Abstract:
A system for heating water which is primarily used for swimming pools, spas or other recreational purposes comprising a heater assembly having a heating element mounted within a housing in heat exchanging relation to water passing there through, wherein the heating element is formed of a titanium material and is structurally configured to maximize heat exchange by incorporating a substantially twisted orientation of the heating element relative to a central longitudinal axis thereof. The system further contemplates the heating element containing heat exchange fluid passing there through, wherein the heating element is remotely spaced from a compressor assembly which processes the heat exchange fluid to accomplish a rise in temperature of the water being heated. Additional embodiments include a filter assembly of cooperative dimension disposed in predetermined relation to the heating element within a common housing for concurrent filtering and heating of the water passing there through, wherein the heating element and the filter assembly may be disposed in a substantially combined operative orientation or alternatively, spaced apart in an at least partially segregated relation but within the same housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention is directed to an assembly for heating water of the type primarily used in recreational facilities such as, but not limited to, swimming pools, spas, etc. An “add-on” heater assembly is used independently of or in direct combination with a filter assembly and includes a heating element structurally configured to maximize heat exchange with the water being heated. The heater assembly is positioned in close proximity to the water delivery area and at a remotely spaced distance from a compressor, to which it is detachably connected.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Recreational facilities including swimming pools, spas, and the like have become increasingly popular in a home or private environment. The popularity of such facilities has increased even in geographical areas which do not enjoy a warmer or more temperate environment. Accordingly, in order that such recreational facilities can be used for an extended period throughout the year, heating systems have been developed to heat the water within a swimming pool, spa, etc. to a temperature which is comfortable to the participants even in relatively cold weather environments.  
         [0005]     Generally, known or conventional heating systems include specialized water heaters powered by electricity or other energy sources as well as solar panels. While such known systems have been at least minimally operative for their intended purpose, they have been found to be expensive and less than totally efficient when considered from a cost/performance standpoint. In attempting to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional water heating units of the type described above, a more recent category of heating systems has involved the use of “heat pumps” instead of the fossil fuel, electric or solar powered units previously used. As such, a conventional heat pump assembly involves the utilization of a refrigerant pumping system, which serves to force ambient heat through an evaporator thereby transferring such heat to the swimming pool or other recreational water passing through a condenser in which the water circulates. Other known and similarly applied systems involve the use of a refrigerating apparatus to heat the water utilized in recreational facilities of the type described above. Such systems would typically include an air conditioning system including a heat exchanger in which the rejected energy (heat) is used to heat the water for a swimming or the like. However, such devices are frequently not adequate and oftentimes require the use of auxiliary heating facilities powered from more conventional energy sources such as electricity, fossil fuel, etc. as set forth above.  
         [0006]     Modernized and/or recently available swimming pool water heating systems have been structured to increase the overall operating efficiency and heat capacity such that recreational water can be heated on a more consistent basis. Such systems normally comprise a combined assembly involving a compressor, a heating unit and other operative components of a “heat pump” type assembly, contained in a common housing. A refrigerant is processed by the compressor and transferred to and from the heating unit disposed in heat transferring relation to the recreational water being heated. However, in a typical application of such devices, a compressor and combined heating unit normally require installation or location at a remote distance from the swimming pool, spa or other delivery area for the recreational water. Such remote location is required due to the somewhat noisy and otherwise undesirable operating or performance characteristics of even the most modern units which are currently available. As a result, after heating the recreational water typically travels an extended distance to the delivery area. The temperature of the recreational water is thereby lowered during its delivery, even though the transfer conduits for the delivered water are insulated.  
         [0007]     Based on the above, there is a recognized and long existing need for an effective assembly for heating recreational water for swimming pools and like facilities. Such a system should be efficient, cost effective, and overcome the problems and disadvantages normally associated with known or conventional heating systems of the type set forth above. Such an improved heating assembly, once developed, should have the structural integrity and operational versatility to include a heating element in an appropriate housing located in close proximity to the swimming pool or other recreational facility defining the delivery point of the heated water. As such, the heating assembly would preferably be located a remote distance from a compressor which serves to process the heat exchange fluid passing through the heating element of the heating assembly. This would of course eliminate the transfer of water, after heating, over extended distances to the intended point of delivery. It would also have the advantage of locating a compressor or other operative components associated therewith at a remote distance from the recreational facility, thereby overcoming any noise or other undesirable operating characteristics associated therewith.  
