Method, apparatus, and system for projecting hot water availability for showering and bathing
US7520445B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H15/486
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for predicting the availability of hot water for showering and bathing. One or more parameters corresponding to the operation of a water heater are monitored over time. Data corresponding to the monitored parameters are processed to determine a rate at which hot water is being consumed by the shower/bath and/or other hot water consumers. Based on a hot water consumption rate and determination of a current hot water availability condition, a time at which the temperature of hot water supplied by the water heater is projected to fall below a minimum temperature threshold is determined. In one embodiment, the apparatus include a thermal-modeling computer and a control/monitor interface that is disposed in or proximate to a shower. In one embodiment, the thermal-modeling computer is installed at a water heater and data is transmitted between the thermal-modeling computer and the control/monitor interface via a wireless signal. The techniques also can be used to determine whether an adequate supply of hot water exists for a bath prior to drawing the bath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.