WO2010088706A2

WO2010088706A2 - Heating element

Info

Publication number: WO2010088706A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2010/000005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Kenneth Reid; Llewellyn Adriaan Janse Van Rensburg
Original assignee: Douglas Kenneth Reid; Llewellyn Adriaan Janse Van Rensburg
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2010-01-29
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Also published as: WO2010088706A3; WO2010088706A9; ZA201000697B

Abstract

This invention relates to a heating element for heating a fluid. More specifically, the invention relates to a low voltage heating element, capable of heating a volume of liquid through the resistance of the liquid itself, particularly for the applications of heating water in geysers, swimming pools, spa baths and Jacuzzis. The heating element for heating a volume of fluid includes: one or more first electrodes connected to a first electrical terminal; and one or more second electrodes connected to a second electrical terminal, wherein the first and second electrodes are spaced apart in an alternating configuration with respect to one another thereby preventing any one electrode from being directly adjacent to another common electrode, the electrodes comprising an optimum electrode- surface-area to electrode-spacing ratio such that the heating element is capable of heating the volume of fluid as a result of the electrical resistance of the fluid, to the flow of electricity between the electrodes, while powered by no more than 70 volts for alternating current (AC) or 120 volts for direct current (DC).

Description

HEATING ELEMENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a heating element for heating a fluid. More specifically, the invention relates to a low voltage heating element, capable of heating a volume of liquid through the resistance of the liquid itself, particularly for the applications of heating water in geysers, swimming pools, spa baths and Jacuzzis.

South Africa, like many other countries in the world, is currently experiencing major electrical power shortages, with rolling blackouts being the most popular method of managing power distribution while further power supply stations are being built and commissioned. Due to the lengthy construction periods required to build and commission power stations, power generation and distribution authorities have attempted to manage power usage by encouraging the public to be more conscious of power consumption. In fact, some countries have introduced or plan on introducing penalties where consumption exceeds certain predetermined levels.

In domestic households, the largest consumers of power are heating appliances, in particular geysers and swimming pool heaters, which appliances generally consume about 3 to 5 kilowatts of power each. Geysers heat up water by passing an electrical current through a sheathed heating element submerged in the geyser tank. The resistance of the heating element causes the heating element to heat up. The heat generated by the heating element is then transferred, via the sheath to the water by heat conduction, thereby heating the volume of water in the geyser tank over a period of time. Methods of reducing or spreading the amount of power consumed by a geyser are numerous. The most common is switching the geyser off during periods when hot water is not being drawn from the geyser, i.e. while the occupants of a household are at work. Another is to wrap the geyser in special geyser blankets that reduce heat transfer from the geyser to the surrounding environment. Some methods include the replacement of electrical geysers with solar powered or gas type geysers. Although these methods are known to reduce power consumption, they also tend to be inconvenient and/or expensive to install.

Swimming pool, spa bath and Jacuzzi water is typically heated by solar panels or heat pumps. Solar panels are most effective when positioned in locations exposed to plenty of sunshine, most commonly on the roofs of houses. Heat from the sun is transferred to the water as it circulates through the solar panels. Although the system is capable of heating water, it does have a number of disadvantages. For example, it is not aesthetically pleasing, it may be punctured by animals, vulnerable to theft, damaged by hail, it may require the installation of a more powerful pump to circulate the water therethrough and can have the effect of cooling the water down, for instance at night time or when overcast, making the system quite inefficient. Heat pumps are expensive to install and typically operate with a power hungry heating element similar to those found in a conventional geyser.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a more power efficient heating element for heating a fluid operable on low voltage and capable of heating the fluid through the resistive properties of the fluid itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a heating element for heating a volume of fluid including:

one or more first electrodes connected to a first electrical terminal; and

one or more second electrodes connected to a second electrical terminal, wherein the first and second electrodes are spaced apart in an alternating configuration with respect to one another thereby preventing any one electrode from being directly adjacent to another common electrode, the electrodes comprising an optimum electrode-surface- area to electrode-spacing ratio such that the heating element is capable of heating the volume of fluid as a result of the electrical resistance of the fluid, to the flow of electricity between the electrodes, while powered by no more than 70 volts for alternating current (AC) or 120 volts for direct current (DC).

