Water-based hot water heat pump
US5806331A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B30/06
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hot water heat pump is coupled to a primary liquid heat source, typically an earth coupled closed loop system, and a hot water retention tank. The hot water heat pump extracts heat from the liquid heat source and gives off heat to water stored in the hot water retention tank. A coupling device is connected to the liquid heat source conduit for diverting liquid heat source flow to the hot water heat pump. A dedicated liquid heat source pump maintains liquid heat source flow through a first heat exchanger in the domestic hot water heat pump independent of primary heat, source operation. Refrigerant flows through both the first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. Water stored in the retention tank is circulated by the dedicated hot water circulating pump through the second heat exchanger thereby removing heat from the refrigerant. The stored water is typically used for domestic hot water supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.