US20160377323A1 - Water heater appliance with tank capacity control interface and related control methods - Google Patents
Water heater appliance with tank capacity control interface and related control methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20160377323A1 US20160377323A1 US14/748,868 US201514748868A US2016377323A1 US 20160377323 A1 US20160377323 A1 US 20160377323A1 US 201514748868 A US201514748868 A US 201514748868A US 2016377323 A1 US2016377323 A1 US 2016377323A1
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- water
- tank
- setpoint
- controller
- heater appliance
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
- F24H15/223—Temperature of the water in the water storage tank
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/305—Control of valves
- F24H15/315—Control of valves of mixing valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H9/00—Details
- F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24H9/25—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of remote control devices or control-panels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/281—Input from user
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
- F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
- F24H15/45—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based remotely accessible
- F24H15/464—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based remotely accessible using local wireless communication
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to water heater appliances and, more particularly, to a water heater appliance with a tank capacity control interface and related control methods that allow a user to interface with the water heater in terms of the desired tank capacity.
- Certain water heater appliances include a tank therein.
- Heating elements such as gas burners, electric resistance elements, or induction elements, heat water within the tank during operation of such water heater appliances.
- the heating elements generally heat water within the tank to a predetermined temperature.
- the predetermined temperature is generally selected such that heated water within the tank is suitable for showering, washing hands, etc.
- the heating elements operate to heat such water to the predetermined temperature.
- the volume of heated water available at the predetermined temperature is generally limited to the volume of the tank.
- water heater appliances are sold in various sizes to provide customers with a desired amount of heated water.
- large water heater appliances with large tanks occupy a large amount of space within a residence or business. In certain buildings, space is limited and/or expensive. Thus, utilizing large water heater appliances can be impractical and/or prohibitively expensive despite needing large volumes of heated water.
- certain water heater appliances utilize a mixing valve.
- the mixing valve permits water within the water heater's tank to be stored at relatively high temperatures.
- the mixing valve mixes such high temperature water with relatively cool water in order to bring the temperature of such water down to suitable and/or more usable temperatures.
- such water heater appliance can provide relatively large volumes of heated water without requiring a large tank.
- a user is allowed to select the temperature to which the water within the tank will be heated. This user-selected tank temperature is then used to control the operation of the heating elements.
- users often select tank temperature setpoints that do not provide that most efficient settings based on their particular hot water usage (e.g., based on their specific first hour delivery requirements). This is often particularly true for water heater appliances that incorporate a mixing valve given the increased temperatures to which the water within the tank may be heated.
- a tank capacity control interface and/or a control method that allows a user to control the operation of his/her water heater appliance as a function of a desired tank capacity for the appliance would be welcomed in the technology.
- the present subject matter is directed to a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance.
- the method may generally include receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance, determining a tank temperature setpoint for water contained within a tank of the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint and controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint.
- the present subject matter is directed to a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance, wherein the water heater appliance includes a mixing valve configured to mix non-heated water received from a non-heated water conduit and heated water received from a heated water conduit and supply the mixed non-heated and heated water to a mixed water conduit.
- the method may generally include receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance, receiving a second user input associated with a selection of a mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixed water supplied from the mixing valve to the mixed water conduit, determining a tank temperature setpoint for water contained within a tank of the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint, determining a valve control setpoint for the mixing valve based on the mixed water temperature setpoint and controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint and the valve control setpoint.
- the present subject matter is directed to a water heater appliance.
- the water heater appliance may generally include a tank, a heating element associated with the tank, a non-heated water conduit for supplying non-heated water to the tank, a heated water conduit for receiving heated water from the tank and a mixing valve in fluid communication with the non-heated water conduit and the heated water conduit.
- the mixing valve may be configured to mix the non-heated water flowing through the non-heated water conduit with the heated water flowing through the heated water conduit to create a mixed water flow.
- the water heater appliance may also include a mixed water conduit for receiving the mixed water flow expelled from the mixing valve.
- the water heater appliance may include a controller communicatively coupled to the mixing valve.
- the controller may be configured to receive a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the tank, determine a tank temperature setpoint for the water contained within the tank based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint and control the operation of the heating element based on the tank temperature setpoint so as to maintain a water temperature of the water contained within the tank at the tank temperature setpoint.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a water heater appliance in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of various components that may be included within the water heater appliance shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.
- a user of a water heater appliance may be provided with a suitable interface for providing user inputs associated with a desired tank capacity for the appliance.
- the user may provide such inputs via a control panel having suitable user interface elements communicatively coupled to a controller of the water heater appliance.
- the user inputs may be provided via a suitable application implemented on a separate computing device of the user (e.g., his/her smartphone, tablet, desktop, etc.) and subsequently communicated wirelessly to the appliance controller across a wireless network.
- the controller may be configured to determine a tank temperature setpoint corresponding to the user-selected tank capacity and control the operation of the water heater appliance to ensure that the water contained within the tank is maintained at the determined tank temperature setpoint.
- the present subject matter may allow a user to control the operation of a water heater appliance based on a parameter that more closely relates to his/her actual hot water usage/requirements, thereby providing the user with a simpler means for selecting the most efficient operating setpoint(s) for his/her appliance.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a water heater appliance 100 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.
- the water heater appliance 100 may include a casing 102 forming the outer housing or compartment of the water heater 100 .
- a tank 104 FIG. 2
- one or more heating elements 106 FIG. 2
- the heating element(s) 106 may generally correspond to a gas burner(s), a heat pump(s), an electric resistance element(s), a microwave element(s), an induction element(s) and/or any other suitable heating element(s) or combination thereof.
