초록 ▼

A water heating system comprises a lower energy storage tank connected with a source of energy and an upper tank mounted on top of the lower. The upper tank may be a conventional water heater or a water storage tank connected at an outlet therefrom with an instantaneous type water heater, and the ta

A water heating system comprises a lower energy storage tank connected with a source of energy and an upper tank mounted on top of the lower. The upper tank may be a conventional water heater or a water storage tank connected at an outlet therefrom with an instantaneous type water heater, and the tanks are interconnected through a valve. The valve operates to direct incoming cold water through a heat exchanger in the lower tank for being preheated prior to introduction into the upper tank and accommodates a thermal syphon effect between the tanks when fresh water is not being supplied, whereby heat energy is automatically transferred from the lower to the upper tank. The lower tank may advantageously and economically comprise a conventional drum, for example a 55 gallon drum, and all system components are mounted in a cover assembly for the lower tank, so that the upper tank need not be specially fabricated, with the cover assembly also serving to support the upper tank.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for heating water, comprising a first tank having an inlet, an outlet and a drain; a second tank for containing a supply of heat transfer fluid, said second tank being disposed below said first tank; means for connecting the heat transfer fluid in said second tank with a source of energy t

Apparatus for heating water, comprising a first tank having an inlet, an outlet and a drain; a second tank for containing a supply of heat transfer fluid, said second tank being disposed below said first tank; means for connecting the heat transfer fluid in said second tank with a source of energy to heat the fluid; a heat exchanger disposed in said second tank, said heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet and said outlet being connected to said first tank inlet; and valve means having a first inlet for connection with a supply of fresh water, a second inlet connected with said first tank drain and an outlet connected with said heat exchanger inlet, said valve means being responsive to withdrawal of water from said first tank outlet to interrupt a path between its second inlet and its outlet and to establish a path between its first inlet and its outlet for a flow of water from the supply thereof through said valve means and heat exchanger to said first tank inlet, said heat exchanger heating the water prior to its introduction into said first tank, and said valve means being responsive, in the absence of withdrawal of water from said first tank outlet and to a sufficient temperature of the heat transfer fluid in said second tank, to interrupt a path between its first inlet and its outlet and to establish a path between its second inlet and its outlet for recirculation of water by thermal syphon effect from said first tank drain through said valve means and heat exchanger to said first tank inlet to heat the water in said first tank.