EP4253866A1 - Sensor for water heaters - Google Patents
Sensor for water heaters Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4253866A1 EP4253866A1 EP22164737.3A EP22164737A EP4253866A1 EP 4253866 A1 EP4253866 A1 EP 4253866A1 EP 22164737 A EP22164737 A EP 22164737A EP 4253866 A1 EP4253866 A1 EP 4253866A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- controller
- sensor
- water heater
- gas
- power source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 51
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000005676 thermoelectric effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 claims description 3
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 43
- 229910002091 carbon monoxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 43
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000004449 solid propellant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- F24H9/2035—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using fluid fuel
- F24H9/2042—Preventing or detecting the return of combustion gases
-
- 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
- F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
- F24H15/184—Preventing harm to users from exposure to heated water, e.g. scalding
-
- 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
- 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
- F24H9/2035—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using fluid fuel
- F24H9/2042—Preventing or detecting the return of combustion gases
- F24H9/205—Closing the energy supply
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2101/00—Electric generators of small-scale CHP systems
- F24D2101/60—Thermoelectric generators, e.g. Peltier or Seebeck elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/04—Gas or oil fired boiler
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
- F24D2220/04—Sensors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
- F24D2220/08—Storage tanks
-
- 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
- F24H2240/00—Fluid heaters having electrical generators
- F24H2240/08—Fluid heaters having electrical generators with peltier elements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to sensors, e.g. CO sensors, for water heaters that use fuel combustion as a source of energy.
- Water heaters also known as boilers, are devices that are used in variety of contexts to provide hot water.
- a source of energy fuel
- some water heaters use natural gas, other fossil fuels or solid fuels.
- natural gas under various adverse circumstances (e.g. failure in equipment, incorrect installation of the water heater, or natural disaster), the natural gas may not be burned fully (incomplete combustion) and thus carbon monoxide (CO) may be produced.
- CO sensors are used. CO sensors may be placed in various locations, e.g. close to or on the water boiler. To function properly, an ordinary CO sensor requires an energy source. Providing an energy source may come with difficulties. For example, if the energy source is a battery, the CO sensor is limited by the battery lifetime, and the user has to periodically replace the battery to ensure the CO sensor functions properly. If the energy source is the mains electricity, the sensor may stop working in situations of disrupted electricity supply (e.g. following a storm).
- water heaters may produce or leak other gases.
- dedicated sensors may be used. These sensors may suffer from similar problems with power, i.e. if powered by battery, the battery may need regular changing, and when powered by mains, the sensor may stop working if for some reason mains electricity supply is interrupted.
- the present invention aims at mitigating these and other problems.
- a controller for a water heater comprises: a power source configured to power up the components of the controller, wherein the power source is independent of a battery or mains electricity and uses a thermoelectric effect; and a gas sensor powered from the controller via the power source, wherein the gas sensor is configured to be positioned externally to the controller and connected to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger an alarm if a concentration of gas in the vicinity of the gas sensor is above a predetermined threshold.
- a water heater in a second aspect, comprises a controller as described in the first aspect and a heat source, wherein the heat source utilizes fuel combustion.
- a method of operating a water heater controller as described in the first aspect comprises the steps of detecting, by the gas sensor, the level of gas in the vicinity of the sensor; generating, by the gas sensor, a signal indicative of the level of gas; transmitting, by the gas sensor, the signal to the controller; determining, by the controller, based on the signal, that the gas level is above threshold; generating, by the controller, an alert message; and stopping, by the controller, the fuel combustion in the water heater.
- the water heater 1 may comprise a tank 100 for storing the hot water generated by the water heater 1, a controller 101 and a sensor 108.
- the tank 100 may be of any suitable shape and size.
- the heat source 108 may be combined with the tank 100 into one appliance, or it may be provided as a separate device.
- the heat source may be two-part, with a first part to deliver hot water in short time and second part to keep water temperature on certain pre-set level.
- the controller 101 comprises a CPU 102.
- the CPU has memory (not shown) which stores instructions for controlling the water heater 1 and/or various components of the controller 101 and the water heater 1, as described below.
