Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a surface of an aircraft. A flow of air is received from a portion of an engine in a tube system. The air flowing through the tube system is heated. The air is sent to the surface of the aircraft. The flow of the air from the portion of the engine and the heating system to heat the surface of the aircraft are controlled. Icing conditions at the surface of the aircraft are reduced.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a vehicle heating system for a vehicle with an engine and a charge air cooler, the vehicle heating system including a high-temperature cooling circuit coupled to the engine, a low-temperature cooling circuit coupled to the charge air cooler and including a low temperature cooler, and a heating heat exchanger coupled to the low-temperature cooling circuit.

Abstract: A gas heat sub-base for use in conjunction with a PTAC or similar HVAC terminal unit, the sub-base having a housing with a front side, back side, top and bottom all defining an interior space. The top is configured to mate with the bottom of the PTAC unit. The sub-base also includes a plurality of air intake louvers on the front side of the housing and a heat exchanger located within the interior space of the housing. The gas heat sub-base is separate from, but is integrated with, the PTAC unit. A heating and cooling unit includes a PTAC unit with the gas heat sub-base.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a boiler for boiling water to produce steam, having (1) an evaporating section comprising (a) a combustion chamber for burning fuel with air and generating hot flue gas, (b) an evaporating heat exchanger around the combustion chamber for exchanging heat between the flue gas and water to produce the steam which exits the boiler; and (2) a condensing section comprising (c) a condensing heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the hot flue gas from the combustion chamber and a low-temperature water return having a temperature below approximately 100° F., generating flue gas condensate, which leaves the boiler, wherein the low-temperature water return is heated by the hot flue gas in the condensing heat exchanger before entering the evaporating heat exchanger for additional heating. The disclosed vacuum condensing boilers make vapor vacuum steam more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications.

Abstract: A hydronic air heater includes a frame assembly defining an enclosure, an inlet air damper formed in a wall of the enclosure and providing a means of ingress for ambient air, a closed heat transfer loop disposed within the enclosure, and a blower assembly disposed within the enclosure. The heat transfer loop includes a boiler for heating a fluid, a pump for circulating the fluid within the loop and a heating coil for receiving the heated fluid from the boiler. The blower assembly is configured to draw air into the enclosure through the inlet air damper and through the heating coil whereby heat from the fluid within the heating coil is transferred to the air.

Abstract: A heated air makeup unit comprising a heating chamber with a modulated furnace one or more non-modulated furnaces air temperature control and efficient furnace operation over a wide heating rate range. The utilization of indirect fired furnaces in the heated air makeup unit is disclosed. A control system is included to provide control of heated air temperature to within +/?1 F.° using continuous control of the heating rate of the modulated furnace and stepwise activation and de-activation of the non-modulated furnaces in response to heating demand. A programmed combustion air flow controller programmed to provide optimal airflow for any gas flow in a flow range of a modulating gas valve is provided to assure combustion efficiencies of at least 83%.

Abstract: A disclosed substrate processing apparatus comprises a heat exchange plate configured to heat and/or cool the substrate; plural protrusions provided on the heat exchange plate so as to allow the substrate to be placed on the plural protrusions, leaving a gap between the substrate and the heat exchange plate; a suction portion configured to attract the substrate onto the plural protrusion by suction through plural holes formed in the heat exchange plate; and a partition member that is provided on the heat exchange plate and lower than the plural protrusions, wherein the partition member is configured to divide the gap into two or more regions including at least one of the holes so that at least one of the two or more regions is two-dimensionally closed by the partition member.

Abstract: A heating and ventilation system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system having a heater core supplied with engine cooling fluid via a variable flow pump for heating an air flow supplied to the passenger compartment. The system additionally having a controller for controlling the pump to increase engine cooling fluid mass flow-rate in response to a detected temperature decrease of the engine cooling fluid when the engine is off.

