US20250251174A1

US20250251174A1 - Cold Water Chilling System

Info

Publication number: US20250251174A1
Application number: US19/043,799
Authority: US
Inventors: Anthony D. Campagna; Mark G. Palchak
Original assignee: Silient LLC
Current assignee: Silient LLC
Priority date: 2024-02-05
Filing date: 2025-02-03
Publication date: 2025-08-07

Abstract

A cold water chilling system includes: a first insulated tank configured to contain first chilled water; a second insulated tank configured to contain second chilled water; and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank, the heat exchanger configured to chill water to form the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water; the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank simultaneously or alternatively in fluid communication with the user station, the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank configured to dispense the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water to the user station for use by a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/549,798, filed on Feb. 5, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to water systems, and in particular, water systems for chilling water. The present disclosure is also directed to methods for chilling water.

Description of Related Art

Typical indoor water systems, such as those used in homes, commercial buildings, gyms, and the like, include water lines that supply water to various locations within. The water is supplied to the water lines from a neutral water line, such as a municipal water line, a well water line, and the like. For supplying water to a shower or bath, the water line typically splits into two lines. One water line leads directly to the shower for supplying water to the shower or bath at a temperature in which the water entered the water lines (e.g., the temperature of the water in the neutral water line). Another water line called the hot water line leads water from the source water line first to a hot water heater which heats the water to a predetermined temperature before supplying it to the shower or bath. Systems have also been developed that allow a user to take a chilled shower or bath at temperatures lower than the temperature of the neutral water line.
The health benefits of taking chilled showers at temperatures lower than the temperature of neutral water lines are becoming increasingly apparent. However, chilling the water from the neural water line to the desired temperature requires time and energy. Designing systems that efficiently chill water from the neutral water line to the desired temperature in a sufficient quantity, while also having the chilled water ready on-demand, poses significant challenges.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cold water chilling system that overcomes some or all of the deficiencies identified above.
According to non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a cold water chilling system including: a first insulated tank configured to contain first chilled water; a second insulated tank configured to contain second chilled water; and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank, the heat exchanger configured to chill water to form the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water; the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank simultaneously or alternatively in fluid communication with the user station, the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank configured to dispense the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water to the user station for use by a user.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system may further include an at least three way valve having a first end in fluid communication with the first insulated tank, a second end in fluid communication with the second insulated tank, and a third end in fluid communication with the user station, the at least three way valve configured to place one of the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, the at least three way valve may be configured to: (1) place the first insulated tank and not the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station; and/or (2) place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least three way valve may be configured to switch between (1) and (2).
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, an inner wall of the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank may include polyethylene.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the user station may include a shower and/or a bath.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water may have a temperature ranging from 40° F. to neutral water temperature.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at a first time during operation of the cold water chilling system: the first insulated tank may function as a discharge tank, and the second insulated tank may function as a chilling tank, where: the at least three way valve may be configured to place the first insulated tank and not the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the first insulated tank delivers the first chilled water to the user station.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first insulated tank may include a first temperature sensor, and the second insulated tank may include a second temperature sensor.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the heat exchanger may be configured to chill water to form the second chilled water and deliver the second chilled water to the second insulated tank for storage.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the second temperature sensor may be configured to determine that a water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than a threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than the threshold temperature, a pump system may be activated to pump water from the second insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the second chilled water and to pump the second chilled water from the heat exchanger to the second insulated tank.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, while the pump system is activated, the second temperature sensor may be configured to determine that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature, the pump system may be deactivated.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the first temperature sensor may be configured to determine that a water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than a second threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than the second threshold temperature, cease delivery of the first chilled water to the user station.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in response to ceasing delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, the at least three way valve may be configured to switch such that the first insulated tank functions as the chilling tank, and the second insulated tank functions as the discharge tank, where: the at least three way valve may switch to place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the second insulated tank delivers the second chilled water to the user station.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in response to switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank: the pump system may be configured to activate to pump water from the first insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the first chilled water and to pump the first chilled water from the heat exchanger to the first insulated tank.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank may be configured to execute automatically in response to a reading from the first temperature sensor and/or the second temperature sensor.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, neutral water may be added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank, where the pump system is not activated to the first insulated tank to minimize mixing of the first chilled water and the neutral water being added to the first insulated tank.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first chilled water may be discharged at a lower level of the first insulated tank for delivery to the user station compared to a level the neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cold water chilling system may be configured to deliver at least 40 gallons/hour of chilled water to the user station.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cold water chilling system may further include a merge point between the at least three way valve and the user station, where at the merge point, the first chilled water or the second chilled water being delivered to the user station may merge with an additional water stream, the additional water stream including neutral water and/or heated water.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cold water chilling system may further include a third temperature sensor proximate the merge point, where an amount and/or temperature of the additional water stream delivered to the merge point is configured to be determined based on a reading from the third temperature sensor.
Various non-limiting examples and aspects of the present disclosure will now be described and set forth in the following numbered clauses:
