Water heating is a thermodynamic process that uses an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water include cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating.
Water can be heated in vessels known as water heaters, tanks, kettles, cauldrons, pots, or coppers. A metal vessel that heats a batch of water does not produce a continual supply of heated water at a preset temperature. The water temperature varies based on the consumption rate, becoming cooler over time and as flow increases, and the vessel is depleted.
The present disclosure is directed to a tankless electric water heater system. The tankless electric water heater has a heating chamber with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a heating element connected to the heating chamber, a first temperature sensor disposed near the first end of the heating chamber, a second temperature sensor disposed near the second end of the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water and disposed near the heating chamber, and a controller connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the flow sensor, and the heating element. The controller is configured to have a set point temperature, to detect temperature and flow data from the first and second temperature sensors, and the flow sensor, and to provide as output a power setting to the heating element.
The foregoing general description of the illustrative implementations and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure, and are not restrictive.
A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a”, “an” and the like generally carry a meaning of “one or more”, unless stated otherwise.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
In one example, the liquid storage device 200 may be connected to a heat source 212 that provides heat to the liquid storage device 200 to heat water inside the liquid storage device 200. For example, the heat source 212 may derive energy from electricity, natural gas, or geothermal sources.
Further, various embodiments of the tankless electric water heater 100 can also be used in conjunction with pool and spa heating, aquariums, hydroponics, radiant, solar, recirculation, industrial processes, and other applications. While the embodiments described herein are connected at the outlet of a liquid storage device 200, other embodiments of the tankless electric water heater 100 may also be connected at the inlet of, on, at, near, or in a liquid storage device 200 to heat and maintain fluid temperature ranges.
An advantageous feature of the tankless electric water heater 100 is the ability to immediately increase the effective volume of heated water available from the liquid storage device 200 equipped with the heat source 212 by heating at the tankless electric water heater 100 a flow of water as it flows out of the liquid storage device 200 rather than continuously heating only a quantity of water in a finite volume, such as that in the liquid storage device 200.
Another advantageous feature of the tankless electric water heater 100 is reduced energy consumption since heat energy is not needed to maintain an elevated water temperature prior to use, as is needed when heated water is stored in the liquid storage device 200 and not used immediately. Energy is wasted to maintain heated water on standby while the water gradually cools and dissipates the heat energy to the atmosphere. The volume of heated water that can be stored has limited utility when the supply of heated water needed during a period of high water consumption, for example in a case where multiple people shower or bath using the same hot water supply in a liquid storage device 200, exceeds an available volume.
Another advantage of the tankless electric water heater 100 is the ability to store water in a liquid storage device 200 at lower temperature, and only heating water as it flows out as needed. Maintaining a largely stagnant tank of water at an elevated temperature may introduce additional risk of growth of certain bacteria that can cause illness and disease in humans, such as Legionella. The bacteria is known to reside within a variety of soil and aquatic systems and has an ideal temperature growth range from about 90 degrees F. to about 108 degrees F., though its growth range begins at about 77 degrees F. Storing water at a cooler temperature and then heating the water as it leaves the liquid storage device 200 can reduce certain health risks.
Further, the tankless electric water heater 100b is connected to a recirculation pump 208 and a recirculation pipe 210 at a point before a heating element 128 (further illustrated in at least
Hot water capacity in the liquid storage device 200, for example a tank, may be limited by stratification, a phenomenon that experimental results have shown can significantly reduce useful hot water capacity of the liquid storage device 200, further reducing energy efficiency.
A liquid storage device 200 without external flow is subject to an ambient temperature, and a thermal stratification of water is formed in the course of a cooling process. Cold water accumulates at the bottom while hot water ascends to the top of the liquid storage device 200. This phenomenon occurs even if all the water inside the liquid storage device 200 is initially at a uniform temperature.
This is because prior to releasing heat to the ambient surroundings, the liquid storage device 200 cools a thin, vertical layer of water along the inside nearest the external atmosphere. Part of this heat is then transferred by diffusion towards the center of the liquid storage device 200. The water of the thin vertical layer becomes denser than its surrounding and then slips towards the bottom of the liquid storage device 200, creating stratification. This can effectively reduce usable heated water in the liquid storage device 200.
