SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR AUTOMATIC REGULATION OF WATER TEMPERATURE

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for automatic regulation of water temperature. The apparatus comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser that receives refrigerant from the compressor and reduces the temperature of the refrigerant by exchanging the refrigerant's heat with air surrounding the condenser, an expanding valve that receives refrigerant from the condenser and transforms the refrigerant in a high pressure state to a low pressure state, and an evaporator that receives refrigerant from the expanding valve and facilitates heat exchange between the low temperature refrigerant and a high temperature water. The evaporator comprises of two adjacent chambers that share a common wall. The first chamber is configured to receive the refrigerant and the second chamber is configured to receive the water, and the refrigerant and water exchange heat through the common wall. The heat exchange results in the reduction of water temperature and an increase in the refrigerant's temperature.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The general inventive concepts relate to water conditioning and, more particularly, to systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatic regulation of water temperature.

BACKGROUND

In many developing and developed countries around the world, water supply to a dwelling is typically stored in an outdoor elevated storage tank, from which location water flows to the dwelling's taps, faucets and outlets for consumption, typically via the operation of gravity. At such outdoor locations, the storage tank is susceptible to weather conditions such as extreme heat or extreme cold. For instance, in arid and semi-arid climatic conditions, water in such storage tanks may be heated up to 140° F. in the summer and may be cooled to near freezing temperatures in the winter.

Currently, users of such storage tanks are left with limited options to obtain temperature-regulated water. One such option is for users to consume water during parts of the day where temperatures are moderate, early mornings and late evenings for instance. Another option is for users to heat or cool the water using traditional heating and cooling appliances such as stoves and refrigerators respectively. As can be understood, such options are highly impractical for regular every-day use of water.

In view of the above, there is an unmet need for systems, methods and apparatuses for automatic regulation of water temperature which runs in conjunction with a dwelling's native water storage system and which allows the user to regulate water temperature in multiple ways.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The general inventive concepts contemplate systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatic regulation of water temperature. By way of example, to illustrate various aspects of the general inventive concepts, several exemplary embodiments of systems, methods and/or apparatuses are disclosed herein.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses, according to one exemplary embodiment, provide for an apparatus for continuous and automatic regulation of water temperature. In one embodiment, the apparatus for continuous and automatic regulation of water temperature comprises a water supply, a cooling gas, a compressor, a condenser, a liquid tank, a filter, a valve, and an evaporator. Additionally, an electronic control module is provided.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the specification. It is to be understood that both the foregoing brief summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the embodiments disclosed herein or as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate some embodiments disclosed herein, and together with the description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus for automatic regulation of water temperature.

FIG. 2 shows technical parameters for the apparatus described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of various components of the apparatus described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a description of the components of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a structural or schematic drawing of the apparatus described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows work flow drawing of the apparatus described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows an electronic control module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described by reference to some more detailed embodiments, with occasional reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these embodiments belong. The terminology used in the description herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing temperature, flow rates, wattage, voltage, resistance and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present embodiments. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the specification, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

It should be noted that for the purposes of this application, the terms attach (attached), connect (connected), and link (linked) are not limited to direct attachment, connection, or linking but also include indirect attachment, connection, or linking with intermediate parts, components, or assemblies being located between the two parts being attached, connected, or linked to one another. In addition, the terms attach (attached), connect (connected), and link (linked) may include two parts integrally formed or unitarily constructed.

Now, with particular reference to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary apparatus 100 for automatic regulation of water temperature. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 is configured to operate as an automatic water temperature control system for continuously flowing water supply. Apparatus 100 is configured to work even in tropical and sub-tropical climates, including arid and semi-arid conditions. Apparatus 100 functions by either increasing or decreasing the temperature of water to a pre-set level chosen by the user. Apparatus 100 is further designed to have enough capacity to supply water continuously, and without storing the water prior to cooling or heating, to the users in a dwelling, making it a centralized and an on-demand system.

Apparatus 100 has a programmable electronic control module 700 (as shown in FIG. 7) through which the user may interact with the apparatus 100 and regulate various features and functioning of apparatus 100, such as the output water temperature.

