| 摘要 |
A water-heating apparatus comprises a thermally insulated water container (1) with a cold-water inlet (6) and a hot-water outlet (7), and a heat pump for heating the water in the container. The heat pump comprises a condenser (10) arranged for heat exchange with the water in the container, an evaporator (14) and a motor-compressor unit (8) for circulating the fluid heat-transporting medium in the heat pump and also compressing it. To inhibit or reduce condensation of the evaporated heat-transporting medium in the motor-compressor unit, and the resulting contamination of the lubricant therein, when this unit, which is controlled by a thermostat, is stopped, the motor-compressor unit is mounted on top of the water container and means are provided whereby heat can be transferred to the unit from the heated water in the container. These means may comprise an opening (20) in the insulation (4) of the container directly beneath the motor-compressor unit, a heat pipe or a metal heat conductor extending through the insulation. <IMAGE> |