- water includes purified water and solutions or mixtures containing water and, e.g., elements (such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics, and other chemical compounds or substances.
- elements such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine
- salts such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine
- the water heater appliance 100 may also include a cold or non-heated water conduit 108 and a hot or heated water conduit 110 that are both configured to be in fluid communication with a chamber 112 ( FIG. 2 ) defined by the tank 104 .
- cold or non-heated water from a water source, e.g., a municipal water supply or a well, may enter the water heater appliance 100 through the non-heated water conduit 108 (shown schematically with arrow labeled F cool in FIG. 2 ). From the non-heated water conduit 108 , such non-heated water may enter the chamber 112 of the tank 104 , wherein it is heated with the heating elements 106 to generate heated water.
- Such heated water may then exit the water heater appliance 100 via the heated water conduit 110 and, e.g., may be supplied to a bath, shower, sink, or any other suitable feature.
- the water heater appliance 100 generally extends longitudinally between a top portion 114 and a bottom portion 116 along a vertical direction V.
- the water heater appliance 100 is generally vertically oriented.
- the water heater appliance 100 may also be leveled, e.g., such that the casing 102 is plumb in the vertical direction V, in order to facilitate proper operation of the water heater.
- a drain pan 118 may be positioned at the bottom portion 116 of the water heater appliance 100 such that the tank 102 sits on the drain pan 110 .
- the drain pan 110 may sit beneath the water heater appliance 100 along the vertical direction V, e.g., to collect water that leaks from the appliance 100 or water that condenses on an evaporator (not shown) of the appliance 100 .
- the water heater appliance 100 may also include a control panel 120 providing a plurality of user interface elements 122 (e.g., buttons, knobs, a keypad, switches, etc.).
- the user interface elements 122 may generally allow a user of the water heater appliance 100 to interface with a controller 124 of the appliance 100 .
- the user interface elements 122 may provide a means for the user to provide user inputs to the controller 124 associated with adjusting the operational settings of the appliance 100 .
- the user interface elements 122 may allow a user to provide a user input associated with a desired tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may then determine the proper tank temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 based on the particular tank capacity setpoint selected by the user.
- the water heater appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 is simply provided as one example of a suitable water heater configuration with which the present subject matter may be used. In general, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter may be used with any suitable water heater appliance have any suitable configuration.
- the water heater appliance 100 may include a mixing valve 126 (e.g., an electronically controlled mixing valve) and a mixed water conduit 128 .
- the mixing valve 126 may be in fluid communication with the non-heated water conduit 108 , the heated water conduit 110 , and the mixed water conduit 128 .
- the mixing valve 126 may be configured for selectively directing water from the non-heated water conduit 108 and the heated water conduit 110 into the mixed water conduit 128 in order to regulate a temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- the mixing valve 126 may be positioned or disposed within the casing 102 of the water heater appliance 100 , e.g., such that mixing valve 126 is integrated within the appliance 100 .
- the mixing valve 126 may be configured to be actuated or moved to a plurality of different valve positions for controlling the ratio of the non-heated and heated water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- the particular amounts of the non-heated and heated water supplied from the non-heated and heated water conduits 108 , 110 , respectively, to the mixed water conduit 128 may be carefully regulated.
- the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 (shown schematically with arrow labeled F mixed in FIG. 2 ) may generally have any suitable temperature ranging between the temperature of the non-heated water supplied through the non-heated water conduit 108 and the temperature of the heated water supplied through the heated water conduit 110 .
- the water heater appliance 100 may also include a position sensor 130 configured for determining the valve position of the mixing valve 126 .
- the position sensor 130 may monitor the valve position of the mixing valve 126 in order to assist in regulating the temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- position measurements provided by the position sensor 130 may be transmitted to the controller 124 , which may use the position measurements to determine the current valve position of the mixing valve 126 in order to ensure that the valve 126 is properly or suitably positioned to allow the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 to be at the desired or selected temperature.
- the position sensor 130 may provide feedback to the controller 124 regarding the status or position of the mixing valve 126 .
- the position sensor 130 may generally be any suitable type of sensor.
- the position sensor 130 may be a physical sensor, such as an optical sensor, Hall-effect sensor, etc.
- the water heater appliance 100 need not include a position sensor 130 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to determine or measure the valve position of the mixing valve 126 based on the previously commanded position of the valve 126 . For instance, controller 124 may determine that the current valve position of the mixing valve 126 corresponds to the latest position that the controller 124 commanded for the mixing valve 126 in a previous iteration.
- the water heater appliance 100 may also include a mixed water conduit temperature sensor or first temperature sensor 132 and a non-heated water conduit temperature sensor or second temperature sensor 134 .
- the first temperature sensor 132 may be positioned on or proximate to the mixed water conduit 128 and may be configured for measuring the temperature of the water supplied through the mixed water conduit 126 .
- the first temperature sensor 132 may be positioned downstream of the mixing valve 126 .
- the second temperature sensor 134 may be positioned on or proximate to the non-heated water conduit 108 and may be configured for measuring the temperature of the water supplied through the non-heated water conduit 110 .
- the second temperature sensor 134 may be positioned upstream of the mixing valve 126 .
- the first temperature sensor 132 and/or the second temperature sensor 135 may be positioned proximate or adjacent to the mixing valve 126 .
- the water heater appliance 100 may also include a tank temperature sensor 136 that is configured for measuring the temperature of the water contained within the tank chamber 112 .
- the tank temperature sensor 136 may be positioned at any suitable location within the water heater appliance 100 .
- the tank temperature sensor 136 may be positioned within the chamber 112 of the tank 102 or may be mounted to the tank 102 outside of the chamber 112 .
- the tank temperature sensor 136 may be configured for indirectly measuring the temperature of the water contained within the chamber 112 .
- the tank temperature sensor 136 may measure the temperature of the tank 102 and correlate such temperature to the temperature of the water contained within the chamber 112 .
- the tank temperature sensor 136 may generally correspond to any suitable temperature sensor.
- the tank temperature sensor 136 may be a thermocouple or a thermistor.
- the water heater appliance 100 may also include a controller 124 configured for regulating the operation of the water heater appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may be provided in operative communication with the heating elements 106 , the mixing valve 126 , the position sensor 130 , the first and second temperature sensors 132 , 134 and the tank temperature sensor 136 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to selectively activate the heating elements 106 in order to heat the water contained within the chamber 112 of the tank 102 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to selectively operate the mixing valve 126 in order to adjust the position of the valve 126 , thereby allowing the controller 124 to automatically regulate the temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- the controller 124 may generally correspond to any suitable processor-based device and/or combination of processor-based devices.
- the controller 124 may include one or more processor(s) 138 and associated memory device(s) 140 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like disclosed herein).
- processor refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits.
- PLC programmable logic controller
- the memory device(s) 140 may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements.
- RAM random access memory
- RAM computer readable non-volatile medium
- CD-ROM compact disc-read only memory
- MOD magneto-optical disk
- DVD digital versatile disc
- Such memory device(s) 140 may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) 138 , configure the controller 124 to perform various functions including, but not limited to, the control method 200 described below with reference to FIG. 3 .
- the controller 124 may also include a communications module 142 to facilitate communications between the controller 124 and the various components of the water heater appliance 100 .
- the communications module 142 may include a sensor interface (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit the signals transmitted by the various sensor(s) 130 , 132 , 134 , 136 of the water heater appliance 100 to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the processors 138 .
- the communications module 142 may include suitable components for allowing the controller 124 to communicate wirelessly with one or more separate devices.
- the communications module 142 may include or may be coupled to a wireless communications device 144 (e.g., a wireless receiver) for providing wireless communications between controller 124 and a separate computing device 145 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, desktop, etc.) via any suitable wireless communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, near field communication (NFC) and/or the like.
- the controller 124 may be configured to receive user inputs wirelessly from a remote computing device 145 associated with controlling the operation of the water heater appliance 100 (e.g., user inputs associated with a desired tank capacity setpoint for the appliance 100 ).
- the controller 124 may be positioned at any suitable location.
- the controller 124 is positioned within the water heater appliance 100 , e.g., as an integral component of the appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may be positioned separate from the water heater appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to communicate with the water heater appliance 100 over a wireless connection or any other suitable connection, such as a wired connection.
- the controller 124 may be configured to operate the heating elements 106 so as to heat the water contained within the tank chamber 112 .
- the controller 124 may, in one embodiment, be configured to calculate or determine a tank temperature setpoint for the water contained within the chamber 112 based on a tank capacity setpoint selected by the user of the water heater appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to selectively activate the heating elements 106 in order to maintain the temperature of the water within the chamber 112 at the tank temperature setpoint (or within a given threshold of such temperature).
- the tank temperature setpoint may generally correspond to any suitable temperature.
- the tank temperature setpoint may range from about one hundred and ten degrees Fahrenheit to about one hundred and eighty-degrees Fahrenheit.
- the controller 124 may also be configured to operate the mixing valve 126 so as to regulate the temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to transmit suitable control signals (e.g., current signals) to the mixing valve 126 so as to adjust its position, thereby allowing the temperature of the water within the mixed water conduit 128 to be automatically regulated.
- suitable control signals e.g., current signals
- a user may, in one embodiment, select or establish a mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixing valve 126 .
- the controller 124 may adjust the position of the mixing valve 126 in order to change or tweak the ratio of the amount of non-heated water flowing into the mixed water conduit 126 from the non-heated water conduit 108 to the amount of heated water flowing into the mixed water conduit 128 from the heated water conduit 108 . In such manner, the controller 124 may regulate the temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- the mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixing valve 126 may correspond to any suitable temperature.
- the mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixing valve 126 may range from about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit to about one hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheit.
- the mixed temperature setpoint may be selected so that the setpoint is less than the tank temperature setpoint for the water contained within the tank chamber 112 .
- the mixing valve 126 may utilize water from both the non-heated water conduit 108 and the heated water conduit 110 to regulate the temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
- FIG. 3 a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 200 for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.
- the method 200 will be described herein with reference to the water heater appliance 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the disclosed method 200 may be implemented with any other suitable water heater appliance.
- FIG. 3 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement.
- steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the method 200 includes receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 .
- a user of the water heater appliance 100 may be allowed to provide a user input associated with the selection of a tank capacity setpoint to be used in controlling the operation of the water heater appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may then, in one embodiment, be configured to determine a proper tank temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint.
- the tank capacity setpoint may be selected by the user from a set of predetermined tank capacity setpoints. For instance, in one embodiment, the user may be provided the option of selecting from a “LOW” tank capacity setpoint, a “MED” tank capacity setpoint or a “HIGH” capacity setpoint.
- the “LOW” tank capacity setpoint may correspond to a relatively low capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 (e.g., a first hour delivery capacity of 20 gallons)
- the “HIGH” capacity setpoint may correspond to a relatively high capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 (e.g., a first hour delivery capacity of 80 gallons)
- the “MED” tank capacity setpoint may correspond to a capacity setpoint defined between the “LOW” and “HIGH” capacity setpoints (e.g., a first hour delivery capacity of 50 gallons).
- the user may be provided the option of selecting from any other suitable number of predetermined tank capacity setpoints, such as by providing the user less than three predetermined tank capacity setpoints to choose from or more than three predetermined tank capacity setpoints to choose from.
- the user may be allowed to input a specific tank capacity setpoint, such as by allowing the user to input a tank capacity setpoint ranging from a capacity of about 20 gallons to a capacity of about 80 gallons.
- the controller 124 may be configured to receive the user input associated with the selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 via any suitable input means.
- the water heater appliance 100 may include a control panel 120 having suitable user interface elements 112 that allow the user to provide inputs to the controller 124 .
- a user may input his/her selected tank capacity setpoint using the user interface elements 122 , such as by selecting a button corresponding to the desired tank capacity setpoint or turning a knob to the desired tank capacity setpoint or by inputting the desired tank capacity setpoint into a keypad provided on the control panel 122 .
- the user input associated with the selection of a tank capacity setpoint may be communicated wirelessly to the controller 124 from a separate computing device (e.g., the remote device 145 shown in FIG. 2 ).
- a separate computing device e.g., the remote device 145 shown in FIG. 2
- the user may have a smartphone, tablet or other computing device that is configured to execute a suitable application that provides the user with a user interface for inputting a tank capacity setpoint.
- the tank capacity setpoint may then be transmitted wirelessly to the controller 124 (e.g., via the controller's wireless communications device 144 ) and stored in the controller's memory 140 .
- the method 200 includes receiving a user input associated with a selection of a mixed water temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 .
- a user of the water heater appliance 100 may be allowed to provide a user input associated with the selection of a mixed water temperature setpoint to be used in controlling the operation of the water heater appliance 100 .
- the controller 124 may then, in one embodiment, be configured to utilize the user-selected mixed temperature setpoint for determining a proper valve control setpoint for controlling the mixing valve 126 .
- the controller 124 may be configured to receive the user input associated with the selection of the mixed water temperature setpoint via any suitable input means. For instance, the user may input or select the mixed water temperature setpoint via the user interface elements 122 provided on the control panel 120 . Alternatively, the user may input or select the mixed temperature setpoint via a suitable computer application implemented on his/her separate computing device, which may then be transmitted wirelessly to the controller 124 .
- the method 200 may include determining a tank temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint. Specifically, in several embodiments, upon the receipt of the desired tank capacity setpoint, the controller 124 may be configured to calculate or look-up a corresponding tank temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 . As will be described below, the operation of the water heater appliance 100 may then be controlled to ensure that the temperature of the water contained within the tank chamber 112 is maintained at the determined tank temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may be configured to determine a tank temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint using any suitable means.
- the controller 124 may include a look-up table stored within its memory 140 that relates each tank capacity setpoint to a corresponding tank temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may simply reference the look-up table to determine the corresponding tank temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may determine the tank temperature setpoint using any other suitable means.
- a suitable mathematical equation or function may be stored within the controller's memory 140 that correlates the user-selected tank capacity setpoint to a corresponding tank temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may calculate the corresponding tank temperature setpoint using the stored mathematical equation/function.
- the tank temperature setpoint may generally vary based on variations in the desired tank capacity setpoint. Specifically, in several embodiments, as the tank capacity setpoint is decreased, the corresponding tank temperature setpoint may be increased to allow a larger volume of mixed water to be output from the mixing valve 126 at the desired mixed water temperature setpoint given the smaller tank capacity setpoint.
- the method 200 may include determining a valve control setpoint for controlling the operation of the mixing valve based on the user-selected mixed water temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may be configured to determine a suitable output signal (e.g., a given current signal) for adjusting the position of the mixing valve 126 in a manner that allows the temperature of the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 to be at the mixed temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may include a suitable look-up table and/or mathematical equation/function that relates the mixed water temperature setpoint to the control signal(s) that must be transmitted to the mixing valve 126 to allow the valve 126 to be properly positioned for supplying water into the mixed water conduit 128 at the mixed water temperature setpoint.
- the method 200 may include controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint and/or the valve control setpoint.
- the controller 124 may be configured to automatically control the operation of the heating elements 106 such that the water contained within the tank chamber 112 is maintained at or around the desired tank temperature setpoint.
- the controller 124 may be configured to automatically control the operation of the mixing valve 124 via the determined valve control setpoint in order to achieve the desired mixed water temperature for the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 .
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Abstract
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to water heater appliances and, more particularly, to a water heater appliance with a tank capacity control interface and related control methods that allow a user to interface with the water heater in terms of the desired tank capacity.
- Certain water heater appliances include a tank therein. Heating elements, such as gas burners, electric resistance elements, or induction elements, heat water within the tank during operation of such water heater appliances. In particular, the heating elements generally heat water within the tank to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is generally selected such that heated water within the tank is suitable for showering, washing hands, etc.
- During operation, relatively cool water flows into the tank, and the heating elements operate to heat such water to the predetermined temperature. Thus, the volume of heated water available at the predetermined temperature is generally limited to the volume of the tank. According, water heater appliances are sold in various sizes to provide customers with a desired amount of heated water. However, large water heater appliances with large tanks occupy a large amount of space within a residence or business. In certain buildings, space is limited and/or expensive. Thus, utilizing large water heater appliances can be impractical and/or prohibitively expensive despite needing large volumes of heated water.
- To provide relatively large volumes of heated water from relatively small tanks, certain water heater appliances utilize a mixing valve. The mixing valve permits water within the water heater's tank to be stored at relatively high temperatures. The mixing valve mixes such high temperature water with relatively cool water in order to bring the temperature of such water down to suitable and/or more usable temperatures. Thus, such water heater appliance can provide relatively large volumes of heated water without requiring a large tank.
- Typically, a user is allowed to select the temperature to which the water within the tank will be heated. This user-selected tank temperature is then used to control the operation of the heating elements. Unfortunately, users often select tank temperature setpoints that do not provide that most efficient settings based on their particular hot water usage (e.g., based on their specific first hour delivery requirements). This is often particularly true for water heater appliances that incorporate a mixing valve given the increased temperatures to which the water within the tank may be heated.
- Accordingly, a tank capacity control interface and/or a control method that allows a user to control the operation of his/her water heater appliance as a function of a desired tank capacity for the appliance would be welcomed in the technology.
- Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance. The method may generally include receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance, determining a tank temperature setpoint for water contained within a tank of the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint and controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint.
- In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance, wherein the water heater appliance includes a mixing valve configured to mix non-heated water received from a non-heated water conduit and heated water received from a heated water conduit and supply the mixed non-heated and heated water to a mixed water conduit. The method may generally include receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance, receiving a second user input associated with a selection of a mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixed water supplied from the mixing valve to the mixed water conduit, determining a tank temperature setpoint for water contained within a tank of the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint, determining a valve control setpoint for the mixing valve based on the mixed water temperature setpoint and controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint and the valve control setpoint.
- In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a water heater appliance. The water heater appliance may generally include a tank, a heating element associated with the tank, a non-heated water conduit for supplying non-heated water to the tank, a heated water conduit for receiving heated water from the tank and a mixing valve in fluid communication with the non-heated water conduit and the heated water conduit. The mixing valve may be configured to mix the non-heated water flowing through the non-heated water conduit with the heated water flowing through the heated water conduit to create a mixed water flow. The water heater appliance may also include a mixed water conduit for receiving the mixed water flow expelled from the mixing valve. In addition, the water heater appliance may include a controller communicatively coupled to the mixing valve. The controller may be configured to receive a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the tank, determine a tank temperature setpoint for the water contained within the tank based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint and control the operation of the heating element based on the tank temperature setpoint so as to maintain a water temperature of the water contained within the tank at the tank temperature setpoint.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a water heater appliance in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of various components that may be included within the water heater appliance shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. - Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
- In general, the present subject matter is directed to a tank capacity control interface and related control methods for a water heater appliance. Specifically, in several embodiments, a user of a water heater appliance may be provided with a suitable interface for providing user inputs associated with a desired tank capacity for the appliance. For instance, the user may provide such inputs via a control panel having suitable user interface elements communicatively coupled to a controller of the water heater appliance. Alternatively, the user inputs may be provided via a suitable application implemented on a separate computing device of the user (e.g., his/her smartphone, tablet, desktop, etc.) and subsequently communicated wirelessly to the appliance controller across a wireless network. Regardless, once the user input(s) associated with the desired tank capacity is received, the controller may be configured to determine a tank temperature setpoint corresponding to the user-selected tank capacity and control the operation of the water heater appliance to ensure that the water contained within the tank is maintained at the determined tank temperature setpoint. As such, the present subject matter may allow a user to control the operation of a water heater appliance based on a parameter that more closely relates to his/her actual hot water usage/requirements, thereby providing the user with a simpler means for selecting the most efficient operating setpoint(s) for his/her appliance.
- Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of awater heater appliance 100 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, thewater heater appliance 100 may include acasing 102 forming the outer housing or compartment of thewater heater 100. As will be described below, a tank 104 (FIG. 2 ) and one or more heating elements 106 (FIG. 2 ) may be positioned within thecasing 102 for heating water contained therein. The heating element(s) 106 may generally correspond to a gas burner(s), a heat pump(s), an electric resistance element(s), a microwave element(s), an induction element(s) and/or any other suitable heating element(s) or combination thereof. As will be understood by those skilled in the art and as used herein, the term “water” includes purified water and solutions or mixtures containing water and, e.g., elements (such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics, and other chemical compounds or substances. - Additionally, the
water heater appliance 100 may also include a cold ornon-heated water conduit 108 and a hot or heatedwater conduit 110 that are both configured to be in fluid communication with a chamber 112 (FIG. 2 ) defined by thetank 104. As an example, cold or non-heated water from a water source, e.g., a municipal water supply or a well, may enter thewater heater appliance 100 through the non-heated water conduit 108 (shown schematically with arrow labeled Fcool inFIG. 2 ). From thenon-heated water conduit 108, such non-heated water may enter thechamber 112 of thetank 104, wherein it is heated with theheating elements 106 to generate heated water. Such heated water may then exit thewater heater appliance 100 via the heatedwater conduit 110 and, e.g., may be supplied to a bath, shower, sink, or any other suitable feature. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thewater heater appliance 100 generally extends longitudinally between atop portion 114 and abottom portion 116 along a vertical direction V. Thus, thewater heater appliance 100 is generally vertically oriented. Thewater heater appliance 100 may also be leveled, e.g., such that thecasing 102 is plumb in the vertical direction V, in order to facilitate proper operation of the water heater. Adrain pan 118 may be positioned at thebottom portion 116 of thewater heater appliance 100 such that thetank 102 sits on thedrain pan 110. As is generally understood, thedrain pan 110 may sit beneath thewater heater appliance 100 along the vertical direction V, e.g., to collect water that leaks from theappliance 100 or water that condenses on an evaporator (not shown) of theappliance 100. - Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 2 , thewater heater appliance 100 may also include acontrol panel 120 providing a plurality of user interface elements 122 (e.g., buttons, knobs, a keypad, switches, etc.). Theuser interface elements 122 may generally allow a user of thewater heater appliance 100 to interface with acontroller 124 of theappliance 100. Specifically, in several embodiments, theuser interface elements 122 may provide a means for the user to provide user inputs to thecontroller 124 associated with adjusting the operational settings of theappliance 100. For instance, as will be described below, theuser interface elements 122 may allow a user to provide a user input associated with a desired tank capacity setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100. Thecontroller 124 may then determine the proper tank temperature setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100 based on the particular tank capacity setpoint selected by the user. - It should be appreciated that the