In one embodiment, apparatus 100 has a cooling capacity of 6 kilowatts, a water flow rate of 1000 liters per hour (LPH), and supports power supply inputs of 110 Volts, 220 Volts and 347 Volts. Water flow rates in apparatus 100 are adjustable. Moreover, apparatus 100 is also equipped with an outlet water pressure compensation function, which is designed to set the water flow pressure at different levels depending on the needs of the user, typically between 30 psi and 80 psi. For example, flow rates or water pressures required for high-capacity dwellings, such as apartments, offices, hotels, factories, hospitals, shopping malls, and restaurants are different from the flow rates or water pressures required at residential dwellings. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any other type of technical parameters may be utilized in the present invention, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, an alternate power supply input of 277 Volts or any other voltage input may be used in the invention. Other technical parameters for an exemplary embodiment of apparatus 100 are described in further detail in FIG. 2.

An exploded view of the various components in apparatus 100 are shown in FIG. 3. Although the several components are shown as being attached or linked or connected in a certain embodiment, one or ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that any combination of the several components may be incorporated without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. FIG. 4 provides the description of the components described and presented in FIG. 3.

A structural or schematic drawing of the apparatus 100 is described in FIG. 5. The drawing of apparatus 100 in FIG. 5 provides the components which make up the structural details of apparatus 100. For instance, apparatus 100 comprises of a condenser assembly (1), compressor (2), a liquid tank (3), an air collecting pipe (4), a gas-liquid separating pipe (5), a water pipe assembly (6), a water pump (7), an expanding valve (8), a copper filter (9), a heat exchanger (10), and a bottom panel (11).

Apparatus 100 is further described with reference to FIG. 6. The main components involved in the working of apparatus 100 are presented in FIG. 6. With further reference to FIG. 6, component A refers to the Compressor (referenced by reference character 1 in FIG. 3 and reference character 2 in FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the compressor A may be of the “tropicalized” compressor variety, like a Tropical Rotary Compressor which is commercially available. A tropicalized compressor is a special type of compressor which enables the use of the compressor in high temperature conditions, typically over 86 F. Component B refers to the Condenser (referenced by reference character 28 in FIG. 3 and partially by reference character 1 in FIG. 5), component C refers to the Liquid Tank (referenced by reference character 36 in FIG. 3 and reference character 3 in FIG. 5), component D refers to the Copper Filter (referenced by reference character 37 in FIG. 3 and reference character 9 in FIG. 5), component E refers to the Expanding Valve (referenced by reference character 31 in FIG. 3 and reference character 8 in FIG. 5), component F refers to the Evaporator, or alternately a water-side/plate heat exchanger (referenced by reference character 5 in FIG. 3 and partly by reference character 10 in FIG. 5).

Apparatus 100 and the components of apparatus 100 are preferably installed on a frame, with an enclosure wrapping the frame. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 and the components of apparatus 100 utilize corrosion resistant stainless steel construction. For instance, filters used in the construction of apparatus 100, the frame of apparatus 100 and enclosure wrapping the frame of apparatus 100 may all be made from a variety of corrosion resistant stainless steel material. Employing corrosion resistant stainless steel material is especially helpful in tropical, sub-tropical, arid and semi-arid climatic conditions where apparatus 100 may be exposed to severe weather conditions, and which, in the absence of employing corrosion resistant stainless steel material, may lead to degeneration of apparatus 100 through corrosion and/or rust. In other exemplary embodiment, natural or man-made materials such as metals, metal derivatives, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives, plastics, and fiberglass may be employed in lieu of or in combination with the corrosion resistant stainless steel material. In one embodiment, other improvements to apparatus 100, such as utilizing dust proof enclosures, may also be employed to protect apparatus 100 from severe weather conditions.