Abstract: A thermal system for an electric vehicle includes an electric heat source, a heat exchanger, a traction battery, a first thermal loop thermally coupled to the heat exchanger and the heat source, and a second thermal loop thermally coupled to the battery and configured to be selectively thermally coupled to the heat source. A vehicle includes an electric heat source, a heat exchanger system selectively thermally coupled with the heat source, and a traction battery system selectively thermally coupled to the heat source. A method of controlling a battery electric vehicle includes detecting a vehicle state input and operating an electric heater to heat a fluid. A valve arrangement is actuated to provide the fluid to one of a traction battery through a first fluid conduit, a heat exchanger through a second fluid conduit, and a battery and a heat exchanger through the first and second fluid conduits.

Abstract: A transportation trailer having a moving floor including a plurality of reciprocating slats for loading/unloading materials into the trailer. The trailer includes a system for warming the moving floor when the materials transported in the trailer freeze on the slats in cold weather. Using the pre-existing hollow structure of the slats, a stream of hot fluid or a hot fluid pipe is run inside the slats for thawing the frozen materials for unloading the trailer. The hot fluid may be provided from a hot fluid source on board of the trailer, for thawing the frozen materials while the trailer is on its way to the unloading site, or may be provided separately at the unloading site.

Abstract: A transportation trailer having a moving floor including a plurality of reciprocating slats for loading/unloading materials into the trailer. The trailer includes a system for warming the moving floor when the materials transported in the trailer freeze on the slats in cold weather. Using the pre-existing hollow structure of the slats, a stream of hot fluid or a hot fluid pipe is run inside the slats for thawing the frozen materials for unloading the trailer. The hot fluid may be provided from a hot fluid source on board of the trailer, for thawing the frozen materials while the trailer is on its way to the unloading site, or may be provided separately at the unloading site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the fuel supply of a boiler, for a building (2) having a boiler (4) and energy accumulation means (4?), in order to ensure a desired indoor temperature during an autonomy period P, this method including the following steps: a) making an estimation of the average outdoor temperature during the autonomy period P, b) determining the consumption of the building (2) in order to ensure said desired indoor temperature, depending on the previous estimation of the average outdoor temperature, c) determining the amount of energy to be provided depending on the previous consumption, and the amount of fuel required for providing this energy.

Abstract: A method for heating an interior of a motor vehicle having a fuel cell, a climate measuring device by which a climate parameter of the interior of the motor vehicle is measured, and a heat transfer device for transferring heat that is generated by the fuel cell to the interior of the motor vehicle. At least one operating parameter of the fuel cell is set also as a function of the climate parameter of the interior of the motor vehicle so that the rate of the heat that is generated by the fuel cell depends on the operating parameter.

Abstract: In a system wherein a fossil fuel fired burner heats incoming well or municipally supplied water to a temperature required for industrial concrete production, the exhaust gases produced by the burner are utilized to preheat the incoming water to an increased temperature before the water is put into an insulated tank where the burner subsequently raises the water temperature to the required level, to thereby reduce the load on the burner and increase the efficiency of directly fired water heating systems.

Abstract: A method of controlling a heating system includes: obtaining, from a power supply source, information specifying an output modulation period during which power consumption by a heat pump unit is to be reduced; and controlling, based on the information obtained in the obtaining, an amount of heat generated by the heat pump unit. In the controlling, the heat pump unit is caused to generate a first amount of heat per unit time in a period other than the output modulation period, and generate a second amount of heat per unit time during the output modulation period, the second amount of heat being less than the first amount of heat.

Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a fuel cell configured to generate electricity and rejected heat, a hydronic coil, and a circulatory loop configured to selectively circulate a fluid between the fuel cell and the hydronic coil.

Abstract: Hydronic heating systems, controllers for such systems, and methods of using/operating same are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a system includes at least one condensing boiler and at least one non-condensing boiler, and at least one controller configured for utilizing at least one PID control program to generate at least one signal for controlling firing rates of one or more of the boilers based upon sensed water temperature and temperature setpoint inputs. Depending upon the mode of operation, the at least one PID control program is a first PID control program dedicated to controlling only the at least one condensing boiler, or is a second PID control program dedicated to controlling only the at least one non-condensing boiler, or includes both the first and second PID control programs. Also, outside air temperature serves as a basis for generating the temperature setpoint inputs.

