Patent · US Active

Vent attachment for a tankless water heater

US11421915B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
67References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 29, 2021
Grant dateAug 23, 2022
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 29, 2041

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E20/34
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vent attachment facilitates attaching a coaxial air intake and exhaust vent of a tankless water heater to a Category I vent, such as B-vent. The vent attachment comprises a first end with a coaxial connector comprising a central exhaust pathway and a circumferential air intake pathway. The vent attachment also comprises a second end with a tubular exhaust vent connector in fluid communication with the central exhaust pathway. The vent attachment further comprises a frame that encloses the central exhaust pathway and comprises a mesh configured to provide fluid communication through the frame with the air intake pathway. Additionally, operation of the tankless water heater is modified to ensure that the exhaust generated is suitable for venting through a Category I vent. The tankless water heater maintains a high fuel consumption rate such that the temperature of hot water produced increases throughout each of a plurality of burner stages.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.