water heater appliance 100 shown inFIG. 1 is simply provided as one example of a suitable water heater configuration with which the present subject matter may be used. In general, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter may be used with any suitable water heater appliance have any suitable configuration. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a schematic view of one embodiment of various components that may be included within thewater heater appliance 100 shown inFIG. 1 is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown inFIG. 2 , thewater heater appliance 100 may include a mixing valve 126 (e.g., an electronically controlled mixing valve) and amixed water conduit 128. The mixingvalve 126 may be in fluid communication with thenon-heated water conduit 108, theheated water conduit 110, and themixed water conduit 128. As discussed in greater detail below, the mixingvalve 126 may be configured for selectively directing water from thenon-heated water conduit 108 and theheated water conduit 110 into themixed water conduit 128 in order to regulate a temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. In several embodiments the mixingvalve 126 may be positioned or disposed within thecasing 102 of thewater heater appliance 100, e.g., such that mixingvalve 126 is integrated within theappliance 100. - As an example, the mixing
valve 126 may be configured to be actuated or moved to a plurality of different valve positions for controlling the ratio of the non-heated and heated water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. Specifically, by controlling the valve position of the mixingvalve 126, the particular amounts of the non-heated and heated water supplied from the non-heated andheated water conduits mixed water conduit 128 may be carefully regulated. As such, the water supplied to the mixed water conduit 128 (shown schematically with arrow labeled Fmixed inFIG. 2 ) may generally have any suitable temperature ranging between the temperature of the non-heated water supplied through thenon-heated water conduit 108 and the temperature of the heated water supplied through theheated water conduit 110. - The
water heater appliance 100 may also include aposition sensor 130 configured for determining the valve position of the mixingvalve 126. Specifically, theposition sensor 130 may monitor the valve position of the mixingvalve 126 in order to assist in regulating the temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. For example, position measurements provided by theposition sensor 130 may be transmitted to thecontroller 124, which may use the position measurements to determine the current valve position of the mixingvalve 126 in order to ensure that thevalve 126 is properly or suitably positioned to allow the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128 to be at the desired or selected temperature. Thus, theposition sensor 130 may provide feedback to thecontroller 124 regarding the status or position of the mixingvalve 126. - It should be appreciated that the
position sensor 130 may generally be any suitable type of sensor. For example, in one embodiment, theposition sensor 130 may be a physical sensor, such as an optical sensor, Hall-effect sensor, etc. Alternatively, thewater heater appliance 100 need not include aposition sensor 130. In such an embodiment, thecontroller 124 may be configured to determine or measure the valve position of the mixingvalve 126 based on the previously commanded position of thevalve 126. For instance,controller 124 may determine that the current valve position of the mixingvalve 126 corresponds to the latest position that thecontroller 124 commanded for the mixingvalve 126 in a previous iteration. - Additionally, the
water heater appliance 100 may also include a mixed water conduit temperature sensor orfirst temperature sensor 132 and a non-heated water conduit temperature sensor orsecond temperature sensor 134. Thefirst temperature sensor 132 may be positioned on or proximate to themixed water conduit 128 and may be configured for measuring the temperature of the water supplied through themixed water conduit 126. As such, it should be appreciated that thefirst temperature sensor 132 may be positioned downstream of the mixingvalve 126. Thesecond temperature sensor 134 may be positioned on or proximate to thenon-heated water conduit 108 and may be configured for measuring the temperature of the water supplied through thenon-heated water conduit 110. As such, it should be appreciated that thesecond temperature sensor 134 may be positioned upstream of the mixingvalve 126. In certain embodiments, thefirst temperature sensor 132 and/or the second temperature sensor 135 may be positioned proximate or adjacent to the mixingvalve 126. - The
water heater appliance 100 may also include atank temperature sensor 136 that is configured for measuring the temperature of the water contained within thetank chamber 112. In general, thetank temperature sensor 136 may be positioned at any suitable location within thewater heater appliance 100. For example, thetank temperature sensor 136 may be positioned within thechamber 112 of thetank 102 or may be mounted to thetank 102 outside of thechamber 112. It should be appreciated that, when mounted to thetank 102 outside of thechamber 112, thetank temperature sensor 136 may be configured for indirectly measuring the temperature of the water contained within thechamber 112. For example, thetank temperature sensor 136 may measure the temperature of thetank 102 and correlate such temperature to the temperature of the water contained within thechamber 112. It should also be appreciated that thetank temperature sensor 136 may generally correspond to any suitable temperature sensor. For example, in one embodiment, thetank temperature sensor 136 may be a thermocouple or a thermistor. - As indicated above, the
water heater appliance 100 may also include acontroller 124 configured for regulating the operation of thewater heater appliance 100. Thus, in several embodiments, thecontroller 124 may be provided in operative communication with theheating elements 106, the mixingvalve 126, theposition sensor 130, the first andsecond temperature sensors tank temperature sensor 136. In such embodiments, thecontroller 124 may be configured to selectively activate theheating elements 106 in order to heat the water contained within thechamber 112 of thetank 102. Similarly, thecontroller 124 may be configured to selectively operate the mixingvalve 126 in order to adjust the position of thevalve 126, thereby allowing thecontroller 124 to automatically regulate the temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. - It should be appreciated that the