- the controller 101 may further comprise a device 103 for changing the settings of the water heater 1.
- the device 103 may be used e.g. to set the required water temperature, the required times when the water heater heats the water, and the like.
- the device 103 may be or may comprise e.g. dial(s), control switch(es), selector switch(es), button(s), touch screen and the like.
- the controller 101 may further comprise a wireless module 104.
- the wireless module may serve as a means of communication between the controller 101 and an external device (not shown).
- the external device may be e.g. a user device such as a remote control, a smart phone, a computer or a tablet.
- the external device may be a control panel which controls central heating and/or security in a home. In some embodiments, there may be more than one external device. In such case, the external devices may be of the same or different types.
- the wireless module 104 may communicate settings and other information between the controller and the external device. For example, the wireless module may operate on a protocol such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and the like.
- the controller 101 may further comprise a power source 105.
- the power source 105 may utilize thermopile, i.e. a device which converts thermal energy into electrical energy.
- Thermopile works on the principle of the thermoelectric effect, i.e., generating a voltage when dissimilar metals (thermocouples) are exposed to a temperature difference.
- the temperature difference may come e.g. from the difference of temperatures between the outside of the water heater 1 (this may be e.g. room temperature) and the inside the water heater 1 and close to the heat source 108 (this may be several hundred degrees Celsius, e.g. 600 °C).
- the temperature difference may come e.g.
- the power source 105 operating on this principle may generate enough energy to power the controller 101, all its components and all devices connected to it, including the sensor 110.
- the power source 105 utilizing thermopile may consist of a single thermocouple.
- Such power source 105 with a single thermocouple may be cheap and/or easy to manufacture and implement and still provide enough power for the controller 101, all its components and all devices connected to it, including the sensor 110.
- a single-thermocouple power source 105 may generate between 5mW and 30mW.
- a CO sensor may require between 2 ⁇ W and 10 ⁇ W.
- different sensors than a CO sensor may be used.
- a CO 2 sensor a hydrogen sensor
- a methane sensor a sensor that may require more energy than is available from a single thermocouple.
- the power source 105 may comprise more than one thermocouple. The number of thermocouples in the power source 105 in such case will be selected based on the type of sensor 110 used.
- the controller 101 may further comprise one or more ports 107a-107n.
- the ports 107a-107n may be used to connect various components to the controller 101 and/or to the CPU 102.
- the ports 107a-107n may be used to connect one or more sensors to the controller 101 and/or the CPU 102.
- the controller 101 may further comprise an ignition control 106, which, based on instructions from the CPU 102, may instruct an igniter (not shown) to initiate the fuel combustion in the heat source 108.
- the heat source 108 then heats the water.
- the heated water may be used immediately (for example for washing or heating of a home), or it may be stored in the tank 100 for later use.
- the igniter may be of any known type, for example piezoelectric.
- the heat source 108 obtains energy from fuel combustion.
- the fuel may be e.g. natural gas, propane, oil or other gas or liquid fuel.
- Fuel combustion may generate a certain amount of carbon monoxide (CO), e.g. due to incomplete combustion. Independently on this, in certain circumstances, a faulty appliance may leak and/or produce other harmful gasses, including the fuel.
- CO carbon monoxide
- a sensor 110 may be provided. In the following description, the sensor 110 is described as a CO sensor, but it is to be understood that the invention would work analogously with other sensors, such as hydrogen sensor, methane sensor, and the like.
- the sensor 110 preferably detects whether the level (amount) of CO close to the sensor 110 (e.g. in the room where the water heater is located) is above a threshold.
- the sensor 110 may be a conventional CO sensor.
- the sensor 110 may be of electrochemical type, with measured voltage used as an indicator of the CO level.
- the sensor 110 may be positioned on the surface of the tank 100.
- the sensor 110 may be positioned in a location where CO is likely to be produced, e.g. close to the heat source 108 or close to the fuel combustion.
- the sensor 110 may be positioned in a location where CO is likely to accumulate, e.g. at or close to the upper part of the tank 100 (where "upper part” in used in this context to denote the upper part when the tank 100 is installed and in use).
- the sensor 110 may be positioned in any other suitable location.
