Multi-tank water heater systems

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.

Method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in tank-style water heaters

A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present.

MULTI-TANK WATER HEATER SYSTEMS

A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature. 1. A water heater system for providing heated water to a hot water supply line of a building that distributes the heated water throughout the building , the water heater system comprising:a first water storage tank having a first water inlet and a first water outlet, the first water storage tank controlled to a first setpoint temperature;a second water storage tank having a second water inlet and a second water outlet, the second water storage tank controlled to a second setpoint temperature;a water line fluidly connecting the first water outlet to the second water inlet for transporting water from the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank;a mixing valve having a first inlet fluidly coupled to the second water outlet downstream of the second water storage tank, the mixing valve being controllable via a communications interface;a cold water supply line in fluid communication with a second inlet of the mixing valve;a mixed water outlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of the mixing valve, the mixed water outlet configured to be plumbed to the hot water supply line of the building;a controller for controlling the mixing valve via the communications interface;wherein the controller is further configured to monitor hot water usage from the second water storage tank to develop a hot water usage schedule of expected hot water demand; andwherein the controller is further configured to adjust the first setpoint temperature of the first water storage tank in accordance with the hot water usage schedule.2. The water heater system of claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor positioned in the mixed water outlet and in communication with the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COMPENSATING FOR SEDIMENT BUILD-UP IN TANK-STYLE WATER HEATERS

A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present. 1. A control unit for controlling a tank-style water heater , the tank-style water heater including a water storage tank , a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water in the water storage tank , and a heating element for heating water in the water storage tank , the control unit comprising:a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the heating element, the controller configured to:monitor the temperature of the water within the water storage tank over time via the temperature sensor, resulting in a temperature profile;activate the heating element when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank falls below a first predetermined temperature value, and deactivating the heating element when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank rises above a second predetermined temperature value; anddetermine if the temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate a sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present.2. The control unit of claim 1 , wherein the one or more features include a temperature overshoot feature that represents a temperature overshoot by at least an overshoot threshold amount over the first predetermined temperature value after the heating element is deactivated by the controller.3. The control unit of claim 1 , wherein the one or more features include a transient temperature spike that has a magnitude that ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COMPENSATING FOR SEDIMENT BUILD-UP IN TANK-STYLE WATER HEATERS

A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present. 1. A control unit for controlling a tank-style water heater , the tank-style water heater including a water storage tank , a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water in the water storage tank , and a heating element for heating water in the water storage tank , the control unit comprising:a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the heating element, the controller:executes a plurality of heating cycles, wherein each heating cycle comprises activating the heating element when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank reaches a second predetermined temperature value, and deactivating the heating element when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank reaches first predetermined temperature value;monitors the temperature of the water within the water storage tank over at least part of a monitored heating cycle via the temperature sensor, resulting in a temperature profile; and a temperature overshoot by at least an overshoot threshold amount over the first predetermined temperature value after the heating element is deactivated during the monitored heating cycle;', 'a transient temperature spike that has a magnitude that is greater than a threshold magnitude, occurring while the heating element is activated during the monitored heating cycle;', 'a transient temperature spike that has a magnitude that is greater than a threshold magnitude, occurring after the heating element is deactivated during ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN IGNITION SEQUENCE FOR AN INTERMITTENT FLAME-POWERED PILOT COMBUSTION SYSTEM

A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully. 1. A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller , comprisinga thermal electric device that produces an electrical signal having power when the thermal electric device is exposed to a flame;a local power source for providing a source of power when the thermal electric device is not exposed to a flame;an igniter;a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame; initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory;', 'determine whether the ignition was successful; and', 'adjust the information stored in the memory based on a result of the ignition sequence., 'a controller coupled to the memory, the controller configured to2. The locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller of claim 1 , wherein the local power source includes a capacitor.3. The locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller of claim 1 , wherein the local power source includes a battery.4. The locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller of claim 1 , wherein the local power source includes a ...

