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GB2454952A - Aluminium hot water cylinder with internal piston-like baffle - Google Patents

Aluminium hot water cylinder with internal piston-like baffle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2454952A
GB2454952A GB0806513A GB0806513A GB2454952A GB 2454952 A GB2454952 A GB 2454952A GB 0806513 A GB0806513 A GB 0806513A GB 0806513 A GB0806513 A GB 0806513A GB 2454952 A GB2454952 A GB 2454952A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vessel
fluid
piston member
container
fluid container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0806513A
Other versions
GB0806513D0 (en
Inventor
David Luke Pringle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB0806513D0 publication Critical patent/GB0806513D0/en
Publication of GB2454952A publication Critical patent/GB2454952A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/18Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/181Construction of the tank
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/18Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/188Water-storage heaters with means for compensating water expansion
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/18Water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/20Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
    • F24H1/208Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes with tubes filled with heat transfer fluid
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00Details
    • F24H9/12Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes
    • F24H9/13Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes for water heaters
    • F24H9/133Storage heaters
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D20/00Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
    • F28D20/0034Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using liquid heat storage material
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/14Thermal energy storage

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

An improved fluid container for use in a domestic hot water system is provided. The fluid container comprises an enclosed vessel 10 for fluid storage, which is fabricated from aluminium. Two or more pieces 12, 14, 16 are welded together to form the enclosed vessel. The mechanical properties of the enclosed vessel are normalised by an annealing process. A fluid inlet 18 is formed in the enclosed vessel by push-fitting a tube within a hole. The tube is sealed to the hole using a rubber sealing bush, rather than by welding so that the expansion and contraction of the enclosed aluminium vessel does not affect the seal. There is a piston-like baffle 22 within the container which separates the container into two chambers. The baffle sealingly (40, figure 3) engages the walls of the container but has membrane (36, figure 4) covered apertures (32, figure 4) to allow the passing of trapped air from the lower to upper chamber.