- the sensor 100 and the controller 101 are both positioned on the tank 100 of the water heater 1.
- the sensor 110 is connected to the controller 101 such that the sensor 110 may report CO levels to the controller 101.
- the sensor 110 is preferably connected to one of the ports 107a-107n provided on the controller 101.
- the sensor 110 is connected to the port 107a and thus to the controller 101 and the CPU 102 via a wire or a cable 109.
- the wire 109 which connects the sensor 110 to one of the ports 107a of the controller 101 may serve to transfer information from the sensor 110 to the controller 101. It may also serve as a power source for the sensor 110. In other words, the sensor 110 may be also powered from the thermopile power source 105 (described above), together with the controller 101.
- the sensor 110 may not have a wireless ability. This reduces the energy consumption of the sensor 110.
- the sensor 110 may transmit the voltage measured at the sensor 110 to the CPU 102 via the wire 109.
- the CPU 102 may determine whether the CO level is above a pre-determined threshold. When the CO level is determined above the threshold, alarm may be triggered.
- the CPU 102 may stop the combustion of the fuel in the heat source 108.
- the CPU 102 may use the wireless module 104 to transmit a message to the external device to alert user(s).
- Fig 2 illustrates an example operation of the sensor 110 and the controller 101.
- step S1 the sensor 110 detects the CO level. Based on the detected CO level, the sensor 110 generates a signal indicative of the CO level.
- step S2 the sensor 110 transmits the signal indicative of the CO level to the controller 101, preferably via the wire 109.
- the CPU 102 of the controller 101 determines that the CO level is above a predetermined threshold.
- the threshold may be e.g. stored in a memory (not shown) of the controller 101.
- the threshold may be based on the level of CO harmful to humans, and it may be stored in the memory upon manufacture of the controller 101 and/or it may be regularly updated via a connection to an external device (not shown).
- step S4 the CPU 102 generates an alert message.
- the alert message may comprise information on the level of CO being above threshold. In some embodiments, the alert message may comprise also the detected level of CO.
- step S5 the controller 101 stops fuel combustion to minimize further generation of CO and outputs the alert message.
- This alert message may be output in a form of sounding an alarm.
- the alert message may be output in a form of light indication (e.g. a warning light of a specific colour, flashing light and the like).
- alarm message in the form of light indication may be advantageous, because it may be energy-efficient and visible even in situations in which a sound alarm would be difficult to hear (e.g. in noisy environment).
- the alert message may be transmitted to the external device, e.g. a remote control, a control panel, a user's smart phone and the like.
- the external device then may output a sound alarm or use other way of alerting the user the fact that the CO level is above threshold.
- the alert message may be transmitted from the controller 101 to the external using the wireless module 104.
- the above-described method is just for illustration.
- One or more of the above-described method steps may be modified as appropriate.
- the alert message may be provided in accordance with the regulatory requirements.
- additional steps may be added to the steps described above.
- the controller 101 may be provided with the sensor 110 upon installation.
- the connection of the sensor 110 to the controller 101 via the wire 109 may be advantageous in that the sensor 110 may be positioned in a different location than the controller 101.
- the location of the controller 101 may thus be convenient for the user (e.g. easily accessible for the user), while the position of the sensor 110 may be suitable for measuring the CO levels (e.g. close to the combustion where the CO may be generated, or close to the ceiling where the CO accumulates).
- a new sensor 110 may be added to an existing controller 101.
- the sensor 110 is connected by a wire 109 to one of the existing ports 107a-107n of the controller 101.
- the memory of the controller 101 is updated with appropriate instructions on the operation of the sensor 110 and the threshold levels of CO (voltage representative of the level of CO).
- the sensor 110 as described herein may be advantageous in situations where autonomy of the sensor 110 is required.
- the sensor 110 is powered up by the controller 101 via the wire 109.
- the controller 101 is in turn is powered by thermopile, which is a source independent on the mains electricity or battery. This may be of advantage in places where mains electricity supply may be cut off (whether it is an unexpected power outage or scheduled maintenance) or where monitoring and exchanging battery may be inconvenient or impossible.