Abstract: A method for regulating a temperature in a plurality of rooms (3) of a building, comprising steps of detecting a first ambient temperature measurement (TaI) in a first room (3a) with use of a thermostat (5) destined to command functioning of a first heat-regulating device (8a) mounted on a first radiator (4a) arranged in the first room (3a), in a correlated way with the first ambient temperature measurement (TaI) and with a first set value (Tset1) of a desired temperature in the first room (3a), detecting a first proximal temperature (Tpr1) by means of a first sensor (9a) arranged in proximity of the first radiator (4a), detecting a second ambient proximal temperature measurement (Tpr2) in a second room (3b) by means of a second sensor (9b) arranged in proximity of a second radiator (4b), correlating the measurement of the second proximal temperature (Tpr2) with a second set value (Ofs2) for a second heat-regulating device (8b) and also at least with the first proximal temperature measurement (Tpr1) in order

Abstract: An exemplary temperature control system for animal confinement buildings includes an agricultural heater and a ventilation system. The agricultural heater is modified to be a variable rate heater using SmartBox technology or by applying appropriate control logic and outputs to a conventional room controller. A heat on/off relay of the room controller can serve as an enable signal connected to the SmartBox. Heating is controlled using a proportional-plus-integral algorithm for error correction. Error correction may be ceased when temperatures fall within a dead band. Heat is turned on when the temperature drops to an on temperature equal to a set point minus 0.5 F. Heat can be turned off when the heater has been at a minimum output level for a minimum output period (such as 90 seconds) and the temperature has not dropped below the on temperature during the minimum output period. An auto-variable radiant brooder may be incorporated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for preventing coagulation in an exhaust pipe of a boiler is provided. The method includes operating the boiler and executing a combustion stroke, determining if an ambient air temperature measured by an ambient air temperature detecting sensor is equal to or lower than a first temperature, shifting a 3-way valve to a hot-water location if the measured ambient air temperature is equal to or lower than the first temperature, executing an extinction stroke of a burner if the temperature of space heating water reaches a second temperature, and operating a circulation pump and a blower to exchange heat in a heat exchanger and to discharge warm air through an exhaust pipe, thereby preventing coagulation in the exhaust pipe of the boiler.

Abstract: A hydrofluoroether compound comprises two terminal, independently fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl groups and an intervening oxytetrafluoroethylidene moiety (—OCF(CF3)—) bonded through its central carbon atom to an alkoxy- or fluoroalkoxy-substituted fluoromethylene moiety (—CF(OR)—), each of the terminal groups optionally comprising at least one catenated heteroatom.

Abstract: A controller in a heat management system is capable of managing unlimited hydronic heat sources and unlimited heating zones, each located within a desired area and each controlled by temperature sensors in bi-directional electronic/electrical communication with the controller. A user interface can be included with the controller (or interact with the controller) and be in bi-directional electrical/electronic communication with the controller. In such a way, one or more users can manage the heating of domestic water and the heating of zones or areas in which the one or more users live via the controller. The controller in the heat management system may be used for controlling hydronic heating systems installed in RV, marine and home applications.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

Abstract: In a hydronic heating/cooling system, liquid is led along a main supply pipe (1) to a supply manifold (2) and distributed into heating loops (3). The heating loops (3) return to a return manifold (4). At least one of the manifolds (2, 4) has actuators (6) for controlling the flow in the heating loops (3). Actuators with fast operating times are used and valves of the actuators are controlled to close at different times in different heating loops (3).

Abstract: A washing appliance (2) is provided which is comprised of a dedicated reservoir (6) for the washing appliance (2), the reservoir (16) having an inlet (12) to allow inflow of water and an outlet (17) to enable outflow of water, and at least one heat exchange means (10) characterised in that at least one heat exchange means (10) is adapted and configured to transfer ambient energy outside the reservoir (6) into the reservoir (6).