Description

1 2454952
IMPROVED FLUID CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved fluid container, for example, but not exclusively, a water cylinder for use in a domestic hot water system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A domestic hot water (DHW) system is used to provide warm or hot water on demand in a building. In reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a block diagram of a part of a common domestic hot water system. In use, cold water from a mains supply enters the system via a stopcock, a filter, and a pressure-limiting valve.
This protects the components of the system from damage, including contaminants, and permits the system to be isolated, where necessary. A branch connection directs cold water to one or more cold water connection in the system, such as a cold tap or the like. The water then passes through a non-return valve. The cold water is subsequently directed through an inlet port into an enclosed container or vessel, generally known as a cylinder, though the vessel is not limited to a cylindrical shape.
The cold water typically enters at the base of the cylinder though the water may enter at another location in the cylinder, where necessary. A common form of cylinder comprises a generally cylindrical body with domed or hemispherical ends welded in place.
The cylinders are required to be manufactured from a corrosion resistant material and, due to the increasing pressures within the cylinders, from a material capable of withstanding the said pressures. Cylinders have traditionally been constructed from Copper. However, to cope with the increasing pressures, manufacturers more recently have manufactured cylinders from steel, and in particular, stainless steel. Even more recently, cylinders have been manufactured from a specialist stainless named Duplex. Duplex offers a material with higher corrosion resistance, higher strength (which allows it to be manufactured from thinner material) and is also quicker and easier to weld than other stainless and copper materials.
Air will often be contained within the system and it is generally desirable to remove this air from the active system to prevent damage to the system components and to improve the working efficiency of the system. A pressure vessel may be connected to the system at a level higher than the cylinder such that, due to the relative densities of the air and the water, the air will rise into the pressure vessel.
The cylinder also comprises a heat exchanger which may be in the form of a coil of pipe. The cylinder may also comprise one or more additional heating elements in the form of an immersion heater or the like. The heat exchanger coil is connected to a boiler such that hot water is directed from the boiler into and through the coil pipe.
The circuit or loop containing the boiler and the heat exchanger coil is typically known as the primary circuit. Thus, the coil is directly heated by water from the primary circuit, which in turn indirectly transfers heat to the fluid in the cylinder. The water in the cylinder is known as secondary water. Thus, in use, warm water within the cylinder expands and is directed through a cylinder outlet to supply hot connections in the system such as a hot tap or the like.
In order to ensure that hot water can be supplied on demand, it is necessary to maintain the water in the cylinder at a relatively high temperature. Thus, it will be recognised that a significant amount of energy will be used to heat and re-heat the same water repeatedly in order to maintain the water temperature at a desired level.
Also, while an additional heating element may be used to boost the temperature of the water, that is, rapidly increase the temperature in a relatively short time, the additional energy required will result in greater expense to run the system.
Furthermore, in order to save energy and cost, it is generally recommended that cylinders be lagged with an insulating material to retain heat within the cylinder and reduce the requirement to reheat the water. It will be recognised that a cylinder has value even after the end of its working life, due mainly to the volume of metal used in its construction. For economic, environmental, and legislative reasons, it is therefore desirable to recover or recycle the cylinder after use. However, it has been found that the lagging material when bonded to the cylinder is expensive and time consuming to remove.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid container for use in a hot water system, the container comprising: an enclosed vessel adapted to receive a fluid; a heating element adapted to heat the fluid; a piston member located within the vessel, the piston member defining a first vessel portion and a second vessel portion, the piston member having a first face opposed to the first vessel portion and a second face opposed to the second vessel portion, the second face being adapted to deflect in response to a fluid pressure force to maintain a seal between the piston member and the vessel.
The second face may be adapted to initially define a shaped surface, for example, but not exclusively, a dome, elliptical dome, or other curved surface. Thus, the fluid force may be adapted to deflect or deform the second face to maintain the seal between the piston member and the vessel.
The force may comprise a reaction force produced in response to compression of fluid in the second vessel portion.
The first vessel portion may be adapted to receive and contain water. For example, but not exclusively, the first vessel portion may be adapted to receive cold water to be heated.
The second vessel portion may be adapted to receive and contain a fluid. For S example, but not exclusively, the second vessel portion may be adapted to receive and contain air.
The present invention thus provides a fluid container comprising a vessel divided into two portions by a piston member. The vessel portions can be sealed relative to each other. Thus, the container does not require a separate vessel for containing a fluid, for example, air which may have become trapped in the system.
The piston member defines an interlace between a volume of air in the vessel and a volume of water in the vessel.
The piston member may comprise one or more apertures for permitting transfer of fluid through the piston member.
The piston member may further comprise a membrane adapted for location over the one or more aperture. The membrane may be adapted to permit transfer of one of the fluids and not the other fluid. The membrane may also be adapted to permit fluid transfer through the membrane in one direction only. Thus, air in the first vessel portion may be permitted to travel through the membrane into the second vessel portion but is prevented from returning through the membrane into the first vessel portion.
