Abstract: A baffle for a thermal transfer device can include a body having a multiple first apertures that traverse therethrough, where each first aperture has a first outer perimeter that includes a first base shape and at least one first protrusion extending from the first base shape. Each of the first apertures is configured to receive a tube. The first base shape of each first aperture has a first shape and a first size that is configured to be substantially the same as the first shape and the first size of an end of a tube.

Abstract: A water heater has one or more heating elements and an internal wall that causes an increased rate of heating within a sub-volume within the water heater tank. Water from the sub-volume is directed to the tank outlet.

Abstract: A flash boiling apparatus for a liquid food product that includes particles, the apparatus including a vacuum vessel provided with a product inlet and a product outlet for liquid food product, a pressure relief valve arranged upstream the product inlet for providing a pressure drop that results in flash boiling of the liquid food product, and an inlet section arranged between the pressure relief valve and the product inlet, for conveying the liquid food product from the pressure relief valve to the product inlet. The inlet section includes a through-flow area that increases in a direction from the pressure relief valve to the product inlet, such that a flow velocity of the liquid food product decreases when it passes the inlet section.

Abstract: In a heating and hot water supply apparatus, a heat exchanger for hot water supply includes a primary-side path and a secondary-side path. A bypass path branches from a heating circulation path and is configured such that a heat transfer medium heated by a heating device flows through the primary-side path without passing through a heating terminal when hot water supply operation is performed and then joins the heating circulation path again. A control unit controls a flow rate regulating valve so that a hot water flow rate does not exceed a reference limit flow rate when hot water supply operation is performed. The reference limit flow rate is set on the basis of the smaller one between a maximum heating capacity of the heating device and a heating capacity of the heating device at which an output temperature of the heated heat transfer medium reaches an upper limit temperature.

Abstract: A distribution valve controls a distribution ratio of a heat transfer medium between a hot water supply path including a heat exchanger for hot water supply and a beating circulation path through which the heat transfer medium is supplied to a heating terminal. A bypass flow rate control valve controls a bypass ratio which is a ratio of a flow rate of low temperature water introduced into a bypass pipe that bypasses the heat exchanger for hot water supply to a flow rate of low temperature water introduced into a water inlet pipe. The bypass ratio is regulated so that a hot water temperature detected by a temperature sensor reaches a hot water target temperature. During a simultaneous operation of hot water supply and heating, the distribution valve is controlled so that, when a bypass ratio is low, a distribution ratio is higher than when a bypass ratio is high.

Abstract: A thermosiphon system for hot water heaters. In an embodiment, the thermosiphon includes a multi-tubular structure which in an embodiment is insertable through the cold water connection in a hot water tank in order to provide for a thermosiphon action in the hot water heater, to keep water circulating and prevent temperature stratification of water in the tank. In another embodiment, a thermosiphon design is fabricated within a water heater tank at the factory.

Abstract: Provided herein are various systems and methods (i.e., utilities) broadly directed to the generation of hot water using energy derived from renewable energy sources as an alternative to or in conjunction with another power source (e.g., fossil fuel-based energy from a utility provider, an underperforming solar/wind/wind system, etc.). In the various aspects, these utilities are directed to the retrofitting of existing water heaters with electrical heating elements that are connectable to a renewable source of electrical energy. While primarily discussed in relation to retrofitting existing water heaters, various aspects are applicable to OEM manufactured systems. Further, various control methods are provided that allow for enhancing the efficiency of hot water generation, net metering, and/or the generation of renewable energy credits.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water tank for storing water to be heated and a thermosiphon tube in the water tank. The thermosiphon tube has a first end in a bottom portion of the water tank and a second end in a top portion of the water tank. At least a portion of a condenser tube of a heat pump is surrounded by the thermosiphon tube to define a water flow channel between the thermosiphon tube and the condenser tube. The condenser tube is at an elevated temperature compared to water temperature in the water flow channel due to a refrigerant cycle of the heat pump. A water pump is configured to flow water through the water flow channel to heat the water in the water flow channel and deliver the heated water into the top portion of the water tank through the second end of the thermosiphon tube.

Abstract: A dip tube for use with a water heater having a pipe nipple, the dip tube including an upper end and a tubular body, where the upper end is located above the tubular body. The upper end has an outer wall, a top portion and bottom portion, and further includes a flange located at the top portion. The flange extends outwardly from the outer wall to retain the dip tube at the pipe nipple. The upper end also includes a reinforced connecting portion located at the bottom portion for connecting the upper end to the tubular body, where a portion of the tubular body is located within the reinforced connecting portion.