Abstract: A primary-secondary loop piping system includes at least one boiler in fluid communication with a primary piping loop and at least one primary loop pump in the primary piping loop. At least one secondary piping loop branches away from the primary loop and returns downstream to the primary loop via a pair of closely spaced tees in a primary/secondary piping loop interface apparatus. The primary/secondary piping loop interface apparatus is of unitary construction and includes a secondary loop shut-off valve, drain valve and drain port in each branch of each secondary loop in which it is installed.

Abstract: A primary-secondary loop piping system includes at least one boiler in fluid communication with a primary piping loop and at least one primary loop pump in the primary piping loop. At least one secondary piping loop branches away from the primary loop and returns downstream to the primary loop via a pair of closely spaced tees in a primary/secondary piping loop interface apparatus. The primary/secondary piping loop interface apparatus is of unitary construction and includes a secondary loop shut-off valve, drain valve and drain port in each branch of each secondary loop in which it is installed.

Abstract: The system includes a boiler, and multiple radiators connected to the boiler via a network of pipes. It includes a central processor for monitoring and control, air vent controllers that control the flow of steam through the radiators and a boiler control which turns the boiler on and off. The radiators are divided into groups. The central controller communicates with the air vent controllers to determine the conditions in the various groups. Based at least in part on the conditions, central controller may determine that the group requires heat. If heat is required and other parameters agree, central processor determines the state of the boiler. If off, the boiler is instructed to turn on and the air vent controllers in the group are instructed to open. Each air vent controller in that heat zone will then open allowing air to flow through the radiator and heat to be provided.

Abstract: An under-floor trough is provided for use with a raised-floor system. The under-floor trough includes an air-delivery assembly, one or more plurality of dampers, a support system, and a heating element. A control unit, removable from above the raised-floor system, and a baffle are disposed within the air-delivery assembly. The dampers include vanes that are actuated between open and closed positions according to a time modulated duty cycle to control the flow of conditioned air to a room. The support system provides a plurality of legs disposed between the bottom of the air-delivery assembly and a sub-floor. A bracket is mounted to a wall and the under-floor trough is supported thereby. The heating element is disposed within the air-delivery assembly. Conditioned air is provided to a room at high flow rates for short durations based on the duty cycle, thereby increasing the uniformity of cooling provided to the room.

Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle, in particular a car, comprising an internal combustion engine, a vehicle battery and an occupant cell, the internal combustion engine being operated with a start/stop function wherein the internal combustion engine is switched on and off automatically during the operation of the vehicle in dependence on parameters such as a current drive power demand, and temperature, the start/stop function is activated only if the vehicle battery has a battery temperature which is above a minimum temperature value and the battery is exposed to the heated or cooled air conducted through the occupant cell of the vehicle.

Abstract: A heated air makeup unit comprising a heating chamber with a modulated furnace one or more non-modulated furnaces air temperature control and efficient furnace operation over a wide heating rate range. The utilization of indirect fired furnaces in the heated air makeup unit is disclosed. A control system is included to provide control of heated air temperature to within +/?1 F.° using continuous control of the heating rate of the modulated furnace and stepwise activation and de-activation of the non-modulated furnaces in response to heating demand. A programmed combustion air flow controller programmed to provide optimal airflow for any gas flow in a flow range of a modulating gas valve is provided to assure combustion efficiencies of at least 83%.

Abstract: There is provided a heating system for a building comprising; i) a heater; ii) a media flow passage through which a medium heated by the heater passes in order to distribute heat through the building; and iii) a heat recovery apparatus for recovering latent heat of adsorption from a humid gas. The heat recovery apparatus comprises a) a gas flow passage connected at one end to a source of humid gas; b) a desiccant material provided within the gas flow passage such that the humid gas contacts the desiccant material and water vapour is adsorbed releasing latent heat of adsorption; wherein the media flow passage and gas flow passage are in heat exchanging relationship, such that when the desiccant material adsorbs water vapour from the exhaust gas the latent of the adsorption is at least partially transmitted to the medium.