An advantageous feature of this example of the tankless electric water heater 100b is reduced energy loss in the liquid storage device 200 from stratification. Recirculation of heated water from the tankless electric water heater 100 via the recirculation pump 208 results in a more even water temperature distribution inside the liquid storage device 200.
The tankless electric water heater 100b further allows the use of a smaller liquid storage device 200 to produce an equivalent amount of hot water as a larger liquid storage device 200, reducing the total amount of heat energy that is lost to the atmosphere to maintain hot water temperature.
In another example, the recirculation pump 208 is connected to the first inlet pipe 204 entirely upstream of the tankless electric water heater 100b, and the recirculation pipe 210 connects the outlet of the recirculation pump 208 to the second inlet pipe 202.
Further, the tankless electric water heater 100c is connected to the recirculation pump 208 and the recirculation pipe 210 at a point after a heating element 128 (further described by
In one example, the recirculation pump 208 is connected to the outlet pipe 206 entirely downstream of the tankless electric water heater 100c, and the recirculation pipe 210 connects the outlet of the recirculation pump 208 to the second inlet pipe 202.
In one example, the liquid storage device 200 may be connected to the heat source 212 that provides energy to the liquid storage device 200 to heat water inside the liquid storage device 200. When the recirculation pump 208 and the recirculation pipe 210 exit before the tankless electric water heater 100b (as in one example of
An advantageous feature of the tankless electric water heaters 100a-100c described by
Further, electrical supply lines 401 may be rerouted from the heat source 212 of the liquid storage device 200 and connected to the tankless electric water heater 100 as illustrated in
Another advantageous feature of the tankless electric water heaters 100a-100c described by
A heating element 128 (not shown) is connected to an electrical connection 127, with the heating element 128 portion disposed within the heating chamber 110. The electrical connection 127 is connected to the high speed switch 112, and the high speed switch is controlled by a controller 120 to modulate power to the heating element 128 (further described by
A first mounting pin 135, a second mounting pin 136, a third mounting pin 137, and a fourth mounting pin 138 (not visible in this view) are connected to the mounting plate 102 and secure the controller 120 to the mounting plate 102.
An outlet temperature sensor 106 is connected to the heating chamber 110, and a proportioning valve 116 connected to the outlet temperature sensor 106 controls the flow of liquid exiting the tankless electric water heater 100 via the outlet fitting 126. In one example (not shown), the outlet temperature sensor 106 is located upstream of the heating chamber 110 and the proportioning valve 116. In another example, the outlet temperature sensor 106 is located downstream of the heating chamber 110 but upstream of the proportioning valve 116 and outlet fitting 126. A downstream direction is from the inlet fitting 124 to the outlet fitting 126.
A temperature safety switch 118 is connected to the outside of the heating chamber 110 by a switch mount 134. The controller 120 and a terminal block 122 are further connected to the mounting plate 102.
Water flows into the inlet fitting 124, from for example the first inlet pipe 204, at which point the inlet temperature sensor 104 detects a water temperature and the flow sensor 114 detects a flow rate. The water then enters the first conduit 123 and then the second conduit 131. Based on a temperature setting of the tankless electric water heater 100, the controller 120 activates the heating element 128 in the heating chamber 110 at a power setting based on the detected temperature by the inlet temperature sensor 104 to increase the temperature of the water. The tab 125, which provides structural support for the heating chamber 110 and the first conduit 123, may also, in some examples, transfer heat through conduction from the heating chamber 110 to the first conduit 123, the second conduit 131, the third conduit 129, and the fourth conduit 133, thereby pre-heating the water that flows into the first conduit 123 and the second conduit 131 before the water enters the heating chamber 110 by way of the third conduit 129 and the fourth conduit 133.