- the water tank 100 may be omitted, and the water heater 1 may be of a continuous heating type.
- the controller 101 may be placed directly on the water heater. The sensor 108 and the controller 101 then work in the way outlined above.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to sensors, e.g. CO sensors, for water heaters that use fuel combustion as a source of energy.
- Water heaters, also known as boilers, are devices that are used in variety of contexts to provide hot water. As a source of energy (fuel), some water heaters use natural gas, other fossil fuels or solid fuels. With an example of natural gas, under various adverse circumstances (e.g. failure in equipment, incorrect installation of the water heater, or natural disaster), the natural gas may not be burned fully (incomplete combustion) and thus carbon monoxide (CO) may be produced.
- To detect CO in homes, CO sensors are used. CO sensors may be placed in various locations, e.g. close to or on the water boiler. To function properly, an ordinary CO sensor requires an energy source. Providing an energy source may come with difficulties. For example, if the energy source is a battery, the CO sensor is limited by the battery lifetime, and the user has to periodically replace the battery to ensure the CO sensor functions properly. If the energy source is the mains electricity, the sensor may stop working in situations of disrupted electricity supply (e.g. following a storm).
- Similarly, instead of or in addition to CO, water heaters may produce or leak other gases. To detect these, dedicated sensors may be used. These sensors may suffer from similar problems with power, i.e. if powered by battery, the battery may need regular changing, and when powered by mains, the sensor may stop working if for some reason mains electricity supply is interrupted.
- The present invention aims at mitigating these and other problems.
- In a first aspect, a controller for a water heater is provided. The controller comprises: a power source configured to power up the components of the controller, wherein the power source is independent of a battery or mains electricity and uses a thermoelectric effect; and a gas sensor powered from the controller via the power source, wherein the gas sensor is configured to be positioned externally to the controller and connected to the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to trigger an alarm if a concentration of gas in the vicinity of the gas sensor is above a predetermined threshold.
- In a second aspect, a water heater is provided. The water heater comprises a controller as described in the first aspect and a heat source, wherein the heat source utilizes fuel combustion.
- In a third aspect, a method of operating a water heater controller as described in the first aspect is provided. The method comprises the steps of detecting, by the gas sensor, the level of gas in the vicinity of the sensor; generating, by the gas sensor, a signal indicative of the level of gas; transmitting, by the gas sensor, the signal to the controller; determining, by the controller, based on the signal, that the gas level is above threshold; generating, by the controller, an alert message; and stopping, by the controller, the fuel combustion in the water heater.
- The independent claims and their dependent claims as well as the below description outline further embodiments.
- Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a water heater with a controller and a sensor according to the present invention; and -
Figure 2 is a flow-chart of an example operation of the water heater controller. - The below description is for illustration only, and is not intended to be limiting. Various elements of embodiments described below may be combined as appropriate. When the description described "water heater", it is to be understood that the invention would also work with other appliances that utilize fuel combustion (fuel-burning appliances). Similarly, when the description refers to a "CO sensor", it is to be understood that a variety of sensors detecting substances other than CO may be used. Similarly, when the description refers to "natural gas", it is to be understood that other fuel may be used (e.g. another fuel in the form of gas or liquid, such as propane, oil and the like).
