Patent Publication Number: US-6213199-B1

Title: Temperature selectable water supply device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to boilers and, more specifically, to a compact apparatus positionable within any room of a structure for heating or cooling potable water supplied to that room wherein the heating or cooling of the water supply is selectively engaged based upon the temperature of the water desired by a user. 
     The device includes first and second water tanks and a controllable valve connected therebetween. The first water tank has a conduit for receiving water pumped from a main source of water and a conduit providing egress to the outlet to which it is connected. A heating device is contained within the first water tank along with a sensor for controlling the heating device. In addition, the first tank has a cooling sensor and conduit for extracting cold water from the second tank for delivery back to the first tank. 
     The second water tank is separated from the first water tank, and includes a water cooling device formed of an encircling refrigerant cooling coil connected to a compressor, a fan and a gas radiator. Cold water is selectively provided to the first water tank through a conduit connecting the first and second water tanks based upon the setting of a cooling thermostat having a sensor within the first water tank. In addition, the second water tank has a controllable valve connection to the first water tank for extracting water therefrom and delivery to the second tank for cooling prior to being returned to the first tank. A pump is connected to the second water tank for use in returning water back to the first tank. The use of the pump allows water to be supplied at a desired temperature to an outlet to which it is connected. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There may be other devices and methods employed for reducing the temperature within a building&#39;s water supply however none of these devices or methods are able to provide water of a desired temperature and pressure to an outlet such as a faucet or toilet connected thereto while also being compact in size and easily stored within the room to which the water is supplied. Furthermore, while these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to boilers and, more specifically, to a compact apparatus positionable within any room of a structure for heating or cooling potable water supplied to that room wherein the heating or cooling of the water supply is selectively engaged based upon the temperature of the water desired by a user. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selective water supply device that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device able to provide a supply of water having a user selectable temperature control to an outlet, e.g. a faucet, water tap or toilet, to which it is connected. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device which is easy to install and able to replace a conventional boiler positioned within a room of a structure and thereby provide both cooling and heating of water provided thereto. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device able to connect with a conventional pre-existing water tank to thereby provide water of a desired temperature to a desired outlet throughout the year regardless of the weather or air temperature. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device able to switch between heating and cooling modes of operation by simply activating a switch. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device having a first water supply tank and a second cold water tank. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device having a first water supply tank including a device for heating the contents thereof and a second cold water tank having a device for cooling the contents thereof. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature selectable water supply device having a first water supply tank and a second cold water tank, wherein the first water supply tank includes a device for cooling the water in the first water supply tank to a selectable temperature by injecting the contents of the second cold water supply tank into the first tank until the desired water temperature is obtained. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     An apparatus for one of heating and cooling water provided by a water supply system to an outlet in a structure is disclosed by the present invention. The apparatus includes a main water tank including an inlet conduit for receiving water from a water supply tank connected thereto and an outlet conduit for supplying the water to the outlet connected thereto. The apparatus also includes a water refrigeration tank connected to receive water from the main water supply tank for cooling to a desired temperature. A heating device is connected to the main water supply tank for heating the water therein and a cooling device is connected to the water refrigeration tank for cooling the water received thereby. A return conduit is connected between the water refrigeration tank and the main water tank for returning the cooled water to the main water tank for mixing with the water therein and thereby cooling the water. A hot water thermostat is connected to the main water tank for measuring a temperature of the water therein and activating the heating device to heat the water when the measured temperature is below a first predetermined adjustable value. A cold water thermostat is connected to the cooling cycle for measuring a temperature of the water within the main water supply tank and activating the cooling device when the measured temperature is above a second predetermined adjustable value. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a typical domestic water supply system for a structure found in tropical regions with the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention positioned in select rooms of the structure and connected between the water supply system and an outlet therefor; 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention showing the major components and connections therebetween; 
