Storage-type water heater having tank condition monitoring features
US8068727B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H9/455
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems for evaluating the condition of a water tank having a powered anode protection system. The water heater includes a storage tank to hold water, a powered anode, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a variable voltage supply, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor. The control circuit is configured to compare a measured parameter to a threshold. In some constructions, the threshold is indicative of a condition of the storage tank at which the powered anode is no longer able to protect the storage tank from corrosion. In other constructions, the threshold is predicative of a potential failure of the storage tank caused by corrosion. In some constructions, the control circuit is configured to estimate a time remaining until the predicted failure of the storage tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.