Device for preparing hot water by recovering heat from waste water

Abstract

A device for preparing hot water by recovering heat from waste water includes a heat pump which has a compressor and an evaporator. The evaporator supplies thermal energy to a hot water reservoir which is disposed above the compressor. At least one heat pipe thermally connects the hot water reservoir to the compressor of the heat pump and is constructed to dissipate waste heat produced during operation of the compressor to the hot water reservoir.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A device for preparing hot water by recovering heat from waste water, said device comprising:
 a heat pump comprising a compressor and an evaporator;   a hot water reservoir supplied with thermal energy by the evaporator of the heat pump above the compressor; and   a heat pipe thermally connecting the hot water reservoir to the compressor of the heat pump to dissipate waste heat produced during operation of the compressor to the hot water reservoir.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the heat pump is constructed for household application. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the heat pipe is permanently connected with thermal contact to one of the hot water reservoir and compressor by bonding, welding or soldering. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a clamping piece fixed to a member selected from the group consisting of the hot water reservoir or compressor, said heat pipe being detachably connected with thermal contact to the member via the clamping piece. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the heat pipe comprises a tube having an elastic region. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein each of the compressor, the heat pipe and the hot water reservoir comprise thermal insulation. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a shared insulation enclosing the compressor, the heat pipe, and the hot water reservoir. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the insulation comprises a coating that reflects infrared radiation. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the coating comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the shared insulation comprises a coating that reflects infrared radiation. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the coating comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the compressor comprises a metallic gloss, low-radiation surface. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the surface comprises a corrosion-resistant material. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the corrosion-resistant material comprises aluminum or chrome.