         [0008]     In addition, the structural and operative features of an improved heating assembly should be such as to maximize the efficiency of heating the recreational water, at least in terms of the materials from which the heating assembly is formed and its overall structure and/or configuration so as to maximize exposure to the water being heated. Finally, a preferred and improved heating assembly could be detachably connected to the circulating system of the swimming pool, etc, thereby facilitating rapid and efficient installation, ease of repair, removal and maintenance as well as adaptation to existing circulating and treating systems associated with a wide variety of water based recreational facilities.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention is directed to a system for heating water of the type used primarily for recreational facilities such as, but not limited to, swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, etc. Moreover, the system of the present invention comprises a heater assembly including a housing, which may differ in dimension and configuration dependent upon a specific application, but is structured to facilitate the passage of the water therethrough. A heating element is mounted within the housing and is structured, disposed and configured to facilitate and maximize heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid passing through the heating element and the water within and/or passing through the housing.  
         [0010]     In order to accomplish appropriate processing of the heat exchange fluid, a compressor assembly is connected in fluid communication with the heating element but is disposed at a remotely spaced distance there from. More specifically, the compressor is located a sufficient distance from the point of delivery of the heating water in order to eliminate or reduce any inconvenience of participants of the recreational facility which may be caused by the operating characteristics of the compressor assembly and its associated operative components. By way of example only and as explained in greater detail hereinafter, the continued or periodic operation of the compressor assembly and the components and control assemblies associated therewith, may be sufficiently noisy to be annoying to occupants of a swimming pool if the compressor assembly is located in the general proximity of the pool or other recreational facility to which the heated water is supplied.  
         [0011]     According, one feature of the heating system of the present invention is the remote location or distancing of the heater assembly and the compressor assembly from one another, wherein the heater assembly is located in the general vicinity and much closer to the swimming pool or other recreational facility to which the heated water is being delivered. This proximate location of the heater assembly further facilitates a heating of the pool water in close proximity to its area of delivery and use thereby rendering the overall heating system more efficient. Further structural features include a detachable connection between the heating element and/or housing and the compressor assembly and its associated operative components thereby facilitating installation, replacement, repair and maintenance of the heater assembly and its components.  
         [0012]     It is of course recognized that efficient heating of the recreational water, while passing through the housing, is based, at least in part, on the disposition, size and configuration of the heating element disposed in heat transferring relation to the water passing through the housing. As such, the heating element comprises an exterior surface having a predetermined configuration structured to maximize heat exchange with the water within the housing. Moreover, while the exterior surface configuration of the heating element may vary within certain prescribed parameters, a most preferred predetermined configuration of the exterior surface of the heating element is generally defined by a substantially twisted orientation of said heating element about a central longitudinal axis thereof. The “twisted orientation” of the heating element will result in an exterior surface configuration which may be generally described as a “twirled” or even “thread-like” configuration extending along all or at least a significant majority of the heating element. As a result, the exterior surface which comes in contact with the water being heated is effectively increased based upon the overall length of the heating element mounted within the interior of the housing. The resulting predetermined twisted orientation thereby comprises an increased exposed outer or exterior surface of the heating element in order to “maximize” or significantly increase the heat exchange area and the degree of heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid passing through the heating element and the water being exposed to the heating element within the housing. Another feature directly associated with the heating element is it being preferably formed from a titanium material to further facilitate heat exchange. In addition, the titanium has a long and effective operable life in that it is resistant to erosion and corrosion thereby extending the operable life of the entire heating system. However, it is emphasized that the heating element may be formed of materials other than Titanium such as, but not limited to cupro nickel and/or stainless steel.  
         [0013]     As set forth above, various structural modifications of the heating assembly may be encompassed as a predetermined and included part of the system of the present invention. As is well known, swimming pools, hot tubs, and like recreational facilities commonly use a filtering assembly to remove contaminants and the like from the recreational water passing into and out of the facility. Accordingly, the heating assembly of the present invention may be used independently of, concurrently with and/or in direct structural and operative combination with a filter assembly. More specifically, a filter assembly may be connected in fluid communication with the heater assembly and be located in the same general vicinity thereof but disposed and/or mounted in a separate housing. Alternatively, the heating element and/or a filter assembly or structure may be mounted in a common housing modified to the extent of altering the dimension and/or configuration thereof so as to contain both the filter assembly and the heating element in spaced but cooperative relation to one another and to the water passing through the common housing.  