Alternatively, the piston member may comprise a valve member for selectively opening and closing the aperture. The valve member may comprise a non-return valve or other suitable valve.
The piston member may further comprise a peripheral groove. The groove may be located on a peripheral face between the first piston member face and the second piston member face.
The piston member may further comprise a seal member adapted for location in the groove. The seal member may be configured to provide a seal around the piston member and between the piston member and the vessel. Thus, the seal member provides a lip seal around the piston member to prevent leakage of fluid around the piston member. In particular, the seal member is adapted to inhibit transfer of air into the first vessel portion.
The second piston member face is adapted to deflect to force the seal member into sealing and/or enhanced sealing engagement with the vessel.
The piston member may be adapted to translate relative to the vessel. It will be recognised that movement of the piston member will change the respective volumes of the first and second vessel portions.
The container may further comprise a shaft or stem adapted to extend into the vessel. The stem may be adapted to facilitate fluid transfer between the interior and exterior of the vessel.
The piston member may be annular and the piston member may be slidably coupled to the stem such that the piston member is adapted to move relative to the vessel on the stem.
The piston member is adapted to move relative to the vessel as the result of a force on the first piston member face. The piston member may be adapted to float on fluid in the first vessel portion. For example, the force may comprise a fluid pressure force resulting from insertion and/or expansion of water in the first vessel portion.
Movement of the piston member may cause compression of fluid in the second vessel portion. Thus, in use, compression of the fluid in the second portion exerts a force on the piston member which deflects the second piston member face into sealing or enhanced sealing engagement with the vessel to prevent leakage of fluid around the piston member.
The stem may comprise a stop adapted to define the lower limit of movement of the piston member relative to the stem.
The seal member may be configured to provide a sliding seal between the first and second vessel portions during movement of the piston member.
The vessel may further comprise a fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the stem comprises a pipe, tube or the like through which fluid may be directed. Thus, for example, fluid from the first vessel portion may be directed out of the vessel via the stem pipe.
The vessel may further comprise a fluid inlet. The fluid inlet may be adapted to direct fluid into the first vessel portion.
The vessel may be constructed from aluminium, aluminium alloy or the like. It is known that repeated heating and cooling of vessels causing fatigue loading on the vessel and in particular the welds of the vessel. Over time, the repeated heating and cooling causes damage to and/or results in failure of the welds, which results in leakage and a reduction in working life of the vessel.
The vessel may be formed from a plurality of components coupled together.
The vessel may be formed from a plurality of components welded together. At least a part of the vessel may be annealed. Where, for example, the vessel has been welded together, annealing may assist in normalising the mechanical properties of the welds, which may otherwise represent a relative weak point in the vessel wall. Beneficially, it is believed the fatigue properties of aluminium, and in particular annealed aluminium, may result in a vessel with greater resistance to repeated expansion and contraction and thus may result in a longer working life.
In an alternative, the vessel may be formed as a single component.
The heating element may be adapted to be at least partially housed in the vessel. Thus, the heating element may be provided wholly within the vessel or alternatively, may be adapted to pass through the vessel wall to extend into the first vessel portion. The heating element may be adapted to be at least partially housed in the first vessel portion. Thus, the heating element may be adapted to heat water in the first vessel portion.
The heating element may comprise a heating coil or the like. Alternatively, the heating element comprises an immersion heater, or other suitable means for heating the fluid.
The heating element may be of any suitable shape or geometry.
The heating element may be coloured black. Beneficially, it has been found that the provision of a black heating element increases the thermal efficiency of the container, which results in a reduction in the requirement to reheat the fluid in the first vessel portion. The black colouring may be provided by any suitable means. For example, the black colouring may be bonded to the heating element. In particular, the colouring may be bonded within the surface structure of the heating element, for example, but not exclusively, by anodising. Alternatively, the colouring may comprise a painted layer, coating or the like.
The heating element may be constructed from a metallic material. For example, but not exclusively, the heating element may be constructed from aluminium, aluminium alloy or the like. Alternatively, the heating element is constructed from a ceramic, polymeric material or any other suitable material.
Where necessary or desired, more than one heating element may be provided.
Thus, the or each further heating element may comprise a heating coil, immersion heater or any other suitable heating element.
The container may further comprise one or more mechanical fixing for securing at least one of the inlet, outlet and heating elements to the vessel. The mechanical fixing may comprise one or more bolted connector. The mechanical fixing may further comprise one or more seal element for maintaining fluid-tight connection between the inlet, outlet or heating element and the vessel. For example, a seal element may be provided on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the vessel.
Beneficially, the provision of one or more mechanical fixing permits a degree of flex of the connection, for example, from repeated heating and cooling cycles, while retaining a sealed container.
Alternatively, at least one of the inlet, outlet and heating elements are welded to the vessel.
The vessel may comprise an internal reflective layer or coating. This is, in particular, believed to reduce the radiative heat loss from the vessel. As such, the thermal efficiency of the container may be improved by reducing heat loss from the vessel and reducing the level to which reheating of the fluid in the vessel is required.
