working fluid 25, such a fluid of a second system 7, is meant to
interact with the first fluid 3 of a first system 5, it is worth
mentioning that said at least non-vertical elongated member 11 does
not necessarily need to be "hollow", and that ultimately, the at
least one non-vertical elongated member 11 being positioned, shaped
and sized so as to define an array of stacked cross-sectional
profiles 13 extending with at least one wall segment 15 could be
"full", so that the at least one wall segment 15 of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 would be at least one wall segment of
"full" cross-sectional profiles 13, which would have a temperature
different from that of the first fluid 3 of the first system 5 with
which the heat-transferring device 1 could be used, so as to ensure
a corresponding heat transfer between this first fluid 3 and the at
least one wall segment 15 of "full" cross-sectional profiles 13,
being operatively connected to the second system 7.
[0262] Also, and as previously explained, depending on the
particular application(s) for which the heat-transferring device 1
would be intended for, and the desired end result(s), the at least
one wall segment 15 of "full" cross-sectional profiles 13, which
could be or not provided with corresponding gaps 43, as discussed
hereinabove, could be varied in temperature, with a corresponding
temperature-regulation component, so as to vary an extent of heat
transfer between the first fluid 3 of the first system 5 and the
second system 7 operatively connected to such a wall segment 15 of
"full" cross-sectional profiles 13.
[0263] It is also worth mentioning also that the disposition of the
cross-sectional profiles 13 is not limited to be substantially
"horizontal" disposition within the at least one wall segment 15,
in that, various other suitable and/or varied dispositions, such as
"slanted" for example, could be envisioned and used for the present
heat-transferring device 1, depending on the particular
application(s) for which it is intended for, and the desired end
result(s), and also, even though the at least one wall segment 15
has been shown as being partially "curved" due to the fact that a
coil pattern has been exemplified in the accompanying drawings for
a possible at least one non-vertical member 11, it is worth
mentioning that said at least one wall segment 15 of stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 could have various other geometrical
configurations. For example, the at least one wall segment 15 could
simply be a "straight" wall segment 15 wherein the stacked
cross-sectional profiles 13 extend therein along various other
suitable positional and/or geometrical configurations.
[0264] As can be appreciated in light of the preceding, the device
1 offers advantages over the prior art in that, by virtue of its
design and components, the device 1 simultaneously enables an
exchange of energy between the fluids 3,25 so as to meet the energy
recovery requirements, while being resistant to fouling and
remaining relatively inexpensive to produce.
[0265] Indeed, in many known heat transfer applications, the
presence of impurities such as debris, particulates or other
contaminants are detrimental to the continuous operation of the
heat exchange process. The device 1 advantageously overcomes this
drawback because of the "falling film" of first fluid 3 over the
coiled circuit 30, which flushes the debris with the flow. Also, in
the event of any debris still remain on the coiled circuit 30,
these debris can be easily cleaned because the coiled circuit 30 is
meant to be selectively "exposed" (ex. by accessing to the inside
housing by removing panels, etc., if such a housing is being used
with the device 1, etc.).
[0266] Furthermore, the device 1 is advantageously suited for the
particular exemplary use with a dishwasher because of the
significant heat transfer rates that the device 1 can provide. In
addition, the device 1 can be produced compactly, which can
increase operational efficiencies and further facilitate its use
and/or integration with an appliance. The device 1 addresses at
least some of the problems associated with heat recovery from a
hot, intermittent effluent source for preheating cold water. The
use of a pump and filter provides a complete energy exchange
solution.
[0267] The following non-limitative list of advantages may also be
associated with the device 1: [0268] energy recovery of effluent to
heat hot water consumption; [0269] use of recovered energy for
cooling purposes; [0270] capture and disposal of food waste from
dishwater effluent with manual or automatic straining device;
[0271] relatively small footprint; [0272] hot fluid entrance can be
placed as low to the ground as possible; [0273] self diagnostic
electronic control; [0274] continuous and real-time measurement of
energy efficiency; [0275] relatively low production costs; [0276]
self-cleaning through the "falling film" flow; [0277] self-cleaning
through an automatic spray system; [0278] smooth surfaces prevent
the trapping of contaminants; [0279] relatively easy visual
inspection of the device 1 and/or its features; [0280] relatively
easy to service, either by a lay person or by a technician; [0281]
bio-hazard control via a dedicated, automated system; and [0282]
installation as a stand-alone hot water/recovered water supply
system with the use of components of a make-up device.
[0283] The following performance indicators were estimated for a
given device 1 having a height of about 16 to 36 in., a width of
about 16 to 30 in., and a length of about 10 to 30 in. It is of
course understood that the device 1 can be scaled either up or down
as required.
TABLE-US-00001 Heat recovery power: 5 to 30 kW Heat recovery
efficiency: 50% to 70% Preheated second fluid 25 flow rate/pump
capacity 1 to 10 usgpm (variable speed) First fluid 3 pump
capacity: 1 to 20 usgpm (variable speed) Drain rate capacity from
dishwasher: 0 to 50 usgpm Internal volume of the housing 37: 1 to
20 gallons First fluid entrance temperature (from dishwasher): 120
to 180 F. Second fluid exit (i.e. preheated) temperature: 60 F. to
140 F. Material: Stainless steel (external), PVC, copper Electric
voltage: 48 VDC, 120 V AC External pump flow rate: 40 to 100 usgpm
Storage volume: 10 to 30 usg
[0284] The following performance indicators were estimated for a
given device 1 consisting of a single wall about 20 mm diameter
copper tube vertically wound in a circular coil pattern for 10
revolutions, and having a total height of about 250 mm and a coil
diameter of about 250 mm. It is of course understood that the
device 1 can be scaled either up or down as required, to adapt for
heat exchange capacity ranging from about 100 W to about 1 MW.
TABLE-US-00002 Heat recovery power: up to 40 kW Heat recovery
efficiency: 50% to 80% Second fluid 25 flow rate 1 to 7 usgpm First
fluid 3 flow rate: 1 to 7 usgpm Material: Stainless steel
(external), PVC, copper, aluminium, etc.
[0285] In ending, the scope of the claims should not be limited by
the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be
given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description
as a whole.
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