         [0014]     Yet another structural modification and preferred embodiment of the present invention is the direct combining of the filter assembly and the heating element in a common housing, wherein a structural modification of this cooperative embodiment includes the elongated heating element disposed in a substantially helical configuration and in surrounding relation to the heater assembly. In this embodiment, the overall size and/or configuration of the filter element may be reduced or structurally modified so as to facilitate its cooperative and direct placement relative to the heating element in a manner which facilitates both the filtering and heating of the water passing through the common housing.  
         [0015]     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an interior sectional view in partially schematic form of one preferred embodiment of a heater assembly of the system of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exterior, detailed view in partial cutaway of a portion of the heating element associated with the heater assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a composite view in partial cutaway and section showing interior details of yet another preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is an interior cross sectional view in partial cutaway showing interior details of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view in partial cutaway and schematic form showing interior details of yet another preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of an application or installation of at least one preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of the housing including a pressure release structure. 
     
    
       [0024]     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0025]     As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a system generally indicated as  10  in  FIG. 6  structured to heat and in certain additional preferred embodiments otherwise process, water of the type primarily used for recreational purposes such as found in a swimming pool, hot tub, spa or like recreational facility  12 . Moreover, the system  10  includes a heater assembly generally indicated as  14  and represented in at least one preferred embodiment in  FIG. 1 . The heater assembly  14  includes a housing  16  having an appropriately disposed inlet and outlet  18  and  20  through which the recreational water being heated passes into and out of the housing  16 . As will be evident from the additional preferred embodiments described hereinafter, the dimension, configuration, capacity, etc., of the housing  16  as well as the inlet and outlet  18  and  20 , may vary depending upon a specific application and/or installation as well as the overall structure of the recreational facility  12  which the system  10  services.  
         [0026]     In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , as well as other preferred embodiments of the system of the present invention, the heater assembly  14  includes a heating element  22  mounted within the interior of the housing  16  and disposed, configured and dimensioned to facilitate direct exposure to water within and/or passing through the housing  16  so as to maximize heat exchange therewith. Accordingly, the heating element  22  has an elongated configuration and an at least partially hollow interior. The hollow interior of the heating element is sufficiently structured and dimensioned to define a path of flow of heat exchange fluid such as a “refrigerant” of the type well known in the heating/cooling industry. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the heating element  22  is connected in fluid communication with a compressor assembly generally indicated as  24  and schematically demonstrated in  FIG. 6 . The compressor  24  and other operative components and assemblies associated therewith (not shown for purposes of clarity) serve to process the heat exchange fluids so as to facilitate it being heated to a degree to accomplish sufficient heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid and the water within and passing through the housing  16 . As with each of the demonstrated preferred embodiments shown throughout the accompanying figures, fluid communication of the heat exchange fluid between the heating element  22  and the compressor  24  is schematically represented by directional arrows representing the flow of heat exchange fluid passing into and out of the housing  16  as at  30  and  32  respectively.  
         [0027]     With primary reference to  FIG. 2 , a most preferred embodiment of the heating element  22  comprises an exterior surface  22 ′ having a predetermined configuration which is structured to “maximize” heat exchange with the water within the housing. More specifically, the predetermined configuration of the exterior surface is generally defined by a substantially twisted orientation of the elongated heating element  22  about a central longitudinal axis thereof. Such a twisted orientation will results in the ability to fit a larger exposed surface of the heating element in a smaller space. In addition the preferred twisted configuration also improves the heat transfer capability of the heating element  22  over a smooth outer surface heating element. Such improved heat transfer characteristics is at least partially caused by the refrigerant “swirling” within the heating element  22  as it travels along the length thereof, rather than being stratified in the substantial center of a conventional, “non-twisted” or smooth heating element. It is emphasized that the configuration of the exterior surface  22 ′ as represented in  FIG. 2  is not intended to be limited to a specific configuration. To the contrary, the specific configuration of the exterior surface  22 ′ may vary significantly and include a “thread-like” configuration similar to an enlargement of the exterior surface of an exteriorly threaded bolt, screw or like connector. Regardless of the specific configuration, which may differ from that represented in  FIG. 2 , the twisted orientation will result in an increased heat transfer capability of the heating element  22  relative to the water within the interior of the housing  16 . Accordingly, the term “maximize” is meant to refer to a predetermined exterior surface configuration of the heating element  22  so as to significantly enhance the heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid swirling along the flow path defined by the interior of the heating element  22  and the water within the interior of the housing  16 . Also, a most preferred embodiment includes the heating element  22  being formed from a titanium material. However, the heating element may also be formed from other materials including, but not limited to cupro nickel and/or stainless steel.  
