MULTI-TANK WATER HEATER SYSTEMS

摘要

A water heater system that includes a first water storage tank plumbed in series with a second water storage tank, and methods for controlling such a water heater system. In some instances, and in response to a water draw, a controller may activate both a first heat source associated with a first water storage tank and a second heat source associated for a second water storage tank. This rapid turn-on control may help reduce a drop in water temperature in the first water storage tank that might otherwise occur. The controller may also increase the setpoint temperature of the first water storage tank and/or the second water storage tank in response to a water draw.

主权项

1. A water heater system comprising:
a first water tank having a first water inlet, a first water outlet, a first heat source, and a first temperature sensor for sensing a measure related to a first temperature in the first water tank; a second water tank having a second water inlet, a second water outlet, a second heat source, and a second temperature sensor for sensing a measure related to a second temperature in the second water tank, wherein the first water tank has a first water volume and the second water tank has a second water volume, wherein the first water volume is larger than the second water volume; a water line fluidly connecting the first water outlet of the first water tank to the second water inlet of the second water tank for transporting water from the first water tank to the second water tank; a controller for receiving the measure related to the first temperature measured by the first temperature sensor and the measure related to the second temperature measured by the second temperature sensor, and for issuing control commands to the first heat source and the second heat source to control the temperature in the first water tank and the second water tank; and the controller configured to detect a water draw from the water heater system, and to activate both the first heat source of the first water tank and the second heat source of the second water tank in direct response to the detected water draw.