Water heater having a supplemental photovoltaic heating arrangement
US10072853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B10/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A water heater is provided having an insulated tank having a water inlet and a water outlet, and further defining an interior volume to contain a quantity of water. A primary heating arrangement applies heat energy to the water so as to heat the water. In addition, the primary heating arrangement is configured to maintain the water during standby periods between upper and lower set point temperatures. A supplemental heating arrangement is operative to supply additional heat energy to the water in order to lessen energy usage by the primary heating arrangement during the standby periods. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the supplemental heating arrangement includes at least one photovoltaic panel and a supplemental heating element. Control electronics are operatively interposed between the at least one photovoltaic panel and the supplemental heating element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.