Further, the third conduit 129, the fourth conduit 133, and the second conduit 131 form a loop with the heating chamber 110, allowing for balanced water flow into the heating chamber 110. In one example, the heating chamber 110 and the heating element 128 may be of a type described by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/835,346, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, the heating element can be any other heating element as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Once the water has flowed through the heating chamber 110, the water then flows past the outlet temperature sensor 106 to the outlet proportioning valve 116. In one example, the outlet proportioning valve 116 is a solenoid valve, an electro-proportional valve, or an electrohydraulic servo valve that can be activated by the controller 120 to seal a portion or all of the liquid flow exiting the tankless electric water heater 100. If the outlet proportioning valve 116 is not fully closed, water flows through the outlet proportioning valve 116, and through the outlet fitting 126 to supply another device or end user. The outlet temperature sensor 106 detects a temperature of water exiting the heating chamber 110. The controller 120 detects temperatures at the inlet temperature sensor 104, the outlet temperature sensor 106, and the water flow rate at the flow sensor 114, and controls the operation of the outlet proportioning valve 116 and the heating element 128 as a function of at least one of the inlet temperature sensor 104 measurement, the outlet temperature sensor measurement 106 and the water flow rate to ensure that water is heated to an appropriate temperature and can continue to be heated at the temperature based on the flow rate. The amount of power (in kilowatts) needed to raise the temperature of an amount of water, defined as a flow rate (Gallons Per Minute), by a specific temperature difference (ΔT, in Fahrenheit), may be determined by an equation: Power (kW)=[Flow Rate (GPM)×ΔT (° F.)]/6.83
In one example, the controller 120 uses the equation above to determine how much power to provide to the heating element 128 based on the difference between a set point temperature 130 and the temperature detected at the outlet temperature sensor 106 (where the set point temperature 130 is greater than a reading of outlet temperature sensor 106), and the detected flow rate of the flow sensor 114.
In another example, the controller 120 uses the equation above to determine an amount the outlet proportioning valve 116 can be open to maintain a flow rate exiting the tankless electric water heater 100 based on a temperature difference between what is detected by the outlet temperature sensor 106 and the inlet temperature sensor 104, and an amount of power supplied to the heating element 128.
If electrical load or heat buildup exceeds the design limit, the temperature safety switch 118 may be triggered by the controller 120 to limit or shut down electrical power to the heating element 128, reducing the risk of damage or equipment failure and thereby helping to ensure safe operation.
The terminal block 122 provides electrical power connections between electrical supply lines 220 and the tankless electric water heater 100 (
In one example, if the controller 120 detects a temperature below a threshold at the inlet temperature sensor 104 and/or the outlet temperature sensor 106, the controller 120 may turn on or increase power to the heating element 128 or the heat source 212, if applicable, to increase water temperature to a minimum temperature at the outlet temperature sensor 106.
In another example, if the controller 120 detects a temperature below a set point temperature 130 at the outlet temperature sensor 106, the controller 120 may close the outlet proportioning valve 116.
In another example, if the controller 120 detects a temperature above a set point temperature 130 at the outlet temperature sensor 106, the controller 120 may close the outlet proportioning valve 116.
In another example, if the controller 120 detects the temperature exceeds a threshold at the outlet temperature sensor 106, the controller 120 can close the outlet proportioning valve 116 to prevent water from flowing out at an excessive and potentially dangerous temperature. Further, the controller 120 may also reduce or turn off power to the heating element 128 of the tankless electric water heater and/or the heat source 212 of the liquid storage device 200 to allow any water remaining within the tankless electric water heater 100 and the liquid storage device 200 to cool.
Although only one heating chamber 110 is illustrated in
In one example, at least one of the set of the first conduit 123, the second conduit 131, the tab 125, the third conduit 129, the fourth conduit 133, and the heating chamber 110 are formed from metals or engineered polymers.
In another example (not shown), the outlet temperature sensor 106 is disposed downstream of both the heating chamber 110 and the outlet proportioning valve 116.
In another example, the outlet temperature sensor 106 is disposed downstream of the heating chamber 110 and upstream of the outlet proportioning valve 116, while a second outlet temperature sensor (not shown) is located downstream of the outlet proportioning valve 116, allowing measurement of temperature differences that may occur as a result of the position or actuation of the outlet proportioning valve 116.
Further, the first mounting pin 135, the second mounting pin 136, the third mounting pin 137, and the fourth mounting pin 138 are connected to the mounting plate 102 and support the controller 120.
