FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The invention relates to an end point instant heating/cooling system. The end point instant heating system is particularly suited to provide hot water immediately from a tap distant from a central water heating system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002]The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] The world has a finite amount of water. It has an even lesser amount of readily available potable water. This has led in recent years to an increased interest - and significant public awareness campaigns - relating to the conservation water.

[0004] In a domestic setting, the water heating system typically comprises a central water heating system which is connected to various taps throughout the premises (such as those located in the kitchen, the laundry and the bathroom). While it is common for at least one of these taps to be in reasonable close proximity to the central water heating system, it is very unlikely that all taps fed water from the central water heating system will be in such close proximity.

[0005] This leads to a situation where water that has filled the water pipe connecting the central water heating system to the tap remains therein when the tap has been turned off. If the tap was set to deliver hot water, this also means that the water contained within the water pipe begins to cool until it reaches normal ambient temperature.

[0006] If the next time the tap is used it is again set to deliver hot water, the tap is generally allowed to "run" until such time as the central water heating system has pushed all of the cooled water through the pipe and out the tap and is now delivering water at the desired temperature. Depending on the length of the water pipe - and the efficiency of the central water heating system - this can result in many litres of potable water being left to flow down the drain.

[0007] One solution to this problem has been developed by Zip Industries of Sydney, Australia. This solution places a heating system at the end point where it operates to heat the fluid coming through to the desired temperature. This allows a central water heating system to be eliminated. However, if used in conjunction with a central water heating system, the end point water heater operates independently thereof - in effect ignoring the temperature of any water delivered to it by the central water heating system.

[0008] It is also noted that the end point water heater systems provided by Zip Industries are typically in the form of boilers operating to continuously heat water in a local reservoir. Such systems draw substantial amounts of power (thereby being costly to operate) in addition to the fact that the water contained in the local reservoir must be continuously replaced to account for water boiled off in the time period between water being dispensed.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an end point instant hot water system that eliminates, or at least ameliorates in part, the aforementioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of", and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to". Furthermore, in the context of this invention the term "end point" refers generally to the point of discharge of fluid.

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is an end point instant heating system comprising: a pipe leading to the end point;

a heating element located adjacent the end point operable to heat fluid contained in the pipe;

at least one temperature probe located proximate the heating element; and a control system, where the control system operates to receive first temperature signals from a first temperature probe and, if the first temperature signals so received are less than a preset temperature level, operate the heating element to apply greater heat to fluid contained in the pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the end point instant heating system further comprising a central heating system that provides fluid to the pipe, where the control system operates to receive second temperature signals from a second temperature probe located upstream of the heating element in the direction of fluid flow and, if the second temperature signals so received are equal to or more than the preset temperature level, operate the heating element to apply a reduced heat, or no heat, to fluid contained in the pipe.

[0013] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is an end point instant cooling system comprising: a pipe leading to the end point;

a cooling element located adjacent the end point operable to cool fluid contained in the pipe;

at least one temperature probe located proximate the cooling element; and a control system,

where the control system operates to receive first temperature signals from a first temperature probe and, if the first temperature signals so received are greater than a preset temperature level, operate the cooling element to provide a greater cooling force to fluid contained in the pipe.

[0014]The end point instant cooling system may further comprise a central fluid reservoir that provides fluid to the pipe, where the control system operates to receive second temperature signals from a second temperature probe located upstream of the cooling element in the direction of fluid flow and, if the second temperature signals so received are equal to or lower than the preset temperature level, operates to apply a reduced cooling force, or no cooling force, to fluid contained in the pipe.

[0015] Further variations of the first and second aspects of the invention may include mixing means located at or downstream of the heating element or cooling element, the mixing means operable to create turbulence in the fluid flowing through the pipe. Alternatively, or in combination, the first and second aspects of the invention may involve the power source providing power to the heating or cooling element through wireless means. Either aspect of the invention may also be incorporated into a mixer tap.

