Patent · US Expired

Hot water heater stacking reduction control

US6560409B2 · kind B2 · utility

51Cited by
4References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 22, 2000
Grant dateMay 6, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 22, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF24H15/486
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A control system for a hot water heater includes a reservoir for containing hot water, a cold water feed for the reservoir, a hot water exit for the reservoir and means for supplying energy to heat water in the reservoir. A temperature monitoring probe associated with the reservoir monitors the temperature of the reservoir. The frequency of removal of water from the reservoir is monitored. There are means for relating the temperature and frequency of water removal to control the operation of the energy means for supplying heat to the reservoir. The frequency of water usage is signaled by monitoring the water temperature in the reservoir, the water flow from the reservoir, or the pressure of water in the reservoir. Based upon the frequency determination, the setpoint of the heating system can be adjusted so that stacking is avoided.

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