Clause 1: A cold water chilling system comprising: a first insulated tank configured to contain first chilled water; a second insulated tank configured to contain second chilled water; and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank, the heat exchanger configured to chill water to form the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water; the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank simultaneously or alternatively in fluid communication with the user station, the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank configured to dispense the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water to the user station for use by a user.
Clause 2: The cold water chilling system of clause 1, further comprising: an at least three way valve having a first end in fluid communication with the first insulated tank, a second end in fluid communication with the second insulated tank, and a third end in fluid communication with the user station, the at least three way valve configured to place one of the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station; wherein the at least three way valve is configured to: (1) place the first insulated tank and not the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station; and/or (2) place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station.
Clause 3: The cold water chilling system of clause 2, wherein the at least three way valve is configured to switch between (1) and (2).
Clause 4: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein an inner wall of the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank comprises polyethylene.
Clause 5: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the user station comprises a shower and/or a bath.
Clause 6: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water has a temperature ranging from 40° F. to neutral water temperature.
Clause 7: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 2-6, wherein at a first time during operation of the cold water chilling system: the first insulated tank functions as a discharge tank, and the second insulated tank functions as a chilling tank, wherein: the at least three way valve is configured to place the first insulated tank and not the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the first insulated tank delivers the first chilled water to the user station.
Clause 8: The cold water chilling system of clause 7, wherein the first insulated tank comprises a first temperature sensor, and the second insulated tank comprises a second temperature sensor.
Clause 9: The cold water chilling system of clause 7 or 8, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the heat exchanger is configured to chill water to form the second chilled water and deliver the second chilled water to the second insulated tank for storage.
Clause 10: The cold water chilling system of clause 9, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the second temperature sensor is configured to determine that a water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than a threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than the threshold temperature, a pump system is activated to pump water from the second insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the second chilled water and to pump the second chilled water from the heat exchanger to the second insulated tank.
Clause 11: The cold water chilling system of clause 10, wherein while the pump system is activated, the second temperature sensor is configured to determine that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature, the pump system is deactivated.
Clause 12: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 9-11, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the first temperature sensor is configured to determine that a water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than a second threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than the second threshold temperature, cease delivery of the first chilled water to the user station.
Clause 13: The cold water chilling system of clause 12, wherein in response to ceasing delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, the at least three way valve is configured to switch such that the first insulated tank functions as the chilling tank, and the second insulated tank functions as the discharge tank, wherein: the at least three way valve switches to place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the second insulated tank delivers the second chilled water to the user station.
Clause 14: The cold water chilling system of clause 13, wherein in response to switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank: the pump system is configured to activate to pump water from the first insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the first chilled water and to pump the first chilled water from the heat exchanger to the first insulated tank.
Clause 15: The cold water chilling system of clause 13 or 14, wherein the switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank is configured to execute automatically in response to a reading from the first temperature sensor and/or the second temperature sensor.
Clause 16: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 7-15, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank, where the pump system is not activated to the first insulated tank to minimize mixing of the first chilled water and the neutral water being added to the first insulated tank.
Clause 17: The cold water chilling system of clause 16, wherein the first chilled water is discharged at a lower level of the first insulated tank for delivery to the user station compared to a level the neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank.
Clause 18: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 1-17, configured to deliver at least 40 gallons/hour of chilled water to the user station.
Clause 19: The cold water chilling system of any of clauses 2-18, further comprising a merge point between the at least three way valve and the user station, wherein at the merge point, the first chilled water or the second chilled water being delivered to the user station merges with an additional water stream, the additional water stream comprising neutral water and/or heated water.
Clause 20: The cold water chilling system of clause 19, further comprising a third temperature sensor proximate the merge point, wherein an amount and/or temperature of the additional water stream delivered to the merge point is configured to be determined based on a reading from the third temperature sensor.
Clause 21: A method for dispensing chilled water comprising: delivering first chilled water from a first insulated tank to a user station simultaneously or alternatively in fluid communication with the first insulated tank and/or a second insulated tank, the user station configured to receive the first chilled water and/or second chilled water and to dispense the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water to a user; simultaneous with delivering the first chilled water to the user station, chilling water to form the second chilled water with a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second insulated tank.
Clause 22: The method of clause 21, wherein an at least three way valve having a first end in fluid communication with the first insulated tank, a second end in fluid communication with the second insulated tank, and a third end in fluid communication with the user station, places the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station to deliver the first chilled water to the user station and prevents the second chilled water from the second insulated tank from being delivered to the user station.
Clause 23: The method of clause 21 or 22, wherein the first insulated tank comprises a first temperature sensor, and the second insulated tank comprises a second temperature sensor, the method further comprising: in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than a threshold temperature, activating a pump system to pump water from the second insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the second chilled water and to pump the second chilled water from the heat exchanger to the second insulated tank.
Clause 24: The method of clause 23, wherein while the pump system is activated, the second temperature sensor determines that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature, the pump system is deactivated.
Clause 25: The method of clause 23 or 24, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station: the first temperature sensor determines that a water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than a second threshold temperature; and in response to determining that the water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than the second threshold temperature, ceasing delivery of the first chilled water to the user station.
Clause 26: The method of clause 25, wherein in response to ceasing delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, an at least three way valve is switched such that the first insulated tank functions as the chilling tank, and the second insulated tank functions as the discharge tank, wherein: the at least three way valve switches to place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the second insulated tank delivers the second chilled water to the user station.