With further reference to FIG. 6, the work flow of apparatus 100 is described in detail. In one exemplary embodiment, at step 1, a refrigerant R22 is compressed to air with high temperature and pressure by the compressor A. Although refrigerant R22, such as the commercially available chlorofluorocarbons Refrigerant Gas, is used to describe the features of the current invention, one or ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any other type of cooling gas may be employed by the invention, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Refrigerant R22 or any other type of cooling gas may be made available to apparatus 100 in refillable form. At step 2, refrigerant R22 flows to the condenser B, where refrigerant R22 temperature is reduced by exchanging heat with air inside the condenser B. At step 3, refrigerant R22 flows to the liquid tank C, where the liquid tank C stores the liquid part of the refrigerant R22, allowing the gaseous part of the refrigerant R22 to flow to the expanding valve E, at step 4, through the copper filter D. Prior to passing through the expanding valve E, refrigerant R22 is in a high pressure and low temperature state. After passing through the expanding valve E, refrigerant R22 assumes a low pressure and low temperature state. At step 5, said low pressure and low temperature refrigerant R22 then flows to the evaporator F. In one embodiment, evaporator F is protected with a washable air filter designed to keep any dust and/or sand away from evaporator F. Water from a storage tank (not shown) is transported to the site of the evaporator F via a water pipe assembly (reference character 6 from FIG. 5 and reference character 12 from FIG. 3) and a water pump (reference character 7 from FIG. 5 and reference character 2 from FIG. 3). In an alternate embodiment, water is transported to the site of the evaporator F via a water pipe assembly (reference character 6 from FIG. 5 and reference character 12 from FIG. 3) and a water pump (reference character 7 from FIG. 5 and reference character 2 from FIG. 3) without first being stored in a storage tank at the site of the apparatus. This may be referred to as a “tank-less” system, wherein the system is dimensioned to be able to simultaneously cool the water (or heat the water) and supply to a dwelling on an as-need basis. This ensures that the water supply is continuous to the evaporator F. At this step, the low pressure and low temperature refrigerant R22 exchanges heat with water at the evaporator F, thereby reducing the water temperature and increasing the refrigerant R22 temperature. From this point, the high temperature refrigerant R22 flows back to the compressor A, resuming the work flow at step 1 described above.

The aforementioned water pressure compensation system may be regulated by the functioning of the water pump (reference character 7 from FIG. 5 and reference character 2 from FIG. 3). For instance, a pressure sensor or transducer (such as a strain gauge, not shown) measures the pressure in the output line of the water pump. If the measured water pressure is lower than a pre-set water pressure level, the water pump increases the pressure of the water being delivered through water pumping action. Similarly, if the measured water pressure is higher than a pre-set water pressure level, the water pump decreases the pressure of the water being delivered through water pumping action. In an embodiment, an “on-demand” water supply system begins to work when the pressure sensor detects a drop in pressure in the output line occasioned by the user turning on a tap or a faucet to use water. This sends a signal to an on/off switch (for example, via an Electronic Control Module 700 described below) assembly to enable the apparatus to start working to supply water. A close of the faucet by the user, allows pressure build up in the output line which is detected by the pressure sensor to switch off the system.

With reference to FIG. 7, an Electronic Control Module 700 (“ECM”) is described. The ECM 700 serves a “front-end” function in conjunction with apparatus 100. Specifically, the ECM 700 behaves as a front-end tool for the user to control and operate apparatus 100, thereby providing the user with an easy-to-use interface with which to control and operate apparatus 100. The ECM 700 has a microprocessor 710 (not shown), and various input and/or display mechanisms configured to control the apparatus 100. For instance, ECM 700 comprises a power on/off mechanism 1, a cooling mode mechanism 2, a heating mode mechanism 3, an error code mechanism 4, a recoverable fault mechanism 5, a serious fault mechanism 6, a timer setting mechanism 7, a water pump mechanism 8, an electrical heater mechanism 9, a 4-way valve mechanism 10, a defrost mechanism 11, a fan mechanism 12, a compressor mechanism 13, a unit number mechanism 14, a time mechanism 15, an on/off key mechanism 16, a defrost key mechanism 17, a mode key mechanism 18, a reset key mechanism 19, an option mechanism 20, a temperature adjusting key mechanism 21, a time adjusting key mechanism 22, a clock key mechanism 23 and a timer key mechanism 24. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all mechanisms described above are mandatory to the functioning of the ECM 700, and therefore not all mechanisms need to be included in a single functional ECM 700 unit. For instance, the heating mode mechanism 3 and electrical heater mechanism 9 may only be available in an apparatus 100 configured to heat water. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some or all of the described mechanisms may be display mechanisms and some or all of the described mechanisms may be input mechanisms. For instance, the power on/off mechanism 1 may be an input mechanism, meaning the mechanism may be utilized to accept user or system inputs. As a further example, the error code mechanism 4 may be a display mechanism, meaning the mechanism may be utilized to simply display a user selection and/or an underlying system state. Any combination of input and/or display mechanisms may be configured in the ECM 700 without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