- An
example water heater 1 is shown schematically inFig 1 . Thewater heater 1 may comprise atank 100 for storing the hot water generated by thewater heater 1, acontroller 101 and asensor 108. - The
tank 100 may be of any suitable shape and size. Theheat source 108 may be combined with thetank 100 into one appliance, or it may be provided as a separate device. In an embodiment, the heat source may be two-part, with a first part to deliver hot water in short time and second part to keep water temperature on certain pre-set level. - The
controller 101 comprises aCPU 102. The CPU has memory (not shown) which stores instructions for controlling thewater heater 1 and/or various components of thecontroller 101 and thewater heater 1, as described below. - The
controller 101 may further comprise adevice 103 for changing the settings of thewater heater 1. Thedevice 103 may be used e.g. to set the required water temperature, the required times when the water heater heats the water, and the like. Thedevice 103 may be or may comprise e.g. dial(s), control switch(es), selector switch(es), button(s), touch screen and the like. - The
controller 101 may further comprise awireless module 104. The wireless module may serve as a means of communication between thecontroller 101 and an external device (not shown). The external device may be e.g. a user device such as a remote control, a smart phone, a computer or a tablet. The external device may be a control panel which controls central heating and/or security in a home. In some embodiments, there may be more than one external device. In such case, the external devices may be of the same or different types. Thewireless module 104 may communicate settings and other information between the controller and the external device. For example, the wireless module may operate on a protocol such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and the like. - The
controller 101 may further comprise apower source 105. Thepower source 105 may utilize thermopile, i.e. a device which converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Thermopile works on the principle of the thermoelectric effect, i.e., generating a voltage when dissimilar metals (thermocouples) are exposed to a temperature difference. In thewater heater 1, the temperature difference may come e.g. from the difference of temperatures between the outside of the water heater 1 (this may be e.g. room temperature) and the inside thewater heater 1 and close to the heat source 108 (this may be several hundred degrees Celsius, e.g. 600 °C). In embodiments with two-part heat source, the temperature difference may come e.g. from the difference of temperatures between the outside of thewater heater 1 and close to the second heat source (the heat source used to keep water temperature on certain pre-set level). Thepower source 105 operating on this principle may generate enough energy to power thecontroller 101, all its components and all devices connected to it, including thesensor 110. - In some embodiments, the
power source 105 utilizing thermopile may consist of a single thermocouple.Such power source 105 with a single thermocouple may be cheap and/or easy to manufacture and implement and still provide enough power for thecontroller 101, all its components and all devices connected to it, including thesensor 110. For example, a single-thermocouple power source 105 may generate between 5mW and 30mW. A CO sensor may require between 2µW and 10 µW. - In some embodiments, different sensors than a CO sensor may be used. For example, one or more of the following may be used: a CO2 sensor, a hydrogen sensor, a methane sensor. In some embodiments (e.g. using a CO2 sensor instead of or in addition to a CO sensor), the
sensor 110 may require more energy than is available from a single thermocouple. In such case, thepower source 105 may comprise more than one thermocouple. The number of thermocouples in thepower source 105 in such case will be selected based on the type ofsensor 110 used. - The
controller 101 may further comprise one ormore ports 107a-107n. Theports 107a-107n may be used to connect various components to thecontroller 101 and/or to theCPU 102. For example, theports 107a-107n may be used to connect one or more sensors to thecontroller 101 and/or theCPU 102. - The
controller 101 may further comprise anignition control 106, which, based on instructions from theCPU 102, may instruct an igniter (not shown) to initiate the fuel combustion in theheat source 108. Theheat source 108 then heats the water. The heated water may be used immediately (for example for washing or heating of a home), or it may be stored in thetank 100 for later use. The igniter may be of any known type, for example piezoelectric. - The
heat source 108 obtains energy from fuel combustion. The fuel may be e.g. natural gas, propane, oil or other gas or liquid fuel. Fuel combustion may generate a certain amount of carbon monoxide (CO), e.g. due to incomplete combustion. Independently on this, in certain circumstances, a faulty appliance may leak and/or produce other harmful gasses, including the fuel. To detect the amount of these substances, asensor 110 may be provided. In the following description, thesensor 110 is described as a CO sensor, but it is to be understood that the invention would work analogously with other sensors, such as hydrogen sensor, methane sensor, and the like. - The
sensor 110 preferably detects whether the level (amount) of CO close to the sensor 110 (e.g. in the room where the water heater is located) is above a threshold. Thesensor 110 may be a conventional CO sensor. For example, thesensor 110 may be of electrochemical type, with measured voltage used as an indicator of the CO level. - The
sensor 110 may be positioned on the surface of thetank 100. Thesensor 110 may be positioned in a location where CO is likely to be produced, e.g. close to theheat source 108 or close to the fuel combustion. Thesensor 110 may be positioned in a location where CO is likely to accumulate, e.g. at or close to the upper part of the tank 100 (where "upper part" in used in this context to denote the upper part when thetank 100 is installed and in use). Thesensor 110 may be positioned in any other suitable location. Preferably, thesensor 100 and thecontroller 101 are both positioned on thetank 100 of thewater heater 1. - The
sensor 110 is connected to thecontroller 101 such that thesensor 110 may report CO levels to thecontroller 101. Thesensor 110 is preferably connected to one of theports 107a-107n provided on thecontroller 101. In the example ofFig 1 , thesensor 110 is connected to theport 107a and thus to thecontroller 101 and theCPU 102 via a wire or acable 109. Thewire 109 which connects thesensor 110 to one of theports 107a of thecontroller 101 may serve to transfer information from thesensor 110 to thecontroller 101. It may also serve as a power source for thesensor 110. In other words, thesensor 110 may be also powered from the thermopile power source 105 (described above), together with thecontroller 101. - The
sensor 110 may not have a wireless ability. This reduces the energy consumption of thesensor 110. Thesensor 110 may transmit the voltage measured at thesensor 110 to theCPU 102 via thewire 109. Upon receiving the measured voltage, theCPU 102 may determine whether the CO level is above a pre-determined threshold. When the CO level is determined above the threshold, alarm may be triggered. - If dangerous levels of CO are detected (e.g. if the CO level is above a pre-set threshold), the
CPU 102 may stop the combustion of the fuel in theheat source 108. In addition, theCPU 102 may use thewireless module 104 to transmit a message to the external device to alert user(s). -
Fig 2 illustrates an example operation of thesensor 110 and thecontroller 101. - In step S1, the
sensor 110 detects the CO level. Based on the detected CO level, thesensor 110 generates a signal indicative of the CO level. - In step S2, the
sensor 110 transmits the signal indicative of the CO level to thecontroller 101, preferably via thewire 109. - In step S3, the
CPU 102 of thecontroller 101 determines that the CO level is above a predetermined threshold. The threshold may be e.g. stored in a memory (not shown) of thecontroller 101. The threshold may be based on the level of CO harmful to humans, and it may be stored in the memory upon manufacture of thecontroller 101 and/or it may be regularly updated via a connection to an external device (not shown). - In step S4, the
CPU 102 generates an alert message. The alert message may comprise information on the level of CO being above threshold. In some embodiments, the alert message may comprise also the detected level of CO. - In step S5, the
controller 101 stops fuel combustion to minimize further generation of CO and outputs the alert message. This alert message may be output in a form of sounding an alarm. The alert message may be output in a form of light indication (e.g. a warning light of a specific colour, flashing light and the like). In an embodiment, alarm message in the form of light indication may be advantageous, because it may be energy-efficient and visible even in situations in which a sound alarm would be difficult to hear (e.g. in noisy environment). - Alternatively or in addition, the alert message may be transmitted to the external device, e.g. a remote control, a control panel, a user's smart phone and the like. The external device then may output a sound alarm or use other way of alerting the user the fact that the CO level is above threshold. The alert message may be transmitted from the
controller 101 to the external using thewireless module 104. - It is to be understood that the above-described method is just for illustration. One or more of the above-described method steps may be modified as appropriate. For example, the alert message may be provided in accordance with the regulatory requirements. For example, additional steps may be added to the steps described above.
- In some embodiments, the
controller 101 may be provided with thesensor 110 upon installation. In such situations, the connection of thesensor 110 to thecontroller 101 via thewire 109 may be advantageous in that thesensor 110 may be positioned in a different location than thecontroller 101. The location of thecontroller 101 may thus be convenient for the user (e.g. easily accessible for the user), while the position of thesensor 110 may be suitable for measuring the CO levels (e.g. close to the combustion where the CO may be generated, or close to the ceiling where the CO accumulates). - In some embodiments, a
new sensor 110 may be added to an existingcontroller 101. In such case, thesensor 110 is connected by awire 109 to one of the existingports 107a-107n of thecontroller 101. The memory of thecontroller 101 is updated with appropriate instructions on the operation of thesensor 110 and the threshold levels of CO (voltage representative of the level of CO). - The
sensor 110 as described herein may be advantageous in situations where autonomy of thesensor 110 is required. As described above, thesensor 110 is powered up by thecontroller 101 via thewire 109. Thecontroller 101 is in turn is powered by thermopile, which is a source independent on the mains electricity or battery. This may be of advantage in places where mains electricity supply may be cut off (whether it is an unexpected power outage or scheduled maintenance) or where monitoring and exchanging battery may be inconvenient or impossible. - In an embodiment, the
water tank 100 may be omitted, and thewater heater 1 may be of a continuous heating type. In such embodiment, thecontroller 101 may be placed directly on the water heater. Thesensor 108 and thecontroller 101 then work in the way outlined above.
Claims (14)
- A controller for a water heater comprising:a power source configured to power up the components of the controller, wherein the power source is independent of a battery or mains electricity and uses a thermoelectric effect; anda gas sensor powered from the controller via the power source, wherein the gas sensor is configured to be positioned externally to the controller and connected to the controller, andwherein the controller is configured to trigger an alarm if a concentration of gas in the vicinity of the gas sensor is above a predetermined threshold.
- The controller of claim 1 wherein the power source uses thermopile, comprising a single thermocouple.
- The controller of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power source uses thermopile, comprising two or more thermocouples.
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas sensor is a CO sensor, a methane sensor or a hydrogen sensor.
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an igniter configured to initiate fuel combustion;
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas sensor is connected to the controller via a wire or a cable connected to a port provided in the controller.
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for changing the settings of the water heater.
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a CPU configured to control the operation of the water heater and/or the components of the controller.
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless module configured to communicate with an external device.
- The controller of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless module configured to communicate with an external device.
- A water heater comprising:a controller of any one of the preceding claims; anda heat source, wherein the heat source utilizes fuel combustion.
- The water heater of claim 11, further comprising a water tank, wherein the controller and the sensor are positioned on the water tank.
- The water heater of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the sensor is positioned in a location where there is a likelihood of the gas being produced or accumulated.
- A method of operating a water heater controller from any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of:detecting, by the gas sensor, the level of gas in the vicinity of the sensor;generating, by the gas sensor, a signal indicative of the level of gas;transmitting, by the gas sensor, the signal to the controller;determining, by the controller, based on the signal, that the gas level is above threshold;generating, by the controller, an alert message; andstopping, by the controller, the fuel combustion in the water heater.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22164737.3A EP4253866A1 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2022-03-28 | Sensor for water heaters |
PCT/EP2023/055937 WO2023186478A1 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2023-03-08 | Sensor for water heaters |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP22164737.3A EP4253866A1 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2022-03-28 | Sensor for water heaters |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4253866A1 true EP4253866A1 (en) | 2023-10-04 |
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ID=81326421
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP22164737.3A Pending EP4253866A1 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2022-03-28 | Sensor for water heaters |
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EP (1) | EP4253866A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023186478A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030154932A1 (en) * | 2002-02-19 | 2003-08-21 | Edwards Systems Technology, Inc. | Explosion protection sensor for gas appliances |
US20050160788A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-07-28 | Juraj Krajci | Method and apparatus for power management |
US20090151652A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2009-06-18 | Gang Tian | Gas Water Heater With Harmful Gas Monitoring And Warning Functions And The Method of Monitoring And Warning |
US20130104814A1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Mark Reyman | Hot water heater with self-powered automatic pilot light |
US20180363949A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-12-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Safety system for a gas fueled water heater |
-
2022
- 2022-03-28 EP EP22164737.3A patent/EP4253866A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-03-08 WO PCT/EP2023/055937 patent/WO2023186478A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030154932A1 (en) * | 2002-02-19 | 2003-08-21 | Edwards Systems Technology, Inc. | Explosion protection sensor for gas appliances |
US20050160788A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-07-28 | Juraj Krajci | Method and apparatus for power management |
US20090151652A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2009-06-18 | Gang Tian | Gas Water Heater With Harmful Gas Monitoring And Warning Functions And The Method of Monitoring And Warning |
US20130104814A1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Mark Reyman | Hot water heater with self-powered automatic pilot light |
US20180363949A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-12-20 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Safety system for a gas fueled water heater |
Also Published As
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WO2023186478A1 (en) | 2023-10-05 |
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