Clause 27: The method of clause 26, wherein in response to switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank: the pump system is activated to pump water from the first insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the first chilled water and to pump the first chilled water from the heat exchanger to the first insulated tank.
Clause 28: The method of any of clauses 23-27, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank, where the pump system is not activated to the first insulated tank to minimize mixing of the first chilled water and the neutral water being added to the first insulated tank.
Clause 29: The method of clause 28, wherein the first chilled water is discharged at a lower level of the first insulated tank for delivery to the user station compared to a level the neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank.
Clause 30: The method of any of clauses 22-29, further comprising merging between the at least three way valve and the user station the first chilled water with an additional water stream, the additional water stream comprising neutral water and/or heated water.
Clause 31: The method of clause 30, further comprising adjusting a ratio of the first chilled water to the additional water stream at the merge point based on a reading from the third temperature sensor arranged proximate the merge point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is schematic view of a cold water chilling system, according to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a user interface of a user device, according to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of example components of one or more devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
Referring to FIG. 1 , a cold water chilling system 100 is shown according to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. System 100 may comprise a chilling system 102 configured to chill water to be used by user station 104. System 100 may comprise a neutral source NS for supplying water of a neutral temperature (e.g., ambient temperature), which may be the natural water temperature of neutral source NS. Neutral source NS may be sourced from a municipal water system, a well water system, or any other water system that commonly provides water to a residence, a commercial building, a gym, or the like. Neutral source NS may connect a municipal infrastructure that produces water ready to be supplied to system 100.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, neutral source NS may supply water to a hot water heater HWH. Hot water heater HWH may be in fluid communication with neutral source NS. The water from neutral source NS that enters the hot water heater HWH may be heated by hot water heater HWH to form heated water capable for use by a user (e.g., for bathing, showers, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and the like). Hot water heater HWH may be any heating system or unit known in the art capable of heating water supplied to it from an initial temperature (e.g., the temperature of neutral source NS) to an elevated temperature, such as a tank water heater, a tankless water heater, a point-of-use water heater, a solar water heater, a hybrid water heater, a combination boiler water heater, a condensing water heater, and the like. Hot water heater HWH may heat the water from neutral source NS to a preset heated temperature. Hot water heater HWH may store the heated water.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , neutral source NS may supply water of a neutral temperature to a plurality of insulated tanks, including a first insulated tank IT1 and a second insulated tank IT2. Although only two insulated tanks are shown in chilling system 102, it will be appreciated that more than 2 insulated tanks may be used in some non-limiting embodiments. A valve V4 may be arranged between neutral source NS and first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 that controls to which insulated tank the neutral water is supplied. For example, valve V4 may comprise an at least three way (e.g., a three way) valve that in a first instance supplies neutral water from neutral source NS to first insulated tank IT1 while preventing neutral water from being supplied from neutral source NS to second insulated tank IT2 and in a second instance supplies neutral water from neutral source NS to second insulated tank IT2 while preventing neutral water from being supplied from neutral source NS to first insulated tank IT1. This arrangement may be effected by valve V4 being open in a first direction and closed in a second direction in the first instance, and, at a time, switch to being closed in the first direction and open in the second direction in the second instance. However, it will be appreciated that any type of valve V4 may be used to control the neutral water being supplied to first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2, or no valve V4 may be used.
Initially, neutral water from neutral source NS may be supplied to first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 to fill first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2.
First and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 may comprise a container that is insulated from the surroundings by insulation. The insulation may comprise any material that slows the temperature change of the water in the container caused by the environment surrounding first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2. For example, with first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 containing chilled water, the insulation may slow the warming of the chilled water caused by heat exchange with the warmer environment. A non-limiting example of suitable insulation material may comprise a foam insulation material.
First and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 may be made from any suitable material. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, inner walls of first and/or second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 may comprise plastic, such as polyethylene inner walls. Use of polyethylene inner walls may avoid components and/or a step for removing heavy metals from the water before it is provided to the user. Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 may comprise polyethylene inner walls covered by a foam insulation material. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, inner walls of first and/or second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 may comprise a metal, such as stainless steel.
First insulated tank IT1 may be configured to contain first chilled water. First insulated tank IT1 may comprise a first temperature sensor T1. First temperature sensor T1 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor configured to read and/or determine a water temperature. First temperature sensor T1 may comprise a thermistor. First temperature sensor T1 may be arranged proximate to and/or at an outlet of first insulated tank IT1, such as an outlet leading to heat exchanger HX and/or an outlet leading to user station 104. First insulated tank IT1 may comprise a plurality of temperature sensors located at different locations of first insulated tank IT1.
Second insulated tank IT2 may be configured to contain second chilled water. Second insulated tank IT2 may comprise a second temperature sensor T2. Second temperature sensor T2 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor configured to read and/or determine a water temperature. Second temperature sensor T2 may comprise a thermistor. Second temperature sensor T2 may be arranged proximate to and/or at an outlet of second insulated tank IT2, such as an outlet leading to heat exchanger HX and/or an outlet leading to user station 104. Second insulated tank IT2 may comprise a plurality of temperature sensors located at different locations of second insulated tank IT2.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , first and second insulated tank IT1-IT2 may be in fluid communication with a heat exchanger HX. Heat exchanger HX may be configured to chill water to form the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water. Any suitable type of heat exchanger may be used. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, heat exchanger HX may comprise a bronze plate heat exchanger.