     FIG. 3 is a representation of the activation of the cold water operating mode of the domestic water cooling and heating appliance of the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a representation of the hot water operating mode of the domestic water-cooling and heating appliance of the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention with the maintenance cooling cycle off; and 
     FIG. 5 is a representation of the hot water operating mode of the domestic water-cooling and heating appliance of the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention with the maintenance cooling cycle on. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
       10  main water supply pipe line 
       11  water pump 
       12  main water tank on roof of structure 
       14  structure to which water is being supplied 
       16  water pipe connecting main water supply pipe line to water tank 
       18  pump for pumping water from water tank to the structure 
       20  temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention 
       21  bathroom in structure 
       22  kitchen in structure 
       24  network of pipes extending through structure 
       28  main water tank of temperature selectable water supply device 
       30  inlet water pipe 
       32  outlet water pipe 
       34  hot water thermostat 
       36  water heater 
       38  water refrigeration tank 
       40  conduit between main water tank and water refrigeration tank 
       42  cold water thermostat 
       43  float cage 
       44  valve seat 
       46  float valve 
       48  compressor motor 
       50  refrigerant cooling coil 
       51  refrigerant 
       52  refrigerant radiator 
       54  fan 
       56  timer 
       58  cold water cycle switch 
       60  hot water cycle switch 
       62  cold water pumping pipe 
       64  water pump 
       66  arrow indicating water within main water tank 
       68  arrow indicating water flowing through conduit 
       70  arrow indicating water flowing through water refrigerating tank 
       72  arrow indicating water flowing through water pump 
       74  arrow indicating water flowing through cold water pumping pipe 
       76  arrow indicating current supplied by power source 
       78  arrow indicating current flowing to cold water main switch 
       80  arrow indicating current flowing to fan 
       82  arrow indicating current flowing to water pump 
       86  arrow indicating current flowing to hot water thermostat 
       88  arrow indicating current flowing from water heater 
       90  arrow indicating current flowing to hot water cycle switch 
       94  arrow indicating water in main water tank 
       96  arrow indicating water flowing through conduit 
       98  arrow indicating water flowing through water refrigerating tank 
       100  arrow indicating water flowing through water pump 
       102  arrow indicating water flowing through cold water pumping pipe 
       104  arrow indicating current flowing to fan 
       106  arrow indicating current flowing to compressor motor 
       108  arrow indicating current flowing to water pump 
       110  voltoutput 
       112  arrow indicating current flowing to compressor 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a structure  14  including a conventional water supply system found in most structures in tropical and desert regions. This water supply system includes a main supply pipe line  10  connected to a water tank  12  positioned on the roof of the structure  14 . The water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  receives water from the main water pipe  16  utilizing a pump  11  connected therebetween. The water in the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  is provided to faucets, toilets and/or outlets to rooms such as a bathroom  21  and a kitchen  22  through a network of pipes  24  extending throughout the structure  14 . A pump  18  is connected to the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  to pump water from within the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  to through the network of pipes  24 . This system does not allow the user to manually adjust the temperature of the water and thus the temperature of the water is controlled at the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  and is dependent upon the atmospheric conditions surrounding the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14 . The water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  is normally positioned on the roof of the structure  14  and in the summer months is exposed to extreme heat due to sunlight. The exposure of the tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  to sunlight can heat the water to high temperatures such as 45-55° Centigrade. Water at this temperature is too hot for many household uses. It is thus a problem to control the temperature of the water to within a useable or desired range. 
     The temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  20  is positioned in any desired room of the structure and connected to the network of pipes  24  extending therein. The temperature selectable water supply device  20  is connected between the network of pipes  24  and an outlet to be serviced by the temperature selectable water supply device  20 . As water is supplied from the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  it is passed through the temperature selectable water supply device  20  wherein the temperature of the water is adjusted to a desired level and out of the outlet to which it is connected. 
     FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate the temperature selectable water supply device  20  of the present invention, showing each element therein and illustrating the different modes of operation. The temperature selectable water supply device  20  is illustrated generally in FIG.  2 . The temperature selectable water supply device  20  includes a main water tank  28  connected to receive water from the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  through a water inlet pipe  30 . A water outlet pipe  32  is provided extending from the main water tank  28  for supplying water directly from the main water tank  28  to the outlet served thereby. Water is pumped from the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  through the water inlet pipe  30  into the main water tank  28  by the pump  18 . A hot water thermostat  34  is connected to the main water tank  28  for measuring the temperature of water within the main water tank  28 . A water heater  36  is connected to both the main water tank  28  and the thermostat  34 . A switch  60  is connected to the hot water thermostat  34  for manually or automatically turning the hot water heater  36  on and off when the temperature of the water in the main water tank  28  is below a predetermined value set by the hot water thermostat  34 . The predetermined temperature value is adjustable to change the temperature at which the water should be heated. When the switch  60  is closed, the hot water heater  36  is turned on and heats the water within the main water tank  28 . Should this measured temperature rise above the adjustable preset temperature, the switch  60  is opened and the water heater  36  is turned off. 
     The device  20  also includes a water refrigeration tank  38  connected to the main water tank  28  through a conduit  40 . A cold water thermostat  42  is connected to the main water tank  28  and a valve seat  44  is positioned in the conduit  40 . A float cage  43  is positioned at a connection between the conduit  40  and water refrigeration tank  38  for retaining a float valve  46  within the conduit  40 . A switch  58  is connected to the cold water thermostat  42  for manually or automatically initiating extraction of water from within the main water tank  28  and into the water refrigeration tank  38  for cooling when the measured temperature is above a predetermined value set on the cold water thermostat  42 . The predetermined value is adjustable to change the desired temperature to which the water should be cooled. When the switch  58  is closed, the cold water pump  64  is activated to pump water from the water refrigeration tank  38  to the main supply tank  28  through the pipe  62 . Thus, the water level in the water refrigeration tank  38  is reduced. The reduction in the water level of the water refrigeration tank  38  causes a float valve  46  to move away from the valve seat  44  thus opening the conduit  40  and allowing water to flow therethrough from the main water tank  28  to the water refrigeration tank  38 . The float valve  46  is positioned in the conduit  40  to control the amount of water flowing into the water refrigeration tank  38 . As more water enters the water refrigeration tank  38 , the float valve  46  is caused to rise on top of the water and through the conduit  40  up towards the valve seat  44 . Once the water in the main water tank  28  is cooled to the desired temperature, the pump  64  is turned off and no more water is pumped from the water refrigeration tank  38  to the main water tank  28 . The water level in the water refrigeration tank  38  is thus caused to rise as water continues to flow through the conduit  40  until the float valve  46  closes the valve seat  44 . 
     A compressor motor  48  is provided and connected to a refrigerant cooling coil  50  encircling the water refrigeration tank  38 . The refrigerant cooling coil  50  is connected to a refrigerant radiator  52  and a fan  54  acts to cool refrigerant in the coil  50  at the position of the radiator  52 . A cooling cycle timer  56  is provided for turning the cooling cycle on for a predetermined time during periods of non use such as during the winter months. The timer  56  thus ensures that the cooling cycle components, the pump  64  and the fan  54 , are tested and do not incur long periods of non use which may affect operation of the cycle. The timer  56  is connected to a cold water cycle switch  58  which connects a source of power to the compressor motor  48 , thereby turning the compressor motor  48  on by closing the cold water cycle switch  58  for a predetermined period and thereby helping to maintain the components of the cooling cycle, the pump  64  and the fan  54 , in working order during long periods of inactivity and non use. 
     A cold water pumping pipe  62  is connected between the water refrigeration tank  38  and the main water tank  28 . A water pump  64  is also provided for pumping water from the water refrigeration tank  38  through the cold water pumping pipe  62  and back to the main water tank  28  once cooled. The temperature of the water in the main water tank  28  is reduced by the introduction of cold water from the water refrigeration tank  38 . 
     FIG. 3 illustrates operation of the cold water cooling cycle to cool the water in the main water tank  28  to a desired temperature for use. FIG. 4 illustrates operation of the hot water heating cycle with the cooling cycle turned off for heating the water in the main water tank  28  to a desired temperature for use. FIG. 5 illustrates operation of the hot water cooling cycle during a timer controlled maintenance cooling cycle. In this cycle, the timer turns the cooling cycle on for at least 5 seconds each day during winter months to maintain the proper operation of the cooling cycle components in proper working order. As the components of the cooling cycle are tested their operational status may be monitored and maintained. 
