Dual reservoir-based hot water recirculation system

US6026844A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Karsten Laing · Althütte, DE
• Nikolaus Laing · Spaichingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 19, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2000
• Expiry date: May 19, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/6579
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In a hot and cold water plumbing installation, a volume of hot water is first drawn from the hot water line and stored in an insulated reservoir. When the temperature of the water near the most distal location of the hot water line falls below a predetermined level, the contents of the insulated reservoir are reinjected back into that line to flush the cooled down water back into the water heater. A second reservoir is used between the water heater inlet and the cold water source to absorb the excess water resulting from the aforesaid reinjection and prevent hot water from being injected into the cold water line.