Abstract: A thermosiphon system for hot water heaters. In an embodiment, the thermosiphon includes a multi-tubular structure which in an embodiment is insertable through the cold water connection in a hot water tank in order to provide for a thermosiphon action in the hot water heater, to keep water circulating and prevent temperature stratification of water in the tank. In another embodiment, a thermosiphon design is fabricated within a water heater tank at the factory.

Abstract: A water heater including a thermal break in the form of an air pocket that moves into an air trap segment of the cold water pipe to reduce heat loss during standby. The air pocket is pushed back into the tank by incoming cold water during a hot water and reforms at the top of the tank. During standby, the air pocket moves into the air trap via an anti-siphon hole communicating with the cold water inlet. The anti-siphon hole can be, for example, in the top of the dip tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature detection assembly (10) for a cooking pot (24). Said temperature detection assembly (10) comprises a straight and elongated bar (12), at least one SAW (surface acoustic wave) temperature sensor (10) arranged inside a lower end portion of the bar (12), a sensor antenna (16) connected to an upper end of the bar (12), and at least one handle (18) connected to the upper end of the bar (12). The SAW temperature sensor (10) or a heat conducting element connected to said SAW temperature sensor (10) is spaced from a lower end of the bar (12) by a predetermined distance, wherein a non-heat-conducting material is arranged between the SAW temperature sensor (10) or the heat conducting element, respectively, and the lower end of the bar (12). Further, the present invention relates to a lid (20) for a cooking pot (24), wherein the lid (20) is provided for receiving a temperature detection assembly (10) with a straight and elongated bar (12).

Abstract: A storage boiler, a tank of which has a first chamber for housing a given quantity of water; an inlet for feeding water into the first chamber; an outlet for discharging water from the tank; and a first resistor fitted inside the first chamber to heat the water inside the first chamber to, and keep it at, a standby first temperature; the first chamber housing a tubular body, which houses a second chamber communicating with the first chamber and with the outlet, and housing a second resistor selectively activatable to heat the water flowing through the second chamber to a dispensing second temperature higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: A system for mixing and delivering hot water at a user-selected temperature while minimizing consumption of energy and water, having a tank, which has a plurality of chambers adjacently arranged one on top of the other and contiguously connected in series; having solenoid valves on supply lines of cold and hot water to control water inflow to the tank's first chamber; and an algebraic thermometer, placed in the first chamber to send temperature information to a controller which includes a dispenser (metering unit) and outputs an electric signal to the solenoid valves.

Abstract: A water stratification drum for use in an electric and condensing water heater is disposed in a lower portion of the water holding tank and across the circumferential side wall of the tank. The water stratification drum has a pair of plates held spaced-apart by support members which extend between the pair of plates to maintain the plates in substantially parallel relationship. A cold water zone is defined between the plates and cool domestic water is introduced in the tank between the plates. The plates are flat disc plates formed on non-corrosive material and water there between is diffused in a controlled manner to other regions of the tank through at least one of the plates being perforated. The diffusion of the water prevents premature actuation of the heat source by not causing an abrupt change in the temperature of the hot water in the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle (100) for distribution of a fluid having a speed. The nozzle (100) defines a plurality of flow passages (150, 160, 170), at least one of the plurality of flow passages (150, 160, 170) is a central flow passage (160) and at least a first and a second of the plurality of flow passages (150, 160, 170) are outer flow passages (150, 170). The outlets (152, 172) of the outer flow passages (150, 170) are arranged on either side of the outlet (162) of the central flow passage (160). The second outer flow passage (170) has an inlet area (235) which is smaller than an outlet area (a3). A central axis of the inlets (210, 220, 230) is substantially perpendicular to a central plane of the outlets (152, 162, 172).

Abstract: A water pump controlled by a microcontroller and operated to pump hot water for specific recirculation periods during a multi-day cycle. The recirculation periods are determined from hot water usage data logged by the microcontroller during a logging period occurring in the previous multi-day cycle. A preferred cycle is during a seven-day, or one-week, period.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot water supply system provided with a tank which holds a high-temperature liquid, and a heating means for generating the high-temperature liquid which is stored in the aforementioned tank. In the lower portion of the aforementioned tank is provided a water-heating heat exchanger which heats the water to be supplied to a hot water terminal by means of the liquid present in the lower portion of the aforementioned tank. Further, a hot water supply circuit is provided which conducts water to the aforementioned hot water supply terminal. The aforementioned hot water supply circuit splits into a water-heating path passing through the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and a bypass path bypassing the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and is provided with a hot water supply circuit control mechanism which controls the circulation state of the water in the aforementioned water-heating path and the aforementioned bypass path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating/cooling system operating on the basis of a novel SPLIT BUFFER TANK; representing an efficiency improvement alternative to HVAC systems functioning with existing commercial buffer tanks. Currently, commercial buffers have the heat source provider (HSP)-return and system-return discharging to a common buffer/vessel. Novel SPLIT BUFFER is provided with a SEPARATION DISK placed inside the tank as mechanical way of separating the hot water inflow from the HSP from the warmer water inflow from system return. The disk moves up and down along the tank driven by demanded water supply and return. Pump-1 circulates hot water from the hot section of the buffer to the secondary system claiming for heat. Pump-2 circulates warmer water from the warmer section of the buffer through the HSP where it is reheated, and subsequently stored in the hot section of the buffer to reinitiate this cycle again.

Abstract: A water heater system comprises a water tank, a burner plenum, a flue, a blower, a combustion air passageway, a dilution air passageway, an upstream manifold, and a downstream manifold. The upstream manifold divides air from the blower so that some air flows through the combustion air passageway to the burner plenum and some air flows through the dilution air passageway to the downstream manifold. The downstream manifold combines the air from the dilution air passageway with combustion products from the flue.

Abstract: A method for improving a water heater cycle in a system for heating water and conditioning an interior space by operating a water pump at a first rate of speed until the entering water temperature is within a desirable range, or the water pump has operated at the first rate of speed for a predetermined time, then operating the water pump at a second rate of speed.

Abstract: A pipe connecting structure of a water heater. Individual parts in the water heater are integrally coupled with a pipe body, which is injection-molded, provides paths of tap water and hot water, reduces the number of pipes connecting the individual parts, and simplifies the connection structure of the pipes. The pipe connecting structure of the water heater includes a tap water inlet pipe connected from a tap water inlet to a heat exchanger; a hot water supply pipe connected from the heat exchanger to a hot water outlet; a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of the tap water introduced via the tap water inlet; and a flow control valve for controlling the flow rate of the hot water discharged via the hot water outlet. The pipe body connects and is integral with the tap water inlet, the tap water inlet pipe, the hot water supply pipe, and the hot water outlet.

Abstract: A hot water supply system includes a first tank for storing hot water for heating; a second tank for storing hot water to be supplied to a hot water tap; a heater circulation path for supplying the hot water of the first tank to a heater; a first path that includes a first heat transfer portion surrounding the exposed portion of the second tank to the inside of the first tank and that connects the first tank to a forward portion of the heater circulation path so that the hot water of the first tank can be supplied to the heater through the first heat transfer portion; and a second path that includes a second heat transfer portion disposed along the first heat transfer portion, and that allows heat exchange between the hot water of the second tank and the hot water flowing through the first heat transfer portion due to the flow, in the second heat transfer portion, of the hot water of the second tank.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a liquid storage tank includes a heat exchanger tank supported in one wall of the storage tank to extend into the storage tank in contact with liquid stored therein. The heat exchanger tank contains a heat exchanger fluid therein which is heated by a heating apparatus extending through the heat exchanger tank whereby heat is only transferred to the liquid in the storage tank through the heat exchanger fluid. The heating apparatus extending through the heat exchanger tank may be a burner tube or an electrical resistance-type heating element according to different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a liquid storage tank includes a heat exchanger tank supported in one wall of the storage tank to extend into the storage tank in contact with liquid stored therein. The heat exchanger tank contains a heat exchanger fluid therein which is heated by a burner tube extending through the heat exchanger tank whereby heat is only transferred to the liquid in the storage tank through the heat exchanger fluid. A controller actuates the burner head of the burner tube to maintain temperature of the heat exchanger fluid between upper and lower temperature limits. The operation of the burner head is interrupted in response to temperature of the liquid in the storage tank exceeding an upper limit, or fluid level in the heat exchanger tank being below a lower limit as determined by respective sensors.

