Abstract: A masterless building device system for controlling an environmental condition of a building, includes a first building device and a second building device. The first building device includes a first processing circuit configured to determine, via a first sensor of the first building device, a first environmental condition value of the environmental condition. The first processing circuit is configured to broadcast the first environmental condition value to a second building device via a network. The first processing circuit is configured to receive, via the network, a second environmental condition value broadcast by the second building device, generate a calculated environmental condition value based on the first environmental condition value and the second environmental condition value, and control the environmental condition based on the calculated environmental condition value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot water storage-type boiler having both a heat amount proportional control function and a backflow prevention function to prevent a backflow of exhaust gas with a simple structure. In the present invention, since a check valve is integrally coupled to a burner duct, there is an effect of convenient assembly. In addition, since the check valve is built in the burner duct, the check valve does not protrude to the outside, thereby having an effect that a separate space is not required.

Abstract: A water content sensor is positioned within a flowline downstream of a well-choke. The water content sensor is configured to determine a water content percentage of a production fluid flowing through the flowline. A temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the well-choke. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the production fluid flowing through the flowline. A heating jacket surroundings at least a portion of the flowline. The heating-jacket is configured to transfer heat into the flowline. A controller is configured to receive a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor, and control the heating jacket in response to a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a gas heater for water including the steps of: restricting a water flow to the gas heater; determining a first rate of a first gas heating for the restricted water flow; adjusting the gas heating to the restricted water flow; repeating the previous steps until a heated water has a temperature above a temperature threshold; removing the restriction to the water flow to increase the water flow; and determining a second rate of a second gas heating for the increased water flow. The present invention also provides a gas water heater which utilises such a method.

Abstract: A water content sensor is positioned within a flowline downstream of a well-choke. The water content sensor is configured to determine a water content percentage of a production fluid flowing through the flowline. A temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the well-choke. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the production fluid flowing through the flowline. A heating-jacket surroundings at least a portion of the flowline. The heating-jacket is configured to transfer heat into the flowline. A controller is configured to receive a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor, and control the heating jacket in response to a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An auxiliary heating system comprising interconnected piping which forms a closed fluid flow circuit for permitting a passage of coolant therein, and having formed chamber openings along a length thereof to receive at least one heating element which projects into the closed fluid flow circuit to be in direct contact with, and heat, the coolant. A pump is provided for circulating the coolant, along with a flow switch for monitoring flow of the coolant through the closed fluid flow circuit, wherein if the flow has ceased through the closed fluid flow circuit, the flow switch instructs the system to deactivate the heating elements.

Abstract: Appliances, such as hot water heaters, hot water heater controllers, and methods of operating such hot water heaters, that take into consideration the availability and capacity of alternative energy sources so that additional efficiencies can be realized by sensing the availability of an alternative energy source and adjusting the control algorithms used to control the use of the available electric power is provided.

Abstract: To provide a connected hot-water supply system capable of preventing combustion failure of the burner of each hot-water supplier during hot-water supply operation to achieve stable hot-water supply operation. When dispersion in the rotation speed of a fan 15 among respective hot-water suppliers 1 is detected, a connection control unit 2 regulates the combustion amount of each of the hot-water suppliers 1 so as to reduce a difference in the rotation speed of the fan 15 among the respective hot-water suppliers 1.

Abstract: In a fuel-fired water heater with a standing pilot burner and a motorized flue damper, a specially designed controller is utilized to prevent overheating of water stored in the tank portion of the water heater caused by the hot combustion gases continuously generated by the pilot burner during standby periods of the water heater in which its main fuel burner is not being fired. The controller has a selectively variable water temperature control set point temperature and is operable to sense both ambient temperature and the tank water temperature and to open the flue damper and/or keep it open, after the main burner is off, in response to the presence for a predetermined continuous time period of a predetermined relationship of at least the selected temperature control set point temperature and the sensed ambient temperature.

