Apparatus and method for fluid heating and associated systems

摘要

A fluid heater employs a vapor compression cycle system. The vapor compression cycle system includes an evaporator, at least one condenser and a working fluid. The fluid heater includes a fluid conduit which forms a tube-in-tube heat exchanger with the condenser to effect heating of the fluid. A sensor is positioned at the condensing zone of the working fluid, to determine the temperature of the working fluid at the condensing phase of the vapor compression cycle. The output of the sensor is used to control the flow rate of fluid through the fluid conduit in order to achieve a desired target temperature of the fluid leaving the conduit.

主权项

1. A control system to control the flow rate of a fluid flowing relative to and in thermal contact with the condenser of a vapour compression cycle system, the flow of fluid being captured in a conduit that together with the condenser forms a tube-in-tube heat exchanger, in order to control heating of the fluid via heat exchange with the working fluid, said control system comprising:
a sensor providing an output correlating to the temperature of the working fluid at the condensing phase of the vapour compression cycle system, a flow rate controller to control the rate of flow of fluid relative the condenser, a controller operatively connected with the flow rate controller to be able to vary the flow rate of the fluid, reliant on the output of said sensor, wherein the sensor is located at the condenser at a zone corresponding to the condensing zone of the working fluid.