초록 ▼

An engine-driven heat pump system is disclosed in which the waste heat from the engine is used to only heat the water contained in a water heater. Space heating may be then provided by circulating the water through an air-handling unit. In order to simplify the operation, the engine's coolant is cir

An engine-driven heat pump system is disclosed in which the waste heat from the engine is used to only heat the water contained in a water heater. Space heating may be then provided by circulating the water through an air-handling unit. In order to simplify the operation, the engine's coolant is circulated through a tube surrounding the heater's storage tank. Any risk of contamination to the potable water supply is removed by venting the region surrounding the coolant-to-water heat exchanger. This is achieved by assuring that a surrounding insulation layer does not form a seal over the heat exchanger and by using a non-setting thermally conductive paste between the tube and tank.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A heat pump system comprising:a compressor which supplies a refrigerant for air conditioning;an internal combustion engine which drives the compressor and passes its waste heat to an engine coolant;a water heater which supplies hot water;a coolant-to-water heat exchanger

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A heat pump system comprising:a compressor which supplies a refrigerant for air conditioning;an internal combustion engine which drives the compressor and passes its waste heat to an engine coolant;a water heater which supplies hot water;a coolant-to-water heat exchanger through which the engine coolant is circulated to transfer its heat to water in the water heater; anda water-to-air coil through which water from the water heater is circulated to transfer its heat to air.