The present invention relates to water heaters.
Electric water heaters typically use electrical energy to heat the water located inside a water tank to within a specific temperature range. The electrical energy may come from a power source such as a grid, or power grid, such as but not limited to an energy company power grid or a home power grid including one or more of solar panels, windmills, or other sources. The power grid distributes electrical energy to balance supply and demand at any specific time within a specific area. The demand for electrical energy from the power grid varies with, for example, time of day, season, geographical area, and other factors. The price for the electricity delivered by the power grid varies according to the overall demand on the power grid at a particular time and area. For example, the price of electricity increases during peak hours, and decreases during off-peak hours.
Some water heaters may include control units that demand electrical energy from the power grid during times of lower demand, while other water heaters demand electrical energy based solely on the temperature of the water with respect to the specific temperature range. Furthermore, upgrading water heaters to consume energy only (or mostly) during off-peak hours may require a different control unit and/or system to be installed in the water heater, making it a costly investment for the water heater manufacturer, and ultimately, the end user.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a water heater receiving electrical power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a relay configured to provide power to the heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The controller is coupled to a temperature sensor, and receives temperature signals from the temperature sensor and electrical grid information. The controller further sends an activation signal to the relay based on the temperature signals. The controller also outputs control signals to the first control circuit based on the received electrical grid information. The control circuit is coupled between the relay and the heating element, and includes an energizing terminal and a microprocessor. The energizing terminal is coupled to the heating element to provide driving power to the heating element through the relay. The microprocessor is coupled to the energizing terminal and receives the control signals from the controller. The microprocessor selectively energizes the heating element through the energizing terminal based on the control signals.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of operating a water heater receiving electrical power from an electrical grid. The water heater includes a heating element, a controller, and a first control circuit. The method includes connecting an energizing terminal of the first control circuit between a power output terminal of the first controller, and the heating element. The method also includes receiving, by the first control circuit, driving power from the controller based on a temperature signal, receiving, by a microprocessor of the first control circuit, control signals from the controller based on electrical grid information. Finally, the method includes selectively energizing the heating element, by the microprocessor and through the energizing terminal of the first control circuit, based on the received control signals.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawing. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
A water inlet line 120 and a water outlet line 125 are in fluid communication with the water tank 105 at a top portion of the water heater 100. The inlet line 120 includes an inlet opening 130 for adding cold water to the water tank 105, and the outlet line 125 includes an outlet opening 135 for withdrawing hot water from the water tank 105 for delivery to a user. The inlet line 120 and the outlet line 125 are in fluid communication with a mixing valve 127. The mixing valve 127 may combine water from both the inlet line 120 and the outlet line 125 in order to output water at a delivery temperature set point. In some embodiments, the mixing valve 127 may include a sensor, such as but not limited to, a water temperature sensor.
The water heater 100 also includes an upper heating element 140, a lower heating element 145, an upper temperature sensor 150, a lower temperature sensor 155, and a control system 180. The upper heating element 140 is attached to an upper portion of the water tank 105 and extends into the water tank 105 to heat the water within the water tank 105. The upper heating element 140 is coupled to the control system 180 to receive an activation signal. When activated, the upper heating element 140 heats the water stored in an upper portion of the water tank 105. In one embodiment, the upper heating element 140 is an electric resistance heating element. In other embodiments, the upper heating element 140 may be a different type of heating element.
The lower heating element 145 is attached to a lower portion of the water tank 105 and extends into the water tank 105 to heat the water stored in the lower portion of the water tank 105. The lower heating element 145 is coupled to the control system 180 to receive an activation signal. When activated, the lower heating element 145 heats the water stored in the lower portion of the water tank 105. In this embodiment, the lower heating element 145 is an electric resistance heating element. In other embodiments, the lower heating element may be a different type of heating element.
Although in the illustrated embodiment, two heating elements 140, 145 are shown, any number of heating elements may be included in the water heater 100. The invention may also be used with other fluid-heating apparatus for heating a conductive fluid, such as an instantaneous water heater or an oil heater, and with other heater element designs and arrangements. In some embodiments, only one of the upper heating element 140 and the lower heating element 145 operates at a time. In other words, the upper heating element 140 and the lower heating element 145 do not operate simultaneously. In such embodiments, the control system 180 prioritizes activation of the upper heating element 140. Because the outlet opening 135 is positioned in the upper portion of the water tank 105, water is withdrawn from the water tank 105 from the upper portion of the water tank 105. Therefore, prioritizing activation of the upper heating element 140 helps ensure that the water withdrawn from the water tank 105 is at the specified setpoint (e.g., a user-defined setpoint). The lower heating element 145 then operates once the water in the upper portion has reached the specified setpoint.