Abstract: A device for transferring adverse event information from a plurality of remote hydrants to a municipal monitoring server comprises detecting an adverse event in a hydrant that relates to an adverse hydrant condition; transferring data representative of the adverse condition to a host server by routing the data along a predefined hopping path; and transferring the data from the host monitor to the municipal monitoring server. A system for detecting adverse events at a hydrant and event information to a municipal monitoring sever is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hot water supply apparatus has: a thermo-sensitive valve which is connected in parallel to a cold water delivery pipe and a hot water delivery pipe and which is closed when the hot water temperature to flow inside the valve is above a predetermined temperature to thereby shut off communication between the cold water delivery pipe and the hot water delivery pipe; and a circulation pump. By operation of the circulation pump, water circulation takes place from a heat exchanger through the hot water delivery pipe, a return pipe, the circulation pump, and a cold water supply pipe back to the heat exchanger. When the thermo-sensitive valve is open, water circulation takes place also through the thermo-sensitive valve. Instantaneous hot water supply operation is finished when an amount detected by a flow sensor falls below a predetermined amount during the instantaneous hot water supply operation.

Abstract: 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 or other appliance. 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. The polymeric body may also includes a threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud in a water heater tank such that the distal end of the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater. Various features for increasing the strength and durability of the bracket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a burner assembly for providing a source of thermal energy to a heat exchanger. A water inlet conduit is coupled to the heat exchanger assembly for supplying fresh water to be heated, and a water exit conduit is coupled to the heat exchanger assembly for delivering the heated water to a point of use. A bypass conduit connects the water exit conduit to the water inlet conduit, and a pump disposed in the bypass conduit circulates at least a portion of the heated water from the water exit conduit to the water inlet conduit. A feed-forward sensor positioned in the water inlet conduit between the heat exchanger assembly and the bypass conduit monitors a parameter of the water entering the heat exchanger assembly, and a processor controls the operation of the of the burner assembly in response to the feed-forward sensor.

Abstract: A tube disposed in the combustion chamber of a standing pilot type fuel-fired water heater is used to increase the overall efficiency of the water heater by improving the heat transfer from the pilot flame to the tank during standby periods by funneling the standing pilot flame upwardly through the tube in a manner concentrating the pilot flame heat against an underside portion of the bottom head of the water heater tank. To further increase water heater efficiency, the pilot burner is of a dual input type. Various pilot burner operational algorithm modes are disclosed for causing the pilot burner to operate at a high firing rate during main burner operation, and at a low firing rate during standby periods.

Abstract: A water heater includes a bypass that is formed, on the side of a water supply pipe, branching from a main water path and bypassing a part of the main water path, and a flow path switching unit (a valve and a stepping motor) that is formed at a branching portion of the main water path and the bypass. The flow path switching unit is controlled by a controller and that can selectively switch a flow path between the main water path and the bypass. A microbubble generator generating microbubbles is provided on the bypass, the microbubble generator including a water agitator portion, a compression portion and a decompression portion. When the controller determines that scale has built up, the flow path is switched to the bypass by the flow path switching unit, and water containing microbubbles is caused to flow inside the water heater.

Abstract: A circulating-type hot-water supply device (1) is provided with a heat exchanger abnormality determining unit (62), which inhibits execution of a suitable temperature maintaining operation when the suitable temperature maintaining operation continued for a predetermined time or more and stops a circulating pump (25), and when a temperature rise range of a detected temperature of a heat exchanger outlet temperature sensor (2) after stopping the circulating pump (25) becomes equal to or more than a temperature rise threshold value determined according to a selected state of burner blocks (3a),(3b) in a combusted state immediately before stopping the circulating pump (25), determines that a heat exchanger is in an abnormal state.

Abstract: An on-demand high volume capable water heating system for supplying a total heating power at a high turndown ratio of at least about 33.3:1 and at a total flowrate of from about 0.6 GPM to about 50 GPM. The water heating system includes multiple heat exchangers where each heat exchanger includes a fluid conductor and a controller, an exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the multiple heat exchangers, eliminating the need for an exhaust for each of the multiple heat exchangers, a recirculation circuit fluidly connected to each of the multiple heat exchangers and an enclosure. Each controller is adapted to determine the portion of heating power each heat exchanger is required to contribute to the total heating power and the portion of the total flowrate flowing through the fluid conductor. The heat exchangers and recirculation circuit are located within the enclosure.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.

Abstract: Provided is a system that may be used to heat a storage tank. In example embodiments, the system may include a storage tank, a channel in the storage tank, a burner in the channel, and at least one source tank configured to provide a flammable gas to the burner, wherein the burner is configured to generate heat within the channel to warm contents of the storage tank.

