초록 ▼

This invention relates to a hot water system which utilizes heat from the refrigerant of a refrigeration system to produce hot water. The utilized heat consists of the superheat of the refrigerant vapor, the heat of condensation or latent heat, and part of the sensible heat of the liquid refrigerant

This invention relates to a hot water system which utilizes heat from the refrigerant of a refrigeration system to produce hot water. The utilized heat consists of the superheat of the refrigerant vapor, the heat of condensation or latent heat, and part of the sensible heat of the liquid refrigerant. The water passing through a water-cooled condensing unit, which is part of the refrigeration system, is heated to a selected temperature by removal of both the latent heat and superheat and part of the sensible heat from the refrigerant as it passes through the condenser unit. The condensing unit has a water inlet and an outlet between which is connected a hot water storage tank. As the water in the condensing unit is heated by absorption of latent and superheat and part of the sensible heat from the refrigerant passing therethrough, the heated water rises and flows by convection into the storage tank. Eventually the storage tank may fill completely with water of a selected temperature. A temperature responsive flow restriction device, or thermostat, is located between the water outlet of the condenser and the storage tank, which restricts the flow of water below a preselected temperature. The heated water, being lighter than the balance of the water in the tank, will remain stratified at the top of the tank and may be drawn off as needed. A condensing unit is especially designed with greater heat exchange surface than would normally be provided with the refrigeration system so that water at convection flow and at a higher temperature than normal can be used in the condensing unit and yet achieve the necessary absorption of heat from the refrigerant passing through the condensing unit as required for proper operation of the refrigeration system. The condensing unit generally comprises a lower housing containing multiple layers of coils, the coils having multiple windings oriented generally horizontally to provide the heat exchange surface. The housing has an inlet and outlet for the passage of water therethrough, said outlet being connected to a verticle riser tube in which is housed the thermostat. Various refrigeration components are mounted on top of the condenser housing.

대표청구항 ▼

A hot water system for producing hot water within a preselected temperature range by use of controlled convection flow in combination with a refrigeration system, said hot water system comprising a refrigeration system including a water-cooled condenser having refrigerant passage means and water pas

A hot water system for producing hot water within a preselected temperature range by use of controlled convection flow in combination with a refrigeration system, said hot water system comprising a refrigeration system including a water-cooled condenser having refrigerant passage means and water passage means associated therewith defining a heat exchange surface, the refrigerant passage means and water passage means of saiD condenser each having an inlet and an outlet, a compressor, and an evaporator, means connecting the output of the evaporator to the input of the compressor, means connecting the compressor to the input of the refrigerant passage means of the condenser, and means connecting the output of the refrigerant passage means of the condenser to the input of the evaporator, said hot water system further comprising a hot water tank having a hot water inlet near the top of the tank and a cold water outlet near the bottom and having a hot water outlet near the top of the tank and a cold water inlet near the bottom, means connecting the hot water inlet of the tank to the outlet of the water passage means of the condenser, means connecting the cold water outlet of the tank to the inlet of the water passage means of the condenser, means connecting the cold water inlet of the tank to a source of water to be heated, and a temperature responsive water flow restricting means in the connecting means between the outlet of the water flow passage of the condenser and the hot water inlet of the tank for restricting water flow by convection below a preselected water temperature.