With further reference to ECM 700, various input and/or display mechanisms are discussed. In one exemplary embodiment, power on/off mechanism 1 is configured to display a green or red indicator light, depending on whether ECM 700 is on or off respectively. When ECM 700 is on, activating the power on/off mechanism 1 would turn ECM 700 off, and would also turn the indicator light from a green color to a red color. When ECM 700 is off, activating the power on/off mechanism 1 would turn ECM 700 on, and would also turn the indicator light from a red color to a green color. In one exemplary embodiment, activating the reset key mechanism 19 for five (5) seconds locks the ECM 700 unit, in order to disable users from accidently activating any input and/or display mechanism. After ECM 700 is locked, activating the reset key mechanism 19 for an additional five (5) seconds will un-lock ECM 700 in order to enable users to activate any input and/or display mechanism of their choice. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the five second activation is not a limitation of the system, and any amount of time may be pre-set to achieve the locking and unlocking features described above. Additionally, ECM 700 may be configured such that the power on/off mechanism 1 is available to the user regardless of the locked/un-locked status described above.

With further reference to ECM 700 and the power on/off mechanism 1, in one embodiment, when power to the apparatus 100 is switched off, ECM 700 stops the compressor (reference A in FIG. 6) five seconds later, stops the outdoor fan (not shown) next, and one minute after stopping the outdoor fan, shuts down the water pump (reference character 7 from FIG. 5). Additionally, when power to the apparatus 100 is turned on, ECM 700 sends a signal to apparatus 100 to start the water pump (reference character 7 from FIG. 5). ECM 700 then checks to see if the flow switch (not shown) is working. The checking time for the flow switch may adjustable between 1 second and 60 seconds. If the flow switch doesn't work, ECM 700 displays an error code to show a malfunctioning flow switch (error code EO: 01 as shown in Table 1 below), then proceeds to stops the water pump (reference character 7 from FIG. 5) and turns off the power to the apparatus 100. If the Flow switch works, ECM 700 starts the Outdoor fan (not shown) and then, with an adjustable delay, between 1 second and 60 seconds for example, turns on the compressor (reference A in FIG. 6). All time limitations for the aforementioned mechanism may be adjusted as part of the system setup.

In one embodiment, ECM 700 starts the compressor (reference A in FIG. 6) only if the temperature of the water meets the pre-set conditions. The compressor (reference A in FIG. 6) will work if the pre-set water temperature is lower than the measured water temperature. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 may comprise a thermo elements 104 and 105 (not shown), to continually measure the inlet and outlet water temperature respectively. The thermo elements 104 and 105 for sensing the inlet and outlet water temperature can take a wide variety of different forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, thermo couples, digital thermometers, or other temperature sensing devices that are positioned at the water return pipe and the water output pipe respectively, are both connected to the ECM 700, and both provide a separate signal for the ECM 700 that can be processed by the ECM 700 to determine the inlet and outlet water temperature respectively. As an example, if the measured water temperature (inlet or outlet) becomes lower than the pre-set temperature, the ECM 700 will turn off the compressor (reference A in FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the turning off of the compressor will occur only if and when the compressor (reference A in FIG. 6) has been working longer than the minimum working time, which is set to preserve the longevity of the apparatus 100. After the compressor (reference A in FIG. 6) stops, ECM 700 turns off the outdoor fan (not shown) in a pre-set delay time that ranges between 1 second and 60 seconds. Then, apparatus 100 is put on standby.

Users may utilize the mode key mechanism 18 to choose the operating mode of the system. For instance, users may activate the mode key mechanism 18 to activate a single mode, or switch between two or more modes, including a cooling mode and/or a heating mode. In one embodiment, users may be able to change the ECM 700 mode even when ECM 700 is turned off. In one embodiment, users may utilize the options mechanism 20 and temperature adjusting key mechanism 21 in conjunction with each other. For instance, users may select the options mechanism 20 to review existing values of various system parameters such as output water temperature, coil temperature etc. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 may comprise a thermo element 106 (not shown), to continually measure an outdoor coil temperature. The thermo element 106 for sensing the outdoor coil temperature can take a wide variety of different forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, thermo couples, digital thermometers, or other temperature sensing devices that are positioned on the outdoor coil and are connected to the ECM 700 and provide a signal for the ECM 700 that can be processed by the ECM 700 to determine the outdoor coil temperature. Once the user arrives at a parameter of choice (e.g. output water temperature), the user may then utilize the temperature adjusting key mechanism 21 to increase or decrease the temperature setting of said parameter.