Generally, the voltage is a Root Mean Square (RMS) voltage. Typically, the heating element consumes between 10% and 20% less power than a conventional heating element to heat up the same volume of fluid. Preferably, the heating element consumes between 10% and 30% less power than a conventional heating element. More preferably, the heating element consumes between 10% and 40% less power than a conventional heating element. Most preferably, the heating element consumes more than 40% less power than a conventional heating element.

The optimum electrode-surface-area-to-electrode-spacing ratio may be between 1000:1 and 4000:1. Generally, the optimum ratio is between 2000:1 and 3500:1. Preferably, the optimum ratio is between 2750:1 and 3250:1. Most preferably, the optimum ratio is about 3000:1

Preferably, the optimum electrode-surface-area-to-electrode-spacing ratio is governed by the equation:

Area (mm²)

Power (Watts) = x Voltage (Volts) x Conductivity (δ) x K

Spacing (mm²)

wherein: Area - refers to the total contactable surface area of all the electrodes combined; Spacing - refers to the distance between each pair of adjacent electrodes; Voltage - refers to the voltage supplied to the system;

Conductivity - refers to the conductivity of the medium being heated (Rho - δ); and K - is a constant.

The optimum electrode spacing is preferably large enough to allow sufficient fluid flow between the electrodes and small enough to allow the heating element to operate at no more than 70 volts for alternating current (AC) or 120 volts for direct current (DC). Generally, the fluid may be a gas or a liquid. Preferably, the heating element is operable with voltages between 0 and 55 volts AC. More preferably, the heating element is operable with voltages between 0 and 50 volts AC.

Preferably, the number of first electrodes is equal to the number of second electrodes. More preferably, the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from one another by electrically non-conductive spacers.

Generally, the first and second electrodes extend from an attachment body. Typically, the attachment body houses the first and second terminals to which each of the first and second electrodes are connected respectively. Preferably, electricity from a power source is connectable to the first and second electrodes via the first and second electrical terminals. More preferably, the attachment body is electrically isolated from the electrodes and the terminals.

The heating element may include a switch that switches the supply of electricity to the heating element on and off . Typically, the switch is capable of being triggered by the attainment of one or more predefined parameters. Preferably, the predefined parameters are fluid temperature parameters, and the switch is a temperature measuring device movable between the on position, wherein the fluid temperature drops below a pre-defined minimum temperature, and the off position, wherein the fluid temperature reaches a pre-defined maximum temperature. More preferably, the switch is a thermostat.

In an alternative embodiment, the supply of electricity to the heating element may be regulated by a feedback system. Typically, the feedback system includes:

a measuring device for measuring one or more parameters; and

a control device for controlling the supply of electricity to the heating element as a result of the measured parameter falling outside of an allowable band of pre-defined parameters, the control device capable of regulating the supply of electricity to the heating element between an on position, wherein the measured parameter falls below a pre-defined minimum parameter, and an off position wherein the measured parameter reaches a pre-defined maximum parameter. Preferably, the feedback system further includes a monitoring device pre-set with the allowable band of pre-defined parameters against which the measured parameter, communicated to the monitoring device by the measuring device, is capable of being interrogated, such that in the event of the measured parameter falling outside of the allowable band of pre-defined parameters, the monitoring device triggers the control device to regulate the supply of electricity to the heating element. More preferably, the control device regulates the control of electricity to the heating element through an electronic switch. Most preferably, the electronic switch is a relay.

The measuring device may be a power measuring device for measuring the power drawn by the heating element and/or a temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the fluid being heated by the heating element. Typically, the allowable band of pre-defined power parameters is 0 to 10,000 watts and the allowable band of pre-defined fluid temperature parameters is 0 to 250 degrees Celsius, preferably between 0 to 100 degrees Celsius. Generally, the control device, monitoring devices and measuring devices are electrical and/or electronic devices. Further, any one or more of the measuring device, monitoring device, control device and electronic switch may be separate from or integral with the heating element. Where the measuring device, monitoring device, control device and electronic switch are integral, they are preferably connected to or housed within the attachment body.

The heating element may be portable for the purposes of being used in any fluid receptacle or conduit. Where the heating element is portable, a guard may surround the electrodes and/or the terminals thereby preventing a user from coming into direct contact with the electrodes and/or the terminals.