Water comes into the tankless electric water heater 100 via the first inlet pipe 204, and then flows by the inlet temperature sensor 104 toward the flow sensor 114. The inlet temperature sensor 104 measures the temperature of water as it enters the tankless electric water heater 100 before water is further heated within the tankless electric water heater 100 and transmits the measurement to the controller 120. The flow sensor 114 measures the rate at which water is flowing into the tankless electric water heater 100 and transmits the measurement to the controller 120. The liquid then flows into the heating chamber 110 and past the heating element 128. If the heating element 128 is provided with electrical power by the controller 120 based on the measurements, the heating element 128 heats the water to a temperature controlled by the controller 120. Once the water is past the heating element 128, the water flows past the outlet temperature sensor 106 toward the outlet proportioning valve 116. If the outlet proportioning valve 116 is open, water flows through the outlet proportioning valve 116 and out of the tankless electric water heater 100 through the outlet pipe 206. Otherwise, if the outlet proportioning valve 116 is not open, water does not flow through the outlet proportioning valve 116 and water does not flow out of the tankless electric water heater 100.
In one example, the recirculation pump 208 is connected to the tankless electric water heater 100b at a point after the inlet temperature sensor 104 and before a heating element 128. The recirculation pump 208 is further connected to the recirculation pipe 210, and recirculates water, which may be at an elevated temperature, depending on an operation of the heating element 128, from the tankless electric water heater 100b through the recirculation pipe 210 and back toward the liquid storage device 200 as illustrated and described with respect to
In one example, the recirculation pump 208 is connected to the tankless electric water heater 100c at a point downstream of the heating element 128. The recirculation pump 208 is further connected to the recirculation pipe 210, and recirculates water, which may be at an elevated temperature, depending on an operation of the heating element 128, from the tankless electric water heater 100c through the recirculation pipe 210 and back toward the liquid storage device 200 as illustrated and described by
In one example, further described by
Further, in a case where the tankless electric water heater 100 is connected to a recirculation pipe 210, a recirculation pump 208 and an inlet proportioning valve 214 (as described by
In one example, the liquid storage device 200 is an electric water heater and the heat source 212 electrically heats water in the liquid storage device 200. The controller 120, through operation of the switching mechanism 108d, may divert some or all of the electrical power from the heat source 212 to the heating element 128 to provide greater heating capability in the tankless electric water heater 100d, such as in a case where heated water is needed immediately.
In another example, the controller 120 may operate the switching mechanism 108d to divert some or all of the available electrical power to the heat source 212 to provide greater heating capability to the liquid storage device 200, such as in a case where the controller 120 anticipates a need for a quantity of heated water based on historical usage, through one or more learning algorithms, or a predetermined water heating schedule or time interval.
In another example, the controller 120 may operate the switching mechanism 108d to shut down electrical power to the tankless electric water heater 100d and the liquid storage device 200. Further, electrical power may be reapplied if the controller 120 detects the possibility water in the system is approaching a low temperature or freezing temperature to prevent system damage or failure. This mode of operation is useful for conserving energy during an extended period without use, for example in an overnight or vacation mode.
In another example, the controller 120 may, whether operating on primary or backup power, alert a user of a system error, leak, or failure through a display 920 on the tankless electric water heater 100 and/or through communication with remote devices and networks using wired or wireless methods such as described by a communication process S80 described by
In another example, the high speed switch 112 is a triac, and the controller 120 modulates power applied to the heating element 128, in order to achieve an outlet water temperature approximately matching the set point temperature 130. The controller 120 may modulate power to the heating element 128 based on various parameters such as flow, inlet/outlet temperature, and information/data collected from other interfacing apparatuses. The control algorithm may be based on the parameters listed above in conjunction with maximum power settings of the heating element 128 and the set point temperature 130. The control algorithm may be based on a PID-type (proportional-integral-derivative) control loop feedback mechanism, using pulse width modulation at a calculated frequency, to increase or decrease power supplied to the heating element 128 to control outlet water temperature.
An advantageous feature of the tankless electric water heater 100d, is when it is installed in conjunction with an electric heat source 212 of a liquid storage device 200, the electrical circuit to both devices may be shared. The controller 120 of the tankless electric water heater 100 is always supplied power and will control when to switch between supplying power to the electric heat source 212 of the liquid storage device 200 or the heating element 128 of the tankless electric water heater 100, but generally not to both the heat source 212 and the heating element 128 at any one particular time. This mitigates the cost of installing a separate electrical circuit which other tankless electric water heaters need when used as a booster.