Abstract: A portable hot water heater for larger-scale applications including emergency use, situations involving hazardous materials, and the like. The hot water heater advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for providing a stream of hot water for immediate use. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. The heating assembly is attached to a shower head or other fixture.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus includes a burner having first and second zones. First and second blowers provide premixed fuel and air to the first and second zones, respectively. An automated control system controls the two blowers.

Abstract: A water heater having a water tank and a heating source disposed proximate to the water tank such that the heating source may heat water within the water tank. A temperature sensor is provided that is partially thermally isolated from the water in the water tank. A controller may be provided that at least partially compensates for the partial thermal isolation of the temperature sensor and regulates the heating source. In some instances, the temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within a thermally isolating mass.

Abstract: A method for controlling a boiler includes firing a boiler, and monitoring a temperature deviation between a boiler temperature and a heating temperature profile over time. If the temperature deviation exceeds an allowable deviation, the boiler is shut off.

Abstract: A self-powered combustion control system having a burner and a fuel supply control valve connected with the burner. The fuel supply control valve includes ignition and hold solenoids arranged whereby energizing the ignition solenoid causes the hold solenoid to transform from a closed disposition in which no fuel passes to the burner to an open disposition in which fuel flow to the burner is initiated for igniting the burner and subsequently maintained during heating of the material to be heated. An electronic system controller is provided for controlling the ignition solenoid and an unpowered rechargeable energy storage device is provided for all of the power required to operate the combustion control system.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an improved frac water heating system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. In another embodiment, the present invention includes multiple, single-pass heat exchanger units arranged in a vertically stacked configuration. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the improved frac water heating system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an improved frac water heating system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. In another embodiment, the present invention includes multiple, single-pass heat exchanger units arranged in a vertically stacked configuration. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the improved frac water heating system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations.

Abstract: At the time of starting a hot water discharge operation, a controller determines whether the first operation was made after the power source is switched on in S1, and the controller determines whether 5 minutes have passed after the previous operation in S2. When the first operation was not made or 5 minutes have lapsed after the last operation, the controller determines whether a difference between a detected temperature acquired by a thermistor and a preset temperature is more than 10° C. in S3. When a temperature difference is more than 10° C., a water flow rate servo is set at a position where a flow rate of flowing water is reduced from a determined flow rate by a predetermined amount in S4, and the controller performs a temperature control of discharged hot water in S8.

Abstract: The present invention becomes possible to employ a main microprocessor with a relatively lower number of input ports, whereby while maintaining the performance and function of a water heater, the cost of a control apparatus is cut down. Some of sensors, adapted for measurement of various parameters which are for use in operational control of the water heater and in need of immediate response, are connected to a main microprocessor 31. The other sensors that are not in need of an immediate response, such as an ambient temperature sensor 36, are connected only to a sub microprocessor 32 if the main microprocessor 31 does not have any extra analog signal input port. The sub microprocessor converts an analog signal from the sensor 36 which is connected only to the sub microprocessor into digital data. And the sub microprocessor transmits the digital data to the main microprocessor through communication therewith.

Abstract: A tube disposed in the combustion chamber of a standing pilot type fuel-fired water heater is used to increase the overall efficiency of the water heater by improving the heat transfer from the pilot flame to the tank during standby periods by funneling the standing pilot flame upwardly through the tube in a manner concentrating the pilot flame heat against an underside portion of the bottom head of the water heater tank. To further increase water heater efficiency, the pilot burner is of a dual input type. Various pilot burner operational algorithm modes are disclosed for causing the pilot burner to operate at a high firing rate during main burner operation, and at a low firing rate during standby periods.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for controlling combustion in an oxygen fired boiler which are easily applicable to an existing air fired boiler for easy and stable control of the combustion. Oxygen with a setting amount in accordance with a boiler load demand 35 is supplied to a boiler body 4. Heat absorption amount of the boiler is measured from inlet temperature of feedwater supplied to the boiler body 4 and outlet temperature of steam. Recirculation flow rate of combustion exhaust gas 14a is controlled such that heat absorption amount 41 of the boiler body 4 becomes equal to a targeted heat absorption amount 42 to thereby control oxygen concentration in all gas guided to the boiler body 4.