     The operation of the temperature selectable water supply device  20  will now be described with reference to the figures and specifically FIGS. 3-5. Prior to operation the temperature selectable water supply device  20  is installed within a room of a structure including a water outlet by connecting the main water tank  28  to the network of pipes  24  extending through the structure  14  via the water inlet pipe  30 . The outlet is connected to the main water tank  28  through the water outlet pipe  32 . The temperature selectable water supply device  20  is now ready for use. 
     Operation of the temperature selectable water supply device  20  during the cold water cycle operation with the cooling cycle on is illustrated in FIG.  3 . During this cycle the active components of the temperature selectable water supply device  20  are the main water tank  28  (filled as indicated through inlet water pipe  30 ); the water refrigeration tank  38  (filled from main water tank  28  through float valve chamber  44 ), the water pump  64  and the pipes  40 ,  62  connecting the main water tank  28  and the water refrigeration tank  38 . The refrigeration subsystem consists of the cooling fan; the refrigerant radiator; the compressor; the refrigerant tubing; and the refrigerant. The cooling cycle electric circuit consists of the cooling cycle thermostat; the main cooling cycle switch; the fan motor; the compressor motor; and the water pump. 
     During the cooling cycle, power is applied to the cold water thermostat  42  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  76 . When the cold water thermostat determines that the water in the main water tank  28  is too warm, a current is allowed to pass through the cold water thermostat  42  as indicated by the numeral  78  and is applied to the switch  58  thereby closing the switch  58 . Closing of the switch causes the valve seat  44  to be opened allowing water  66  in the main water tank  28  to flow through the conduit  40  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  68 . The current passing through the cold water thermostat  42  is also applied to the compressor  48  as indicated by the arrow labeled  112 , to the water pump  64  as indicated by the arrow labeled  82  and to the fan  54  as indicated by the arrow labeled  80 . The current provided to the compressor  48 , water pump  64  and fan  54  flows therethrough and through the switch  58  to a ground potential indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  110 . Application of the current to the compressor  48  causes the compressor  48  to be turned on thereby causing the refrigerant  51  in the refrigerant cooling coil  50  to flow through the coil  50 . The water flowing through the conduit  40  enters the water refrigeration tank  38  and is caused to flow therethrough by the water pump  64  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  70 . As the refrigerant  51  flows through the refrigerant cooling coil  50 , it passes through the refrigerant radiator  52  and in front of the fan  54  causing the refrigerant to be cooled. Thus, as the cooled refrigerant  51  passes through the refrigerant cooling coil  50  encircling the water refrigeration tank  38 , the water flowing through the water refrigeration tank  38  is cooled. The water is drawn out of the water refrigeration tank  38  by the pump  64  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  72  and through the cold water pumping pipe  62  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  74  back to the main water tank  28 . As the cold water being returned to the main water tank  28  mixes with the water within the main water tank  28  the water within the main water tank  28  is caused to be cooled. This process continues until the temperature of the water within the main water tank  28  measured by the cold water thermostat  42  substantially equals the desired temperature. At this point, the water has been cooled to the temperature desired for use and may be provided through the outlet and to the user. As the water is at a desired temperature, when a water tap in the structure is opened, water will be drawn from the main water tank  28  and through the outlet pipe  32  providing the water to the open tap. The pressure of the water may be controlled by the water pump  18  connected to the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14 . When necessary water is supplied to the main water tank  28  from the water tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  under control of the pump  18 . The water is supplied to the main water tank  28  upon reaching a predetermined water level therein. Thus, the water level in the main tank  28  is not allowed to fall below a predetermined level. 