The upper temperature sensor 150 is positioned in the upper portion of the water tank 105 to determine a temperature of the water stored in the upper portion of the water tank 105. Analogously, the lower temperature sensor 155 is positioned in the lower portion of the water tank 105 to determine a temperature of the water in the lower portion of the water tank 105. The upper temperature sensor 150 and the lower temperature sensor 155 may be attached to the water tank 105, and may include, for example, thermistor type sensors. The upper temperature sensor 150 and the lower temperature sensor 155 are coupled to the control system 180 to periodically provide the sensed temperatures to the control system 180. In some embodiments, the water tank 105 may include more temperature sensors to provide a more accurate indication of the temperature of water inside the water tank 105. For example, the water tank 105 may be divided into three or more portions and a temperature sensor may be positioned in each portion.
The first controller 200 receives power from a power regulator 225. The power regulator 225 receives power from an alternating-current (AC) power source (not shown). In one embodiment, the AC power source provides approximately 120 VAC at a frequency of approximately 50 Hz to approximately 60 Hz. In another embodiment, the AC power source provides approximately 220 VAC at a frequency of approximately 50 Hz to approximately 60 Hz. In other embodiments, the power regulator 225 may provide a lower or higher voltage to the first controller 200. The first controller 200 includes a first communication terminal 230, comparators 235, a first relay 240, and a second relay 245. The first communication terminal 230 includes a cable connector that supplies power and a communication link to the port 220 and the third controller 210. The first controller 200 exchanges data and/or control signals with the port 220 and the third controller 210 through the first communication terminal 230. In some embodiments, the first controller 200 forwards data signals from the upper temperature sensor 150 and the lower temperature sensor 155 to at least the third controller 210.
The comparators 235 are coupled to the upper temperature sensor 150, the lower temperature sensor 155, the first communication terminal 230, the first relay 240, and the second relay 245. The comparators 235 receive the temperature signals from the upper temperature sensor 150 and the lower temperature sensor 155. Based on the received temperature signals, the comparators 235 generate output first control signal transmitted to the first relay 240, and a second control signal transmitted to the second relay 245. The first and second control signals indicate to the first relay 240 and second relay 245, respectively, when to transmit driving power (e.g., power from the AC power source 225).
The first relay 240 is further coupled to the upper heating element 140. The first relay 240 includes a first control terminal 250 and a first power output terminal 255. The first control terminal 250 receives the first control signal from the comparators 235. The first relay 240 then transmits driving power, through the first power output terminal 255, to the upper heating element 140 according to the first control signal. The second relay 245 is further coupled to the first control circuit 215. The second relay 245 includes a second control terminal 260 and a second power output terminal 265. The second control terminal 260 receives the second control signal from the comparators 235. The second relay 245 then transmits driving power, through the second power output terminal 265, to the first control circuit 215 according to the second control signal.
The first control circuit 215 includes a microprocessor 300, a bidirectional switching device 305 (e.g., an electronic switching device), and an energizing terminal 310. The first control circuit 215 is coupled to the first controller 200 through the bidirectional switching device 305, and to the second controller 205 through the microprocessor 300. The first control circuit 215 receives processing power and data and/or control signals from the second controller 205 at the microprocessor 300. In some embodiments, the first control circuit 215 communicates with the second controller 205 through a communication cable that is routed within a protected conduit. The communication cable is packaged and positioned inside or outside a tank jacket. This communication cable provides a dedicated channel (e.g., a serial channel) for communication between the second controller 205 and the first control circuit 215. The first control circuit 215 may also receive driving power from the second power output terminal 265. Based on the control signals from the second controller 205, the microprocessor 300 controls the bidirectional switching device 305.
The bidirectional switching device 305 is coupled to the microprocessor 300, to the second power output terminal 265, and to the energizing terminal 310. The bidirectional switching device 305 switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state (e.g., an enabled state), the bidirectional switching device 305 transfers driving power from the second power output terminal 265 to the energizing terminal 310. In the second state (e.g., a disabled state), the bidirectional switching device 305 interrupts transmission of driving power between the second power output terminal 265 and the energizing terminal 310. The bidirectional switching device 305 receives control signals from the microprocessor 300, and switches between the enabled state and the disabled state based on the control signals. In one embodiment, the bidirectional switching device 305 is an electronic switching device, such as but not limited to, a triac. In other embodiments, the bidirectional switching device 305 may include other switching devices that are capable of transmitting AC power. In some embodiments, the bidirectional switching device is mounted to a heat sink. In such an embodiment, the heat sink may be mounted to the lower portion of the water tank 105. In such an embodiment, the water tank 105 may provide sufficient cooling for the bidirectional switching device 305.