Abstract: A heating installation includes a heat pump, heating fluid piping passing through a condenser of the heat pump to exchange heat between refrigerant and heating fluid, first and second objects heated by the heating fluid to first and second set temperatures, a valve switchable between first and second positions to supply heating fluid to the first and second objects, sensors detecting first and second actual temperatures at the first and second objects, and a control. The heat pump also has an evaporator, a compressor and an expansion device. The control in a demand dependent mode, is configured to determine a first demand based on the first set and actual temperatures and a second demand based on the second set and actual temperatures, and is configured to switch the valve to the first and second positions based on comparison of the first and second demands. A method for controlling a heating installation heats the first or second object based on such a comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for control room temperature of each room adapted to heating environment that allows a temperature control system to be adapted by itself to heating environment (quantity of heat of a heating source, magnitude of load, difference between setting temperature and room temperature) by reflecting the changes in the heating environment and data obtained by previous heating into the control, and reduces unnecessary energy consumption by controlling the quantity of heat of a boiler at the minimum required level.

Abstract: A transportation trailer having a moving floor including a plurality of reciprocating slats for loading/unloading materials into the trailer. The trailer includes a system for warming the moving floor when the materials transported in the trailer freeze on the slats in cold weather. Using the pre-existing hollow structure of the slats, a stream of hot fluid or a hot fluid pipe is run inside the slats for thawing the frozen materials for unloading the trailer. The hot fluid may be provided from a hot fluid source on board of the trailer, for thawing the frozen materials while the trailer is on its way to the unloading site, or may be provided separately at the unloading site.

Abstract: An apparatus for commissioning and balancing a central heating system of the type having a boiler (7) for heating water and a pump (1) for pumping the water through a plurality of radiators (21) interconnected by pipes (22). The apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of temperature probes (9, 10) with a first probe (19) of each pair mountable on a flow pipe (24) and a second probe (10) of each pair mountable on the return pipe (25) of a plurality of radiators (21). A control unit is provided for receiving and outputting temperature information from the temperature probes (9, 10). Means (31) is provided for transmitting the temperature information recorded by each probe (9, 10) to the control unit to allow an operator to monitor the temperature drop across each pair of temperature probes (9, 10).

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating system for organically controlling heating of respective rooms to uniformly heat the respective rooms by proportionally calculating heat supplies required by the respective rooms from temperature of returned water, even when the heat supplies required by the respective rooms are different from each other, depending on external conditions of the respective rooms. The method adjusts flow rates of heating water supplied to the respective rooms by adjusting opening rates of room valves installed in heating water pipes. The temperature of the returned heating water is measured, a ratio of opening rates of the respective room valves is calculated from the measured temperature of the returned water to proportionally supply heat to the respective rooms, and the opening rates of the respective room valves are adjusted, depending on the calculated ratio of the opening rates.

Abstract: A heating system and method includes a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building. The system further includes a boiler for storing and alternatively heating the water, and a fireplace jacket positioned in a fireplace of the building. The fireplace jacket includes a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water. Fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicate with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system. A heating system control system manages the circulation of the water in the circulation system. The control system includes a safety unit having a thermometer, and the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature. The control system automatically switches between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.

