Passive back-flushing thermal energy system
AssigneeQueen's University at Kingston
InventorStephen J. Harrison
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale,and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.
Claims25
A module for a thermal energy system having a source and a load, comprising:
- a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the source to the load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, the fluid flowing through the secondary side of the heat exchanger in a first direction;
- an input for receiving mains fluid;
- and
- means for controlling flow of the fluid associated with the load and the mains fluid;
- wherein, upon consumption of a portion of the fluid associated with the load, the means for controlling flow passively directs mains fluid through the secondary side of the heat exchanger in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.