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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Heat recovery and hot water circulation system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5387102

A heat recovery and hot water circulation system for use with refrigeration means and a hot water reservoir is disclosed. A hot water distribution conduit is coupled intermediately to the cold water inlet and hot water outlet of the reservoir for supplying hot water to a remote station having a number of faucets coupled to the distribution conduit, and a pump is coupled to the distribution conduit for continuously circulating hot water to the faucets. A heat exchange circulation conduit is connected in parallel fluid circuit relation with the distribution conduit and in series fluid circuit relation with the pump. A heat exchanger couples the hot water reservoir to the compressor by means of its refrigerant passage and water passage which are mutually coupled in heat exchange relation, the refrigerant passage being connected in fluid communication with the discharge outlet of the compressor, and the water passage being coupled to the hot water reservoir by means of a heat exchange circulation conduit which permits water to be circulated from the reservoir through the heat exchanger. Valve means are connected in series fluid circuit relation with the heat exchange circulation conduit and is responsive to the operation of the compressor and to the temperature of the water circulated through the heat exchanger for permitting the circulation of water through the heat exchange conduit when the compressor is operating and the temperature of water circulated through the heat exchanger is less than a predetermined level, for example 160 degrees F., and for preventing the circulation of water through the heat exchange circulation conduit when the temperature of the water exceeds the predetermined level or when the compressor is not operating.

Assignee:
EDB-82-109596
Patent Number(s):
US 4316367
OSTI ID:
5387102
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English