S10 represents a process of initiating use of a controller 120 of the tankless electric water heater 100, which may include, without limitation, steps related to setting a set point temperature 130, a date and time, a mode of operation, and a type of system (such as if there is a liquid storage device 200, electrically heated or otherwise) and a size of the liquid storage device 200. The steps may be automatic or performed by a user manually via control knob 140 or remotely from an external device such as a mobile device.
In one example, the controller 120 operates with preprogrammed default settings for the set point temperature 130, the date and time, the mode of operation, and the type and the size of the liquid storage device 200 the tankless electric water heater 100 is connected to.
In another example, the user sets or adjusts the set point temperature 130, the date and time, the mode of operation, and the type and the size of the liquid storage device 200 the tankless electric water heater 100 is connected to.
S30 represents a process of the controller 120 operating the tankless electric water heater 100. This can include steps, where applicable and without limitation, related to powering a heating element 128 of the tankless electric water heater 100 and/or the heat source 212 of a liquid storage device 200, detecting or deriving system status such as temperatures at the inlet temperature sensor 104, the outlet temperature sensor 106 or other source, a flow rate from the flow sensor 114, electrical power usage, a date and a time, and a set point temperature 130, routing a flow of water by operating the outlet proportioning valve 116, or controlling the inlet proportioning valve 214 to change the path and source of water leading to the liquid storage device 200, and pumping the recirculation pump 208 to recirculate water from before or after the heating element 128 to the liquid storage device 200.
Operating the tankless electric water heater 100 to distribute electrical power between the tankless electric water heater 100 and the liquid storage device 200, if applicable, to heat water in the most efficient way is a sub-process of S30, as is detecting and deriving system status and other sensor readings, and then adjusting system operation.
In one example, the tankless electric water heater 100 is connected to the liquid storage device 200 and an electrically powered heat source 212. The controller 120 may operate according to the process diagrams described by
In another example, the tankless electric water heater 100 is connected to the liquid storage device 200 heated by a heat source 212, such as a gas heater that is controlled by a separate liquid storage device controller 198. In this example, the controller 120 controls the tankless electric water heater 100 and can be connected to the device controller 198 to operate the heat source 212 of the liquid storage device 200.
In another example, the tankless electric water heater 100 is connected to an unheated liquid storage device 200, or a liquid storage device 200 heated by a separately controlled heat source 212 such as gas heat, fire, or hot springs, and the controller 120 controls only the tankless electric water heater 100 independently of any controls that may be connected to the liquid storage device 200.
In another example, the controller 120 detects the flow rate of the flow sensor 114 over a period of time and modulates electrical power provided to the heating element 128 to maintain the temperature of the water passing the outlet temperature sensor 106 to be about the same as the set point temperature 130.
In another example, the controller 120 detects the day or date and time and automatically adjusts power to the tankless electric water heater 100 and the heat source 212 of the liquid storage device 200 to increase or decrease the availability of hot water depending on preprogrammed hot water needs at various times. This is useful for conserving power during days and hours where the demand for hot water is low or nonexistent, and for preparing to supply larger quantities of hot water during periods of high demand. The controller 120 may also apply one or more algorithms, for instance a statistical model, to estimate maximum and minimum demand for hot water from the system by day and time, and adjust electrical power use accordingly. In all examples, the controller 120 may generate or use a plurality of set point temperatures 130 to establish upper and lower temperature limits for operations at different times and conditions.
In another example, the controller 120 detects a power outage and switches to operate from a backup power source 132 to continue to maintain the ability to monitor and control some functions of the tankless electric water heater 100, including communication, as described below by primary process S80, to inform external devices or networks of a power outage. Further, if the backup power source 132 possesses sufficient capacity, the tankless electric water heater 100 may be able to continue to operate the heating element 128 and the heat source 212 normally on backup power.
In another example, the controller 120 receives input from the primary process S80 in the form of additional data or direct commands. Such input may be received from devices external to the controller 120, such as other controllers 120 located in the same or nearby structure. Further, external devices may include devices such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets or computers connected to the controller 120 via wired, wireless, or cellular networks.
In another example, the controller 120 maintains water in a liquid storage device 200 at a temperature at or above ambient but relatively low temperature (below about 77 degrees F., for example) so as to help reduce the risk of Legionella developing within the liquid storage device 200. Electrical power is then applied to the heating element 128 to further heat water only as needed.