The energizing terminal 310 includes connectors (e.g., conducting terminals) to conduct the power from the second relay 245 and the bidirectional switching device 305 to the lower heating element 145. As illustrated, the energizing terminal 310 is coupled between the bidirectional switching device 305 and the lower heating element 145. The energizing terminal 310 receives driving power from the second power output terminal 265 when the bidirectional switching device 305 is in the enabled state. The energizing terminal 310, when receiving driving power, transmits at least part of the received driving power to the lower heating element 145 to heat the water in the lower portion of the water tank 105.
As shown in
The transceiver 350 receives regulation signals and information concerning the electrical grid through the network 365, and sends the electrical grid information to the electronic processor 355. In some embodiments, the grid controller 370 is operated by the utility. In other embodiments, the grid controller 370 is operated by a third-party. In such an embodiment, the third-party may be a third-party aggregator. In such an embodiment, the third-party aggregator monitors the grid independently of the utility and sends the load-up signal to the water heater 100 based on such monitoring. In yet other embodiments, the grid controller 370 is a residential grid controller. In such an embodiment, the grid controller 370 may be configured to monitor a home power grid.
The electronic processor 355 is coupled to the transceiver 350, the connector 357, and to the second communication terminal 360. The electronic processor 355 receives the regulation signals, commands, and the electrical grid information (e.g., demand times and/or pricing information) through the transceiver 350. The electronic processor 355 receives processing power (e.g., approximately five-volts) and data signals through the connector 357. For example, the electronic processor 355 receives information regarding the operation of the water heater 100 through the connector 357, which couples the electronic processor 355 to the port 220. The electronic processor 355 may analyze the signals received from the network 365 and generates control signals based on the electrical grid information. The electronic processor 355 then outputs the control signals to the second communication terminal 360.
The second communication terminal 360 is coupled to the electronic processor 355 and to the microprocessor 300 of the first control circuit 215. The second communication terminal 360 transmits processing power (e.g., approximately five-volts) to the first control circuit 215. The second communication terminal 360 also transmits one or more control signals from the second controller 205 to the first control circuit 215. The one or more control signals from the second controller 205 indicate to the first control circuit 215 whether the bidirectional switching device 305 is to be enabled. The control signals from the grid controller 370 may command the lower heating element 140 to switch states (e.g., from activated to deactivated) approximately once per second. Such fast switching rates may result in the second relay 245 becoming inoperable (e.g., due to the mechanical switching employed by the second relay 245). Therefore, adding the bidirectional switching device 305 between the second relay 245 and the lower heating element 145 protects the second relay 245 from performing such fast switching rates, thereby extending the life of the water heater 100. In other words, the bidirectional switching device 305 performs the fast switching rates instead of the second relay 245. The second relay 245 may switch states at lower rates while continuing to optimize electrical energy utilization by implementing appropriate control (e.g., voltage and/or frequency control) from the grid controller 370 on the lower heating element 145.
Although in the illustrated embodiment, the grid controller 370 provides control signals and/or information regarding the electric grid to a single water heater 100, in other embodiments, the grid controller 370 may be connected to several water heaters and may be able to provide control signals to various water heaters and/or other appliances. In some embodiments, the second controller 205 is also connected to more than one water heater 100 and may forward the control signals from the grid controller 370 to more than just a single water heater 100 (e.g., first control circuit 215, first controller 200).
The control system 180 also includes a third controller 210. The third controller 210 is coupled to the first controller 200 and to the second controller 205. The third controller 210 includes a second electronic processor 400, a memory 405, input/output devices 410, and a third communication terminal 415. The third communication terminal 415 exchanges information with the second controller 205 and the first controller 200. In such an embodiment, the third communication terminal 415 also receives processing power (e.g., approximately five-volts) to power the third controller 210.
The memory 405 stores algorithms and/or programs used to control the upper heating element 140, the lower heating element 145, and other components of the water heater 100. The memory 405 may also store historical data, usage patterns, and the like to help control the water heater 100. The second electronic processor 400 is coupled to the third communication terminal 415, the input/output devices 410, and the memory 405. The second electronic processor 400 is configured, for example, to receive the temperature signals from the upper temperature sensor 150 and the lower temperature sensor 155. The second electronic processor 400 accesses those algorithms and programs from the memory 405 to execute such control of the water heater 100. The second electronic processor 400 also exchanges data signals with the input/output devices 410 to modify and/or specify which algorithms and/or programs are to be executed by the second electronic processor 400.
The input/output devices 410 output information to the user regarding the operation of the water heater 100 and also receive user inputs. In some embodiments, the input/output devices 410 may include a user interface for the water heater 100. The input/output devices 410 may include a combination of digital and analog input or output devices required to achieve level of control and monitoring for the water heater 100. For example, the input/output devices 410 may include a touch screen, a speaker, buttons, and the like to receive user input regarding the operation of the water heater 100 (for example, a temperature set point at which water is to be delivered from the water tank 105). The second electronic processor 400 also outputs information to the user in the form of, for example, graphics, alarm sounds, and/or other known output devices. The input/output devices 410 may be used to control and/or monitor the water heater 100. For example, the input/output devices 410 may be operably coupled to the control system 180 to control temperature settings of the water heater 100. For example, using the input/output devices 410, a user may set one or more temperature set points for the water heater 100.