Abstract: A hot water heater appliance includes a boiler, companion water heater, and a controller. The companion water heater has a hot water storage tank. The controller is configured to control the water heater appliance in response to a sensed temperature at an upper portion of the hot water storage tank and a sensed temperature at a lower portion of the hot water storage tank. The controller is configured to control the boiler to quickly heat water in the hot water storage tank in response to both upper and lower temperatures of the hot water storage tank being below a predetermined temperature and the controller is configured to more slowly heat water in the hot water storage tank in response to the upper temperature of the hot water storage tank being above the predetermined temperature and the lower temperature of the hot water storage tank being below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A hot water heater appliance includes a boiler, a companion water heater and a controller. The controller is configured to control the water heater appliance in response to a scheduled plurality of performance modes based on a preset schedule. A first performance mode is scheduled to be performed at an expected low usage time and a second performance mode is scheduled to be performed at an expected high usage time relative to the expected low usage time.

Abstract: A fluid heating system, comprising: a heater having an inlet and an outlet; a storage vessel; a fluid mixer having a first inlet for receiving fluid stored in or passing through the storage vessel, a second inlet for receiving fluid from a cold fluid supply, and an outlet for supplying fluid to the heater inlet; wherein in a first mode the heater is operable to heat fluid in the storage vessel, and in a second mode the fluid mixer is mixes fluid from or passing through the storage vessel with fluid from the cold fluid supply at a predefined volumetric ratio to provide mixed fluid to the inlet of the heater to be heated further to an output temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a domestic combined heat and power system, and the domestic combined heat and power system includes a power unit, a heat-storage tank which receives waste heat of the power unit and stores heat in direct water, and a main heat exchanger which is connected to the heat-storage tank and is heated by a burner so as to use the water as hot water or heating water, in which a waste-heat heat exchanger filled with a heat-transfer medium is installed between the power unit and the heat-storage tank such that a waste-heat pipe of the power unit is arranged in the form of a coil at one side inside the waste-heat heat exchanger, and a heat-storage pipe of the heat-storage tank is arranged in the form of a coil at the other side, so that waste heat of the power unit is indirectly heat exchanged to the heat-storage tank through the heat-transfer medium; in which hot-water piping coming out from the heat-storage tank is arranged so as to be indirectly heat exchanged via a hot-water heat exch

Abstract: A steam generator and a laundry machine equipped with the same are disclosed, the steam generator according to the present invention includes a case (100) for storing water for generating steam therein; an inlet (111) provided within the case (100) for drawing water there trough; an outlet (112) provided within the case (100) for discharging steam there trough; and a water-inlet-proof-partition-wall (800) for preventing the water drawn through the inlet (111) from being discharged through the outlet (112). An object of the present invention devised to solve the problem is to provide a steam generator which can prevent water from being discharged through an outlet (112) and supplied into a drum.

Abstract: A water heater with a hot water compartment, the volume of which is decreased when hot water is discharged. The remaining hot water is prevented from mixing with replacement cold water. The volume of the compartment is increased again when cold water has been heated and is pushed into the hot water compartment. The water heater is divided into a receiving compartment for water at ambient temperature and a compartment from which heated water is discharged for normal usage. The previously heated water is thereby prevented from mixing with replacement cold water. All compartments can be heated or the compartments can be heated individually. The water heater keeps the hot water temperature high between usage activities, and is suited for an intermittent energy source, e.g. solar power.

Abstract: According to the required amount of heating, a controller of a combustion apparatus exercises selective on-off switching control on capacity control switching valves for the supplying of gas to three different combustion areas partitioned respectively by a group of three combustion burners, a group of five combustion burners and a group of nine combustion burners, whereby the three combustion areas can selectively be burned, thereby the combustion capacity is changed and switched to any of a plurality of combustion capacity levels. A combustion exhaust temperature sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet of an exhaust stack. Judgment temperatures corresponding respectively to combustion capacity levels for combustion exhaust high-temperature abnormality judgment are set.

Abstract: A combined compact hot and ozonated cold water unit which comprises a framework that accommodates a hot water heater device, a ozone generator device and a combined temporary storage tank having both a hot water compartment and a separate cold water compartment. The hot water heater device is connected with the hot water compartment of the combined temporary storage tank for heating the water contained therein. The ozone generator device is connected with only the water compartment of the combined temporary storage tank for supplying ozone to the water contained therein.

