Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An instant water heating system (200) for providing hot water instantly when a system outlet (130) is opened; the instant water heating system (200) being electronically controlled using a controller (150) and enabling a user to set the water temperature limit through a user interface up to 15°C higher than the ambient temperature; the instant water heating system (200) comprising:
an object detector (30)arranged near the system outlet (130) for detecting presence of human, and connected to the controller (150) for providing signal thereto,
a main heater (20) receiving water from a reservoir through an inlet valve (10) and operably connected to the controller (150) for heating water to the set temperature limit on receiving a control signal there from, the main heater (20) being fitted with a first temperature sensor (50)at a main heater outlet (25) and a flow detector (40) for ensuring constant water supply from the reservoir, the first temperature sensor (50) and the a flow detector (40) transmitting data to the controller (150);
a storage tank (60) receiving hot water from the main heater outlet (25) and supplying hot water to the system outlet (130) through an outlet pipeline (65); the storage tank (60) being fitted with a second temperature sensor (80) for sensing the temperature of water therein and transmitting the data to the controller (150), and a secondary heater (70) for heating water to the set temperature limit on receiving a control signal from the controller (150);
a third temperature sensor (90) fitted for sensing the ambient temperature and transmitting the data to the controller (150) and the user interface,
a water recirculation line (140) fitted with a re-circulating unit (100) for re-circulation of accumulated water in the outlet pipeline (65) in between the system outlet (130) and the storage tank (60), on receiving a control signal from the controller (150);
wherein the controller (150) triggers the re-circulating unit (100) on receiving signal from the object sensor (30) and simultaneously triggers the main heater (20) and the secondary heater (70) to switch ON and switch OFF depending upon the temperature data received from the temperature sensors (50, 80), the water availability data received from the flow detector (40), and the pre-set temperature limit.
2. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the re-circulating unit (100) is a pump fitted with a solenoid valve (110).
3. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure relief valve (120) is fitted in the outlet pipeline (65) near the system outlet (130) for monitoring and regulating the water pressure.
4. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured with a signal conditioning unit.
5. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface is any one selected from: a tactile user interface, a mobile app user interface and a remote control user interface.
6. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main heater (20) is a tube type heating unit made of a material selected from: combination of Stainless steel and Aluminum, alloys, non-metals and like but not limited to copper, brass, ceramics, plastics, glass.
7. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main heater (20) and the secondary heater (60) are operated based on a technology selected from: electrical heating, heating with hot exhaust steam, heating with thermic fluid, heating with gas burners and inductive heating.
8. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object sensor (30) is any one selected from: a photo sensor, a proximity sensor, a laser diode, an IR Sensor, a bluetooth and a Wi-Fi.
9. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature sensors (50, 80, 90) are of any type selected from: a thermocouple sensor, RTD sensor and IC based sensors.
10. The instant water heating system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (150) is a microprocessor based controller.
Dated this on 21st day of Sept, 2020

Ashwini Kelkar
(Agent for the applicant)
(IN/PA-2461)

, Description:INSTANT WATER HEATER SYSTEM
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to electrical systems and more particularly relates to instant water heater system.
Background of the invention:
Currently, numerous methods are available for heating water for domestic and public applications like washing, cleaning, bathing etc.
In normal conditions, the water in the pipeline between the storage tank and the faucet will be at normal (Ambient) temperature. Boilers are used to heat this water for the above uses. These boilers typically have a tank in which water is stored and heated. They use substantial amount of power as the entire volume of the storage tank has to be heated. Also, many times, the boilers may be located away from the faucet. The pipeline connecting the boiler to the faucet, thus accumulates water which cools down over a period of time. This cold water has to be drained till the hot water reaches the outlet, leading to wastage.
This issue is much grave in public spaces like hotels, malls etc. where the water heating systems are common like centralized boilers or solar water heaters. Since water conservation is prominent these days while looking at the global climatic change and scarcity of water that it is causing, such issues have to be resolved adequately.