controller 124 may generally correspond to any suitable processor-based device and/or combination of processor-based devices. Thus, in several embodiments, thecontroller 124 may include one or more processor(s) 138 and associated memory device(s) 140 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like disclosed herein). As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) 140 may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) 140 may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) 138, configure thecontroller 124 to perform various functions including, but not limited to, thecontrol method 200 described below with reference toFIG. 3 . - Additionally, the
controller 124 may also include acommunications module 142 to facilitate communications between thecontroller 124 and the various components of thewater heater appliance 100. For instance, thecommunications module 142 may include a sensor interface (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to permit the signals transmitted by the various sensor(s) 130, 132, 134, 136 of thewater heater appliance 100 to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by theprocessors 138. - Moreover, in several embodiments, the
communications module 142 may include suitable components for allowing thecontroller 124 to communicate wirelessly with one or more separate devices. For instance, in one embodiment, thecommunications module 142 may include or may be coupled to a wireless communications device 144 (e.g., a wireless receiver) for providing wireless communications betweencontroller 124 and a separate computing device 145 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, desktop, etc.) via any suitable wireless communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, near field communication (NFC) and/or the like. In such an embodiment, thecontroller 124 may be configured to receive user inputs wirelessly from aremote computing device 145 associated with controlling the operation of the water heater appliance 100 (e.g., user inputs associated with a desired tank capacity setpoint for the appliance 100). - It should also be appreciated that the
controller 124 may be positioned at any suitable location. For instance, as shown inFIG. 1 , thecontroller 124 is positioned within thewater heater appliance 100, e.g., as an integral component of theappliance 100. In alternative embodiments, thecontroller 124 may be positioned separate from thewater heater appliance 100. In such embodiments, thecontroller 124 may be configured to communicate with thewater heater appliance 100 over a wireless connection or any other suitable connection, such as a wired connection. - As indicated above, the
controller 124 may be configured to operate theheating elements 106 so as to heat the water contained within thetank chamber 112. For instance, as will be described below, thecontroller 124 may, in one embodiment, be configured to calculate or determine a tank temperature setpoint for the water contained within thechamber 112 based on a tank capacity setpoint selected by the user of thewater heater appliance 100. In such an embodiment, based on the tank temperature setpoint, thecontroller 124 may be configured to selectively activate theheating elements 106 in order to maintain the temperature of the water within thechamber 112 at the tank temperature setpoint (or within a given threshold of such temperature). It should be appreciated that the tank temperature setpoint may generally correspond to any suitable temperature. For example, in one embodiment, the tank temperature setpoint may range from about one hundred and ten degrees Fahrenheit to about one hundred and eighty-degrees Fahrenheit. - Additionally, as indicated above, the
controller 124 may also be configured to operate the mixingvalve 126 so as to regulate the temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. For example, thecontroller 124 may be configured to transmit suitable control signals (e.g., current signals) to the mixingvalve 126 so as to adjust its position, thereby allowing the temperature of the water within themixed water conduit 128 to be automatically regulated. As will be described below, a user may, in one embodiment, select or establish a mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixingvalve 126. In such an embodiment, based on the mixed water temperature setpoint, thecontroller 124 may adjust the position of the mixingvalve 126 in order to change or tweak the ratio of the amount of non-heated water flowing into themixed water conduit 126 from thenon-heated water conduit 108 to the amount of heated water flowing into themixed water conduit 128 from theheated water conduit 108. In such manner, thecontroller 124 may regulate the temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. - It should be appreciated that the mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixing
valve 126 may correspond to any suitable temperature. For example, in one embodiment, the mixed water temperature setpoint for the mixingvalve 126 may range from about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit to about one hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheit. It should also be appreciated that, in general, the mixed temperature setpoint may be selected so that the setpoint is less than the tank temperature setpoint for the water contained within thetank chamber 112. In such a manner, the mixingvalve 126 may utilize water from both thenon-heated water conduit 108 and theheated water conduit 110 to regulate the temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , a flow diagram of one embodiment of amethod 200 for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, themethod 200 will be described herein with reference to thewater heater appliance 100 described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosedmethod 200 may be implemented with any other suitable water heater appliance. In addition, althoughFIG. 3 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , at (202), themethod 200 includes receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100. Specifically, in several embodiments, a user of thewater heater appliance 100 may be allowed to provide a user input associated with the selection of a tank capacity setpoint to be used in controlling the operation of thewater heater appliance 100. As will be described below, thecontroller 124 may then, in one embodiment, be configured to determine a proper tank temperature setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100 based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint. - It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the tank capacity setpoint may be selected by the user from a set of predetermined tank capacity setpoints. For instance, in one embodiment, the user may be provided the option of selecting from a “LOW” tank capacity setpoint, a “MED” tank capacity setpoint or a “HIGH” capacity setpoint. In such an embodiment, the “LOW” tank capacity setpoint may correspond to a relatively low capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 (e.g., a first hour delivery capacity of 20 gallons), the “HIGH” capacity setpoint may correspond to a relatively high capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance 100 (e.g., a first hour delivery capacity of 80 gallons) and the “MED” tank capacity setpoint may correspond to a capacity setpoint defined between the “LOW” and “HIGH” capacity setpoints (e.g., a first hour delivery capacity of 50 gallons). In another embodiment, the user may be provided the option of selecting from any other suitable number of predetermined tank capacity setpoints, such as by providing the user less than three predetermined tank capacity setpoints to choose from or more than three predetermined tank capacity setpoints to choose from. Alternatively, the user may be allowed to input a specific tank capacity setpoint, such as by allowing the user to input a tank capacity setpoint ranging from a capacity of about 20 gallons to a capacity of about 80 gallons.