First and second insulated tank IT1-IT2 may be selectively in fluid communication with a heat exchanger HX, such that at some times, first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 are not executing a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX to chill water. One, both, or neither of first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 may be in fluid communication with heat exchanger HX at a given time to execute a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX to chill water. For example, in some situations, first insulated tank IT1 may function as a discharge tank to discharge its chilled water to the user while not being in fluid communication with heat exchanger HX to further chill its water, and simultaneously second insulated tank IT2 may function as a chilling tank in fluid communication with heat exchanger HX to chill the water contained in second insulated tank IT2.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a valve V2 may be arranged between first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 and an inlet of heat exchanger HX to control from which insulated tank the water is being provided to heat exchanger HX, thus controlling with which insulated tank(s) heat exchanger HX is engaging in a chilling operation. Valve V2 may comprise an at least three way (e.g., a three way) valve that in a first instance supplies water from first insulated tank IT1 to heat exchanger HX while preventing water from being supplied from second insulated tank IT2 to heat exchanger HX and in a second instance supplies water from second insulated tank IT2 to heat exchanger HX while preventing water from being supplied from first insulated tank IT1 to heat exchanger HX. This arrangement may be effected by valve V2 being open in a first direction and closed in a second direction in the first instance, and, at a time, switch to being closed in the first direction and open in the second direction in the second instance. However, it will be appreciated that any type of valve V2 may be used to control the water from first and/or second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 to heat exchanger HX, or no valve V2 may be used. Closing a position of the valve that prevents water from first insulated tank IT1 from flowing to heat exchanger HX may comprise selectively removing (for at least a time) first insulated tank IT1 from fluid communication with heat exchanger HX, and opening the position of the valve may provide and/or restore fluid communication therebetween. Closing a position of the valve that prevents water from second insulated tank IT2 from flowing to heat exchanger HX may comprise selectively removing (for at least a time) second insulated tank IT2 from fluid communication with heat exchanger HX, and opening the position of the valve may provide and/or restore fluid communication therebetween.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a valve V3 may be arranged between an outlet of heat exchanger HX and first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 to control to which insulated tank the chilled water formed by heat exchanger HX is being provided, thus controlling with which insulated tank(s) heat exchanger HX is engaging in a chilling operation. Valve V3 may comprise an at least three way (e.g., a three way) valve that in a first instance supplies chilled water from heat exchanger HX to first insulated tank IT1 while preventing chilled water from being supplied to second insulated tank IT2 and in a second instance supplies chilled water from heat exchanger HX to second insulated tank IT2 while preventing chilled water from being supplied to first insulated tank IT1. This arrangement may be effected by valve V3 being open in a first direction and closed in a second direction in the first instance, and, at a time, switch to being closed in the first direction and open in the second direction in the second instance. However, it will be appreciated that any type of valve V3 may be used to control the water from heat exchanger HX to first and/or second insulated tanks IT1-IT2, or no valve V3 may be used. Closing a position of the valve that prevents chilled water from heat exchanger HX from flowing to first insulated tank IT1 may comprise selectively removing (for at least a time) first insulated tank IT1 from fluid communication with heat exchanger HX, and opening the position of the valve may provide and/or restore fluid communication therebetween. Closing a position of the valve that prevents chilled water from heat exchanger HX from flowing to second insulated tank IT2 may comprise selectively removing (for at least a time) second insulated tank IT2 from fluid communication with heat exchanger HX, and opening the position of the valve may provide and/or restore fluid communication therebetween.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , heat exchanger HX may comprise a pump system P comprising one or more pumps. Pump system P may be configured to pump water from first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 through heat exchanger HX and be configured to pump chilled water formed by heat exchanger HX to first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the chilled water formed by heat exchanger HX may have a temperature ranging from 40° F. to neutral water temperature, such as ranging from at least 40° F. to less than neutral water temperature. Neutral water temperature may refer to a temperature of the water of neutral source NS.
For example, first insulated tank IT1 may engage in a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX and may be in fluid communication with heat exchanger during the chilling operation. The chilling operation may be executed by pumping system P pumping water stored in first insulated tank IT1 to heat exchanger HX. Heat exchanger HX may chill the water from first insulated tank IT1 by causing the inlet water temperature to drop. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, heat exchanger HX may chill the water to form chilled water, and chilled water may have a temperature satisfying a setpoint selected by a user as described herein. The chilled water exiting heat exchanger HX may be flowed back to first insulated tank IT1 using pump system P, and first insulated tank IT1 may store that chilled water. The positions of valves V2 and V3 may be arranged to enable the flow of water from first insulated tank IT1 to heat exchanger HX and the flow of chilled water from heat exchanger HX to first insulated tank IT1. The chilling operation with first insulated tank IT1 may be manually activated and/or deactivated and/or automatically activated and/or deactivated according to program code executed by system 100 (e.g., controller 110 thereof). For example, first temperature sensor T1 may determine that a water temperature in first insulated tank IT1 is higher than a threshold temperature to initiate the chilling operation. First temperature sensor T1 may determine that a water temperature in first insulated tank IT1 is higher than a threshold temperature by reading a water temperature and communicating the water temperature to controller 110, which may determine to trigger the chilling operation based on a comparison of the threshold temperature to the determined water temperature.
For example, second insulated tank IT2 may engage in a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX and may be in fluid communication with heat exchanger during the chilling operation. The chilling operation may be executed by pumping system P pumping water stored in second insulated tank IT2 to heat exchanger HX. Heat exchanger HX may chill the water from second insulated tank IT2 by causing the inlet water temperature to drop. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, heat exchanger HX may chill the water to form chilled water, and chilled water may have a temperature satisfying a setpoint selected by a user as described herein. The chilled water exiting heat exchanger HX may be flowed back to second insulated tank IT2 using pump system P, and second insulated tank IT2 may store that chilled water. The positions of valves V2 and V3 may be arranged to enable the flow of water from second insulated tank IT2 to heat exchanger HX and the flow of chilled water from heat exchanger HX to second insulated tank IT2. The chilling operation with second insulated tank IT2 may be manually activated and/or deactivated and/or automatically activated and/or deactivated according to program code executed by system 100 (e.g., controller 110 thereof). For example, second temperature sensor T2 may determine that a water temperature in second insulated tank IT2 is higher than a threshold temperature to initiate the chilling operation. Second temperature sensor T2 may determine that a water temperature in the second insulated tank IT2 is higher than a threshold temperature by reading a water temperature and communicating the water temperature to controller 110, which may determine to trigger the chilling operation based on a comparison of the threshold temperature to the determined water temperature.
First insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 may execute a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX at the same or different times. First insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 may execute a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX at the same time. First insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 may execute a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX at different times, such as sequentially or alternatively. First insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 may alternate in executing a chilling operation with heat exchanger HX. At some times, neither of first insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 may be engaging in the chilling operation with heat exchanger HX. The position of valves V2 and V3 may be arranged to enable the chilling operation with the relevant insulated tank(s).