In one embodiment, users may utilize the time adjusting key mechanism 22 and reset key mechanism 19 in conjunction with each other. For instance, users may select the desired time, in hours, minutes, and/or seconds, by utilizing the time adjusting key mechanism 22, and then activate the reset key mechanism 19 in order to confirm the selected time. Additionally, ECM 700 may be configured such that the time adjusting key mechanism 22 is available to the user regardless of whether ECM 700 is turned on or off. The time mechanism 15 displays a default time, or the most recent time selected via the time adjusting key mechanism 22.

In one embodiment, users may utilize the timer setting mechanism 7 and reset key mechanism 19 in conjunction with each other. The timer setting mechanism 7 may be utilized to enable the user to pre-set a time at which ECM 100 turns on or off For instance, the user may pre-set the timer setting mechanism 7 to turn ECM 100 on every morning at a certain time, and to turn ECM 100 off every evening at a certain time. The timer setting mechanism 7 may be set to any time during the day, and is designed to aid the user to conserve energy, as well as to allow the user to customize the operation of apparatus 100 based on their unique needs. In one embodiment, if the timer setting mechanism 7 is configured to turn ECM 700 off at a time when ECM 700 is already off, ECM 700 will first be powered on, and then be powered off at said time. Similarly, if the timer setting mechanism 7 is configured to turn ECM 700 on at a time when ECM 700 is already on, ECM 700 will first be powered off, and then be powered on at said time. In another embodiment, if the timer setting mechanism 7 is configured to turn ECM 700 off at a time when ECM 700 is already off, no further action will take place. Similarly, in an embodiment, if the timer setting mechanism 7 is configured to turn ECM 700 on at a time when ECM 700 is already on, no further action will take place. In order to set a time utilizing the timer setting mechanism 7, users may select the desired time, in hours, minutes, and/or seconds, by utilizing the timer setting mechanism 7, and then activate the reset key mechanism 19 in order to confirm the selected time.

ECM 700 may also be configured to check for and detect certain faults or errors in the ECM 700 and/or the apparatus 100. Such checks and detections may be configured to take place automatically, without any user input. When ECM 700 checks for and detects a certain fault condition, a corresponding pre-set solution may be executed. In one embodiment, fault condition(s) may be represented as error code(s) in the error code mechanism 4. An exemplary list of error codes, reasons for the fault condition and the pre-set solutions are described below in Table 1.

TABLE 1
Sequence	Error code	Reason of Fault	Solutions
1	Pr: 02	TOC (outdoor	Change the sensor
		coil)Sensor is broken
2	Pr: 04	Overload protection in	TOC ≦ 50° C., unit recovers
		cooling mode.	running
3	Po: 02	TOA(ambient	Change the sensor
		temperature) sensor is
		broken
4	Po: 03	Anti-freeze protection	Return water temperature
		in cooling mode.	TRW ≧ 8° C., unit recovers
			running.
5	Po: 07	Winter anti-freeze	Return water temperature
		protection	TRW ≧ 9° C., unit recovers
			running.
6	Er: 02	Outdoor fan overload	Activate reset key
		protection	mechanism 19 to reset
			after the fault is removed.
7	Er: 04	High pressure in	Activate reset key
		compressor	mechanism 19 to reset
			after the fault is removed.
8	Er: 05	Low pressure in	Activate reset key
		compressor	mechanism 19 to reset
			after the fault is removed.
9	Eo: 00	Communication Error	Activate reset key
			mechanism 19 to reset
			after the fault is removed.
10	Eo: 01	Flow switch is cut off	Activate reset key
			mechanism 19 to reset
			after the fault is removed.
11	Eo: 04	Outdoor coil	Activate reset key
		temperature is too	mechanism 19 to reset
		high/low	after the fault is removed.
12	Eo: 07	Over thermal	Activate reset key
		protection in heating	mechanism 19 to reset
		mode.	after the fault is removed.
13	Er: 11	Return water	Change the sensor
		temperature sensor is
		broken
14	Er: 12	Outlet water	Change the sensor
		temperature sensor is
		broken.

In one embodiment, when any of the above listed fault conditions in Table 1 have been encountered and fixed, users may activate the reset key mechanism 19 to recover the normal operation of ECM 700.

