US3922876A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy conservation unit
Assignee: Addison Products Co
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Filing: 1974-11-21
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Granted: 1975-12-02
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Expires: 1994-11-21
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is an energy conservation system for utilizing the waste heat from an air conditioner or refrigeration system to heat water. The system includes a heat exchanger coupled in the output of the compressor of the air conditioner or refrigeration system and to a water reservoir for effecting heat transfer. A pump is interposed between the water reservoir and the heat exchanger for circulating the water. A temperature sensor thermally coupled to the water and electrically coupled to the pump is provided for rendering the pump inoperative when the temperature of the water in the reservoir is at or above a preselected temperature. A temperature operated valve is interposed between the heat exchanger and the reservoir, such that only water heated to a predetermined temperature is delivered to the reservoir.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Thomas I Wetherington
- 👤 Mckay Goode
- 👤 Colin D Burgess
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:29
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B40/00; F25B40/04; F25B2339/00; F25B2339/04; F25B2339/047; F25B2400/00; F25B2400/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
An energy transfer system for use with refrigeration means and a water reservoir, said refrigeration means of the type having a compressor and a compressible refrigerant flowing through an output from said compressor, said energy transfer system comprising: heat exchange means coupled in said output of said compressor and to said water reservoir for receiving water from said reservoir and transferring heat from said refrigerant thereto; a pump interposed between said reservoir and said heat exchange means for pumping water therebetween; temperature sensing means thermally coupled to water passing through said pump and electrically coupled to said pump for rendering said pump inoperative when the temperature of said water is at or above a preselected temperature; a return water line coupled between said heat exchange means and said water reservoir; a temperature sensing valve interposed in said return line between said heat exchange means and said water reservoir, and in close proximity to said heat exchange means for preventing water from exiting said heat exchange means until said water is at, or above a predetermined temperature; and wherein said heat exchange means effects a reduction in the temperature of said refrigerant from said compressor and an increase in the temperature of water passing back into said reservoir.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
An energy transfer system for use with refrigeration means and a water reservoir, said refrigeration means of the type having a compressor and a compressible refrigerant flowing through an output from said compressor, said energy transfer system comprising: heat exchange means coupled in said output of said compressor and to said water reservoir for receiving water from said reservoir and transferring heat from said refrigerant thereto; a pump interposed between said reservoir and said heat exchange means for pumping water therebetween; temperature sensing means thermally coupled to water passing through said pump and electrically coupled to said pump for rendering said pump inoperative when the temperature of said water is at or above a preselected temperature; a return water line coupled between said heat exchange means and said water reservoir; a temperature sensing valve interposed in said return line between said heat exchange means and said water reservoir, and in close proximity to said heat exchange means for preventing water from exiting said heat exchange means until said water is at, or above a predetermined temperature; and wherein said heat exchange means effects a reduction in the temperature of said refrigerant from said compressor and an increase in the temperature of water passing back into said reservoir.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 1 further comprising: an entry water line between said reservoir and said heat exchange means; said pump and said temperature sensing means interposed in said entry line; and wherein said pump, when operating, is adapted to pump water out of said reservoir, through said entry line, said heat exchange means, said teMperature sensing valve, said return line and back into said reservoir.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 2 wherein a first portion of said return line is positioned above a portion of said entry line, said valve being positioned in said first portion of said return line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 1 further comprising another compressor having an output and a refrigerant associated therewith, said energy transfer system further including: a second heat exchange means coupled between said pump and said water reservoir and in parallel with said one heat exchange means, said output of said another compressor coupled with said second heat exchange means; and another temperature sensing valve coupled in series with said second heat exchange means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An energy exchange system as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for energizing said pump only during operation of said compressor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 5 wherein said energizing means comprises: a line voltage input for said compressor; and means electrically coupling said pump across said line voltage input.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 6 wherein said coupling means is coupled to said pump through said temperature sensing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 5 wherein said energizing means comprises: a second temperature sensing means interposed in said input to said compressor; a line voltage input coupled to said pump through said second temperature sensing means; and wherein said second temperature sensing means energizes said pump when the temperature of said refrigerant exceeds a predetermined temperature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 8 wherein said line voltage input is coupled to said pump through both of said temperature sensing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
75 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 9 wherein said heat exchange means comprises: a member having an enclosed outer wall; a first inner wall enclosed within said outer wall and defining a first passageway therebetween; said inner wall defining a second passageway therebetween; means coupling the output of said pump to one of said first and second passageways; and means coupling said compressor output to the other of said first and second passageways.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 10 further comprising: a third inner wall interposed between said first and second inner walls and defining a third passageway between said first and second passageways; and means in said third passageway for providing good heat transfer characteristics between said first and second passageways.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
An energy transfer system as recited in claim 10 further comprising expansion absorpting means positioned in said second passageway thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-01 | 1979-06-02 | 1979-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-01 | 1983-06-02 | 1983-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-01 | 1987-06-02 | 1987-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |