Abstract: A fluid heater comprises an enclosed combustion chamber, at least one burner operatively coupled to the enclosed combustion chamber and a heat transfer section. The heat transfer section has a first end operatively coupled to the enclosed combustion chamber, a second end, an outer wall defining a closed chamber therein, a fluid inlet port coupled to the outer wall in fluid communication with the chamber and a fluid outlet port coupled to the outer wall in fluid communication with the chamber. A plurality of tubes have an opened first end, an opposite opened second end and a chamber extending therebetween, wherein the plurality of tubes are mounted within the heat transfer section so that an outside wall of each of the plurality of tubes and an inside wall of the heat transfer section define the closed chamber. Each of the tube chambers are in fluid communication with the enclosed combustion chamber.

Abstract: A heat balancing system for a natural draft gas burning appliance having a flue. When the appliance is in a standby mode, a main burner is shut off and the pilot light remains on. Temperature in the heat exchanger (e.g., temperature of water in a heater tank) may be decreased or increased, respectively, by opening or closing a damper in a flue as needed. If opening the damper does not sufficiently reduce the temperature of the heat exchanger, then the pilot light may be shut off to further reduce the temperature. The pilot light may be turned on again to bring up the temperature. There may be a control or controller to operate the damper to maintain the temperature of the exchanger within a certain range. Electrical power may be provided for the system from a power line, a storage device, or other source.

Abstract: A water heater apparatus includes a fuel-air transfer arm connecting a blower outlet to a burner inlet. The transfer arm includes a continuously curved 180° bend portion and at least one inwardly extending internal flow disrupter located in the 180° bend portion for improving fuel-air mixture distribution across the burner inlet.

Abstract: A water heater is provided with monitor/diagnostic display apparatus that selectively provides a user with visual or other type of indicia of the remaining hot water availability of, the recovery time for, and the overall efficiency of the water heater. The apparatus includes a monitoring unit that may be mounted on the water heater, and a display unit that may be mounted either on the water heater or remotely therefrom.

Abstract: A system for detecting stacking and controlling temperature in a water heater. A controller with a connection to a temperature sensor and heating element in a water tank of the heater may be designed to limit stacking and its effects. The controller may use a sensing and calculation technique to detect the stacking. If stacking is detected, then the setpoint for the heater may be lowered so that the outlet water temperature is within a safe limit. If stacking is not detected, then the setpoint may be gradually restored to optimize water heater capacity.

Abstract: A storage combination boiler system and a method for providing heating, comprising: a domestic combined heat and power (dchp) unit, which provides a heat output and an electricity output; a first piping system, containing fluid which is heated by the heat output of the dchp unit; a second piping system, containing fluid which is heated by transfer of heat from the fluid in the first piping system using a heat exchanger; and a storage vessel, located within the first piping system, downstream from the heat exchanger, for receiving and storing fluid within that first piping system so as to provide a thermal store for the heat in the first piping system.

Abstract: A fuel energy saving water heater includes a food cooking apparatus, a heat collecting tank, and a water guider. The heat collecting tank includes an outer tank body and an inner tank body spacedly supported within the outer tank body to define the water chamber between the outer tank body and the inner tank body. The water guider is thermally communicated with the heat chamber, having a water chamber, a water outlet communicating with the water chamber, and a water inlet for operatively connecting to a water source. When a water flow is guided to pass through the water chamber from the water inlet to the water outlet, the water flow is heated by the excessive heat therewithin at a predetermined water temperature.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control are disclosed. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: An improved heater and method of controlling the same is provided. The water heater has the combination of a tank for holding water, a heater for heating the water, a controller having logic to regulate the heater, and first and second sensors. Each of the sensors detects the water temperature at different areas within the water heater. The sensors also provide the controller with signals corresponding to the detected water temperature. In response to these signals, the controller regulates the heater when at least one of the signals of the first and second sensors satisfies at least one predetermined state condition.

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 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: Provided is a method for operating a non-condensing boiler at maximum non-condensation efficiency, and more particularly a method for operating a non-condensing boiler, capable of supplying an appropriate amount of excess air for combustion of a burner, avoiding damaging a heat exchanger due to the condensed water generated at the heat exchanger, and effectively improving the heat efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for estimating and indicating temperature characteristics of temperature controlled liquids. A system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a tank filled at least partially with a liquid, such as water, and the system has a plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the tank. During operation, a controller compares temperatures sensed by these temperature sensors to a predefined temperature profile for the liquid within the tank in order to estimate the likely temperature characteristics of such liquid. The controller then reports these estimated temperature characteristics via a user interface. As an example, the controller may estimate and report the amount of liquid above a threshold temperature that can be drawn from the tank. Based on the reported temperature characteristics, a user may make decisions about whether or how to use liquid drawn from the tank.

Abstract: A water heater having of a tank defining a storage space for water. A heat source in a combustion chamber is operable to heat water in the storage space and has a first state and a heating state. A flue is part of a gas flow passage through which combustion gases are communicated towards a first location. A flue damper has closed and open states. A powered device in an on state induces flow of combustion gases from the combustion chamber towards the first location. A control is configured to: a) process a user input identifying a target output water temperature and generate a call for heat; and b) in response thereto i) cause the powered device to change from its first state; ii) cause the flue damper to change from its closed state towards its open state; and iii) cause the heat source to change from its first state into its heating state.

Abstract: There is provided a circulation type hot water supply device in which a downstream end of a hot water delivering channel 6 connected to a heat exchanger 4 of a water heater 1 is connected to a water supply channel 5 upstream of the heat exchanger, and a circulating pump 25 that returns hot water fed from the heat exchanger to the hot water delivering channel to the heat exchanger through the water supply channel is provided in the hot water delivering channel. The device can reliably identify an abnormality when it occurs, such as adhesion of a deposit to an inner surface of a heat absorbing pipe 4b to reduce heat exchange efficiency. A diagnosis is started when a hot water delivering tap 7 is closed and a burner 3 is subjected to combustion. In the diagnosis, supply of water to the heat exchanger 4 is first stopped to shut down the burner 3.

Abstract: A hot water storage type hot water supply device is capable of heating water inside a hot water storage tank appropriately, thereby preventing energy waste. A circulating pump is operated and a burner is incinerated, when the average of detected temperatures from water temperature detectors falls below a predetermined lower limit temperature. The burner is extinguished when an accumulated heating amount from the beginning of operation of a heat source equipment becomes equal to or more than a target heating amount necessary for elevating the total amount of water in the hot water storage tank to a preset hot water delivery temperature. The circulating pump is continuously operated after extinguishing the burner, until an accumulated circulated water amount of a circulating path becomes equal to or more than a predetermined water amount set to be equal to or more than a capacity of the hot water storage tank.

Abstract: A water heater including a vessel, a heating fixture (e.g., an electric-resistance heating element, a gas burner) having a rated maximum heating output, and a controller. The controller includes an interface and a temperature sensor. The controller can control the heating output of the heating element based on a sensed temperature of the temperature sensors. The heating output is a defined maximum heating output for the heating fixture. Also disclosed are methods of defining the capabilities of a water hater heater and methods of operating a water heater.

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: A water heater includes a sealed combustion chamber and one or more fans for raising pressure in the combustion chamber to increase efficiency of the water heater. The pressure permits a more restrictive baffle to be used in the flue compared to baffles used in atmospheric water heaters. The water heater may include a water temperature sensor that activates the fan without activating the burner if water temperature raises above a desired temperature. The water heater may also include pressure and vapor sensors to ensure the combustion chamber is properly sealed and there are no flammable vapors present prior to igniting the burner. The fans are relatively small and run off the same DC power that runs an electric gas valve. The fans may be, for example, 12 or 24 Volt fans with power inputs of about 10 Watts or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are a water heating system, a method of heating water and a water heating apparatus for use in providing successive volumes of heated water at a generally consistent temperature. In one aspect of the disclosure, a water heating system includes a reservoir (22) for containing water (28), the reservoir having an inlet zone (50) comprising a lower portion of the reservoir and an outlet zone comprising an upper portion of the reservoir. A water inlet (38) is provided in fluid communication with a source (34) of water and the inlet zone. A heater (26) is positioned within the inlet zone is coupled to the reservoir. A temperature sensor (30) is positioned within the inlet zone, and a water outlet (46) is provided in fluid communication with the outlet zone. A controller (24) is coupled to the heater and the temperature sensor, the controller using information from the temperature sensor to controllably operate the heater to generally maintain a desired temperature within the reservoir.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a modulated heating system including at least one modulating water heater and a controller. A deadband control scheme provides for reduced cycling of the modulating heater when total system heat demand falls between the maximum output of one heater and the sum of the maximum output of that one point and the minimum firing point of the next subsequent heater. Condensation of flue gas products is prevented by monitoring flue exhaust temperature for each heater and controlling the modulation of each heater to maintain a minimum heater output sufficiently high to prevent condensation of flue gas products from that heater. Rapid reaction to changes in system heat demand is provided by sensing changes in flow rate in a primary loop of the system and anticipating resulting changes in temperature thus allowing for change in heater output prior to the time the change in flow rate has fully impacted system temperature.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off circuit for a gas-fired device and method of operating the circuit. The thermal cut-off circuit includes a thermal cut-off switch and an ambient thermal switch. The thermal cut-off switch is positioned in a combustion chamber and the ambient thermal switch is preferably positioned in a flow of air entering the combustion chamber. The thermal cut-off circuit ensures a gas valve is closed upon detecting a possible incomplete combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a controller for controlling a fuel-fired water heater are provided that are able to detect a high rate of temperature change condition in the water heater tank. The fuel fired water heater appliance having a water storage vessel comprises a surface mount sensor disposed on the outer surface of the storage vessel near the bottom of the vessel, for sensing the temperature of the vessel. The controller monitors the rate of change of the temperature sensed by the surface mount sensor during a heating cycle, and discontinues operation of the water heater appliance upon detecting an increase in the rate of temperature change that is indicative of an undesirable level of sediment build-up in the water storage vessel.

Abstract: A water heater including a water reservoir container having a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet, a combustion chamber adjacent the water container, a burner associated with the container; a temperature probe associated with the container that detects a water temperature in an upper portion of the container, and a controller that activates the burner, the controller establishing an initial water temperature set point, comparing detected water temperature with the set point when the burner is activated, reducing the set point by a first selected amount when the water temperature decreases by less than a selected amount while the burner is activated or increasing the set point by a second selected amount when the water decreases by a selected amount of more while the burner is activated.

Abstract: A water heater performance monitoring device for monitoring whether a water heater is functioning optimally or whether it requires service. The device uses maximum heating rates taken from a plurality of measured heating rates to determine if the performance of the water heater has degraded from a threshold performance level. A water heater performance monitoring device can reduce the number of false alarms that occur regarding the need for water heater service by filtering out temporary factors, lasting less than a time cycle, which affect heating rate of water in the water heater. This can save users time and money by reducing unnecessary water heater inspections.

Abstract: An improved heater and method of controlling the same is provided. The water heater has the combination of a tank for holding water, a heater for heating the water, a controller having logic to regulate the heater, and first and second sensors. Each of the sensors detects the water temperature at different areas within the water heater. The sensors also provide the controller with signals corresponding to the detected water temperature. In response to these signals, the controller regulates the heater when at least one of the signals of the first and second sensors satisfies at least one predetermined state condition.

Abstract: A gas water heater with a tank for holding water including a gas valve mounted below the tank and in fluid communication with a supply of gas. A gas burner is fluidly connected to the gas valve. A first temperature sensor is mounted adjacent a lower portion of the tank and detects a temperature of the water in the lower portion of the tank, and a second temperature sensor is mounted adjacent an upper portion of the tank and detects a temperature of water in the upper portion of the tank. A control has inputs connected to the first and second temperature sensors and outputs connected to the gas valve. The control operates the gas valve in response to reading signals from the first and second temperature sensors such that water in the top and bottom portions of the tank stays within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: A water heater control system that prevents the accumulation and accidental ignition of dangerous quantities of unwanted flammable vapors. The system intermittently generates a spark at a predetermined interval such that if unwanted flammable vapors are present, they are burned in a controlled manner. The system obviates the need for flammable vapor sensors.

Abstract: A dual function water heater having two separate hot water outlets, one for potable water and the other for a building heating system. The vertical flue pipe, extending through the tank, comprises a radially expanded means for increasing water heater power productivity and efficiency of heat recovery from the flue gases. The radially expanded means comprises a chamber for the flow of the hot flue gases, and the chamber includes a means for directing the hot flue gases toward the inner surface of the radially expanded means. In a further improvement, the burner control unit possesses an additional means for adjusting burner power depending on water temperature in the water tank. In a still further improvement, the means for directing the flue gases constitutes a tank containing water in a heat exchange relationship with water in the tank.

Abstract: A water heater apparatus includes a water conduit having an inlet and an outlet. A primary heat exchanger has a water side defining a portion of the water conduit. A burner is operatively associated with the primary heat exchanger for heating water in the water side of the primary heat exchanger. A variable flow blower provides pre-mixed combustion air and fuel gas to the burner at a controlled blower flow rate within a blower flow rate range. This apparatus allows the heat output of the water heater to be continuously varied within a substantial flow rate range having a turn down ratio of as much as four to one.

Abstract: A control method of a thermostatic system for a hot water heater is provided where when the water temperature in the hot water heater is too large, a first electromagnetic valve is controlled to be open and a second electromagnetic valve is controlled to be closed. Gas will be transferred via the first gas room to the second gas room. The control of the electromagnetic valves causes a decrease in gas outflow to the hot water heater. When the water temperature in the hot water heater is too small, the first electromagnetic valve is controlled to be closed and the second electromagnetic valve is controlled to be open. The further control of the electromagnet valves causes an increase in the open degree of a gas outlet valve, hence increasing gas outflow.

Abstract: A combination domestic hot water and space heating system has an instantaneous domestic hot water heat exchanger and a low mass boiler-type heat generator connected in a series by a boiler water flow circuit containing a circulating pump. The boiler-type heat generator has an internal reservoir containing between 10 and 20 U.S. gallons (37.85 to 75 liters) of boiler water, which is sufficient to enable the heat exchanger to supply normal short term demand, yet avoid excessive downtime thermal losses. A three-way diverter valve in the flow circuit diverts boiler water to a second heat exchanger in an air handler unit for space heating. Priority is given to domestic water heating.

Abstract: There is provided a water heater unit realizing antifreezing of a water tube and the like of a heat exchanger without providing a backwind stopper on an exhaust tube. The water heater unit comprises a heat exchanger for heating water by a combustion heat of combustion means, water temperature sensors for detecting the temperatures of the water tube connected to the heat exchanger and an air supply fan for supplying air to a combustion chamber in which the combustion means is installed. When temperatures detected by the temperature sensors reach a temperature at which freezing of the heat exchanger is expected, the air supply fan is driven to supply air to the combustion chamber and the air is exhausted toward an exhaust port, thereby effecting heat exchange and antifreezing of the water tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boiler apparatus useful for the heating of living and working spaces. The disclosed boiler apparatus incorporates a burner element and controller element that cooperate to provide a modulated firing rate. The modulated firing rate serves to increase the efficiency of the disclosed boiler apparatus. The boiler apparatus of the invention incorporates a heat exchanger and a combustion system. In operation, the control element collects and analyzes information from a multiplicity of sensors in order to modulate the firing rate of the burner element so as to maintain a selected output temperature for the water being heated. This monitoring activity by the control element also avoids short cycling of the boiler apparatus of the invention. The boiler apparatus of the invention also includes an indicator light that provides a visual indication the invention's operational status.

Abstract: A water heater adapted to be mounted on the rooftop of a building includes a substantially cylindrical tank having a horizontally-oriented longitudinal axis. A U-shaped flue tube has a burner end and an exhaust end, both ends being mounted in a head portion of the tank. The legs of the flue tube define a flue plane that is preferably angled 30°-60° with respect to vertical. An inlet tube and an outlet tube also extend through the head of the tank. The inlet tube is positioned at the bottom of the tank and has holes that open downwardly only; the outlet tube is positioned at the top of the tank and has holes that open upwardly only. The tank is weather-tightly enclosed by a cabinet. A base member of the cabinet is supported by a roof curb and supports the water tank. The base member includes a drain opening for draining water from the inside the cabinet to the sewage system of the building, and a water pipe opening through which extend a plurality of pipes communicating with the tank.

Abstract: A single control device is operational to control the flow of gas to a water heater as well as to protect against excessive temperature and pressure. The control device requires only a single fitting to be attached to the water heater tank to expedite the assembly process, eliminate a number of potential sources of leakage and reduce heat loss.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater has a combustion chamber with a bottom wall defined by a perforated flame arrestor plate forming a portion of a flow path through which combustion air may be supplied to a burner structure within the combustion chamber. During firing of the water heater a combustion air shutoff system having a heat-frangible temperature sensing structure disposed within the combustion chamber senses an undesirable temperature increase in the combustion chamber, caused by for example a partial blockage of the flow path, and responsively terminates further air flow into the combustion chamber, thereby shutting down the burner, prior to the creation in the combustion chamber of a predetermined elevated concentration of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A potable water temperature management system includes a device that produces waste heat and that has a primary purpose other than heating potable water. The waste heat from the device is used to heat potable water in a tank. A heat shedding system is activated when the temperature of the potable water in the tank exceeds a selected maximum temperature. An auxiliary energy transfer system may be activated to heat the potable water in the tank when the potable water in the tank falls below a selected minimum temperature. A controller may be used to monitor the temperature of the potable water in the tank and activate either the heat shedding system or the auxiliary energy transfer system based on the potable water temperature.

Abstract: A heater trough apparatus for heating water used for cleaning.

Abstract: A water heater includes a tank 10 arranged inside a casing 20 with a burner 16 below the tank so that a heat exchange zone 15 surrounding the tank receives the combustion products. The tank 10 is supported on three edge contact projections 26 resting on ledges 27 located a substantial distance up the sides of the tank. The casing 20 narrows in the upwards direction and a heat shield 30 is coaxially located in the lower portion of the casing where the hottest gases are. A downwardly extending flue 49 outside the casing provides a heat trap. The burner 15 has a burner ring 60 with a unique arrangement of burner ports 62 and a secondary air guide 80. The thermostat probe 14 for the gas valve 17 passes through the heat exchange zone 15 to be intentionally affected by the heat and reduce the achieved operating temperature differential.