Abstract: A gas flow modulator for gas appliances has electronic control to regulate the flow of gas by means of a control mechanism. The control mechanism is situated transversely to the flow of gas. The control mechanism also includes features to insure a minimal flow of gas and a maximum flow of gas as selectable by a potentiometer.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed in which thermal insulation is used to provide a thermal break and/or thermally insulative barrier generally between a body and flange assembly of a gas water heater control. An exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly for a water heater generally includes a flange, a body, and a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator is configured for placement generally between the body and the flange. The thermal insulator has a lower thermal conductivity than the flange and the body. The thermal insulator is operable for inhibiting heat loss from within the storage tank through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an oil-fired heat exchange system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. The present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the oil-fired heat exchanger system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel/air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion control device incorporated in an apparatus such as water heater and provides the combustion control device having an improved configuration with a main controller and a sub controller, capable of employing a microcomputer with lower capability as the sub controller, and ensuring higher safety than ever before. Signals indicating a combustion state of a combustion apparatus are inputted into the main controller 35 and the sub controller 36 in parallel. Upon fulfillment of a predetermined condition of stopping, the main and sub controllers 35 and 36 each output a stop signal to cut off a current to be supplied to a device driving circuit 42. The conditions of stopping in outputting of the stop signal by the main and sub controllers are such that the sub controller 36 is less apt to execute the cutoff than the main controller 35.

Abstract: A water heating system including a water container having a cold water inlet that connects to a water supply, a hot water outlet, a water heater outlet and a water heater inlet; an instantaneous water heater mounted to the water container and having a tank supply inlet connected to the water heater outlet, a tank supply outlet connected to the water heater inlet, a burner, and a heat exchanger located adjacent the burner between the tank supply inlet and the tank supply outlet; a pump connected between the water container and the instantaneous water heater that moves water between the water container and the instantaneous water heater; and a controller that operates the pump and the burner.

Abstract: A method for examining water heater safety includes the steps of: setting a desired temperature and sensing a cold water temperature and a flow rate of water to calculate a theoretical gas consumption, and then supplying a combustor the theoretical gas consumption to heat water; sensing a hot water temperature, and calculating a temperature ratio by the desired temperature, the cold water temperature and the hot water temperature. Examining the temperature ratio may find that the water heater is abnormal or malfunctioning. An efficiency ratio may also be calculated by the theoretical gas consumption and the actual gas consumption. Examining the efficiency ratio may find that the water heater is abnormal or malfunctioning as well.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus includes a burner having first and second zones. First and second blowers provide premixed fuel and air to the first and second zones, respectively. An automated control system controls the two blowers.

Abstract: A fuel-fired appliance is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.

Abstract: A hot water apparatus comprises a main body thereof connected to each of water distribution devices 31, 32, and 33 via plumbing 2 and a remote controller 20 for remotely controlling the main body of the hot water apparatus 10. The main body of the hot water apparatus 10 comprises a control device 13 capable of controlling temperature of outflowing hot water which is a temperature of the hot water outflowing from the main body of the hot water apparatus 10 to the plumbing 2. The remote controller 20 comprises a setting element of the temperature of the outflowing hot water 21 for setting the requested value of the temperature of the outflowing hot water, and the correction-data setting element 21U and 24 for setting correction data which defines the deviation value of the temperature of the outflowing hot water with respect to the required value.

Abstract: A condensing fuel-fired appliance has a condensate trap that includes a trap body; a float; a flue gas inlet port for the introduction of flue gas into the interior region of the trap body; a condensate outlet port for the discharge of condensate from the interior region; and a flue gas outlet port for the discharge of flue gas from the interior region of the trap body. The float is configured to move in response to condensate collected in the interior region of the trap body to a position to substantially block the discharge of flue gas from the interior region through the flue gas outlet port. The float is also configured to move to a position to substantially block the discharge of flue gas from the interior region through the condensate outlet port when there is little or no condensate in the interior region of the trap body.

