Wasted heat recovery

Abstract

This invention relates to a means for using waste heat to preheat water going to a water heater to reduce the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of the water to a desired level. The invention, further, is portable so that it can be easily moved to accommodate the location of the waste heat source and water heater.

1 ) A portable heat exchanging apparatus for preheating water, said apparatus being made largely of tubing affixed to a framework such that it can be easily moved around to be connected between a source of waste heat and a water heater. 
     
     
         2 ) A portable apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which the tubing is copper or some other heat conductive material and is of sufficient diameter and length to allow the water moving through the tubing to remain within the framework long enough to absorb heat provided by the waste heat source and increase the temperature of the water by at least 10° F. 
     
     
         3 ) A portable apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which the blower that moves air from the waste heat plenum to the tubing flow is controlled by a thermostat and switch. 
     
     
         4 ) A portable apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which the framework is made of wood or other inexpensive, non-heat absorbing material and is mounted on wheels, casters, or other such apparatus that makes it easy to move the heat exchanger to accommodate the location of the waste heat source and the water heater. The framework to also be well insulated to minimize heat escaping from the tubing inside the framework to ambient, while not interfering with the circulation of air around the tubing. 
     
     
         5 ) A portable apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which one end of the framework is connected to a source of waste heat, including, but not limited to, exhaust from a clothes dryer, exhaust from a furnace, boiler or other source of home or industrial room heating. 
     
     
         6 ) A portable apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which a device is inserted into the tubing to prevent water hammering.