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, chilled water from chilling system 102 (e.g., first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 thereof) may be provided to user station 104 for use by a user. User station 104 may comprise at least one of the following: a shower, a bath, a faucet, an appliance (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, dish washer, and the like), and/or any combination thereof. User station 104 may enable a user to use the chilled water dispensed from a dispenser 106 of user station 104. The non-limiting example of user station 104 in FIG. 1 shows a shower having a shower head as dispenser 106 that enables the user to take a cold shower. However, it will be appreciated that other user stations are within the scope of the present disclosure.
User station 104 may simultaneously or alternatively be in fluid communication with first insulated tank and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2. First and second insulated tank IT1-IT2 may be selectively in fluid communication with user station 104, such that at some times, first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 are not providing chilled water to user station 104. One, both, or neither of first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 may be in fluid communication with user station 104 at a given time to provide chilled water to the user. For example, in some situations, first insulated tank IT1 may function as a discharge tank to provide its chilled water to user station 104 while not being in fluid communication with heat exchanger HX to further chill its water, and simultaneously second insulated tank IT2 may function as a chilling tank in fluid communication with heat exchanger HX to chill the water contained in second insulated tank IT2. A pump system (not shown) comprising a pump may pump water from first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2 to user station 104.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a valve V1 may be arranged between first and second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 and user station 104 to control from which insulated tank(s) chilled water is being provided to user station 104. Valve V1 may comprise an at least three way (e.g., a three way) valve that in a first instance supplies chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 to user station 104 while preventing chilled water from being supplied by second insulated tank IT2 and in a second instance supplies chilled water from second insulated tank IT2 to user station 104 while preventing chilled water from being supplied by first insulated tank IT1. This arrangement may be effected by valve V1 being open in a first direction and closed in a second direction in the first instance, and, at a time, switch to being closed in the first direction and open in the second direction in the second instance. However, it will be appreciated that any type of valve V1 may be used to control the water from first and/or second insulated tanks IT1-IT2 to user station 104, or no valve V1 may be used. Closing a position of valve V1 that prevents chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 from flowing to user station 104 may comprise selectively removing (for at least a time) first insulated tank IT1 from fluid communication with user station 104, and opening the position of valve V1 may provide and/or restore fluid communication therebetween. Closing a position of valve V1 that prevents chilled water from second insulated tank IT2 from flowing to user station 104 may comprise selectively removing (for at least a time) second insulated tank IT2 from fluid communication with user station 104, and opening the position of valve V1 may provide and/or restore fluid communication therebetween.
For example, valve V1 may comprise a three way valve having a first end in fluid communication with first insulated tank IT1, a second end in fluid communication with second insulated tank IT2, and a third end in fluid communication with user station 104. Three way valve as valve V1 may be configured to place only one of first insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 in fluid communication with user station 104 at a time. Three way valve as valve V1 may be configured to: (1) place first insulated tank IT1 and not second insulated tank IT2 in fluid communication with user station 104; and/or (2) place second insulated tank IT2 and not first insulated tank IT1 in fluid communication with user station 104. Three way valve as valve V1 may be configured to switch between (1) and (2). Three way valve may switch manually by action of a user and/or automatically, such as according to program code executed by system 100 (e.g., controller 110 thereof).
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, three way valve as valve V1 may be configured to place both first insulated tank IT1 and second insulated tank IT2 in fluid communication with user station 104 at the same time.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may comprise a user device 108 of a user. User device 108 may comprise a computing device of a user, such as a smartphone, a mobile computer, a non-mobile computer, or the like. User device 108 may communicate with chilling system 102, such as controller 110 thereof, to provide user selections and/or preferences to be executed by chilling system 102. User may input one or more selections and/or preferences to user device 108, which may be communicated to controller 110 for execution by chilling system 102.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , chilling system 102 may comprise controller 110. Controller 110 may comprise a computing device, such as a smartphone, a mobile computer, a non-mobile computer, or the like. Controller 110 may receive a message from user device 108 comprising one or more selections and/or preferences of the user and may execute the one or more selections and/or preferences by chilling system 102. Controller 110 may communicate with one or more components of chilling system 102 to implement the selections and/or preferences. Controller 110 may communicate with one or more components of chilling system 102 to execute program code of chilling system 102 that determines how chilling system 102 is to operate, independent of user selections and/or preferences. For example, controller 110 may communicate one or more instructions to at least one of: hot water heater HWH, first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2, heat exchanger HX, pump system P, valves V1-V4, temperature sensors T1-T3, and/or any combination thereof.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, controller 110 may receive one or more messages from to at least one of: hot water heater HWH, first and/or second insulated tank IT1-IT2, heat exchanger HX, pump system P, valves V1-V4, temperature sensors T1-T3, and/or any combination thereof (e.g. components of chilling system 102). Controller may generate one or more instructions to be communicated to the same or another component of chilling system 102 based on the received messages. As one non-limiting example, a valve may be open or shut in response to a reading from a temperature sensor. A pump system may be activated or deactivated in response to a reading from a temperature sensor.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , chilled water may be supplied from chilling system 102 to user station 104. The chilled water may be supplied to user station 104 based on user selections and/or preferences. The chilled water may be supplied from chilling system 102 to user station 104 in the following manner, which enables the chilled water to be provided to user station 104 at least one of: more cost efficiently, in greater quantities over a period of time, at a higher rate, with less wait time before the chilled water is prepared and/or before more chilled water is prepared, for a longer time before chilled water runs out, and/or the like.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, chilling system 102 may be configured to deliver at least 40 gallons/hour of sufficiently (e.g., based on the threshold) chilled water to user station 104, such as at least 45 gallons/hour, at least 50 gallons/hour, or at least 55 gallons/hour. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, chilling system 102 may be configured to deliver from 40-60 gallons/hour of sufficiently chilled water to user station 104.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at a first time during operation of system 100 first insulated tank IT1 may function as a discharge tank and second insulated tank IT2 may function as a chilling tank. A discharge tank may be a tank that is actively providing chilled water to user station 104, and discharge tank may be in fluid communication with user station 104 (e.g., via valve V1). Valve V1 may be configured to place first insulated tank IT1 and not second insulated tank IT2 in fluid communication with the user station 104, such that first insulated tank IT1 delivers its first chilled water to user station 104. A chilling tank may be a tank that is actively having its water being chilled by heat exchanger HX, and chilling tank may be in fluid communication with heat exchanger (e.g., via valves V2-V3), and pump system P may be operating with chilling tank. Valves V2-V3 may be configured to place second insulated tank IT2 and not first insulated tank IT1 in fluid communication with the heat exchanger HX, such that water stored in second insulated tank IT2 is chilled by heat exchanger HX and not the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, during delivery of the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 to user station 104, heat exchanger HX may chill water contained in second insulated tank IT2 by: receiving water stored in second insulated tank IT2, chilling the water, and delivering the second chilled water formed by heat exchanger HX to second insulated tank IT2. Pump system P may be engaged with second insulated tank IT2 and heat exchanger HX to execute this chilling operation with second insulated tank IT2. Chilling water in second insulated tank IT2 (the chilling tank) during dispensing of the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 (the discharge tank) may enable more continuous provision of chilled water to user station 104, as second chilled water may be ready to discharge from second insulated tank IT2 to user station 104 at the desired low temperature when first insulated tank IT1 runs out of sufficiently chilled water (or with less down time therebetween).
