AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLED FLOW-THROUGH WATER HEATER SYSTEM

摘要

This invention relates primarily to an electric heater based tankless water heater, though some aspects may also apply to a natural gas or other fuel based tankless water heater. In particular aspects relating to “smart” communication and coordination of the tankless water heater with other devices, which may be electrically powered or powered by other fuels, may also apply to non-electric flow through fluid heating systems. The subject tankless water heater invention incorporates several aspects relating to energy and construction efficiency which will be detailed further. These include both physical aspects, such as coatings, tubing and heater element design, and electrical aspects, such as power control for individual heater elements, which can make the tankless water heater more compact and more efficient in operation, with reduced instantaneous and long term load on electrical supply systems.

主权项

1. An apparatus for heating a fluid which flows through the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a housing, containing a path through which fluid flows, the path in thermal contact with a resistance heater, a control system for providing power to the heater; and a wire and power supply for applying an electrical current to the heater in order to heat the fluid; and sensors for monitoring incoming and outgoing temperature of the fluid as well as the flow rate of the fluid and a control system for the apparatus which includes a current sensor capable of measuring the heater current, a logic processing circuit and a memory circuit such that operating parameters for the apparatus can be stored in the memory circuit and the apparatus can be controlled by the logic processing circuit.