The reflective layer may comprise a separate member coupled to the vessel.
The reflective layer may comprise a metallic, glass, plastic material or other suitably reflective material.
Alternatively, the reflective layer may comprise the inner surface of the vessel.
The reflective layer may be inherently reflective. Alternatively, the reflective layer may result from a finishing process, polishing process or the like.
The container may further comprise an insulating jacket. The insulating jacket may be formed and arranged to be removably coupled to an outer surface of the vessel. The insulating jacket may comprise one or more component. The insulating jacket may comprise two or more components. The jacket may comprise a two part mould which envelops the vessel. The jacket components may comprise a relatively rigid material such as closed cell foamed polystyrene. However, the jacket may be constructed from any suitable material. The provision of an insulating jacket provides an insulating layer for the vessel and enhances the thermal efficiency of the container.
In particular, the insulating jacket assists in reducing conductive and convective heat transfer from the container. Beneficially, the provision of a removable insulating jacket facilitates recycling and/or repair of the vessel.
The container may be adapted for use in a vented or unvented hot water system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid container for use in a hot water system, the container comprising: an enclosed vessel adapted to receive a fluid; and a piston member located within the vessel, the piston member defining a first vessel portion and a second vessel portion, the piston member having a first face opposed to the first vessel portion and a second face opposed to the second vessel portion, the second face being adapted to deflect in response to a fluid pressure force to maintain a seal between the piston member and the vessel.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid container for use in a hot water system, the container comprising: an enclosed vessel adapted to receive a fluid; a heating element adapted to heat the fluid, wherein the heating element is coloured black.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hot water system fluid container, the container comprising: an enclosed vessel adapted to receive a fluid, the vessel comprising an internal reflective surface adapted to retain heat within the vessel.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hot water system comprising a container according to any one of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hot water system container fabricated from Aluminium.
Preferably the container is formed from two or more pieces. The container may be fabricated by welding each piece together. The fabrication process may include annealing the container. The container may include one or more apertures.
The or each aperture may include a tubular section. The tubular section may be push-fitted within the aperture. A sealing bush may be provided between the aperture and tubular section.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fabricating a hot water system container, the method comprising welding two or more pieces of aluminium.
Preferably the method comprises connecting the cylinder. The method may comprise forming an aperture through the cylinder by push-fitting a tubular section within the aperture. The method may comprise using a sealing bush to seal the tubular section within the aperture.
It should be understood that many of the features of the second, third, fourth and further aspects are common to the first aspect and for the purposes of clarity and brevity will not be repeated here.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a domestic hot water system; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a side view of a piston member according to an embodiment of the container of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a plan view of the piston member of Figures 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In reference initially to Figure 2 of the drawings there is shown a fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention. The container 8 comprises an aluminium vessel or cylinder 10. It will be recognised that although the term cylinder is used, the vessel is not limited to a cylindrical shape and any suitable shape of vessel may be utilised.
As shown in Figure 2, the cylinder 10 is formed into a substantially cylindrical body 12 with generally elliptical domed end faces 14,16. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 2, the upper domed surface 14 is external and the lower domed surface 16 is internal, this providing a surface on which to mount the cylinder 10. Alternatively, the lower and upper domed surfaces 14,16 may be external and the cylinder 10 may be secured or mounted within an external housing or on a support (not shown).
In the embodiment shown, the Aluminium body 12 and Aluminium end faces 14, 16 are formed as separate components and welded together to form the cylinder 10. To improve and normalise the mechanical properties of the cylinder 10, the cylinder 10 and, in particular, the welds may be subjected to an annealing process. It will be readily understood that a cylinder may be subject to repeated cycles of heating and cooling during the working life of the cylinder that can result in premature failure.
For instance, such heating and cooling causes the cylinder to expand and contract.
As it does so, stresses are created in the welds, which, over time, may lead to cracks forming through the welds. The cold working of the welds is exacerbated in pressured systems. Moreover, whilst manufacturers have sought to solve the premature failure of the cylinder by reducing the expansion and contraction of the cylinder, for instance by moving towards high strength materials such as Duplex, it has been found that this may in fact increase the fatigue of the welds because all the expansion and contraction must be accommodated by the welds themselves. Again, this increases the fatigue of the welds. Failures occurring at the welds of the cylinder body cause the cylinder to leak, which is dangerous, particularly if the water is hot and pressurised. Fatigued cylinders require replacement It has been found that the provision of an annealed aluminium cylinder 10 results in a cylinder 10 with improved fatigue properties which will increase the reliability and working life of the cylinder 10.
