Fluid-heating apparatus, circuit for heating a fluid, and method of operating the same
US7256372B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H15/414
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit includes a current path from the power source to the heating element back to the power source, a switch connected in the current path, and a current sensor. The method includes initiating a heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, initiating a non-heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, applying a voltage to the heating element during the non-heating state, sensing a leakage current of the heating element during the application of the voltage, and determining a degradation of the heating element with the sensed leakage current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.