Abstract: An accumulator tank for handling a heat transfer medium, is disclosed having a tank top section and a bottom section. The accumulator tank is connected to at least one heat emitting system and at least one heat-absorbing system. The accumulator tank has a plurality of partition walls located inside the tank and arranged between the bottom section and the top section for the purpose of dividing the tank into a plurality of spaces. The systems being each connected to at least one respective space so that a temperature gradient is created between the bottom section and the top section. Also disclosed is a system for distributing and handling heat and/or cold, including the accumulator tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot water supply system provided with a tank which holds a high-temperature liquid, and a heating means for generating the high-temperature liquid which is stored in the aforementioned tank. In the lower portion of the aforementioned tank is provided a water-heating heat exchanger which heats the water to be supplied to a hot water terminal by means of the liquid present in the lower portion of the aforementioned tank. Further, a hot water supply circuit is provided which conducts water to the aforementioned hot water supply terminal. The aforementioned hot water supply circuit splits into a water-heating path passing through the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and a bypass path bypassing the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and is provided with a hot water supply circuit control mechanism which controls the circulation state of the water in the aforementioned water-heating path and the aforementioned bypass path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot-water system including a water tank with a water inlet and a water outlet for storing air-conditioning water; a pump motor, connected to the water outlet of the water tank through a connection pipe at one end thereof, circulating the air-conditioning water in the water tank by a pumping operation; an instantaneous water heater, connected to the other end of the pump motor by a connection pipe, instantaneously heating the air-conditioning water being circulated by the pumping operation of the pump motor; and an air-conditioning member, connected to both of the instantaneous water heater and the water tank to form an air-conditioning fluid path of a closed loop and guide the flow of the air-conditioning water; wherein the surface temperature of the air-conditioning member is increased by the heat of the air-conditioning water heated by the instantaneous water heater.

Abstract: A device comprises a boiler for containing and heating a liquid; and a cool liquid system that is in liquid communication with the boiler, and that is intended to contain relatively cold liquid. During operation of the device, the boiler is activated such as to heat a quantity of liquid that is received from the cool liquid system. In order to avoid heating up of the liquid that is present inside the cool liquid system and cooling down of the liquid that is present inside the boiler, measures are taken in order to prevent a backflow of the liquid. These measures involve an application of some kind of component (9) to be positioned upstream of the boiler, and in order to avoid heat transfer through this component (9), additional measures are taken to realize a heat insulating effect at a position upstream of the boiler.

Abstract: Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. Embodiments of this invention provide a means of keeping an amount of the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside a housing by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate housing connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water heater comprising a water tank, and a number of passageways for connection of valves and water tubes, in which an integrated channel or void is at least extending below the water tank and leads into an outlet to a drain. In one aspect, the invention also relates to a combination for a water heater comprising a top cover and a bottom tray, and in another aspect to a bottom cover for a wall mounted water heater.

Abstract: A water heater for heating potable water used in a boat or vehicle. Exhaust heated by the burner of the water heater is discharged from the burner and is conveyed through an exhaust duct which extends through a water jacket surrounding the burner and which water jacket holds the potable water to be heated. The potable water is heated by the burner and also by the hot exhaust gases in the exhaust duct. Operating components are accessible from one end of the water heater.

Abstract: A return temperature stabilizer assembly or metering means is provided for a boiler that facilitates the mixing of cooler, inlet return fluid with the heated fluid within the boiler chamber whereby the temperature striations within the boiler chamber are reduced or eliminated, and wherein the temperature stabilizer assembly is modular in design, and therefore capable of easily accommodating boilers of differing sizes.

Abstract: A water heater includes a storage tank, a heat source for heating water stored in the storage tank, and a dip tube extending into the tank. The dip tube includes upper and lower ends, a restriction between the upper and lower ends so as to create back pressure in the dip tube above the restriction, the restriction positioned in an upper portion of the storage tank, a lower opening below the restriction for providing cold water to a lower portion of the storage tank, and an upper opening above the restriction for providing cold water to the upper portion of the storage tank due to the first restriction.

Abstract: A boiler capable of simultaneously performing a heating operation and a hot water operation and readily controlling the temperature of the hot water. In the boiler primary heating water is heated by a burner in a main heat exchanger and is supplied to a place in need of heating to be used as heating water. Secondary heating water exchanges heat with the primary heating water in an instant heat exchanger and is supplied to a place in need of hot water to be used as hot water. The boiler includes a flow regulator so that the primary heating water is supplied to the place in need of heating after flowing through the flow regulator which regulates flow depending on heating load, and is subsequently supplied to the instant heat exchanger after regulation by the flow regulator depending on hot water load.