With further reference to Table 1, an error code for winter anti-freeze protection (PO: 07) is described in more detail. Winter anti-freeze protection is configured to protect the components of apparatus 100 from freezing in low ambient temperatures. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 may comprise a thermo element 102 (not shown), to continually measure the ambient air temperature. The thermo element 102 for sensing the ambient air temperature can take a wide variety of different forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, thermo couples, digital thermometers, or other temperature sensing devices that are positioned in the ambient air and are connected to the ECM 700 and provide a signal for the ECM 700 that can be processed by the ECM 700 to determine the ambient temperature. When ambient air temperature reaches a preset temperature, 42° F. for example, the thermo element 102 sends signal to ECM 700. Consequently, ECM 700 closes all components of apparatus 100 and turns apparatus 100 off. ECM 700 may be configured such that when ambient temperature increases to a preset temperature, 48° F. for example, ECM 700 turns on again automatically to resume normal operations. In one embodiment, ECM 700 may be configured to check the return temperature of the water to initiate winter anti-freeze protection and the subsequent solution thereof.

ECM 700 may be configured to initiate anti-freeze protection for the heat exchanger (character 10 in FIG. 5). In one embodiment, when apparatus 100 is a cooling mode or it is turned off for an extended period of time, ECM 700 may be configured to initiate said protection automatically. Said protection may comprise starting the water pump (character 7 from FIG. 5) and stopping the compressor (character 2 in FIG. 5). ECM 700 may be configured such that when ambient temperature or the output temperature increases to a preset temperature, 48° F. for example, ECM 700 turns on again automatically to resume normal operations.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional protections may be configured in ECM 700, in addition to those described above. For example, a compressor running protection may be configured. In one embodiment, ECM 700 may be configured to initiate protection for the compressor (character 2 in FIG. 5) and check for a minimum/maximum running time and/or a minimum stopping time, or any other protection mechanism to impede the compressor (character 2 in FIG. 5) from starting or stopping too frequently. For instance, if the compressor's measured running time exceeds a maximum pre-set compressor running time, the ECM 700 may be programmed to initiate action. An exemplary action would be to turn off the compressor when the compressor's measured running time exceeds a maximum pre-set compressor running time. Additionally, other protections such as Er: 04 code for a high pressure in the compressor (character 2 in FIG. 5), and Er: 05 for a low pressure in the compressor (character 2 in FIG. 5) may be provided. In either case of errors (Er: 04 or Er: 05), the compressor (character 2 in FIG. 5) may be switched off automatically or manually using user intervention to prevent the apparatus 100 from any further damage. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 may comprise a compressor pressure sensing element 103 (not shown), to continually measure the compressor's output pressure. The compressor pressure sensing element 103 for sensing the compressor's pressure can take a wide variety of different forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, known pressure transmitters, pressure transducers, strain gauges, or other pressure sensing devices that are provided on an outlet of the compressor and are connected to the ECM 700 and provide a signal for the ECM 700 that can be processed by the ECM 700 to determine the compressor's output pressure.

The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concepts and attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and methods disclosed. For example, the general inventive concepts are not typically limited to an apparatus configured to cooling water only. Thus, for example, use of alternative options, such as a cold winter option where a heating element and a heating tank are provided, are within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts. As a further example, the general inventive concepts are not typically limited to using apparatus 100 as part of a dwelling's water supply system. Apparatus 100 may also be configured as a stand-alone system. The difference between apparatus 100 as described above and a stand-alone system would be of capacity, especially in the size and availability of components. In a standalone system, a water supply unit is attached to the apparatus 100. Non-standard units, such as stand-alone units, are sized based on flow requirements as well as output water temperature requirements. The specifications of the components, such as the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator (plate heat exchanger) are based on the requirements of water flow and desired output temperature. The higher the flow rate desired, the bigger the components and vice versa. If the apparatus 100 reaches the limits of an assembly, apparatus 100 may be cascaded into multiple units, which may or may not be contained in one assembly. As another example, although the embodiments disclosed herein have been primarily directed to using apparatus 100 as a general water supply device, the general inventive concepts could be readily extended to configure apparatus 100 to be used with other any apparatus which may perform other functions such as water purification. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts, as described and claimed herein, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for automatic regulation of water temperature comprising:

a compressor for compressing a refrigerant;

a condenser that receives refrigerant from the compressor for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant by exchanging the refrigerant's heat with air surrounding the condenser;

an expanding valve that receives refrigerant from the condenser for transforming the refrigerant in a high pressure state to a low pressure state; and

