Process and apparatus for recycling water in a hot water supply system

Abstract

A process and apparatus are provided for conserving water and heat energy in a hot water supply system. A holding tank is provided near the Point Of Use to capture unwanted cooled water. An integrated displacement actuator allows this volume to be recirculated back into the hot water supply line after use. The actuator consists of a flexible bladder or rolling diaphragm that divides the holding tank into two compartments; one for non-compressible supply water, and the second for a compressible phase change fluid. At ambient temperature, the phase change fluid condenses to a liquid phase at a relatively low pressure, allowing diverted water to flow into the tank from the hot water supply system. When the phase change fluid is warmed by the adjacent hot water, it changes to a gaseous phase, pressurizing the holding tank and allowing re-injection of the cool water into the hot water supply system. A control system is provided direct water flow based on time, temperature and pressure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.