Fluid heater with improved heating elements controller
US6080971A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D23/1935
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrically powered water heater includes a plurality of heating elements for substantially instantaneous heating of fluid passing through the heater. A controller for powering the plurality of heating elements is responsive to a temperature sensor in fluid communication with the heated fluid. The temperature sensor activates each of the plurality of heating elements for a predetermined period of time that is preferably no more than 32 half cycles. The controller activates a second heating element after a delay of preferably no more than 8 half cycles after activating a first heating element. The predetermined period of time for activating each of the plurality of heating elements may be substantially equal, such that each heating element contributes substantially equally to the heating of fluid. In one embodiment, the heater housing is provided with a plurality of chambers, and a heating element is provided within each of the plurality of chambers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.