Abstract: A water heater unit is described for providing convective water flow through a water circulatory system. In one embodiment, the water heater unit has an outer housing, a water tank disposed within the housing, and a first cold water inlet coupled to the tank and connectable to a cold water supply line. A hot water outlet is coupled to the tank and connectable to a hot water supply line. A connection chamber adjacent to the tank has a second cold water inlet connectable to the cold water line, and a chamber outlet connected to the first cold water inlet of the tank. The connection chamber has at least one return inlet connectable to the hot water return line at a position to allow a substantially continuous flow of return hot water driven by convection forces without the benefit of a recirculation pump.

Abstract: A steam box includes a container having an inner portion provided with a receiving chamber which has a bottom provided with a water tank. The container has a lower portion provided with a receiving space located under the water tank to receive a burner. The container is provided with an inner water storage conduit, an outer water storage conduit and an air draining channel located between the inner water storage conduit and the outer water storage conduit. Thus, waste air produced by the burner during the heating process is disposed at a higher temperature and can be reused to heat the water in the inner water storage conduit and the outer water storage conduit and to increase the temperature of the water in the water tank so as to shorten the heating time of the steam box.

Abstract: A hot-water supply system 200 includes: a first tank 5 for storing hot water for heating; a second tank 6 for storing hot water to be supplied to a hot-water tap 3; a heater circulation path 51 for supplying the hot water of the first tank 5 to a heater 4; a first path 53 that includes a first heat transfer portion 10a surrounding the exposed portion of the second tank to the inside of the first tank 5 and that connects the first tank 5 to a forward portion of the heater circulation path 51 so that the hot water of the first tank 5 can be supplied to the heater 4 through the first heat transfer portion 10a; and a second path 55 that includes a second heat transfer portion 11a disposed along the first heat transfer portion 10a, and that allows heat exchange between the hot water of the second tank 6 and the hot water flowing through the first heat transfer portion 10a due to the flow, in the second heat transfer portion 11a, of the hot water of the second tank 6.

Abstract: In a single can-type composite heat source machine including a single can body (2) including a first combustion section (3-1) having a first burner (4-1) and a hot water supplying first main heat exchanger (5-1) located above the first burner (4-1), and a second combustion section (3-2) having a second burner (4-2) and a second main heat exchanger (5-2) located above the second burner (4-2) and used for a purpose other than hot water supply, the first combustion section (3-1) and the second combustion section (3-2) being partitioned from each other by a partition wall (2a) and juxtaposed in a lateral direction, the machine including a first auxiliary heat exchanger (11-1) and a second auxiliary heat exchanger (11-2) both of a latent heat recovery type connected to upstream sides of the first main heat exchanger and the second main heat exchanger, respectively, an exhaust system can be miniaturized and simplified in spite of provision of the auxiliary heat exchangers.

Abstract: A fluid storage container with a baffle controls the heat absorption percentage of the container. Fluid that is heated adjacent to the surface of a container rises replacing colder fluid which sinks downward, regardless of the baffle. This behavior is able to lead to onset of oscillations in the temperature and flow fields. Due to blockage effect of a thin baffle, multi-cell recirculating vortex structures are observed. The number and strength of these vortices depend on the position and length of the baffle. For certain placements and lengths of the baffle, the time rate of the rise of the bulk temperature is increased or decreased.

Abstract: A burner tube and door assembly for a water heater includes a burner tube and a fuel supply line in telescoping relationship to define a tube junction. The tube junction extends through the door of a water heater. One of the tube and line includes an enlarged portion. A lock ring applies a radially-directed force around a portion of the tube junction. The enlarged portion and lock ring are on opposite sides of the door to secure the door to the burner tube and fuel supply line. The enlarged portion and lock ring apply a compressive load to the door to resist rotation of the door with respect to the tube junction.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater. The storage-type water heater comprising a water storage tank configured to retain tank water, means for heating the tank water in the water storage tank, and an anti-stacking pump assembly. The anti-stacking pump assembly includes a water tube configured to be positioned in the water storage tank, an impeller positioned within the water tube, a motor drivingly connected to the impeller, a water inlet formed in the water tube upstream of the impeller and configured to deliver tank water into the water tube from the water storage tank, and a water outlet formed in the water tube downstream of the impeller.