Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring parameters of a fluid heater is disclosed. The heater comprises a storage vessel for storing heated fluid therein. The monitoring system includes a first sensor and associated first electrical metering circuitry, a second sensor and associated second electrical metering circuitry, and a control switch. The control switch is operable to adopt a first mode of operation in which the first electrical metering circuitry is activated and a second mode of operation in which the second electrical metering circuitry is activated. The monitoring system also includes a controller for causing periodic operation of the control switch so that it switches between the first and second modes of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for connecting an electrical appliance to an electrical grid. The system comprises a switch module and a processing system. The switch module is configured to electrically connect the electrical appliance and the electrical grid. The processing system is configured to compare a current electricity price for the electrical grid to a statistical quantity representing electricity prices for the electrical grid over a period, and, based on the comparison, operate the switch module to control the transfer of electricity between the electrical grid and the electrical appliance. The electricity price at a given time comprises the price set by an operator of the electrical grid to purchase from one or more electrical generators enough electricity to meet an expected demand for electricity from the electrical grid at the given time. Also disclosed is a method for connecting an electrical appliance to an electrical grid.

Abstract: A monitoring system (10) for monitoring parameters of a fluid heater. The heater (30) comprises a storage vessel (32) for storing heated fluid therein. The monitoring system (10) includes a first sensor (12) and associated first electrical metering circuitry (14), a second sensor (16) and associated second electrical metering circuitry (18), and a control switch (22). The control switch (22) is operable so as to be able to adopt a first mode of operation in which the first electrical metering circuitry (14) is activated, and, a second mode of operation in which the second electrical metering circuitry is activated. The monitoring system (10) also includes a controller (24) for causing periodic operation of the control switch so that it switches between the first and second modes of operation.

Abstract: A controller for an electric booster element in a water heater is described. The electric booster element is powered from mains power and the controller comprises a control module and a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module. The control module produces a control signal for controlling a relay to supply or restrict mains power supply to said booster element, said control signal depending at least in part on time of use data.

Abstract: A controller for an electric booster element in a water heater is described. The electric booster element is powered from mains power and the controller comprises a control module and a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module. The control module produces a control signal for controlling a relay to supply or restrict mains power supply to said booster element, said control signal depending at least in part on time of use data.

Abstract: A water heater tank anode support and or locator device for an anode provided in a water heater tank, the support device having an anode engaging portion to engage said anode, and a tank engaging formation for operatively engaging a base of the tank.

Abstract: An electric water heater tank adapted for connection to a controller, the tank including one or more electrical heating elements temperature sensing means mounted on the exterior of the tank wall and adapted to obtain a measurement of the temperature of the water in the tank, the temperature sensing means and each heating element being connected to an externally accessible connection means. The tank can include one or more heating element control means each connected to a corresponding one of the heating elements. The element control means can be connected to the externally accessible connection means.

Abstract: A water heater tank anode support and or locator device for an anode provided in a water heater tank, the support device having an anode engaging portion to engage said anode, and a tank engaging formation for operatively engaging a base of the tank.

Abstract: A controller for an electric booster element in a water heater is described. The electric booster element is powered from mains power and the controller comprises a control module and a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module. The control module produces a control signal for controlling a relay to supply or restrict mains power supply to said booster element, said control signal depending at least in part on time of use data.