an evaporator that receives refrigerant from the expanding valve for facilitating heat exchange between the low temperature refrigerant and a high temperature water resulting in the reduction of water temperature and an increase in the refrigerant's temperature, wherein the evaporator comprises of two adjacent chambers that share a common wall.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first chamber is configured to receive the low temperature refrigerant and the second chamber is configured to receive the high temperature water, and wherein the refrigerant and water exchange heat through the common wall.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the high temperature water is continuously supplied to the evaporator using a water pump.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a pressure sensor is disposed inline with the water pump such that the pressure sensor measures a pressure of water in an outlet line that is fed by the water pump.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the water pump, in response to the pressure sensor detecting a drop in water pressure, automatically compensates for the water pressure drop by pumping more water into the outlet line with the water pump.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a frame made of corrosion resistant stainless steel material is disposed on the apparatus thereby fully enclosing the apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a dust-proof enclosure is disposed on the apparatus thereby fully enclosing the apparatus.

8. An apparatus for automatic regulation of water temperature comprising:

a compressor for compressing a refrigerant;

a condenser that receives refrigerant from the compressor for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant by exchanging the refrigerant's heat with air surrounding the condenser;

an expanding valve that receives refrigerant from the condenser for transforming the refrigerant in a high pressure state to a low pressure state; and

an evaporator that receives refrigerant from the expanding valve for facilitating heat exchange between the low temperature refrigerant and a high temperature water resulting in the reduction of water temperature and an increase in the refrigerant's temperature;

wherein the high temperature water is supplied to the evaporator using a water pump; and

a pressure sensor is disposed inline with the water pump such that the pressure sensor measures a pressure of water in an outlet line that is fed by the water pump.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein evaporator comprises of two adjacent chambers that share a common wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first chamber is configured to receive the low temperature refrigerant and the second chamber is configured to receive the high temperature water, and wherein the refrigerant and water exchange heat through the common wall.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the water pump, in response to the pressure sensor detecting a drop in water pressure, automatically compensates for the water pressure drop by pumping more water into the outlet line with the water pump.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a frame made of corrosion resistant stainless steel material is disposed on the apparatus thereby fully enclosing the apparatus.

13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a dust-proof enclosure is disposed on the apparatus thereby fully enclosing the apparatus.

14. An automatic water temperature regulation control apparatus comprising: an electronic control module;

an ambient air temperature sensor positioned in the ambient air, wherein the ambient air temperature sensor is in communication with the electronic control module and provides a first signal to the electronic control module, and wherein the electronic control module processes the first signal to determine the ambient air temperature;

a compressor pressure sensor positioned at an outlet of a compressor, wherein the compressor pressure sensor is in communication with the electronic control module and provides a second signal to the electronic control module, and wherein the electronic control module processes the second signal to determine the compressor's output pressure;

an outdoor coil temperature sensor positioned on an outdoor coil, wherein the outdoor coil temperature sensor is in communication with the electronic control module and provides a third signal to the electronic control module, and wherein the electronic control module processes the third signal to determine the outdoor coil temperature; and

a water temperature sensor positioned inline with a water output pipe, wherein the water temperature sensor is in communication with the electronic control module and provides a fourth signal to the electronic control module, and wherein the electronic control module processes the fourth signal to determine the temperature of the water being outputted.

15. The control apparatus of claim 14 wherein a second water temperature sensor is positioned inline with a water return pipe, wherein the second water temperature sensor is in communication with the electronic control module and provides a fifth signal to the electronic control module, and wherein the electronic control module processes the fifth signal to determine the temperature of the water being inputted into the apparatus.

16. The control apparatus of claim 14 wherein the electronic control module is programmed to measure the compressor's running time and compare the compressor's running time to a preset maximum running time, wherein the electronic control module is further programmed to stop the compressor if the compressor's running time exceeds the preset maximum running time.

17. The control apparatus of claim 14 wherein the electronic control module is configured to switch off the compressor if the pressure in the compressor is determined to be higher than a pre-set pressure point.

18. The control apparatus of claim 14 wherein the electronic control module is configured to further process the first signal to determine whether a freezing condition exists, wherein upon the determination that a freezing condition exits, the electronic control module is configured to switch off the apparatus.

19. The control apparatus of claim 14 wherein the electronic control module is configured to further process the fourth signal to determine whether a freezing condition exists, wherein upon the determination that a freezing condition exits, the electronic control module is configured to switch off the apparatus.

20. The control apparatus of claim 15 wherein the electronic control module is configured to further process the fifth signal to determine whether a freezing condition exists, wherein upon the determination that a freezing condition exits, the electronic control module is configured to switch off the apparatus.