A few products are available to resolve such issues but unfortunately those are hazardous as electric heater comes in direct contact with the water. Any electrical fault in the heater may induce electric current in the stored water leading to severe risks of electrocution. Another problem related to such devices is that the device will heat only a specific amount of water. This takes considerable time and thereby provides very low flow rate at the output.
Accordingly, there exists need to provide a safe method of heating water supplying to the faucet that can overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the existing technologies and prior art.
Objects of the invention:
An object of the present invention is to provide a water heater that is suitable for applications that requires high volume of warm water and better flow rate.
Another object of the present invention is to provide warm water instantaneously at the outlet and thereby reduce wastage.
Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption that occurs due to heating up large volumes of water in the storage type boilers.
Summary of the invention
The present invention is an instant water heating system for providing warm water instantly when the system outlet is opened. The system is electronically controlled using a microprocessor based controller and provided with a user interface for pre-setting the temperature limit as per the intended use. An object sensor is arranged near the system outlet for detecting presence of human and transmitting the data to the controller. A tube type main heater receives water from a reservoir through an inlet valve. The main heater is operably connected to the controller for heating water to the pre-set temperature limit on receiving a control signal there from. The main heater is provided with a first temperature sensor near the outlet and a flow detector near the inlet to ensure that the water supply is present. A storage tank receiving warm water from the main heater outlet is connected to the system outlet through a pipeline for supplying warm water thereto. The storage tank is fitted with a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of water therein and transmitting the data to the controller. A secondary heater is fitted in the storage tank for heating water to the set temperature limit on receiving a control signal from the controller. A water recirculation line is fitted with a re-circulating unit for re-circulating water accumulated in the outlet pipeline in between the heated storage tank and outlet of the system. A third temperature sensor is fitted for sensing the ambient temperature and transmitting the data to the controller and the user interface. The controller receives inputs from the object sensor, the flow detector and temperature sensors and sends the control signal to the main heater, the secondary heater and to the re-circulating unit. The control signal triggers the re-circulating unit on receiving input from the object sensor about the presence of human being and simultaneously triggers the main heater and the secondary heater depending upon the data received from the first and second temperature sensors, the water availability data received from the flow detector, and the pre-set temperature limit, ensuring supply of hot water instantly when the system outlet is opened.
Brief description of the drawings:
The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figure 1 shows a schematic of the instant water heater system in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed description of the embodiments:
The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished, and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiments.
The present invention provides a water heater system capable of providing warm water instantly when the faucet is opened, without a need to drain out cold water in the outlet pipeline till the hot water reaches the system outlet. The system mainly comprises a tube type main heater, a storage tank fitted with a secondary heater a recirculation unit, plurality of temperature sensors, a flow detector, an object detector, a user interface, and a microprocessor based controller. On detecting the presence of user near the system outlet and ensuring the supply of water through the flow detector, the controller triggers the recirculation unit for pumping water accumulated in the outlet pipeline to the storage tank and simultaneously triggers the heaters to turn ON or OFF depending upon the input received from temperature sensors and the flow detector, ensuring supply of warm water instantly when required.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description and in the table given below.
Table:
Ref no. Component Ref. No. Component
10 Inlet valve 80 Second temperature sensor
20 Main heater 90 Third temperature sensor
25 Main heater outlet 100 Recirculation unit
30 Object Detector 110 Solenoid Valve
40 Flow Detector 120 Pressure Relief Valve
50 First temperature sensor 130 System Outlet
60 Storage Tank 140 Recirculation Line
65 Outlet pipeline 150 Controller
70 Secondary Heater 200 Instant water heater system
Referring to figure 1 an instant water heater system (200) (hereinafter referred to as “the system (200)”) in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system (200) comprises a main heater (20), temperature sensors (50, 80, 90), an object detector (30), a storage tank (60), a flow detector (40), a user interface (not shown), a controller (150), a secondary heater (70), a recirculation unit (100), and a pressure relief valve (120). In figure 1, the cold water loop is shown by blue arrow lines while the hot water loop is shown by red arrow lines. Similarly, signal input to the controller (150) is shown with blue arrow lines while signal output from the controller (150) is shown with red arrow lines.
The system (200) is operated using a microprocessor based controller (150). The user interface is provided for the user to set the required temperature conditions. The user interface is configured with a signal conditioning unit. In an embodiment, the user interface is any one selected from a tactile user interface having a keypad and a display; an app based interactive noncontact type user interface and a remote control type user interface. The user interface comprises a keypad and a display. The keypad allows a user to enter the required temperature level and the display indicates the status of the heaters (20,70) and the temperature conditions. The user interface enables the user to pre-set the water temperature up to 15°C higher than the ambient temperature depending upon the intended use.
The object detector (30)is arranged near the system outlet (130) for detecting presence of humans near to the outlet (130). In an embodiment, the object detector (30) is any one device selected from a photo sensor, a proximity sensor, a laser diode, IR Sensors, a Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi and like.
The main heater (20) receives water from a reservoir through an inlet valve (10) and operably connected to the controller (150) for heating water to the set temperature limit on receiving a control signal there from. The main heater (20) is provided with a first temperature sensor (50) fitted at a main heater outlet (25) and a flow detector (40) fitted at the inlet valve (10) for ensuring constant water supply from the reservoir. The first temperature sensor (50) and the flow detector (40) transmit data to the controller (150). In an embodiment, the main heater (20) is a tube type heating system. In another embodiment, the main heater (20) is made of combination of Stainless steel and Aluminium. In alternative embodiments, main heater (20) is made of the materials selected from metals, alloys, non-metals and like but not limited to copper, brass, ceramics, plastics, glass etc.
The storage tank (60) is a low capacity storage tank fitted with the secondary heater (70) and a second temperature sensor (80). The second temperature sensor (80) is configured inside the storage tank (60) such that the temperature level inside the tank can be monitored. The second sensor (80) transmits the data to the controller (150). The secondary heater (70) is fitted inside the storage tank (60)for heating water to the set temperature limit on receiving a control signal from the controller (150).The storage tank (60) receives warm water from the main heater outlet (25) and it is connected to the system outlet (130) through an outlet pipeline (65).The outlet (130) delivering warm water to the user is any one of the devices selected from tap, health faucet, hand shower and like. Preferably, the main heater (20) and the secondary heater (70) are electrically operated. In alternative embodiments, the heaters (20,70) are operated based on any one of the technology selected from hot exhaust steam, any other thermic fluid, gas burners, inductive heating systems and like. For the electrically operated heaters (20, 70), the heating element is electrically insulated and provided with overload protection, making the device safe for use in domestic / public environments.
A third temperature sensor (90) is fitted in the system (200) for sensing the ambient temperature and transmitting the data to the controller (150) and the user interface. In an embodiment, the temperature sensors (50,80,90) are the devices selected from thermocouples, RTD’s, IC based sensors.
A water recirculation line (140) is fitted with a re-circulating unit (100) for re-circulating water accumulated in the outlet pipeline (65) in between the storage tank (60) and the system outlet (130), on receiving a control signal from the controller (150). In an embodiment, the re-circulating unit (100) is a pump fitted with a solenoid valve (110). The pump is any one of the devices selected from submerged type and non-submerged type.
The controller (150) receives inputs from the user interface, the object detector (30), the flow detector (40) and the temperature sensors (50, 80, 90) and sends control signal to the main heater (20), the secondary heater (70) and to the re-circulating unit (100). Preferably, the controller (150) is a microprocessor based controller. In an alternative embodiment, the controller is any one of the devices selected from thermal cut-out, PID based controller and like. The main heater (20) and the secondary heater (70) are governed by the controller (150) depending upon the preset value of temperature. The temperature value that can be set by the user through the user interface is restricted to a level as per the intended usage.