- It should also be appreciated that the
controller 124 may be configured to receive the user input associated with the selection of a tank capacity setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100 via any suitable input means. For instance, as indicated above, thewater heater appliance 100 may include acontrol panel 120 having suitableuser interface elements 112 that allow the user to provide inputs to thecontroller 124. Thus, in several embodiments, a user may input his/her selected tank capacity setpoint using theuser interface elements 122, such as by selecting a button corresponding to the desired tank capacity setpoint or turning a knob to the desired tank capacity setpoint or by inputting the desired tank capacity setpoint into a keypad provided on thecontrol panel 122. - Alternatively, the user input associated with the selection of a tank capacity setpoint may be communicated wirelessly to the
controller 124 from a separate computing device (e.g., theremote device 145 shown inFIG. 2 ). For instance, the user may have a smartphone, tablet or other computing device that is configured to execute a suitable application that provides the user with a user interface for inputting a tank capacity setpoint. In such an embodiment, when the user inputs a desired tank capacity setpoint via the interface provided on his/her separate computing device, the tank capacity setpoint may then be transmitted wirelessly to the controller 124 (e.g., via the controller's wireless communications device 144) and stored in the controller'smemory 140. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , at (204), themethod 200 includes receiving a user input associated with a selection of a mixed water temperature setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100. Specifically, in several embodiments, a user of thewater heater appliance 100 may be allowed to provide a user input associated with the selection of a mixed water temperature setpoint to be used in controlling the operation of thewater heater appliance 100. As will be described below, thecontroller 124 may then, in one embodiment, be configured to utilize the user-selected mixed temperature setpoint for determining a proper valve control setpoint for controlling the mixingvalve 126. - It should be appreciated that, similar to the user input described above with reference to method element (202), the
controller 124 may be configured to receive the user input associated with the selection of the mixed water temperature setpoint via any suitable input means. For instance, the user may input or select the mixed water temperature setpoint via theuser interface elements 122 provided on thecontrol panel 120. Alternatively, the user may input or select the mixed temperature setpoint via a suitable computer application implemented on his/her separate computing device, which may then be transmitted wirelessly to thecontroller 124. - Referring still to
FIG. 3 , at (206), themethod 200 may include determining a tank temperature setpoint for the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint. Specifically, in several embodiments, upon the receipt of the desired tank capacity setpoint, thecontroller 124 may be configured to calculate or look-up a corresponding tank temperature setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100. As will be described below, the operation of thewater heater appliance 100 may then be controlled to ensure that the temperature of the water contained within thetank chamber 112 is maintained at the determined tank temperature setpoint. - It should be appreciated that the
controller 124 may be configured to determine a tank temperature setpoint for thewater heater appliance 100 based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint using any suitable means. For instance, in one embodiment, thecontroller 124 may include a look-up table stored within itsmemory 140 that relates each tank capacity setpoint to a corresponding tank temperature setpoint. In such an embodiment, upon the receipt of a user input associated with a selected tank capacity setpoint, thecontroller 124 may simply reference the look-up table to determine the corresponding tank temperature setpoint. Alternatively, thecontroller 124 may determine the tank temperature setpoint using any other suitable means. For instance, in another embodiment, a suitable mathematical equation or function may be stored within the controller'smemory 140 that correlates the user-selected tank capacity setpoint to a corresponding tank temperature setpoint. In such an embodiment, upon the receipt of a user input associated with a selected tank capacity setpoint, thecontroller 124 may calculate the corresponding tank temperature setpoint using the stored mathematical equation/function. - It should also be appreciated that the tank temperature setpoint may generally vary based on variations in the desired tank capacity setpoint. Specifically, in several embodiments, as the tank capacity setpoint is decreased, the corresponding tank temperature setpoint may be increased to allow a larger volume of mixed water to be output from the mixing
valve 126 at the desired mixed water temperature setpoint given the smaller tank capacity setpoint. - Additionally, at (208), the
method 200 may include determining a valve control setpoint for controlling the operation of the mixing valve based on the user-selected mixed water temperature setpoint. Specifically, in several embodiments, thecontroller 124 may be configured to determine a suitable output signal (e.g., a given current signal) for adjusting the position of the mixingvalve 126 in a manner that allows the temperature of the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128 to be at the mixed temperature setpoint. For instance, thecontroller 124 may include a suitable look-up table and/or mathematical equation/function that relates the mixed water temperature setpoint to the control signal(s) that must be transmitted to the mixingvalve 126 to allow thevalve 126 to be properly positioned for supplying water into themixed water conduit 128 at the mixed water temperature setpoint. - Moreover, at (210), the
method 200 may include controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint and/or the valve control setpoint. For instance, as indicated above, thecontroller 124 may be configured to automatically control the operation of theheating elements 106 such that the water contained within thetank chamber 112 is maintained at or around the desired tank temperature setpoint. Similarly, thecontroller 124 may be configured to automatically control the operation of the mixingvalve 124 via the determined valve control setpoint in order to achieve the desired mixed water temperature for the water supplied to themixed water conduit 128. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (20)
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US14/748,868 US20160377323A1 (en) | 2015-06-24 | 2015-06-24 | Water heater appliance with tank capacity control interface and related control methods |
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JP2012251668A (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2012-12-20 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Storage type water heater |
US20130202277A1 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2013-08-08 | General Electric Company | Heated water energy storage system |
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