Abstract: A water heater includes a case, in which a hot source, a cold source, a thermoelectric cooling chip, and a power requiring unit are provided. The thermoelectric cooling chip has a close loop with a hot junction adjacent to the hot source; and a cold junction adjacent to the cold source, that the thermoelectric cooling chip generates a current through the close loop when a temperature at the hot junction, is higher than a temperature at the cold junction. The power requiring unit is electrically connected to the close loop of the thermoelectric cooling chip; therefore, the power requiring unit may be driven by the power from the thermoelectric cooling chip, when the main power is low or off.

Abstract: An energy savings water heater is described. The water heater is controlled by an energy savings algorithm that uses one or more of a variable setpoint differential, a variable setback threshold, additional setback thresholds, and an adjustable minimal setpoint to improve the operation of an energy efficient water heater. Additionally or alternatively, a different setback control algorithm may be used that obtains additional data to adjust the setpoint. As a result, the operating cost of the water heater is reduced, while minimizing user complaints of cold water.

Abstract: An economically operated, dual-energy hot water supply system. The system includes a first heat source of a first type and a second heat source of a second type different than the first type. The system also includes a controller. The controller determines a first energy consumption of the first heat source to generate a unit heat, determines a second energy consumption of the second heat source to generate the unit heat, compares a first power cost of the first heat source with a second power cost of the second heat source, the first power cost being based on the first energy consumption and the first price, the second power cost being based on the second energy consumption and the second price.

Abstract: This invention is directed to maintaining the output water temperature of a tankless water heater to a constant temperature regardless of changes in water flow rate and/or changes in the temperature of the cold water feed. The water heater has a cold water feed pipe, a fuel line and a hot water output pipe. A temperature monitor attached to the water output pipe generates a signal which varies in direct proportion to the changes in water temperature of the heated water. This signal commands the control motor which operates a fuel valve. The valve then in turn controls the amount of fuel to the water heater. In operation, as the temperature of the hot water changes, the control motor operates the fuel valve to feed more or less fuel to the water heater, maintaining a more constant water temperature regardless of the water flow rate or the incoming water temperature.

Abstract: A water heater capable of suppressing an increase in the combustion air temperature exiting the heater and the generation of nitrogen oxide within an easy structure is provided. In the water heater, a burner is provided in a combustion chamber which is below a hot water storage chamber that is an all primary air burner which takes in the air required for gas combustion, whereby the air is mostly primary air. In addition, the burner is provided with a supporting plate in the combustion chamber at a height that allows part of the burner head to be protruded into a space covered by a lower mirror plate.

Abstract: A hot water heater, and method of regulating the same, which includes a PID control. The PID control is responsive to inputs such as water temperature in the hot water heater and the flow rate of water such as through inlets and outlets coupled to the hot water heater. In one embodiment, the PID control generates an output that modifies the operating parameters of a heating device to accommodate changes in the temperature of the fluid in the hot water heater. The output results from one or more modules of a three-term control structure, wherein the modules comprise one or more of a proportional control module, an integral control module, and a derivative control module. Each of the modules is assigned at least one term, wherein the term is defined in accordance with gain parameters such as a proportional gain, an integral gain, and a derivative gain.

Abstract: A water heater is provided that includes a tank for storing water and a combustion chamber in thermal communication with the tank for heating the water. The combustion chamber contains a pilot burner and at least one main burner. The water heater also includes a flue containing a flue damper to control the passage of exhaust gases from said combustion chamber. The water heater further includes an electrical control circuit connected to said flue damper. The electrical control circuit includes a thermal switch positioned proximal to the main burner The thermal switch is configured to prevent the flue damper from closing while the main burner is firing.

Abstract: A water heating system has a tank, a first heating element, a first temperature sensor, and a controller. The first heating element is mounted on the tank, and the controller is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor. The controller is configured to detect a stacking condition based on the first temperature sensor and to disable the first heating element in response to detection of the stacking condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable boiler for a hot mat, which comprises: a water reservoir, one side of which has an inlet pipe for introducing water circulating through the hot mat, and which stores the water; a heat transfer unit in which the water discharged from the water reservoir flows along a flow channel pipe to be heat exchanged, wherein the water is discharged to the hot mat via an outlet pipe formed at one side thereof; a heating unit which burns the fuel gas fed from a fuel tank to heat the water in the heat transfer unit; and a housing which forms the outer appearance of the boiler.