[0016] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is a method of providing instant heated fluid to an end point, the method comprising the steps of: providing fluid from a first point to the end point by way of a pipe;

receiving first temperature signals from a first temperature probe located proximate a heating element;

if the first temperature signals so received are less than a preset temperature level, operate to increase the heat applied to fluid in the pipe by way of a heating element, the heating element located adjacent the end point.

[0017] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is a method of providing instant cooled fluid to an end point, the method comprising the steps of: providing fluid from a first point to the end point by way of a pipe;

receiving first temperature signals from a first temperature probe located proximate a cooling element;

if the first temperature signals so received are higher than a preset temperature level, operate to increase the cooling force applied to fluid in the pipe by way of a cooling, the cooling element located adjacent the end point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the invention as shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of providing instant heated or cooled fluid to an end point.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0019] Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0020] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention there is an end point instant hot water system 10. The end point hot water system 10 comprises:

• at least one end point water heating system 12;

• a central water heating system 14;

• a set of water pipes 16; and

• at least one intermediate pipe segment 18.

[0021] The set of water pipes 16 are configured so as to allow for the delivery of water 1 from the central water heating system 14 to each end point 20 associated with an end point water heating system 12.

[0022] Ideally, each intermediate pipe segment 18 replaces a segment of the set of water pipes just prior to the end point 20.

[0023] Each end point water heating system 12 is designed so that key elements thereof fit snugly into an intermediate pipe segment 18 (as will be discussed in more detail below). While this results in a narrowing of the cross-sectional area which the water flows through prior to the end point 20, when properly implemented the end point water heating system 12 minimises this reduction so that the overall impact on water flow is negligible.

[0024]The end point water heating system 12 comprises:

• a power source 22;

• a heating element 24;

• temperature probes 26a, 26b;

• a control system 28; and

• fluid mixing means 30.

[0025] In this embodiment, the power source 22 supplies power to the heating element 22 and the control system 28. The control system 28 provides power to the temperature probes 26a, 26b.

[0026] The control system 28 also operates to control the flow of power from the power source 22 to the heating element system 24. The control system 28 is also in data communication with the temperature probes 26a, 26b and the central water heating system 14.

[0027] Temperature probe 26a is positioned inside the intermediate pipe segment 18 at a position before the heating element 24. Temperature probe 26b is positioned inside the intermediate pipe segment at a position after the heating element 24. In this instance, the terms "before" and "after" are to be determined by reference to the laminar flow of water 1 through the intermediate pipe segment 18, with "before" components receiving the flow in advance of other component.

[0028] In this embodiment, the control system 28 is incorporated into a mixer tap (not shown) as would be readily known by the person skilled in the art.

[0029] The fluid mixing means 30 comprises a plurality of static mixing veins 32 arranged to form a lattice 34. The role of the fluid mixing apparatus 30 will be explained in more detail further below.

[0030]The heating element 24 takes the form of an induction heating coil 36 as would be readily known to the person skilled in the art. The induction heating coil 36 is wound around the exterior casing 38 of the end point watering system 12 to be inserted into the intermediate pipe segment 18.

[0031] It is to be noted that the exterior casing 38 is to be sized and dimensioned so as to create a watertight seal at one end 40 and a retaining flange 42 at the other. The watertight seal is necessary to ensure that water travelling through the intermediate pipe segment 18 is not able to make contact with the induction heating coil 36. The retaining flange 42 is used to facilitate proper positioning of the exterior casing 38 and securing same.

[0032]The retaining flange 42 has an aperture (not shown) provided therein through which wired cabling 44 passes through. The control system 28 is operable to receive data from the temperature probes 26a, 26b and control power to the heating element 24 through appropriate use of the wired cabling 44.

[0033]This embodiment will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0034]An installer removes a segment of pipe equal to the intermediate pipe segment 18 from the existing pipework adjacent the desired end point 20. [0035]The intermediate pipe segment 18 is then prepped for installation at the point of the removed pipe. Prepping the intermediate pipe segment 18 for installation involves inserting the exterior casing 38 of the end point watering system 12 into the intermediate pipe segment 18. Lattice 34 is then inserted into the interior of the exterior casing 38, if not already installed.