         [0028]     Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in  FIG. 3  wherein the heater assembly  14  is used in combination with, but structurally independent of, a filter assembly generally indicated as  36 . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the filter assembly  36  includes a casing  38  separate from the housing  16  and dimensioned and configured to include one or more filter elements  40  therein. Moreover, the casing  38  includes an inlet  41  and an outlet  42  for the inflow and outflow of the recreational water being used in the facility  12  and eventually being heated by the heater assembly  14 . As schematically demonstrated, water from the swimming pool or like recreational facility  12  will pass into the inlet  41  and flow throughout the interior of the casing  38  along a predetermined flow path which best facilitates the filtering of the water prior to its exit from the outlet  42 . The actual flow pattern of water being filtered within the interior of the casing  38  may of course vary dependent upon the dimension, configuration and relative disposition of the casing  38  and the one or more filter elements  40  disposed therein. However, subsequent to being filtered, the water will pass from the outlet  42  into the interior of the housing  16  through the inlet  18  so as to be exposed to the heating element  22 . Upon heat transfer taking place, the heated water will exit the outlet  20  and be returned to the swimming pool or like recreational facility  12 .  
         [0029]     Yet another preferred embodiment is represented in  FIG. 4  and comprises the heater assembly  14  incorporating a filter assembly or more specifically one or more filter elements  40  in direct combination therewith. Moreover, the one or more filter elements  40 ′ may have a modified dimension and configuration from that represented in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Any such structural modification should be such as to cooperatively dispose the one or more filter elements  40 ′ within the interior of the housing  16  in predetermined position relative to the heating element  22  so as to enhance rather than restrict the travel or passage of water passing through the interior of the housing  16 . Therefore, it is emphasized that while the path of water passing into the interior of the housing as through the inlet  18  may vary significantly, it is important that the recreational water being processed to pass through the one or more filter elements  40 ′ as well as be exposed in effective and efficient manner to the heating element  22 . As such the path of water flow through the housing should be such as to accomplish a maximized heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid within the interior of the heating element and the recreational water within and passing through the housing  16 .  
         [0030]     An example of one preferred relative and combined disposition of the heating element  22  and the one or more filter elements  40 ′ is demonstrated in  FIG. 4 . More specifically, the elongated heating element  22  is disposed into a substantially helical configuration. As such, the one or more filter elements  40 ′ are located substantially on the interior of the helical heating element  22  such that the heating element effectively or at least partially surrounds the one or more filter elements  40 ′. By virtue of this combined and relative disposition, water passing through the interior of the housing  16  will be effectively filtered and heated prior to its exiting the housing  16  through the outlet  20 .  
         [0031]     Yet another preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention is demonstrated in  FIG. 5 . This embodiment includes the heater assembly  14  incorporating a filter assembly  36 ′ which includes one or more filter elements  40  mounted on the interior of a housing  16 ′ which also contains the heating element  22 . Therefore, the housing  16 ′ may be structurally modified to vary in dimension and/or configuration so as to create an efficient path of travel of the recreational water as it enters into the interior of the housing  16 ′ through the inlet  18 ′. Upon entry, the filter element  40  is disposed and structured to facilitate the filtering thereof. Thereafter, the interior of the housing  16 ′ should be dimensioned and configured to best facilitate exposure of the recreational water to the heating element  22  so as to maximize the heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid traveling through the flow path on the interior  24  of the heating element  22  and the recreational water itself. The heating element  22  may be considered to be located at least generally “downstream” of the water within and passing through the housing  16 ′ as it enters the inlet  18 ′ and exits the housing  16 ′ through the outlet  20 ′. It is emphasized that the dimension, configuration and relative disposition of the one or more filter elements  40  and the heating element  22  may vary from that represented in  FIG. 5  so as to maximize the efficiency of filtering and heating the water prior to its exit from the interior of the housing  16 ′ through the outlet  20 ′.  
