초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains th

The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water. The phase change material is preferably heated from the top down to accommodate the changes in volume during thermocycling.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A water heater for heating water comprising:a source of water; a top water reservoir and a bottom water reservoir; a heating element for heating said water; a heat exchange unit having an upper section and a lower section and outer walls, said heat exchange unit containing a phase change material

1. A water heater for heating water comprising:a source of water; a top water reservoir and a bottom water reservoir; a heating element for heating said water; a heat exchange unit having an upper section and a lower section and outer walls, said heat exchange unit containing a phase change material therein; and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in said heat exchange unit with said phase change material located between and around said heat exchange tubes to substantially fill any spaces between said heat exchange tubes, said tubes being in heat transfer relation to said phase change material and in fluid connection with said source of water so that the water heated by said heating element flows through said tubes and heats said phase change material and thereafter the heat stored in said phase change material is transferred through said tubes to water flowing therethrough at nearly constant temperatures equivalent to the freezing/melting temperature of said phase change material; wherein heating of said phase change material is initiated in the upper section of said heat exchange unit.