Heated fluid distribution apparatus for combined domestic hot water supply and space heating system in closed loop

Abstract

A combined domestic hot water supply and space heating system includes a single water heating system, one or more space heating systems and a heated fluid distribution apparatus. The apparatus has piping that provides communication between the apparatus, the water heating system, the space heating system, a fresh water source, and a house tap. The apparatus also includes a by-pass heat exchanger that has a heat source side that communicates with the water heating system, and a space heating system side that communicates with the space heating system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is related to a system that provides both domestic hot water and space heating. More particularly, the invention is related to an apparatus that properly distributes heated water from a singe water heating system to domestic hot water and closed loop space heating applications. [0002] Most building or houses that require a domestic hot water supply as well as space heating use separate appliances for each purpose. For example, a conventional tank type gas water heater or an electric water heater has been used for domestic hot water supply. Conventional tank type gas heater or electric heater has disadvantage that it takes significant amount of space and it continuously lose heat energy due to its stand. [0003] Conventionally, when space heating is required, a separate furnace or any hydronic space heater has been used. The furnace or heater has its own gas burner or electric heating element. This scheme is inefficient and wast...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide a compact and efficient combined domestic hot water supply and space heating system.

[0012] The apparatus further includes an expansion tank and an air separator between the space outlet of the by-pass heat exchanger and the space outlet fitting. The expansion tank and the air separator balance pressure and automatically eliminate air in water flows.

[0018] The apparatus further includes a water check valve that prevents return water backflow to the cold water inlet fitting.

[0020] The present invention utilizes an on-demand water heater, which is small enough to hang on a wall, as a water heating system. Sine the water heater has no reservoir tank, the water heater takes significantly less space compared to conventional water heater. Fully modulating computer controlled gas valve brings out significant energy saving. Automatic flow adjustment valve supplies hot water at desired temperature without temperature fluctuations. Various sizes of input water heating system can be used anywhere.

[0022] The present invention supplies and maintains potable domestic hot water at steady temperature, maximizes efficiency in output BTU in supplying hot water, and maximizes efficiency in space heating by optimized control for radiant floor heating system, snow melting system, base board heating system, or force air heating system with a single flow through water heating system. The single flow through water heating system adopts an on-demand tankless water heater or an instantaneous water heater.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional tank type gas heater or electric heater has disadvantage that it takes significant amount of space and it continuously lose heat energy due to its stand.

This scheme is inefficient and waste space and energy.

Images