Abstract: Some food pathogens are not well controlled by lethality treatments followed by refrigeration. A food processing facility according to this invention reduces the likelihood that food pathogens will be able to enter the food processing facility, or spread should they be able to enter. The food processing facility is divided into a plurality of areas, with different areas having different allowed actions that can be taken on the food product, different rules and/or procedures for persons who are allowed entry, and/or different levels of cleanliness. The food processing facility includes a plurality of separate rooms individually, atmospherically and structurally isolated from each other for processing the food product, each including separate single food processing machines lines of series connected food processing, air handling systems, drain systems and/or often-used supplies and tools.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating control system for saving energy and its heating control method, in which system energy for heating rooms in a housing is reduced by separately heating individual rooms only during particular time periods in time/day selected by considering each room user's everyday living patterns. For this purpose, in the system, a plurality of saving time periods in time/day are stored in advance into a storage. If the user selects and sets at least one of the plurality of saving time periods for heating a room, a valve adjuster output valve control signals to a valve controller to open or close an auto valve corresponding to the room. The valve adjuster may be adapted of stand-alone type or of integrated type, in which integrated type the valve adjuster and a boiler adjuster are incorporated into a integrated adjuster.

Abstract: In a waste collection system where deposited waste is transported by partial vacuum in transport pipes (2) leading from spaced collection points to a central collection station (4) containing a system vacuum source (5) including at least one vacuum-producing machine (6), thermal energy is extracted from a vacuum-producing machine exhaust air stream (EAS), is transferred to a fluid medium and is used for heating or cooling purposes in a specific residential area where the deposited and transported waste is generated.

Abstract: One subject of the invention is a process for the treatment of at least one thin continuous film deposited on a first side of a substrate, characterized in that said at least one thin film is raised to a temperature of at least 300° C. while maintaining a temperature not exceeding 150° C. on the opposite side of said substrate to said first side, so as to increase the degree of crystallization of said thin film while keeping it continuous and without a step of melting said thin film. Another subject of the invention is the material that can be obtained by this process.

Abstract: There is provided a heating system for a building comprising; i) a heater; ii) a media flow passage through which a medium heated by the heater passes in order to distribute heat through the building; and iii) a heat recovery apparatus for recovering latent heat of adsorption from a humid gas. The heat recovery apparatus comprises a) a gas flow passage connected at one end to a source of humid gas; b) a desiccant material provided within the gas flow passage such that the humid gas contacts the desiccant material and water vapour is adsorbed releasing latent heat of adsorption; wherein the media flow passage and gas flow passage are in heat exchanging relationship, such that when the desiccant material adsorbs water vapour from the exhaust gas the latent of the adsorption is at least partially transmitted to the medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating system. The heating system includes a heating element configured to heat a working fluid and a circulation system configured to circulate the working fluid through a circulation loop. The heating system further includes an energy storage device configured to store and discharge energy. The discharged energy comprises electricity delivered to the heating element and the circulation system. In addition, a recharging element is configured to charge the energy storage device.

Abstract: A heating and ventilation system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system having a heater core supplied with engine cooling fluid via a variable flow pump for heating an air flow supplied to the passenger compartment. The system additionally having a controller for controlling the pump to increase engine cooling fluid mass flow-rate in response to a detected temperature decrease of the engine cooling fluid when the engine is off.

Abstract: Electrochromic device having at least one carrier substrate (S1) provided with a functional multilayer defining a deposition zone and comprising, in succession: a first electroconductive layer (1), (the one closest to the substrate); a first electrochemically active layer (2); an electrolyte layer (3); a second electrochemically active layer (4); and a second electroconductive layer (5), characterized in that the functional multilayer is deactivated, with the exception of the first electrochemically active layer (2), in at least a first, partial margination zone (A) located along at least one edge of said deposition zone.

Abstract: Improved thermal energy storage materials, devices and systems employing the same and related methods. The thermal energy storage materials may include a phase change material that includes a metal-containing compound. This invention is directed at methods of encapsulating thermal energy storage materials, devices containing encapsulated thermal energy storage materials, and capsular structures for encapsulating thermal energy storage materials.

Abstract: In a system wherein a fossil fuel fired burner heats incoming well or municipally supplied water to a temperature required for industrial concrete production, the exhaust gases produced by the burner are utilized to preheat the incoming water to an increased temperature before the water is put into an insulated tank where the burner subsequently raises the water temperature to the required level, to thereby reduce the load on the burner and increase the efficiency of directly fired water heating systems.