On-demand zone valve recirculation system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A hot water recirculation system comprising:
- a hot water source;
conduit means, in fluid communication with the hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture having a hot water valve, for enabling circulation of hot water from said hot water source to the plumbing fixture and return to said hot water source;
pump means for circulating hot water through the conduit means;
zone valve means, disposed on the conduit means, for preventing a flow of water through the conduit means from said hot water source to the plumbing fixture, and for preventing a flow of water from the plumbing fixture to the hot water source;
switch means for generating a control signal; and
control means for causing the zone valve means to open and allow water flow there through in response to the control signal.
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Abstract
A zone valve hot water recirculation system in accordance with the present invention generally includes a hot water source, such as an electric or gas water heater, a conduit for enabling circulation of hot water from hot water source to one or more plumbing fixtures and recovery of water to the hot water source, a pump for accelerating delivery of hot water to the fixtures and, importantly, a zone valve for preventing flow of water into the hot water source during standby periods of the hot water source. A controller, which may include an electronic timer, is provided for causing the zone valve to open and close and the pump to start and stop.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A hot water recirculation system comprising:
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a hot water source; conduit means, in fluid communication with the hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture having a hot water valve, for enabling circulation of hot water from said hot water source to the plumbing fixture and return to said hot water source; pump means for circulating hot water through the conduit means; zone valve means, disposed on the conduit means, for preventing a flow of water through the conduit means from said hot water source to the plumbing fixture, and for preventing a flow of water from the plumbing fixture to the hot water source; switch means for generating a control signal; and control means for causing the zone valve means to open and allow water flow there through in response to the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A hot water recirculation system comprising
a hot water source; -
conduit means for enabling circulation of hot water from the hot water source to at least one plumbing fixture and to enable return of hot water to the hot water source, said conduit means including hot water supply line means for enabling circulation of hot water from the hot water source to the plumbing fixture, and hot water return line means for enabling return of hot water from the fixture to the hot water source; pump means for circulating hot water through the conduit means; zone valve means, disposed on the conduit means, for preventing heating of water in the return line means and for preventing siphoning of water into the hot water source during periods of nonuse of the plumbing fixture; switch means for generating a control signal in response to a draw of water from the hot water valve on said plumbing fixture; and control means for causing the zone valve means to open and allow water flow there through in response to the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification