Classifications

• • 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
  • F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
  • F24H9/2021—Storage heaters
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F22—STEAM GENERATION
  • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
  • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
  • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
  • F22B1/284—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F22—STEAM GENERATION
  • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
  • F22B35/00—Control systems for steam boilers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F22—STEAM GENERATION
  • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
  • F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
  • F22B37/02—Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler
  • F22B37/42—Applications, arrangements, or dispositions of alarm or automatic safety devices
• • 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
  • F24H15/225—Temperature of the water in the water storage tank at different heights of the 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
  • F24H15/20—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
  • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
  • F24H15/288—Accumulation of deposits, e.g. lime or scale
• • 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
  • F24H15/395—Information to users, e.g. alarms
• • 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
  • F24H15/486—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using timers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
  • A47J27/21—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles
  • A47J27/212—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles with signaling means, e.g. whistling kettles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
  • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
  • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
  • A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
  • A47J31/56—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines having water-level controls; having temperature controls

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a water heater, preferably of the electric accumulator type, a flange for said water heater, and a control method for lime scaling on the water heating means in a water heater, and the use of temperature sensors to reveal the presence of lime scaling on the water heating means of a water heater.
• the present invention is also applied to a gas fired accumulator water heater, or at least, to those models wherein the water is heated by means of a smoke flue positioned inside the same accumulator tank.
• thermostats generally comprise a tank and a removable flange mounted -with one or more resistances, a sheath containing one or more thermostat sensors and an anti-corrosion device.
• the most widely used is the so-called “rod type” followed by the so-called “bulb type”, both with electromechanical action, but electronic thermostats are also used, where the sensor is generally an NTC.
• electronic sensors are more expensive, they have the advantage of being able to control the temperature with very high precision, and with only a small extra cost and appropriate electronic logic, they can perform other supplementary functions such as a timing or water temperature signal transmission.
• the electronic thermostat is equipped with at least two sensors positioned at a sufficient distance from each other along the vertical line, it is also possible to obtain information concerning the contents of the heated water in an accumulator water heater, as is common knowledge because of products distributed on the market in recent years.
• the thermal bridge permits the temperature sensor to heat more rapidly in comparison to the volume of water in the tank thus providing a water temperature reading higher than the actual temperature.
• the task of the present patent is to eliminate at least part of the problems involved currently present on water heaters, and in particular those problems described above.
• the task of the present patent is to identify means and methods able to rapidly signal the forming of lime scaling. Said task is achieved by means of the water heater according to the description provided in claim 1, a water heater flange according to the description provided in claim 11 , and a method for controlling the forming of lime scaling according to the description provided in claims 19, 23 and 27.
• Figure 1 shows a front view of a cross section of an electric water heater
• Figure 2 shows a partial front view of a cross section of a flange for a water heater according to a first embodiment
• Figure 3 shows a partial front view of a cross section of a flange for a water heater according to a second embodiment
• Figure 4 shows the layout diagram of an algorithm for calculating the temperature gradient
• - Figure 5 shows a graph of the temperature progression, in absence of lime and after 27 days' use, respectively, according to a first embodiment
• Figure 6 shows a graph of the temperature progression, in absence of lime according to a second embodiment
• Figure 7 shows a graph of the temperature progression, after 130 days of water heater use, according to a second embodiment
• the numeral 1 refers throughout to a water heater, preferably of the electric accumulator type, comprising a tank 2 and a flange 3 that is mounted with one or more electric resistances 4, a sheath 5 containing one or more sensors 6.1 or 6.2 and 6.3 conceived to read the temperature of the water in the tank, and to transmit signals to a means 6 (typically an electronic device), and lastly preferably a means against corrosion 7.
• a water heater preferably of the electric accumulator type, comprising a tank 2 and a flange 3 that is mounted with one or more electric resistances 4, a sheath 5 containing one or more sensors 6.1 or 6.2 and 6.3 conceived to read the temperature of the water in the tank, and to transmit signals to a means 6 (typically an electronic device), and lastly preferably a means against corrosion 7.
• a means 6 typically an electronic device
• the presence of lime scaling on the electric resistance 4 during the heating stage is read by using the temperature information t ⁇ .l, or t6.2 and t6.3 from the said sensors 6.1 or 6.2 and 6.3, respectively.
• said sensors 6.1 or 6.2 and 6.3 are the same as those used by the water heater thermostat, which must be electronic in this case; even more advantageously, a single electronic device can be foreseen which, as well as performing known functions such as thermostatation and/or calculating the amount of hot water and/or signalling the temperature of the water, is also able to signal the forming of lime scaling, according to the invention.
• a single temperature sensor 6.1 is foreseen, positioned in proximity to the resistance 4.
• the term "in proximity” must be understood as being that the distance of the temperature sensor 6.1 from the resistance 4 is such that it is covered by the lime scaling that has begun to form, before it has reached a thickness that will provoke irreversible damage, according to the judgement of the technicians expert in this sector.
• said distance is less than 60 mm, and more preferably, less than 50 mm and, even more preferably, less than 40 mm.
• the senor 6.1 is positioned at a height less than the maximum height of the electric resistance 4; however, it can also be positioned at a height above the resistance 4, on condition that it can be reached by the lime scaling as it is formed, before it provokes irreversible damage.
• the temperature information t6.1 read by sensor 6.1 can be compared in relation to the thickness of the lime scaling which forms on the electric resistance 4.
• the means 6 comprise a calculating means 6.4 (analog or digital) conceived to determine the speed of the heating of the water GI f in proximity to the resistance 4, and to compare said heating speed with a reference value.
• a calculating means 6.4 analog or digital
• Preferably said reference value is based in relation to the reference heating speed Gl 0 which corresponds with the heating speed that can be observed in the absence of lime or with very low lime scaling levels.
• the reference heating speed Gl 0 depends on the type of water heater, and in particular, on the installed power and on the geometry. Each time the heating speed GI f exceeds the reference speed Gl 0 by a certain threshold ⁇ G, the lime scaling is considered as being strong enough to require maintenance operations.
• the increase in lime scaling is therefore calculated by measuring the actual heating speed GI f in proximity to the resistance 4 during the first minutes of heating and comparing this value with the reference value Gl 0 , which corresponds with the heating speed that is observed in the absence of lime or when the lime scaling is very slight.
• Preferably other means are also foreseen to memorise and/or adjust the reference speed Gl 0 permitting the user to pre-set or modify said speed.
• the reference speed Gl 0 can also be self-taught, by providing for means that permit the memorising of the reference signal GIo during initial installation.
• the value of the threshold ⁇ G depends on the model of the water heater used, it can be pre-set or modified during use, and for the more common models, it has a value of between 3 and 5 °C/minute.
• the heating speed is measured in a predetermined interval of time that does not exceed 5 minutes, or until the water temperature has reached 30 °C.
• the water heater is equipped with a first sensor 6.2, located in proximity to the resistance 4, and a second temperature sensor 6.3, positioned at a certain distance from resistance 4.
• the first sensor 6.2 conceived to measure the temperature T 1 , is positioned inside the heating zone, or inside the zone slightly above said heating area, under the same conditions as those described for the first embodiment.
• the second sensor 6.3 is positioned at a certain distance from the electric resistance in a position to be able to measure the actual temperature T 2 of the volume of the heated water even in the presence of lime.
• the second sensor 6.3 is positioned generally at least 100 mm, and preferably at least 150mm from the resistance 4.
• the temperature gradient Ti-T 2 read by the pair of sensors 6.2 and 6.3 can be compared in relation to the thickness of the lime scaling.
• Figures 5 and 6 show examples of the temperature progression read by the two temperature probes and the temperature gradient progression T 1 -T 2 , respectively, when the resistor is in new condition, and after 130 days use.
• the temperature gradient Tj-T 2 will be subject to an increase.
• the means 6 comprise calculation means 6.4 (analog or digital) conceived to measure the temperature gradient Ti-T 2 of the water, in proximity to the two sensors at exactly the same time and to compare this with a reference gradient
• the reference gradient ⁇ T 0 depends on the type of water heater, and in particular on the installed power and on the geometry, and is defined in relation to a condition where no or very little lime is present. For more common models the reference gradient ⁇ T 0 ranges between 20 and 30 °C.
• the reference gradient ⁇ T 0 can also be self-taught, providing for means that permit memorising the reference during the initial installation.
• the temperature gradient is measured during the whole heating period, and even more preferably, within a heating time no greater than 5 minutes, or within a time that corresponds with a temperature, at the resistance 6.2, that is not higher than
• Indicators can be provided to show how the heating speed or the heating gradient varies in time, to permit the user to control the presence of lime scaling on the electric resistance.
• the water heater can also be provided with a system to turn to switch-off.
• This operation foresees the heating of the electric resistance for a sufficient period of time in order to calculate the heating speed or the temperature gradient, and to compare it with the reference values.
• the heating time will be less than 5 minutes.
• the water heater can also be equipped with remote control transmission means to send a signal for lime scaling readings.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Sustainable Development (AREA)
• Sustainable Energy (AREA)
• Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
• Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)
• Instantaneous Water Boilers, Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses, And Control Of Portable Hot-Water Supply Apparatuses (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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ID=36096437

Family Applications (1)

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• 2004
  • 2004-10-01 IT IT000046A patent/ITAN20040046A1/it unknown
• 2005
  • 2005-09-16 RU RU2007113010/06A patent/RU2419028C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2005-09-16 EP EP05805063A patent/EP1794496A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-09-16 WO PCT/IB2005/003011 patent/WO2006038109A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2005-09-16 CN CN2005800412335A patent/CN101069038B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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