It is known that the material properties of Aluminium has a lower strength than that of stainless or the specialist stainless Duplex. Whilst this means that an Aluminium cylinder is less able to cope with the pressure and that thicker material must be used, it has been found that the annealing process improves the fatigue life S of the cylinder. Thus it is thought that cylinder warranties may be increased from a few years to ten or more years. Moreover, it is widely known that Aluminium is difficult to weld. For instance, the material tends to be thin causing collapse. In contrast, stainless, and in particular Duplex, are particularly easy and quick to weld leading to a quick and cheap fabrication process. It has been found that the improved fatigue of using an annealed aluminium cylinder compensates for the increased manufacturing and welding costs.
The cylinder 10 includes a fluid inlet 18. The fluid inlet 18 (and other such inlets) comprises a tube extending from and through the cylinder 10. Accordingly, fluid inlet 18 is connected to the cylinder 10 through a hole. Rather than welding, the tube is push-fitted and sealed by a rubber sealing bush. Consequently, as the Aluminium cylinder expands and contracts the rubber accommodates the movement thus ensuring the inlet 18 remains sealed. The fluid inlet 18 is adapted to receive fluid in the form of water 20 (known as secondary water) therethrough. Where the cylinder is connected to a domestic hot water system (as shown, for example, in Figure 1), the fluid inlet 18 will be connected to the mains cold water supply (not shown).
With reference now also to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the container 8 further comprises a piston member in the form of plunger or baffle 22. The baffle 22 comprises a generally circular member with a substantially flat lower face 24 and a curved or domed upper surface 26.
The baffle 22 is dimensioned so as to fit within the cylindrical body portion 12 of the cylinder 10, the baffle 22 dividing the cylinder 10 into a first, lower cylinder portion 28 and a second, upper cylinder portion 30.
The baffle 22 comprises a number of apertures 32 through which fluid in the form of air 34 trapped in the system can pass from the lower cylinder portion 28 to the upper cylinder portion 30.
In use, water 20 enters the lower cylinder portion 28 via the inlet 18. Due to its lower density, any air 34 trapped within the system and which enters the cylinder 10 will rise up through the water 20 and travel through the baffle apertures 32 into the upper cylinder portion 30.
The baffle 22 further comprises one or more membrane 36 which is adapted to cover the apertures 32 such that air 34 may pass through the membrane 36 into the upper cylinder portion 30. The air 34 is subsequently prevented from travelling back into the lower cylinder portion 30.
The baffle 22 further comprises a peripheral groove 38 between the generally flat lower baffle surface 24 and curved upper baffle surface 26, the groove 38 receiving a seal member in the form of an 0-ring seal 40. Other suitable seal members is may be used, where required. The seal 40 provides a sealing surface around the periphery of the baffle 22 which resists the leakage of air 34 from the second cylinder portion 30 into the secondary water 20 in the first cylinder portion 28.
The upper baffle surface 26 is adapted to deflect in response to an applied pressure force which in turn produces a radially directed force on the seal member 40 providing or further enhancing the seal against the inner surface wall of the cylinder 10.
The container 8 further comprises a stem 42 which is secured through the top surface 14 of the cylinder 10 and which extends through the upper cylinder portion 30 into the first cylinder portion 28. The stem 42 comprises a substantially rigid section of pipe or tubing defining a bore 44 through which water 20 from the first cylinder portion 28 travels.
The baffle 22 is annular and is coupled to the stem 42 such that the baffle 22 can slide or float up and down on the stem 44. In use, the baffle 22 will float on top of the water 20 in the first cylinder portion 28. A stop 39 is provided to prevent the baffle 22 from sliding off the stem 42 where the water level drops below the lower end of the stem 42.
The seal member 40 thus provides a sliding lip seal around the periphery of the baffle 22 that resists leakage of air 34 from the second cylinder portion 30 into the first cylinder portion 28.
The container 8 further comprises a heating element in the form of heating coil 46. In the embodiment shown, the coil 46 comprises a helically formed aluminium pipe or tube through which a fluid can flow. As described above in relation to Figure 1, the coil is connected to a boiler and a pump (not shown) that together provide a flow of hot water through the coil 46, this forming part of a primary circuit of a central heating system (not shown). Though water may be used, any other fluid may be used, where appropriate. The dimensions of the coil 46 are selected depending on the requirements of the system. For example, to provide more rapid heating of water 20 in the cylinder 10, a coil 46 with a greater surface area may be provided.
The coil 46 is coloured a dark colour to improve the thermal efficiency! emissivity of the heating element. For example, by applying a matt black surface to the coil 46, it has been found that the efficiency of heat transfer, in particular convective heat transfer from the coil 46 to the water 20 in the first cylinder portion 28 is improved.
The container 8 further comprises mechanical fixings for securing the inlet 18, outlet 42 or the heating coil 46 to the cylinder 10. The mechanical fixing comprises a bolt connector. The mechanical fixing further comprises seal elements for maintaining fluid-tight connection between the connections and the vessel.
Thus, in use, water 20 enters via the inlet 18 and fills the first, lower cylinder portion 28. Any air 34 in the system which enters the cylinder 10 rises into the upper cylinder portion 30 through the apertures 32 of the baffle 22 and forms an air bubble in the upper cylinder portion 30.
The 0-ring seal member 40 acts to provide a seal between the upper and lower cylinder portions 28, 30.
Heated water from the boiler (not shown) enters the heating coil 46 and heats the water 20 in the lower cylinder portion 28. The water 20 expands and exits the cylinder 10 through the stem pipe 42 for use. The insertion and/or expansion of the water 20 causes the baffle 22 to float/translate upwards along the stem 42 while the seal member 40 retains an energised seal during movement of the baffle 22.
In the present invention, where the air bubble is compressed, the force acts to deflect the curved upper surface 26 of the baffle 22 to provide or where a seal exists further energise the seal member 40 into sealing engagement with the cylinder 10.
It should be understood that the embodiment described is merely exemplary of the present invention and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