         [0032]     The versatility of the system of the present invention is demonstrated in  FIG. 6 , wherein in a most preferred embodiment, the heater assembly  14 , is located at a significantly remote, spaced distance from the compressor assembly  24  and the control assembly and other operative components associated with the compressor assembly. In addition, the heater assembly  14  is located in close proximity to the swimming pool or other recreational facility  12  such that the recreational water, upon being heated, filtered and otherwise processed, will be delivered almost directly to the delivery area which may be generally defined by the interior of the recreational facility  12 . Further, the location of the heating assembly  14  in close proximity to the delivery area and/or recreational facility  12  eliminates or significantly reduces the heat loss which would normally occur if the housing  16  and/or  16 ′ were located a remote distance from the recreational facility  12 . Therefore, the heater assembly  14  is not located in close proximity to the compressor  24  as is common with the combined conventional or known recreational water heaters.  
         [0033]     Further structural features demonstrating the versatility of the present invention is the detached coupling of the heater assembly  14  and more specifically the housing  16 ,  16 ′ and the heating element  22  in its operative position demonstrated in  FIG. 6 . The conduit and/or piping assembly generally indicated as  50  schematically represents fluid communication between the compressor assembly  24  as well as the control assembly, water pump assembly, and other operative components which facilitate the circulation of the recreational water to and from the recreational facility  12 , as is well known. However, one feature which facilitates the detachable interconnection between the heater assembly  14  and remaining operative components of the system  10 , including but not limited to the compressor assembly  24 , is the provision of one or more fluid couplings  52  schematically represented in  FIG. 1 . The one or more fluid couplings are disposed and structured to removably interconnect the compressor assembly and the heating element and preferably comprise a fluid seal assembly structured to restrict leakage of pressurized fluid, such as the heat exchange fluid, from the heater assembly  14  through the aforementioned one or more fluid couplings  52 . As such, the fluid couplings are structured to detachably interconnect the heating element  22  and the compressor assembly  24 . The specific structural feature of the one or more fluid coupling  51  may vary. However, coupling structures of the type manufactured by Parker Hannifin Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio and listed as a 5700 Series One-Shot™ coupling structure may be utilized. Also the Parker 5400 series coupling is a re-useable coupling and is also applicable for use with the various preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is emphasized that detachable interconnection of the heater assembly  14  to the compressor assembly  24  and other operative components associated therewith is specifically not limited to the above noted Parker Hannifin coupling, however quick connect, self sealing couplings may be preferable so as to permit facilitated installation of the present invention by less skilled individuals with a minimal risk of leaks or refrigerant losses. Similarly, appropriate detachable couplings may be used for the inlet and outlet  18  and  20  of the housing  16  and/or  18 ′ and  20 ′ of the housing  16 ′ in order to detachably interconnect the heater assembly  14  to the remainder of the circulation system associated with the swimming pool or other recreational facility  12 ′ in which the heated recreational water is delivered as represented in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0034]     Additional modifications and included structural features of the various embodiments of the present invention include the provision of a temperature sensing assembly and flow switch appropriately located and structured to communicate to the heat pump the temperature of the water being delivered to the recreational facility  12 . Moreover, a pressure release structure, such as for example a pressure release valve  35  is also preferably included so as to provide for a release of internal pressure build ups that may result under certain circumstances, such as in the case of a refrigerant leak. Specifically, if the system is maintained completely closed, it is understood that a significant pressure build up could provide for hazardous circumstances, either immediately or at a time when the housing  16  is opened. Therefore, the inclusion of a pressure release structure, and possible a warning signal associated therewith, avoids such a hazardous pressure build up. Further, instead of the inclusion of a traditional release valve  35 , and especially in an embodiment such as that of  FIG. 4  wherein the housing may comprise two detachable sections, an alternate pressure release structure may be more desirable. For example, one or more spring elements  35 ′ may be secured to the housing and/or a central rod  34 , as in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7 , that secures housing sections to one another, and be structured to maintain and/or promote fluid tight engagement between the detachable sections under normal operating circumstances. When, however, there is a pressure build up, such as due to a refrigerant leak, the pressure inside the housing  16  will overcome the force of the spring(s)  35 ′ resulting in a separation of the housing sections and thereby a slight break in the seal/gasket between the housing sections. The result is that pressure is released avoiding hazardous conditions, and in the event of a momentary pressure build up, the spring(s)  35 ′ will re-seal the housing sections after the pressure is equalized. By way of example, in a preferred embodiment the spring may include a rating of 50 psi above which a release occurs.  
         [0035]     Finally, while the present invention has been described as a water “heating” assembly, it should be noted that with minor structural modification the present invention can be used as a water cooling assembly. Such a modification would be most applicable in extremely warm environments, where recreational water for swimming pools and the like frequently reaches uncomfortably high temperatures.  
         [0036]     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.  
         [0037]     Now that the invention has been described,