The controller (150) triggers the re-circulating unit (100) on receiving signal from the object sensor (30) and simultaneously triggers the main heater (20) and the secondary heater (70) to switch ON and switch OFF depending upon the temperature data received from the temperature sensors (50, 80), the water availability data received from the flow detector (40), and the pre-set temperature limit.
The system (200) is also provided with a master switch and a pressure relief valve. The master switch is capable of shutting down all the electrical units of the system (200) in case of emergency. The pressure relief valve (120) located close to the system outlet (130) is capable of monitoring the internal water pressure constantly and compensate in case of pressure build up.
It is necessary that the heaters (20, 70) in the entire unit will be operational only when there is water in the system. To facilitate this, a special flow detector (40) is developed in house. In case the flow detector (40) senses that there is no water in the system, the main electric supply to both heaters (20, 70) is cut off. The electrical supply is resumed immediately once water flow is detected. This flow detector (40) works even for minimum water flow.
The system (200) is a leak proof connection made by methods selected from bolts, welding, brazing and like. A plurality of components like O-rings, washers, and seal rings are also been employed for the leak proofing.
The system (200) can provide water supply even during power failure and OFF state of the master switch. In this state, the system (200) provides water at room temperature. In case of failure of sensors and absence of water in the mainline, the heaters (20, 70) remain in OFF state. In case of unavailability of water supply at the inlet (10), the flow detector (40) ensures to keep the heaters (20,70) in OFF state.
Again, referring to the figure 1, operation of the system (200) is explained.
a) At the initial stage, the system outlet (130) is closed, the main heater (20) is in OFF condition and secondary heater (70) is either ON or OFF depending on the water temperature inside the storage tank (60).
b) Upon sensing a person near the system outlet (130), the object detector (30) sends signal to the controller (150).
c) The controller (150) in turn sends a trigger signal to the solenoid valve (110) and pump to start. The pump sucks water from the outlet pipeline (65) and puts it into the storage tank (60). Due to this action, the hot water from the storage tank (60) takes up the space emptied by the pump near the system outlet (130). This is a closed loop system. After a few seconds (expected time 5-6 seconds), the controller (150) triggers the pump to turn OFF. The system outlet (130) is ready for use. The above loop ensures that there is no cold water coming out of the system outlet (130).
d) The controller (150) also takes a feedback from the first temperature sensor (50). If water temperature is below the set value, it sends the control signal to trigger the main heater (20) to ON condition. the above three actions (b, c, and d) take place simultaneously.
e) The controller (150) takes a feedback from the second temperature sensor (80) and trigger the secondary heater (70) to ON or OFF condition depending on the temperature of water in the storage tank (60). This action will be a continuous action irrespective of the open or closed condition of the system outlet (130).
f) As long as the object detector (30) detects presence of person/ user, the heaters (20, 70) are operational based on the temperature feedback.
g) Once the person/ user leaves away from the system outlet (130), the object detector (30) detects the same and gives a feedback to the controller (150) to stop the circuit. Even in this case, the circuit remains active for the next 30 seconds and then the main heater (20) will be turned off till the next person is detected.
The system (200) is applicable for the places where water at constant temperature is required like health faucets, showers, sinks, pet showers, baby shower systems, hospitals, hotels and restaurants, temples, mosques and other places where hot water is required.
Advantages of the invention:
a) The system (200) supplies warm water at high volume with better flow rate.
b) The system (200) helps to reduce water wastage by recirculating the water at the outlet towards the storage tank and providing warm water at the tip of the outlet (130) in response to the motion sensor.
c) By keeping the secondary heater (70)at ON state constantly, the system (200) ensures an uninterruptible supply of warm water.
d) The system (200) keeps water available at the outlets even during power failures.
e) The system (200) becomes user friendly by providing a pre-setrange of temperature selection at the user interface based on usage/application. This eliminates any risk of overheating.
f) The system takes safety measures of the electrical components by keeping the heaters at OFF state during unavailability of water supply and detecting failures in sensor components.
g) By providing a master switch, system (200) ensures electrical safety in case of emergency.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.