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, during delivery (e.g., simultaneously with) of the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 to user station 104 second temperature sensor T2 may be configured to determine that a water temperature in second insulated tank IT2 is higher than a threshold temperature (e.g., alone or in combination with controller 110). The threshold temperature may correspond to a highest temperature at which the water is suitable for use as chilled water. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a user may specify the threshold temperature. In response to determining that the water temperature in second insulated tank IT2 is higher than the threshold temperature, pump system P may be activated to pump water from second insulated tank IT2 to heat exchanger HX to initiate the chilling operation to chill water to form the second chilled water and to pump the second chilled water from heat exchanger HX to second insulated tank IT2 for storage. For example, controller 110 may communicate with second temperature sensor T2 and activate pump system P in response to receiving one or more temperature readings from second temperature sensor T2.
While pump system P is activated (e.g., the chilling operation is being executed), second temperature sensor T2 may be configured to determine (e.g., alone or in combination with controller 110) that the water temperature in second insulated tank IT2 is less than or equal to the threshold temperature. This may indicate that the water in second insulated tank IT2 is sufficiently chilled from the chilling operation. In response to determining that the water temperature in second insulated tank IT2 is less than or equal to the threshold temperature, pump system P may be deactivated. For example, controller 110 may communicate with second temperature sensor T2 and deactivate pump system P in response to receiving one or more temperature readings from second temperature sensor T2.
It will be appreciated that first insulated tank IT1, first temperature sensor T1, pump system P, heat exchanger HX, and controller 110 may execute the same protocol when first insulated tank IT1 has been switched to the chilling tank and second insulated tank IT2 has been switched to the discharge tank.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects with first insulated tank IT1 as the discharge tank, first temperature sensor T1 may determine (e.g., alone or in combination with controller 110) that the temperature of the water in first insulated tank IT1 (first chilled water) is below a threshold (the same or different threshold as previously described). The threshold temperature may correspond to a highest temperature at which the water is suitable for use as chilled water. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a user may specify the threshold temperature. In response to determining that the temperature of the water in first insulated tank IT1 is below the threshold, the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 may be delivered to user station 104, such as by activating a pump system (not shown).
During delivery of the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 to user station 104, first temperature sensor T1 may determine (e.g., alone or in combination with controller 110) that a water temperature in first insulated tank IT1 is higher than the threshold temperature. This may indicate that first insulated tank IT1 has run out of sufficiently chilled water to deliver to user station 104. In response to determining that the water temperature in first insulated tank IT1 is higher than the threshold temperature, chilling system 102 may cease delivery of first chilled water to the user station 104, such as by deactivating a pump system (not shown).
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, in response to ceasing delivery of the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 to user station 104, valve V1 (e.g., the three way valve) may be switched such that first insulated tank IT1 functions as the chilling tank and second insulated tank IT2 functions as the discharge tank. Valve V1 may switch to place second insulated tank IT2 and not first insulated tank IT1 in fluid communication with user station 104, such that second insulated tank IT2 delivers the second chilled water to user station 104. At the time of switching, first insulated tank IT1 may have expended its current supply of chilled water, and second insulated tank IT2 may have a supply of chilled water ready to deliver to user station 104.
In response to switching first insulated tank IT1 to function as the chilling tank, pump system P may be activated to pump water from first insulated tank IT1 to heat exchanger HX to chill water to form the first chilled water and to pump the first chilled water from heat exchanger HX to first insulated tank IT1. In response to switching first insulated tank IT1 to function as the chilling tank, the chilling operation with first insulated tank may be automatically initiated. Controller 110 and at least one of first insulated tank IT1, first temperature sensor T1, valve V1, heat exchanger HX, pump system P, and/or valves V2-V3 may communicate to effect this switch and activation of the chilling operation of first insulated tank IT1. For example, the switching of first insulated tank IT1 to function as the chilling tank may be executed automatically in response to a reading from the first temperature sensor T1 (e.g., water temperature in first insulated tank IT1 being too high) and/or the second temperature sensor (e.g., water temperature in second insulated tank IT2 being sufficiently low).
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , during delivery of the first chilled water from first insulated tank IT1 to user station 104 (e.g., before the above-described switching operation), neutral water from neutral source NS may be added to first insulated tank IT1. Thus, neutral water may be added to first insulated tank IT1 simultaneously with first insulated tank IT1 delivering first chilled water to user station 104. The neutral water added to first insulated tank IT1 may be used to refill first insulated tank IT1. While first insulated tank IT1 is delivering the first chilled water to user station 104 and receiving neutral water from neutral source NS, pump system P of heat exchanger HX may not be activated in connection with first insulated tank IT1. For example, water from first insulated tank IT1 may not be delivered to and/or received from heat exchanger HX via pump system P during this operation. Preventing pump system P of heat exchanger HX from activating with first insulated tank IT1 during this operation may minimize mixing of the first chilled water being delivered to user station 104 with the neutral water being added to first insulated tank IT1. Mixing of the first chilled water with the neutral water may cause the temperature of the water being delivered to user station 104 to rise (e.g. above the threshold) more quickly due to heat exchange between the neutral water and the first chilled water.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the first chilled water may be discharged at a lower level of the first insulated tank IT1 for delivery to the user station 104 compared to a level the neutral water is added to first insulated tank IT1 to refill the first insulated tank IT1. The first chilled water may be discharged to user station 104 from proximate a bottom of first insulated tank IT1. Proximate a bottom of the tank may refer to a bottom third of the tank, based on the height of first insulated tank IT1, such as a bottom quarter or bottom tenth. Meanwhile, the neutral water from neutral source may be added proximate a top of first insulated tank IT1 to refill the tank. Proximate a top of the tank may refer to a top third of the tank, based on the height of first insulated tank IT1, such as a top third or top tenth. The neutral water may be added to first insulated tank IT1 at a higher level compared to the level on the tank from which the first chilled water is discharged. This arrangement of the discharge of first chilled water and the addition of neutral water may minimize mixing of the first chilled water being delivered to user station 104 with the neutral water being added to first insulated tank IT1. This may be due, at least in part, to the densities of higher density chilled water compared to lower density warmer (relatively) neutral water.