The input/output devices 410 are configured to display conditions or data associated with the water heater 100 in real-time or substantially real-time. For example, but not limited to, the input/output devices 410 may be configured to display measured electrical characteristics of the upper heating element 140 and lower heating element 145, the temperature sensed by temperature sensors 150, 155, etc. The input/output devices 410 may also include a “power on” indicator and an indicator for each heating element 140, 145 to indicate whether the element is active.
The input/output devices 410 may be mounted on the shell of the water heater, remotely from the water heater 100 in the same room (e.g., on a wall), in another room in the building, or even outside of the building. The interface between the control system 180 and the user interface 280 may include a 2-wire bus system, a 4-wire bus system, or a wireless signal. In some embodiments, the input/output devices 410 may also generate alarms regarding the operation of the water heater 100.
In one embodiment, the third controller 210 operates in conjunction with the first controller 200 to operate the water heater 100. In some embodiments, the third controller 210 in combination with the first controller 200 may be included as a single controller. In some embodiments, the first controller 200 and/or the third controller 210 may be coupled to an external device through, for example, a remote network, a transceiver, and the like. In some embodiments, the first control circuit 215 and the second controller 205 are manufactured, sold, and/or provided as a single add-on package. The first control circuit 215 and the second controller 205 are then compatible to connect to the first controller 200 and/or the third controller 210 that may already be positioned at the water heater 100. Therefore, a user may upgrade an existing water heater by adding the add-on package including the first control circuit 215 and the second controller 205. Similarly, manufacturing costs may be reduced by producing the first control circuit 215 and the second controller 205 separately from the first controller 200 and the third controller 210. For example, a manufacturer may continue to build water heaters including the first controller 200 and the third controller 210. Optionally, the manufacturer may add the second controller 205 and the first control circuit 215 to the water heater 100 and sell the water heater 100 as an upgraded version.
In some embodiments, the second temperature threshold is different than the first temperature threshold. In one embodiment, the second temperature threshold is lower than the first temperature threshold. In other embodiments, the second temperature threshold may be the same as the first temperature threshold. When the comparators 235 determine that the lower temperature signal is below the second temperature threshold, the comparators 235 output a control signal to the second relay 245 to activate the second relay 245 (block 625). When the second relay 245 is activated, driving power is provided to the first control circuit 215 through the second power output terminal 265. After activating the second relay 245, the first controller 200 continues to receive temperature signals as described with respect to block 605 to continue to activate and deactivate the first and second relays 240, 245. Similarly, in block 620, when the comparators 235 determine that the lower temperature signal is not less than the second temperature threshold, the comparators 235 continue to receive temperature signals from each of the upper temperature sensor 150 and the lower temperature sensor 155 (block 605). Therefore, as shown in
Additionally, to maintain control of the lower heating element 145, the second controller 205 (e.g., the electronic processor 355) sends the disable signal to the bidirectional switching device 305 such that the lower temperature signal remains slightly below the second temperature threshold. By maintaining the lower temperature signal slightly below the second temperature threshold, the second relay 245 remains activated, thereby passing driving power to the bidirectional switching device 305. The bidirectional switching device 305 is then controlled by the second controller 205. Otherwise, when the lower temperature signal reaches the second temperature threshold, the second relay 245 is deactivated and the control to the bidirectional switching device 305 is no longer able to control the activation of the lower heating element 145.
In some embodiments, the main controller 1002 combines the functionality of the first controller 1200, the second controller 1205, and the third controller 1210. The control system 1000 is configured to perform those operations described with respect to the first controller 1200, the second controller 1205, and the third controller 1210. As shown in
The electronic processor 1006 sends activation signals to the upper relay 1240 and the lower relay 1245 to activate the upper heating element 1140 and the lower heating element 1145, as determined based on the signals from the comparators 1235. The upper relay 1240 and the lower relay 1245 each include a power output terminal and a control terminal, which may sometimes be referred to as the “power output terminal of the controller.” The electronic processor 1006 accesses the memory 1405 to retrieve one or more control algorithms, threshold values, and the like. As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, control circuit 1215 includes similar components as the first control circuit 215 of
By connecting the first control circuit 215 between a controller (for example controllers 200, 205, 210, 1002) and the lower heating element 145, the control systems 180, 1000 provide control of the lower heating element 145 based on temperature and based on the state (e.g., pricing and/or regulation) of the electrical grid. Additionally, by providing removable connections of the first control circuit 215 and the second controller 205, as described with respect to
Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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