HOT WATER SYSTEM

摘要

HOT WATER SYSTEM This invention relates to a hot water system which utilizes heat from the refrigerant of a refrigeration system to produce hot water. The utilized heat consists of the superheat of the refrigerant vapor, the heat of condensation or latent heat, and part of the sensible heat of the liquid refrigerant. The water passing through a water-cooled condensing unit, which is part of the refrigeration system, is heated to a selected temperature by removal of both the latent heat and superheat and part of the sensible heat from the refrigerant as it passes through the condenser unit. The condensing unit has a water inlet and an outlet between which is connected a hot water storage tank. As the water in the condensing unit is heated by absorption of latent and superheat and part of the sensible heat from the refrigerant passing therethrough, the heated water rises and flows by convection into the storage tank. Eventually the storage tank may fill completely with water of a selected temperature. A temperature responsive flow restriction device, or thermostat, is located between the water outlet of the condenser and the storage tank, which restricts the flow of water below a preselected temperature. The heated water, being lighter than the balance of the water in the tank, will remain stratified at the top of the tank and may be drawn off as needed. A condensing unit is especially designed with greater heat exchange surface than would normally be provided with the refrigeration system so that water at convection flow and at a higher temperature than normal can be used in the condensing unit and yet achieve the necessary absorption of heat from the refrigerant passing through the condensing unit as required for proper operation of the refrigeration system. The condensing unit generally comprises a lower housing containing multiple layers of coils, the coils having multiple windings oriented generally horizontally to provide the heat exchange surface. The housing has an inlet and outlet for the passage of water therethrough, said outlet being connected to a verticle riser tube in which is housed the thermostat. Various refrigeration components are mounted on top of the condenser housing.