  1. Claims 1. A fluid container for use in a hot water system, the fluid container comprising an enclosed vessel fabricated from Aluminium.
  2. 2. The fluid container of claim 1, wherein the enclosed vessel is formed by welding two or more pieces together, and subsequently annealing the container.
  3. 3. The fluid container of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the enclosed vessel includes 1(. one or more apertures, the or each aperture including a tubular section that is push-fitted within the aperture, and wherein a sealing bush is provided between the CO aperture and tubular section.
    Q
  4. 4. The fluid container of any preceding claim, wherein the enclosed vessel is adapted to receive a fluid, and the enclosed vessel comprises an internal reflective surface adapted to retain heat within the enclosed vessel.
  5. 5. The fluid container of any preceding claim, wherein the enclosed vessel is adapted to receive a fluid, and the fluid container comprises a heating element that is adapted to heat the fluid, wherein the heating element is coloured black.
  6. 6. The fluid container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the enclosed vessel is adapted to receive a fluid, and the fluid container comprises a piston member located within the enclosed vessel, such that the piston member defines a first vessel portion and a second vessel portion, the piston member having a first face opposed to the first vessel portion and a second face opposed to the second vessel portion, the second face being adapted to deflect in response to a fluid pressure force to maintain a seal between the piston member and the enclosed vessel.
  7. 7. The fluid container of claims 1 to 4, wherein the enclosed vessel is adapted to receive a fluid; and the fluid container comprises a heating element adapted to heat the fluid; and a piston member located within the enclosed vessel, the piston member defining a first vessel portion and a second vessel portion, the piston member having a first face opposed to the first vessel portion and a second face opposed to the second vessel portion, the second face being adapted to deflect in response to a fluid pressure force to maintain a seal between the piston member and the enclosed CO vessel.
    C
  8. 8. The fluid container of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second face is adapted to initially define a shaped surface. c\J
  9. 9. The fluid container of claim 8, wherein the shaped surface is anyone of a dome, or an elliptical dome, or other curved surface, such that the fluid force is adapted to eflect or deform the second face to maintain the seal between the piston member and the enclosed vessel.
  10. 10. The fluid container of claim 7, wherein the piston member comprises one or more apertures for permitting transfer of fluid through the piston member.
  11. 11. The fluid container of claim 10, wherein a membrane is arranged over each aperture, the membrane being adapted to allow a fluid in one vessel portion to transfer to the other vessel portion in one direction only.
  12. 12. The fluid container of any preceding claim, further comprising a shaft or stem adapted to extend into the enclosed vessel, the stem being adapted to facilitate fluid transfer between an interior and an exterior of the enclosed vessel.
    S
  13. 13. The fluid container of any preceding claim wherein the enclosed vessel includes at least one of an inlet or an outlet, or a heating element welded to the vessel.
  14. 14. A method of fabricating a hot water system container, the method comprising H) welding two or more pieces of aluminium.
    CD
  15. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the method comprises forming an aperture through the cylinder by push-fitting a tubular section within the aperture and using a sealing bush to seal the tubular section within the aperture.
GB0806513A 2007-11-21 2008-04-10 Aluminium hot water cylinder with internal piston-like baffle Withdrawn GB2454952A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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GBGB0722816.6A GB0722816D0 (en) 2007-11-21 2007-11-21 Improved fluid container