The following examples relate to recirculation of water through the liquid storage device 200 to reduce the extent of stratification.
In one example, the recirculation pump 208 recirculates water from before or after the heating element 128 of the tankless electric water heater 100 to the liquid storage device 200 to increase the effectiveness of the liquid storage device 200 by reducing stratification. In one case, water is recirculated from a point before the heating element 128 of the tankless electric water heater 100 to the liquid storage device 200. In another case, water is recirculated from a point after the heating element 128 of the tankless electric water heater 100 to the liquid storage device 200, and may be at a higher temperature than that of the water entering the heating element 128. In either case, the inlet proportioning valve 214 may be open or closed. In a case where the inlet proportioning valve 214 is fully closed, only recirculated water enters the liquid storage device 200 from the recirculation pipe 210. In a case where the inlet proportioning valve 214 is partly open, water entering the liquid storage device 200 includes a mixture of recirculated water from the recirculation pipe 210 and non-recirculated water from the second inlet pipe 202.
In another example, the controller 120 controls the outlet proportioning valve 116 to be partly or fully open and the recirculation pump 208 is in operation. In this example, the water flowing out of the liquid storage device 200 through the first inlet pipe 204 is divided between the outlet pipe 206 and the recirculation pipe 210.
Further, additional information may be determined through derivation using available data to aid with operating the tankless electric water heater 100. For example, energy consumption of the heating element 128 can be determined approximately by the controller 120 through a calculation based on the temperatures detected by the inlet temperature sensor 104 and the outlet temperature sensor 106, and the flow rate of water detected by the flow sensor 114.
S70 represents a process of recording specification and historical usage data related to uses of a tankless electric water heater 100, which may include, where applicable and without limitation, size of the liquid storage device 200, power consumption of the tankless electric water heater 100 and the heat source 212, a flow rate as detected by the flow sensor 114 and volume of water consumed, inlet and outlet temperatures as measured by the inlet temperature sensor 104 and the outlet temperature sensor 106, respectively, a set point temperature 130, room or ambient temperature, and duration of use, including the day or date and time period of use.
S80 represents a process of the controller 120 communicating a status of use or recorded data (see S70) of a tankless electric water heater 100 to external networks or devices and receiving information external to the tankless electric water heater 100, which may include, where applicable and without limitation, steps related to those of S30.
These steps may include using information external to the controller 120 to better optimize usage of the tankless electric water heater 100. This information can be received wirelessly by the controller 120 through a home network as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Factors may include times when area-wide demand (for a neighborhood or a city, for example) or pricing of electrical power is at a peak or trough, comparing usage patterns of the tankless electric water heater 100 with those of other tankless electric water heater 100 for efficiency or diagnostic purposes, and adjusting operation of the tankless electric water heater 100 so as to better balance resource usage across a power grid or a water supply more readily. Such information may include aggregate data of other devices, such as neighboring tankless electric water heaters 100, visible to the power grid or water utility but not to the controller 120 of the particular tankless electric water heater 100.
In one example, a remote network may reduce or disable power to or turn off the tankless electric water heater 100 for a period of time in order to conserve power for the power grid.
In another example, a remote network may query the controller 120 for diagnostic purposes such as determining if electrical power is available to the tankless electric water heater 100, or diagnosing the condition of the controller 120 and tankless electric water heater 100.
In another example, the remote network may set or change particular settings of the tankless electric water heater 100, such as those related to the set point temperature 130, operation of the switching mechanism 108, the high speed switch 112, the outlet proportioning valve 116, the heating element 128, the backup power source 132, the recirculation pump 208, the liquid storage device controller 198, and the inlet proportioning valve 214.
The CPU 910 may include one or more CPUs 910, and may control each element in the controller 120 to perform functions related to communication control and other kinds of signal processing. The CPU 910 may perform these functions by executing instructions stored in a memory 950. Alternatively or in addition to the local storage of the memory 950, the functions may be executed using instructions stored on an external device accessed on a network or on a non-transitory computer readable medium.
The memory 950 includes but is not limited to Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), or a memory array including a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory units. The memory 950 may be utilized as working memory by the CPU 910 while executing the processes and algorithms of the present disclosure. Additionally, the memory 950 may be used for long-term data storage. The memory 950 may be configured to store information and lists of commands.