[0036] The installer then checks that the exterior casing 38 has formed the required watertight seal at end 40 and is properly retained by way of the retaining flange 42 and that the wired cabling 44 is properly seated relative to the aperture.

[0037] Once confirmed the intermediate pipe segment 18 is fitted to the water pipes 16 as a replacement for the removed section of water pipe 16. It is important that the intermediate pipe segment 18 be fitted such that when water 1 flows through the water pipes 16 it first encounters temperature probe 26a (and not temperature probe 26b).

[0038] It is also important that the wired cabling 44 is then arranged to place the control system 28 near the end point 20 and remotely locate the power source 22. Remote location of the power source 22 is desirable as certain countries have regulations that require power points to be remotely located from any water source.

[0039] A person (not shown) approaches the tap located at the associated endpoint 20 and manipulates it to dispense hot water at a desired temperature level. In this embodiment, this is done by positioning a lever (not shown) of the tap at a particular position which the control system 28 recognises as being associated with a particular temperature level.

[0040] Moving the lever to this position causes the control system 28 to allow power to be supplied, or increase the power to be supplied, to the induction heating coil 38. It also causes the control system 28 to issue the required signals to the central water heating system 14 to allow the central water heating system 14 to begin heating the water 1 being dispensed by it into the set of water pipes 16 up to the specific temperature setting associated with the position of the lever.

[0041] It is to be noted here that there is a direct correlation between the amount of power supplied to the induction heating coil 38 and the amount of heat the heating coil 38 applies to the intermediate pipe segment 18.

[0042] The control system 28 then operates to periodically check the temperature of water 1 in the water pipe 16 just before the end point water heating system 12 by way of temperature probe 26a. If the temperature probe 26a indicates that the temperature of the water in the water pipe 16 has reached the specific temperature setting associated with the position of the lever, the control system 28 operates to shut off power to the induction coil 26.

[0043] If the temperature probe 26a indicates that the temperature of the water 1 in the water pipe 16 just before the end point water heating system 12 is less than the specific temperature setting associated with the position of the lever, the control system 28 then checks the temperature level reported by temperature probe 26b. If the temperature level reported by temperature probe 26b is greater than the temperature level associated with the current position of the lever, the control system 28 operates to reduce the level of current being supplied to the induction heating coil 36 by the power source 22.

[0044] Alternatively, if the temperature level reported by temperature probe 26b is less than the temperature level associated with the current position of the lever, the control system 28 operates to increase the level of current being supplied to the induction heating coil 36 by the power source 22.

[0045] This process of the control system 28 checking the temperature levels reported by each temperature probe 26a, 26b continues on a periodic basis (ideally around once per second) until such time as temperature probe 26a provides a temperature value of the water 1 in the water pipe 16 just before the end point water heating system 12 as equal to or exceeding the specific temperature setting associated with the position of the lever.

[0046] In this manner, the end point water heating system 12 only operates when needed to provide water to the person at the desired temperature from the moment that the person sets the tap to that desired temperature. Thus, there is no real need for the person to "run" the tap until such time as the desired water temperature is reached.

[0047] It is to be important here that the specific induction technology used to generate heat is not important to this embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Because water 1 provided through the water pipes 16 is in the form of a laminar flow, it is possible for the induction heating coil 36 to merely heat the outer elements of the laminar flow and leave an unheated core. To avoid this problem, when the water 1 reaches the lattice 34, the mixing veins 32 operate to create turbulence. This turbulence enforces mixing of the potentially unheated core with the heated outer elements, thus resulting in a more homogenous temperature level in the water 1 dispensed at the end point 20. It also ensures that temperature probe 26b provides a more accurate indication of the temperature of the water 1 exiting the end point water heating system 12.