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GB2454952A true GB2454952A (en) 2009-05-27

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GB0806513A Withdrawn GB2454952A (en) 2007-11-21 2008-04-10 Aluminium hot water cylinder with internal piston-like baffle

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1020728A3 (en) * 2011-11-23 2014-04-01 Proactive House Nv RESERVOIR FOR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE, INSTALLATION PROVIDED WITH SUCH RESERVOIR FOR LOW TEMPERATURE HEATING AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH SYSTEM.

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0184491A1 (en) * 1984-11-20 1986-06-11 Pierre Christian Lacaze Water heater
EP0592222A1 (en) * 1992-10-08 1994-04-13 Fabdec Limited Water heaters
WO2004044499A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-27 Cadif Srl Water heater with an external electric winding
GB2415487A (en) * 2004-06-24 2005-12-28 Fabdec Ltd Unvented water heater

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0184491A1 (en) * 1984-11-20 1986-06-11 Pierre Christian Lacaze Water heater
EP0592222A1 (en) * 1992-10-08 1994-04-13 Fabdec Limited Water heaters
WO2004044499A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-27 Cadif Srl Water heater with an external electric winding
GB2415487A (en) * 2004-06-24 2005-12-28 Fabdec Ltd Unvented water heater

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1020728A3 (en) * 2011-11-23 2014-04-01 Proactive House Nv RESERVOIR FOR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE, INSTALLATION PROVIDED WITH SUCH RESERVOIR FOR LOW TEMPERATURE HEATING AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH SYSTEM.

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Publication number Publication date
GB0806513D0 (en) 2008-05-14
GB0722816D0 (en) 2008-01-02

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