Abstract: A method for saving energy by shutting down unnecessary equipment in a water heating system and setting back temperature setpoints to reduce energy losses. The present method is aimed at reducing energy wastage due to unnecessary external recirculation and overly high temperature setpoint for the external recirculation flow when no demands exist for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A combined water heating, space heating and space cooling system configured to provide hot water to a point of demand and heat or cool a space. The system comprises a heat pump operably connected to the space, a water flow loop including a main heat exchanger, a fluid mover for moving a fluid configured to flow within the flow loop, an air-to-water heat exchanger, a burner adapted to heat the fluid, a blower having an air inlet end and an air outlet end, wherein the blower is adapted to move air through the air-to-water heat exchanger and operably connected to the main heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger operably connecting the flow loop and the heat pump. The air-to-water heat exchanger is disposed on the air inlet end and the main heat exchanger is disposed on the air outlet end.

Abstract: A combined space conditioning or heating and fluid heating system includes a main fluid conductor having an inlet and an outlet; a single heating source configured for producing low and high temperature fluid outputs of a fluid input received at the main fluid conductor inlet; a coil comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a supplementary fluid conductor comprising a fluid mover and a directional valve, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the main fluid conductor is adapted for connection with the coil outlet. The high temperature fluid output is adapted for connection with the supplementary fluid conductor inlet, the supplementary fluid conductor outlet is adapted for connection with the coil inlet. The low temperature water output is adapted for connection with a fluid delivery point. The water coil inlet is adapted for connection with a raw fluid supply.

Abstract: A method for controlling the readiness of an appliance in a system having a mobile device capable of determining its current location, storing a previous location and storing a home location for a delivery point of the appliance, and determining a location change event by comparing the current to previous location to result in a difference. If the mobile device is determined to be close to the home location and the difference magnitude is greater than a threshold, a first distance corresponding to the distance between the current and home location and a second distance corresponding to the distance between the previous and home location are computed. If the first distance is smaller than the second distance, the readiness of the appliance is enhanced. Otherwise, the readiness of the appliance is relaxed.

Abstract: A weather forecast-based fluid heating control system having at least one hot fluid delivery point, the control system including a controller adapted to control a fluid supply to a setpoint temperature, a means for obtaining the forecasted air temperature at a future time of the location of the control system and a means for obtaining the current air temperature at a current time of the location of the control system. The setpoint temperature of the fluid supply is adjusted by an adjustment amount if the difference between the forecasted air temperature of the location of the control system and the current temperature at the current time of the location of the control system exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for uniquely self-identifying a controller functionally connected to a communication network of at least two controllers, the system comprising the at least two controllers, each controller having a random code generator configured for generating a resident identification code, a transmitter, a receiver and a volatile memory. The transmitter is configured for broadcasting the resident identification code to the communication network. The receiver is configured for receiving an external identification code broadcasted from another controller and storing the external identification code in the volatile memory. The external identification code is compared to the resident identification code and if a match exists, the resident identification code is replaced by another resident identification code determined in the controller. The resident identification code is broadcasted to the communication network otherwise.

Abstract: A modular interface template configured to receive a plug and play comfort device, the modular interface template including a wall having a first surface and a second surface, an air inlet channel configured to enable air flow from the first surface to the second surface, an air outlet channel configured to enable air flow from the second surface to the first surface, a gas conduit configured to supply fuel from the first surface to the second surface, a water inlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the first surface to the second surface, a water outlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the second surface to the first surface and a first electric power conductor configured to enable electric power transmission from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A high turn-down burner adapted to receive a fuel flow for combustion. The burner includes a housing having a side wall with an interior surface forming an inner periphery, a bottom wall adjoining the side wall, a top wall adjoining the side wall and a plurality of apertures disposed on the side wall; a supply tube adapted through the top wall of the housing, the supply tube including a side wall having an outer surface forming an outer periphery, a top end, a bottom end, wherein the supply tube is adapted to receive the fuel flow at the top end of the supply tube; and a disk having an opening adapted to accommodate the supply tube, wherein the disk is configured to slide along a length of the supply tube within the space delineated by the inner periphery of the housing and the outer periphery of the supply tube.

Abstract: A combined heating system comprising a first heating subsystem including a first fluid conductor, a first heating unit adapted to heat a first fluid and output the first fluid at the outlet of the first fluid conductor, and a fluid mover adapted to move the first fluid through the first heating unit, a second heating subsystem including a second fluid conductor adapted to receive a second fluid, a third fluid conductor, a second heating unit adapted to heat the second fluid and output the heated second fluid in the third fluid conductor, a fluid mover adapted to move the second fluid from the outlet of the third fluid conductor to the inlet of the second fluid conductor, at least one heat exchanger operably connected to a downstream location of the first heating unit and a fourth fluid conductor connecting the second fluid conductor and the third fluid conductor.

Abstract: A multi-temperature output fluid heating system including an input for receiving a fluid supply, a single heating source, a first output, a second output and a bypass path. The first output is fluidly connected to the input, where the first output is adapted for control by a first control device and to receive heat from the single heating source to achieve a first temperature at the first output. The bypass path fluidly connects the input and the second output. The input is adapted to empty a first portion of the fluid supply into the first output and a second portion of the input into the bypass path. The second output is adapted to receive an output from the first output and an output from the bypass path to achieve a second temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user activated hot water heater and control system for processing hot water to hot water output locations, e.g. faucet, shower, or the like, such that temperature fluctuations and delays in hot water delivery are reduced. Additionally, the temperature of the hot water delivered is adjusted to a predetermined value determined by a user signature constructed from a potential user physical attributes such as height, weight, and the like. The user activated feature of the present invention will provide an energy savings resulting from the smart, upon demand, activation of internal and/or external recirculation systems. Additionally, in preferred embodiments incorporating tank-less water heaters, the hot water maximum temperature, T(maximum) is dependent on the preference setting or default value of the detected general category user or unique individual user.

Abstract: An on demand tankless water heater system that is capable of quickly delivering water within a desired temperature range. The tankless water heater provides a hybrid heating method that contains a primary heating system and a secondary heating system disposed in a buffer tank that cooperate to facilitate control of output water temperature during water usage. A pressure differential switch detects low flow demand and allows the secondary heating system to provide immediate heating to the water. This secondary heating system provides a faster temperature response and fine tuning of output water temperature.