     The operation of the hot water cycle will now be described with specific reference to FIG.  4 . During this cycle, the main water tank  28  and the water refrigeration tank  38  are both filled with water. As the cold water circulation system is off, the float valve  46  is closed preventing water from flowing into the water refrigeration tank  38 . This protects the cold water system components from extensive contact with hot water during the winter season. The hot water cycle thermostat  34  is either on or off and the main hot water cycle switch  60  is on. During this cycle, the hot water thermostat  34  receives an electrical current indicated by the arrow labeled with the numerals  76  and  86  from a main power supply. When a temperature below the predetermined temperature is measured by the hot water thermostat  34 , the thermostat  34  allows a current to flow therethrough to the heater  36  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  88  thereby turning the heater  36  on and heating the water in the main water tank  28 . The current then flows through the hot water cycle switch  60  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  90  and to a ground potential as indicated by the arrow labeled  110 . The heated water may now be supplied through the water outlet pipe  32  and the outlet connected thereto for use by a user. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates hot water cycle operation during a timer controlled maintenance cooling cycle. This function is used during the winter to maintain the proper functioning of the cooling cycle. This cycle operates identically to that illustrated in FIG. 4 with the additional function of turning the cooling cycle components on for a brief period of preferably 5 seconds to maintain the components in working order. 
     During the period in which the cooling cycle is tested, the cooling cycle electric circuit is activated by the electric timer  56 . The timer  56  acts as a bypass for the cooling cycle switch  58  thereby closing the circuit and applying power to the cold water thermostat  42  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  76  which turns on due to the presence of heat produced by the heater  36 . A current is passed through the cold water thermostat  42  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  90  and causes the valve seat  44  to be opened allowing water  94  in the main water tank  28  to flow through the conduit  40  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  96 . The current passing through the cold water thermostat  42  is also applied to the compressor  48  as indicated by the arrow labeled  106 , to the water pump  64  as indicated by the arrow labeled  108  and to the fan  54  as indicated by the numeral  104 . This current flows through the fan  54  and then to the clock  56 . From the clock  56  the current flows through the switch  60  and to a ground potential as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  110 . Application of the current to the compressor  48  causes the compressor  48  to be turned on thereby causing the refrigerant  51  in the refrigerant cooling coil  50  to flow through the coil  50 . The water flowing through the conduit  40  enters the water refrigeration tank  38  and is caused to flow therethrough by the water pump  64  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  98 . As the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant cooling coil  50 , it passes through the refrigerant radiator  52  and in front of the fan  54  causing the refrigerant to be cooled. Thus, as the cooled refrigerant passes through the refrigerant cooling coil  50  encircling the water refrigeration tank  38 , the water flowing through the water refrigeration tank  38  is cooled. The water is drawn out of the water refrigeration tank  38  by the pump  64  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  100  and through the cold water pumping pipe  62  back to the main water tank  28  as indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral  102 . This process continues until the timer period expires, normally a period of at least 5 seconds. The timer  56  then opens the circuit cutting off power to the compressor  48 , water pump  64  and fan  54 . The thermostat  42  is also turned off and the valve seat  44  is closed. 
     The temperature selectable water supply device  20  may be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate different water needs. The size of the main water tank  28  and the water refrigeration tank  38  may also vary. Preferably, the size of the device will be no larger than a conventional boiler which it may replace and the main water tank  28  will preferably retain about 60 liters therein. However, a main water tank  28  may be provided to retain more or less water as desired. The water is supplied to the main water tank from the water supply tank  12  on the roof of the structure  14  via gravity flow thereto. However, as the outlet connected to the temperature selectable water supply device  20  is opened, the pump  18  is controlled to supply water to the main water tank  28  at a desired pressure to replace the water being provided to the outlet. The temperature selectable water supply device  20  is thus able to handle water provided thereto under pressure and also provide water of any desired pressure to the outlet for use by a user. 
     From the above description it can be seen that the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a temperature selectable water supply device which is able to provide a supply of water having a user selectable temperature control to a water outlet such as a faucet or toilet within a building. The temperature selectable water supply device includes a first water supply tank and a second cold water tank, the first water supply tank including a device for heating the contents thereof and a second cold water tank having a device for cooling the contents thereof. The temperature selectable water supply device is able to cool the water in the first water supply tank to a selectable temperature by injecting the contents of the second cold water supply tank until the desired temperature is achieved. Furthermore, the temperature selectable water supply device of the present invention is simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.