Drainpipe heat exchanger with heat storage
OwnerWinston MacKelvieinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is a drainpipe heat exchanger to heat cold water using drainwater heat. A slit in a stiff exterior plastic sleeve with band clamps combine with internal hydraulic pressure to create a very high thermal contact force. Vertical and horizontal embodiments with and without protected heat storage are disclosed including a half jacket design for installation around operating drainpipes. A horizontal embodiment discloses a two-piece plastic-copper design. Double-wall construction and venting for visible leak detection satisfies plumbing code requirements. Use on vehicular or other combustion engine exhaust pipes is also contemplated.
Claims19
A heat exchanger for heat transfer with a fluid within a conduit, said heat exchanger comprising:
- a chamber having a portion thereof for contacting at least a portion of said conduit, said chamber having spaced inner and outer walls defining a cavity therebetween;
- at least one fluid inlet to said cavity for a second fluid;
- at least one fluid outlet from said cavity for said second fluid;
- attachment means exterior of said outer wall for securing said chamber to said conduit;
- the arrangement being that said inner wall is conformingly tightened against said conduit by said attachment means.
In a building having a plumbing system including a hot water supply, a cold water supply and a drainage pipe, the improvement comprising at least one heat exchanger mounted about said drainage pipe, said heat exchanger comprising:
- a chamber having a portion thereof for receiving said drainage pipe, said chamber having spaced inner and outer walls defining a cavity, a fluid inlet connected to said cavity, said fluid inlet being connected to said cold water supply;
- a fluid outlet from said chamber being connected to a water fitting;
- and
- attachment means for securing said inner wall adjacent to said drainage pipe.
In a vehicle having an interior compartment requiring heat and an exhaust pipe through which flows hot exhaust gases, the improvement comprising a heat exchanger mounted about said exhaust pipe, said heat exchanger comprising:
- at least one chamber having a portion thereof for receiving said exhaust pipe, said chamber having spaced inner and outer walls defining a cavity, a fluid inlet to said cavity, said fluid inlet being connected to a fluid supply to be heated;
- a fluid outlet from said cavity being connected to said interior compartment, and
- attachment means for securing said inner wall adjacent to said exhaust pipe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.