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, neutral water from neutral source NS may not be added until after first insulated tank IT1 has finished dispensing its chilled water to user station 104, so as to further slow the rate at which the temperature of the chilled water in first insulated tank IT1 rises.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a merge point MP may be positioned between valve V1 and user station 104. At merge point MP, the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water being delivered to user station 104 may merge with an additional water stream. The additional water stream may comprise neutral water from neutral source NS and/or heated water from HWH. In some non-limiting embodiment or aspects, the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water being delivered to user station 104 may merge with neutral water from neutral source NS and not heated water from HWH at merge point MP. In some non-limiting embodiment or aspects, the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water being delivered to user station 104 may merge with heated water from HWH and not neutral water from neutral source NS at merge point MP. In some non-limiting embodiment or aspects, the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water being delivered to user station 104 may merge with both heated water from HWH and neutral water from neutral source NS at merge point MP. The additional water stream may be added to the chilled water at the merge point MP to increase the temperature of the chilled water, such as to a setpoint.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a third temperature sensor T3 may be arranged proximate merge point MP. For example, third temperature sensor T3 may be arranged proximate merge point MP, such as shortly after merge point MP, shortly before merge point MP, and/or at merge point MP. Third temperature sensor T3 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor configured to read a water temperature. Third temperature sensor T3 may comprise a thermistor.
A reading from third temperature sensor T3 may be communicated to controller 110, and controller 110 may adjust an amount and/or a rate and/or a ratio of water being combined and/or mixed at merge point MP. For example, an amount and/or temperature of the additional water stream delivered to the merge point may be determined based on the reading from third temperature sensor T3. Controller 110 may cause more or less additional water stream and/or chilled water to be delivered to merge point MP. Controller 110 may cause a higher or lower rate of additional water stream and/or chilled water to be delivered to merge point MP. Controller 110 may cause a higher or lower ratio of additional water stream to chilled water to be delivered to merge point MP. Controller 110 may cause a higher or lower temperature of additional water stream and/or chilled water to be delivered to merge point MP.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, merge point MP may be used to adjust a temperature of the chilled water and/or heat exchanger HX may be used to adjust a temperature of the chilled water.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , in addition to the chilled water being delivered to user station 104, neutral water from neutral source NS may be delivered to user station 104. Neutral water may be dispensed by dispenser 106 in addition to or in alternative to dispensing of the chilled water. User may select delivery of neutral water from dispenser 106.
With continued reference to FIG. 1 , in addition to the chilled water being delivered to user station 104, heated water from hot water heater HWH may be delivered to user station 104. Heated water may be dispensed by dispenser 106 in addition to or in alternative to dispensing of the chilled water. User may select delivery of heated water from dispenser 106.
Referring to FIG. 2 , a user interface of user device 108 is shown according to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously described, a user selection input to user device 108 may be communicated to chilling system 102 (from FIG. 1 ), such as controller 110 thereof, to provide user selections and/or preferences to be executed by chilling system 102. User may input one or more selections and/or preferences to user interface of user device 108.
User interface may have a temperature adjustment element 212 that enables a user to input a desired temperature of the chilled water to be delivered to user station 104. Controller 110 may control a temperature of the chilled water (e.g., via heat exchanger HX and/or at merge point MP) based on user's input to temperature adjustment element 212.
User interface may have an activation element 214 that causes chilling system 102 to deliver chilled water to user station 104. Controller 110 may activate chilling system to cause chilled water to be delivered to user station 104 based on user's input to activation element 214.
User interface may have any other suitable input elements that may enable a user to control delivery of chilled water to user station 104 for use. For example, other suitable input elements may include a time at which to start and/or stop delivery of chilled water, a duration of the delivery of chilled water, selection of a user station (e.g., from a plurality of user stations) to which chilled water is to be delivered, a deactivation element to stop delivery of chilled water, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 3 , shown is a diagram of example components of a device 300 according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Device 300 may correspond to at least one of user device 108, controller 110, and/or any other computing device shown and described herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, such systems or devices may include at least one device 300 and/or at least one component of device 300. The number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 3 are provided as an example. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, device 300 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 3 . Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 300.
As shown in FIG. 3 , device 300 may include bus 302, processor 304, memory 306, storage component 308, input component 310, output component 312, and communication interface 314. Bus 302 may include a component that permits communication among the components of device 300. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processor 304 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 304 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform a function. Memory 306 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and/or instructions for use by processor 304.
With continued reference to FIG. 3 , storage component 308 may store information and/or software related to the operation and use of device 300. For example, storage component 308 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid state disk, etc.) and/or another type of computer-readable medium. Input component 310 may include a component that permits device 300 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, input component 310 may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output component 312 may include a component that provides output information from device 300 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.). Communication interface 314 may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enables device 300 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface 314 may permit device 300 to receive information from another device and/or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface 314 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi® interface, a cellular network interface, and/or the like.
Device 300 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device 300 may perform these processes based on processor 304 executing software instructions stored by a computer- readable medium, such as memory 306 and/or storage component 308. A computer-readable medium may include any non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space located inside of a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices. Software instructions may be read into memory 306 and/or storage component 308 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 314. When executed, software instructions stored in memory 306 and/or storage component 308 may cause processor 304 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. The term “configured to,” as used herein, may refer to an arrangement of software, device(s), and/or hardware for performing and/or enabling one or more functions (e.g., actions, processes, steps of a process, and/or the like). For example, “a processor configured to” may refer to a processor that executes software instructions (e.g., program code) that cause the processor to perform one or more functions.
Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cold water chilling system comprising:

a first insulated tank configured to contain first chilled water;

a second insulated tank configured to contain second chilled water; and

a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank, the heat exchanger configured to chill water to form the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water;

the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank simultaneously or alternatively in fluid communication with the user station, the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank configured to dispense the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water to the user station for use by a user.

2. The cold water chilling system of claim 1, further comprising:

an at least three way valve having a first end in fluid communication with the first insulated tank, a second end in fluid communication with the second insulated tank, and a third end in fluid communication with the user station, the at least three way valve configured to place one of the first insulated tank and the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station;

wherein the at least three way valve is configured to: (1) place the first insulated tank and not the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station; and/or (2) place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station.

3. The cold water chilling system of claim 2, wherein the at least three way valve is configured to switch between (1) and (2).

4. The cold water chilling system of claim 1, wherein an inner wall of the first insulated tank and/or the second insulated tank comprises polyethylene.

5. The cold water chilling system of claim 1, wherein the user station comprises a shower and/or a bath.

6. The cold water chilling system of claim 1, wherein the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water has a temperature ranging from 40° F. to neutral water temperature.

7. The cold water chilling system of claim 2, wherein at a first time during operation of the cold water chilling system:

the first insulated tank functions as a discharge tank, and the second insulated tank functions as a chilling tank, wherein:

the at least three way valve is configured to place the first insulated tank and not the second insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the first insulated tank delivers the first chilled water to the user station.

8. The cold water chilling system of claim 7, wherein the first insulated tank comprises a first temperature sensor, and the second insulated tank comprises a second temperature sensor.

9. The cold water chilling system of claim 8, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station:

the heat exchanger is configured to chill water to form the second chilled water and deliver the second chilled water to the second insulated tank for storage.

10. The cold water chilling system of claim 9, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station:

the second temperature sensor is configured to determine that a water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than a threshold temperature; and

in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is higher than the threshold temperature, a pump system is activated to pump water from the second insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the second chilled water and to pump the second chilled water from the heat exchanger to the second insulated tank.

11. The cold water chilling system of claim 10, wherein while the pump system is activated, the second temperature sensor is configured to determine that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature; and

in response to determining that the water temperature in the second insulated tank is less than or equal to the threshold temperature, the pump system is deactivated.

12. The cold water chilling system of claim 9, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station:

the first temperature sensor is configured to determine that a water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than a second threshold temperature; and

in response to determining that the water temperature in the first insulated tank is higher than the second threshold temperature, cease delivery of the first chilled water to the user station.

13. The cold water chilling system of claim 12, wherein in response to ceasing delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, the at least three way valve is configured to switch such that the first insulated tank functions as the chilling tank, and the second insulated tank functions as the discharge tank, wherein:

the at least three way valve switches to place the second insulated tank and not the first insulated tank in fluid communication with the user station, such that the second insulated tank delivers the second chilled water to the user station.

14. The cold water chilling system of claim 13, wherein in response to switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank:

the pump system is configured to activate to pump water from the first insulated tank to the heat exchanger to chill water to form the first chilled water and to pump the first chilled water from the heat exchanger to the first insulated tank.

15. The cold water chilling system of claim 13, wherein the switching the first insulated tank to function as the chilling tank is configured to execute automatically in response to a reading from the first temperature sensor and/or the second temperature sensor.

16. The cold water chilling system of claim 7, wherein during delivery of the first chilled water to the user station, neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank, where the pump system is not activated to the first insulated tank to minimize mixing of the first chilled water and the neutral water being added to the first insulated tank.

17. The cold water chilling system of claim 16, wherein the first chilled water is discharged at a lower level of the first insulated tank for delivery to the user station compared to a level the neutral water is added to the first insulated tank to refill the first insulated tank.

18. The cold water chilling system of claim 2, further comprising a merge point between the at least three way valve and the user station, wherein at the merge point, the first chilled water or the second chilled water being delivered to the user station merges with an additional water stream, the additional water stream comprising neutral water and/or heated water.

19. The cold water chilling system of claim 18, further comprising a third temperature sensor proximate the merge point, wherein an amount and/or temperature of the additional water stream delivered to the merge point is configured to be determined based on a reading from the third temperature sensor.

20. A method for dispensing chilled water comprising:

delivering first chilled water from a first insulated tank to a user station simultaneously or alternatively in fluid communication with the first insulated tank and/or a second insulated tank, the user station configured to receive the first chilled water and/or second chilled water and to dispense the first chilled water and/or the second chilled water to a user;

simultaneous with delivering the first chilled water to the user station, chilling water to form the second chilled water with a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second insulated tank.