| 摘要 |
<p>A storage heater incorporates a device which is operative to delay the onset of charging of the heater subsequent to the commencement of an off-peak period of the electricity supply. Problems associated with the additional demand for electricity immediately subsequent to commencement of the off-peak period can thus be reduced. The delay device may comprise a metal block 8 of high heat capacity which is heated by an element 10 when the off-peak supply is connected. When the block 8 attains a predetermined temperature, a bellows 18 causes an arm 14 to close a switch A to connect the storage heater to the supply, and a changeover switch B is also operated to de-energise element 10 and energise an element 12 of lower power than element 10. The device may be settable, eg by adjustment means 20 or by changing the power rating of element 10, to give a delay of 45 to 75 minutes. <IMAGE></p> |
