Water heater appliances and methods for controlling a mixing valve with a park period
US11347246B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6497
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A water heater appliance and methods for operating the same, as provided herein, may include a casing, a tank, an inlet conduit, an electric heating system, a mixing valve, and a controller. The electric heating system may be in thermal communication with the tank. The mixing valve may be mounted to the casing downstream from the tank. The controller may be operably coupled to the electric heating system and the mixing valve. The controller may be configured to initiate a mixing cycle. The mixing cycle may include detecting a flow demand at the water heater appliance, directing the mixing valve to a programmed park position in response to detecting the flow demand, determining expiration of a park period following directing the mixing valve to the programmed park position, and releasing the mixing valve from the programmed park position in response to determining expiration of the park period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.