[0049] It is to be noted that the fluid mixing means 30 is shown downstream of the heating element in Figure 1 . However, as shown in Figure 2, in order to obtain best performance, the fluid mixing means 30 is positioned within the segment of water pipe 16 that the heating element 24 coils around.

[0050] It is to be noted that while this embodiment of the invention has been described in the context of a heating system, the problem of water wastage also exists when people are waiting for water to cool to a specific temperature. The person skilled in the art is therefore considered capable of modifying the invention to work equally well as a quick cooling system by modifying the temperature processing of the control system 28 and replacing the induction heating system with a quick cooling system. One example of such a quick cooling system is an absorptive chiller.

[0051] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is an end point water heating system 200.

[0052] The end point water heating system 200 comprises:

• a power source 22;

• a heating element 24;

• temperature probe 26b;

• control system 28; and

• fluid mixing means 30;

[0053] The power source 22 comprises a rechargeable battery 202 and a charging source 204. In this embodiment, the charging source 204 is in two parts. The first part of the charging source 204 takes the form of primary electric coil 206 that is supplied power from a mains power source (not shown).

[0054] The heating element 24 takes the form of an induction heating coil 36 as would be readily known to the person skilled in the art. The induction heating coil 36 is wound around a water pipe 2 located at the end point 20. The induction heating coil 36 also forms the second part of the charging source 204. In this role, the induction heating coil 36 will be referred to as the secondary electric coil 208.

[0055] The temperature probe 26b is located in the water pipe 2 at a position after the heating element 24 (as determined by reference to the flow of water 1 in the water pipe 2). The temperature probe 26b is in data communication with the control system 28.

[0056]The control system 28 takes the form of a tap 210. The tap 210 has a series of preset positions (not shown) each of which represents a specific temperature setting for the water 1 to be dispensed by way of the tap 210. The control system 28 is in control communication with the charging source 204 and rechargeable battery 202.

[0057] The fluid mixing means 30 comprises a plurality of mixing veins 32 arranged to form a lattice 34 as per the first embodiment of the invention.

[0058]This embodiment will now be described in the context of its intended use.

[0059] A person (not shown) manipulates the tap 210 to one of the preset positions. In response, the control system 28 operates to allow power to flow from the mains power through the primary electric coil 206 at a first determined level appropriate for the preset position of the tap 210. As the primary electric coil 206 is matched in resonance to the second electric coil 208, a current is also generated through the secondary electric coil 208 (thereby creating a wireless charging system as would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art).

[0060]With the secondary electric coil 208 also operating as the induction heating coil 36, the current passing through the secondary electric coil 208 also operates to heat the water pipe 2 about which it is wound.

[0061]While current passes through the induction heating coil 36, the control system 28 operates to periodically check the temperature of the water 1 in the water pipe 2 by way of the temperature probe 26b. If the temperature level reported by the temperature probe 26b is greater than the temperature associated with the preset position to which the tap 210 is set, the control system 28 operates to reduce the level of power being supplied by mains power to the primary electric coil 206. If the temperature level reported by the temperature probe 26b is lower than the temperature associated with the preset position to which the tap 210 is set, the control system 28 operates to increase the level of power being supplied by mains power to the primary electric coil 206.

[0062] As with the first embodiment, the lattice 30 operates to provide a homogenous (or close to homogenous) temperature in the water 1 being dispensed by the tap 210.

[0063] In each case, the variation in current being supplied to the primary electric coil 206 has a corresponding effect on the level of current that passes through the secondary electric coil 208. This current is also used to recharge rechargeable battery 202.

[0064] In the event that mains power is out, current may be supplied to the secondary electric coil 208 from the rechargeable battery 202 to heat the water pipe 2.

[0065] If the rechargeable battery 202 has a charge level below a predetermined threshold, the control system 28 waits until the tap 210 is next positioned in a preset position representing that no water 1 is to be dispensed from the tap 210. When the tap 210 is so positioned, the control system 28 operates to direct power to be provided to the primary electric coil 206 from mains power at a second preset level. This causes a corresponding current level to be generated in the secondary electric coil 208 which is then used to trickle charge the rechargeable battery 202.