MULTI-TANK WATER HEATER SYSTEMS

A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature. 1. A water heater system for providing heated water for use by occupants of a building , comprising:a first water storage tank having a first water inlet and a first water outlet;a second water storage tank having a second water inlet and a second water outlet;a water line fluidly connecting the first water outlet to the second water inlet for transporting water from the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank;a mixing valve having a first inlet fluidly coupled to the second water outlet downstream of the second water storage tank, the mixing valve being controllable via a communications interface;a cold water supply line in fluid communication with a second inlet of the mixing valve;a mixed water outlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of the mixing valve; anda controller for controlling the mixing valve via the communications interface.2. The water heater system of claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor positioned in the mixed water outlet and in communication with the controller.3. The water heater system of claim 2 , wherein the controller adjusts a ratio of cold water entering the mixing valve from the cold water supply line to heated water entering the mixing valve from the second water outlet to achieve a desired temperature at the mixed water outlet.4. The water heater system of claim 3 , wherein the controller adjusts the ratio of cold water entering the mixing valve from the cold water supply line to heated water entering the mixing valve from the second water outlet based on feedback received from the temperature sensor.5. The water heater system of claim 1 , wherein the first water storage tank has a setpoint lower than ...

MULTI-TANK WATER HEATER SYSTEMS

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. 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; andthe controller configured to detect a water draw from the water heater system, and to activate both the first heat source of the first ...

MOUNTING BRACKET FOR USE WITH A WATER HEATER

A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank, and may include a shell disposed over at least a portion of the sensor portion. 1. A bracket for a water heater with a water tank , the bracket comprising:a polymeric body having a sensor portion, the sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor at least partially within the sensor portion;a shell disposed over and surrounding at least a portion of the sensor portion; andwherein the polymeric body includes a first threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud of the water heater such that the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater.2. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein the shell and the polymeric body are formed from different materials.3. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein the shell includes stainless steel.4. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein the shell includes brass.5. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein the shell includes a polymeric material.6. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein a cavity is formed between the shell and the sensor portion.7. The bracket of claim 6 , wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with a thermally conductive silicone gel.8. The bracket of claim 1 , wherein the shell is mechanically deformed to secure the shell to the sensor portion.9. The bracket of claim 8 , wherein the shell is crimped adjacent a groove in the sensor portion.10. The bracket of claim 1 , further comprising a gap between an outer surface of the sensor portion and an inner surface of the shell.11. The bracket of claim 10 , wherein when the first ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COMPENSATING FOR SEDIMENT BUILD-UP IN TANK-STYLE WATER HEATERS

A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present. 1. A control unit for controlling a tank-style water heater , the tank-style water heater including a water storage tank , a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of water in the water storage tank , and a heating element for heating water in the water storage tank , the control unit comprising:a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the heating element, the controller:executes a plurality of heating cycles, wherein each heating cycle comprises activating the heating element when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank reaches a second predetermined temperature value, and deactivating the heating element when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank reaches first predetermined temperature value;monitors the temperature of the water within the water storage tank over at least part of a monitored heating cycle via the temperature sensor, resulting in a temperature profile; and a temperature overshoot by at least an overshoot threshold amount over the first predetermined temperature value after the heating element is deactivated during the monitored heating cycle;', 'a transient temperature spike that has a magnitude that is greater than a threshold magnitude, occurring while the heating element is activated during the monitored heating cycle;', 'a transient temperature spike that has a magnitude that is greater than a threshold magnitude, occurring after the heating element is deactivated during ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN IGNITION SEQUENCE FOR AN INTERMITTENT FLAME-POWERED PILOT COMBUSTION SYSTEM

A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully. 126-. (canceled)27: A device , comprisinga controller configured to cause a pilot light of an intermittent flame-powered pilot combustion system to be intermittently ignited and extinguished;a thermal electric power source configured to supply power to the controller when the thermal electric device is exposed to a flame of the pilot light; anda second power source configured to store energy and supply power to the controller when the thermal electric power source is not exposed to the flame of the pilot light.28: The device of claim 27 , further comprising:an igniter configured to create a spark to ignite the pilot light;a third power source configured to store energy and supply power to the igniter to create the spark.29: The device of claim 28 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the third power source to supply power to a solenoid to open a gas valve to supply gas for the pilot light.30: The device of claim 28 , wherein the thermal electric power source is configured to supply power to the third power source to charge the third power source when the thermal ...

Improved hot surface ignitor

An ignition circuit and method for a hot surface ignitor. The ignition process and apparatus enforces a short warm-up period for the hot surface ignitor where approximately half power is supplied at start-up to the ignitor until the ignitor warms to a point where its impedance is increased. By warming the ignitor gradually, the system power supply is not pulled down to a level which may cause malfunction of other electronics connected to the same supply. Further, the voltage level to the ignitor is controlled so that service life of the ignitor is extended.

Internal combustion engine