COOLED WATER RECOVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A method and apparatus for solving a prevailing problem that occurs when cooled water accumulated in hot water pipelines is wasted down the drain while an individual waits for the discharge of hot water at a point-of-use is described. The described water recovery method and apparatus prevents the waste of usable cooled water accumulated in the hot water pipelines by utilizing a diverter unit with a three-way diverter valve, a solenoid valve, and a thermoswitch to implement a cycle that diverts the accumulated cooled water to a holding container before it can be discharged at the point-of-use and allows only hot water to pass through and reach the point-of-use. As a result, the described water recovery process and apparatus allows valuable fresh water to be stored and conserved for later use.

主权项

1. A diverter unit configured to be activated by an activation switch, the diverter unit comprising:
an inlet port configured to receive water from a hot water source; a first outlet port configured to release water to a point-of-use; a second outlet port configured to release water to a holding container; a three-way diverter valve configured to:
direct water from the inlet port towards the first outlet port in a first position,direct water from the inlet port towards the second outlet in a second position, andswitch from the first position to the second position upon activation of the activation switch; a thermoswitch positioned between the diverter valve and the inlet port, wherein the thermoswitch is configured to activate upon detecting that the temperature of passing water is at or above a hot water temperature; a solenoid valve positioned between the diverter valve and the first outlet port, the solenoid valve configured to open upon activation of the thermoswitch; and the three-way diverter valve configured to switch from the second position back to the first position upon activation of the thermoswitch.