The controller 120 includes a control line CL and data line DL as internal communication bus lines. Control data to/from the CPU 910 may be transmitted through the control line CL. The data line DL may be used for transmission of data.
The antenna 901 transmits/receives electromagnetic wave signals between base stations for performing radio-based communication, such as the various forms of cellular telephone communication. The wireless communication processor 902 controls the communication performed between the controller 120 and other external devices via the antenna 901. For example, the wireless communication processor 902 may control communication between base stations for cellular phone communication.
The controller 120 may also include the display 920, a touch panel 930, an operation key 940, and a short-distance communication processor 907 connected to an antenna 906. The display 920 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display panel, or another display screen technology. In addition to displaying still and moving image data, the display 920 may display operational inputs, such as numbers or icons which may be used for control of the controller 120. The display 920 may additionally display a GUI for a user to control aspects of the controller 120 and/or other devices. Further, the display 920 may display characters and images received by the controller 120 and/or stored in the memory 950 or accessed from an external device on a network. For example, the controller 120 may access a network such as the Internet and display text and/or images transmitted from a Web server.
The touch panel 930 may include a physical touch panel display screen and a touch panel driver. The touch panel 930 may include one or more touch sensors for detecting an input operation on an operation surface of the touch panel display screen. The touch panel 930 also detects a touch shape and a touch area. Used herein, the phrase “touch operation” refers to an input operation performed by touching an operation surface of the touch panel display with an instruction object, such as a finger, thumb, or stylus-type instrument. In the case where a stylus or the like is used in a touch operation, the stylus may include a conductive material at least at the tip of the stylus such that the sensors included in the touch panel 930 may detect when the stylus approaches/contacts the operation surface of the touch panel display (similar to the case in which a finger is used for the touch operation).
In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the touch panel 930 may be disposed adjacent to the display 920 (e.g., laminated) or may be formed integrally with the display 920. For simplicity, the present disclosure assumes the touch panel 930 is formed integrally with the display 920 and therefore, examples discussed herein may describe touch operations being performed on the surface of the display 920 rather than the touch panel 930. However, the skilled artisan will appreciate that this is not limiting.
For simplicity, the present disclosure assumes the touch panel 930 is a capacitance-type touch panel technology. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may easily be applied to other touch panel types (e.g., resistance-type touch panels) with alternate structures. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the touch panel 930 may include transparent electrode touch sensors arranged in the X-Y direction on the surface of transparent sensor glass.
The operation key 940 may include one or more buttons or similar external control elements, which may generate an operation signal based on a detected input by the user. In addition to outputs from the touch panel 930, these operation signals may be supplied to the CPU 910 for performing related processing and control. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the processing and/or functions associated with external buttons and the like may be performed by the CPU 910 in response to an input operation on the touch panel 930 display screen rather than the external button, key, etc. In this way, external buttons on the controller 120 may be eliminated in lieu of performing inputs via touch operations, thereby improving water-tightness.
The antenna 906 may transmit/receive electromagnetic wave signals to/from other external apparatuses, and the short-distance wireless communication processor 907 may control the wireless communication performed between the other external apparatuses. Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, and near-field communication (NFC) are non-limiting examples of wireless communication protocols that may be used for inter-device communication via the short-distance wireless communication processor 907.
The controller 120 may include a motion sensor 908. The motion sensor 908 may detect features of motion (i.e., one or more movements) of the controller 120. For example, the motion sensor 908 may include an accelerometer to detect acceleration, a gyroscope to detect angular velocity, a geomagnetic sensor to detect direction, a geo-location sensor to detect location, etc., or a combination thereof to detect motion of the controller 120. In certain embodiments, the motion sensor 908 may generate a detection signal that includes data representing the detected motion. For example, the motion sensor 908 may determine a number of distinct movements in a motion (e.g., from start of the series of movements to the stop, within a predetermined time interval, etc.), a number of physical shocks on the controller 120 (e.g., a jarring, hitting, etc., of the electronic device), a speed and/or acceleration of the motion (instantaneous and/or temporal), or other motion features. The detected motion features may be included in the generated detection signal. The detection signal may be transmitted, e.g., to the CPU 910, whereby further processing may be performed based on data included in the detection signal. The motion sensor 908 can work in conjunction with a Global Positioning System (GPS) section 960. The GPS section 960 detects the present position of the controller 120. The information of the present position detected by the GPS section 960 is transmitted to the CPU 910. An antenna 961 is connected to the GPS section 960 for receiving and transmitting signals to and from a GPS satellite.
Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernable variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.
The above disclosure also encompasses the embodiments listed below.
(1) A fluid heating device including: an inlet, an outlet, a heating chamber disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, a heating element disposed inside the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of liquid downstream of the inlet, a first temperature sensor configured to detect a first temperature of the fluid between the heating chamber and the outlet, and a controller configured to regulate a power supply to the heating element as a function of the first temperature.
(2) The fluid heating device of (1), further including a conduit connecting the inlet to the heating chamber, wherein a flow path exists from the inlet to the heating chamber via the first conduit and out of the fluid heating device via the outlet.
(3) The fluid heating device of (1) or (2), further including a valve upstream of the outlet and downstream of the first temperature sensor, wherein the controller controls the valve as a function of at least one of the first temperature and flow rate.
(4) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (3), wherein the controller is configured to close the valve to prohibit flow of the liquid until the first temperature is at a predetermined value.
(5) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (4), wherein the heating chamber includes a first, second and third heating chamber conduit, the first and second heating chamber conduits are configured to provide an inlet to the heating chamber and are connected via the third heating chamber conduit, and the third heating chamber conduit is connected to the first conduit and configured to receive fluid from the inlet.
(6) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (5), wherein the heating chamber further includes a fourth heating chamber conduit configured to provide a flow path to the outlet for fluid within heating chamber.
(7) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (6), wherein a flow path exists from the inlet to the outlet via the first, second, third and fourth heating chamber conduits.
(8) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (7), further including a second temperature sensor configured to detect a second temperature of fluid downstream of the inlet port.
(9) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (8), wherein the controller is further configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element as a function the second temperature.
(10) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (9), wherein the second temperature sensor is disposed between the inlet and the flow sensor.
(11) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (10), wherein the flow sensor is disposed between the conduit and the second temperature sensor.
(12) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (11), further including a valve upstream of the outlet and downstream of the first temperature sensor, wherein the controller controls the valve as a function of the first temperature, and the second temperature.
(13) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (12), further including a housing to house the heating chamber, the first temperature sensor and the flow sensor.
(14) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (13), further including a display screen to display settings of the fluid heating device, and an input to adjust the settings of the fluid heating device.
(15) The fluid heating device of any one of (1) to (14), wherein the controller is configured to regulate a power supply to the heating element as a function of the flow.
(16) A system including a liquid storage device, an inlet pipe connected to an outlet of the liquid storage device, and a fluid heating device having an inlet connected to the inlet pipe, an outlet, a heating chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet, a heating element disposed inside the heating chamber, a flow sensor configured to detect a flow of liquid downstream of the inlet, a conduit connecting the inlet and the heating chamber, a first temperature sensor configured to detect a first temperature of the fluid between the heating chamber and the outlet, a controller configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element as a function the first temperature.
(17) The system according to claim 16, wherein the liquid storage device includes a first power supply, and a liquid storage device heating element, and the fluid heating device further includes a second power supply, and a switch connected to the first power supply and the second power supply, wherein the controller is configured to control the switch to switch between providing a supply of power to the liquid storage device heating element via the first power supply or providing a supply of power to the heating element via the second power supply.
(18) The system according to (16) or (17), further including a second inlet pipe connected to the liquid storage device, a recirculation pipe connected to the fluid heating device and the second inlet pipe, and a recirculation pump, wherein the controller is configured to control the recirculation pump to recirculate fluid from the fluid heating device to the liquid storage device via the recirculation pipe.
(19) The system according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein the recirculation pipe is connected to the fluid heating device upstream of the heating element.
(20) The system according to any one of (16) to (19), wherein the recirculation pipe is connected to the fluid heating device downstream of the heating element.
(21) The system according to any one of (16) to (20), further including an inlet proportioning valve connected to the second inlet pipe, wherein controller is configured to control the inlet proportioning valve to control fluid temperature and flow.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/973,223 filed Dec. 17, 2015, which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/093,181, filed on Dec. 17, 2014, the entire contents of each are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14973223 | Dec 2015 | US |
Child | 15614204 | US |