[0066] It is important in this embodiment that the amount of current provided from mains power at the second preset level represent a trickle charge to the rechargeable battery 202. If this is not the case, the secondary electric oil 208 will operate to heat the water 1 in the water pipe 2 to a temperature that may be significantly greater than that intended for dispensing by the user and thus raising the possibility of the person being burned.

[0067] While the above embodiments have been described in the context of retrofitting the water pipes 16 of existing premises, the invention can just as easily be installed as part of the plumbing work of new buildings. Furthermore, while the embodiments have been described with reference to their most likely intended use regarding heating of water, there is no reason why the invention cannot be similarly applied to the heating of any fluid, including gases.

[0068] Similarly, while the above embodiments have been described in the context of domestic use, the invention can just as easily be used in industrial or commercial settings. [0069] It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

• [0070]The induction coil may be made from graphene.

• [0071] While the end point water heating system 12 has been described as being located around a portion 32 of the water pipe 16 leading to its associated end point 18, there is no reason why the end point water heating system 12 may not actually be located at the end point 18.

• [0072] Alternatively, the control system 28 may be integrated as part of the tap or other control mechanism used at the end point for initiating the flow of water 1 . This may be anything from a single on-off switch for a set temperature to a stepped lever tap through to a completely electronic display with associated input/output devices by which a specific temperature can be set.

• [0073] The lattice 34 may be omitted from either embodiment. Alternatively, the lattice 34 may be replaced with other means by which turbulence may be formed in the water pipes 2, 16.

• [0074] The exterior casing 38 may be omitted in favour of integration of the invention into the water pipe 16. Alternatively, the exterior casing 38 may be modified to receive the water pipe 16. This has the additional benefit of assisting in removing the need to create a water tight seal.

• [0075] The invention can be modified such that data and control signals between components (including the central water heating system) may be by way of wireless data communication rather than by way of wired cabling or in addition thereto.

• [0076]The invention may be modified to utilise heating techniques other than induction heating. However, such techniques need to be able to heat the water 1 in the water pipes 16 very quickly. Furthermore, such techniques need to have a minimal footprint due to the confined areas where the end points 20 are typically positioned.

• [0077] While both of the above embodiments have been described in the context of the amount of heat being generated by the heating element 24 being a direct correlation to the amount of power supplied thereto. However, it should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the heating element 24 may be supplied a constant level of power, with the amount of heat generated by the heating element 24 being determined by other systems (such as a general control system).

• [0078] While the second embodiment of the invention has been described in the context of power being supplied by mains power and wireless charging, it is conceivable to modify the power source 22 to work off piezo-electric systems. For instance, a Pelter wheel could be installed into the end-point's 20 drainage system (not shown). As water 1 flows through the drainage system, it passes the Pelter wheel and the resulting motion generates the electrical charge which can be used to provide power to the heating element 24 or recharge the rechargeable battery 202.

• [0079] The rechargeable battery 202 of the second embodiment of the invention may be omitted. However, omission of the rechargeable battery 202 can cause issues regarding the ability to power the systems 10, 200 on demand.

• [0080] Either embodiment of the invention can be modified to include wireless charging techniques other than the resonating induction coil systems described.

• [0081] The exterior casing 38 may have a directional arrow imprinted on its outer surface. This directional arrow indicates to the installer the proper orientation of fluid flow for the system 10, 200. This is shown in Figure 2.

• [0082] The water pipe 16 may be coated in a proprietary lagging to further prevent temperature loss in the fluid.

[0083] It should be further appreciated that even more embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more of the aforementioned features, where such features are not mutually exclusive, can be created without departing from the invention's scope. For instance, the wireless charging arrangement of the second embodiment of the invention may be incorporated as the power supply system of the first embodiment of the invention to create yet a further preferred embodiment.