The attachment body of the heating element may be attachable to a fluid receptacle or conduit. Typically, the attachment body comprises attachment formations being correspondingly similar to the attachment formations on any fluid receptacle or conduit. Preferably, the attachment formations are threaded attachment formations. More preferably, the fluid receptacle is a tank, a geyser, a housing or any other formation defining a cavity in which a volume of fluid may be contained, and the conduit is piping, tubing or any other formation allowing communication of the fluid with the heating element. More preferably, the attachment body and attachment formations on the attachment body are substantially similar to that of a conventional heating element so as to allow replacement of the conventional heating element with the heating element as contemplated in the present invention. Preferably, the heating element comprises a nut and seal, locatable over the attachment formations on the attachment body, which co-operate under tightening to form a fluid-tight seal between the attachment body, nut, seal and receptacle or conduit to which the heating element is installed.

The electrodes may be a plurality of laterally spaced apart plates. Typically, the electrodes are flat quadrangular plates, the plates being substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the electrodes are flat rectangular plates having two major sides and two minor sides, each of the electrodes extending from the attachment body from at least one of the major or minor sides.

Alternatively, the electrodes may be a plurality of axially spaced plates mounted substantially parallel to one another along one or more axial support members extending from the attachment body. Typically, the axially spaced plates are substantially perpendicular to the one or more axial support members. Preferably, the axially spaced plates are disc shaped plates and the one or more axial support members are tubular and capable of housing at least the temperature measuring device.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the electrodes are a plurality of coaxially mounted tubular members, extending from the attachment body, which both heat and direct the fluid through gaps defined between adjacent tubular electrodes. Preferably, one or more of the tubular members define apertures for allowing fluid to pass between the adjacent gaps defined by the tubular electrodes. More preferably, the tubular members are cylindrically shaped.

The electrodes are preferably manufactured from an electrically conductive material. More preferably, the electrodes are manufactured from metallic material. Most preferably, the electrodes are manufactured from any conductive material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the heating element in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional side view of a hot-water storage tank or geyser with the heating element of figure 1 installed therein;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the heating element in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional side view of a hot-water storage tank or geyser with the heating element of figure 3 installed therein;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the heating element in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the heating element of figure 5 in relation to a heating element housing;

Figure 7 shows a perspective hidden detailed view of the heating element of figure 5 fitted in the heating element housing;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of the heating element of figure 5 fitted in the heating element housing; and

Figure 9 shows a circuit diagram of the components making up the heating element in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A heating element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated generally with the reference numeral 10 in figure 1. The heating element 10 includes an attachment body 12, electrical terminals 14A and 14B, a plurality of electrodes 16 and a temperature measuring device 18.

The attachment body 12 is sized and shaped similar to the attachment bodies of conventional heating elements (not shown) so that the heating element 10 of the present invention can easily replace conventional heating elements in existing applications, such as in geysers and heating systems for pools, spa baths and Jacuzzis.

With specific reference to figure 1 and figure 2, the attachment body 12 comprises: a first end 20, from which the plurality of electrodes 16 and the temperature measuring device 18 extend; a second end 22, from which the electrical terminals 14 extend; and side walls 24 extending between the first end 20 and second end 22, which side walls 24 define attachment formations 26 in the form of threaded attachment formations for threadably engaging corresponding threaded formations 28 (see figure 2) along a periphery of an attachment aperture 30 defined in a heating implement 32, such as a hot-water storage tank or geyser tank.

The attachment body 12 further comprises a nut 34 engagable with the threaded attachment formations 26. The nut 34 comprises a sealing face 36 for compressing a seal (not shown) locatable between the sealing face 36 and an outer surface of the tank 32, thereby to preventing water from leaking from the tank 32 via the attachment aperture 30.

The electrodes 16, in the form of parallel rectangular electrode plates, are spaced apart from one another by a plurality of electrically non-conductive spacers 38. The electrode plates 16, temperature measuring device 18 and any other components necessary are preferably contained within the dimensions of the outer periphery of the attachment body side wall 24 so as to enable the necessary components to pass through the attachment aperture 30.

The electrode plates 16 are connectable either to terminal 14A or to terminal 14B. For the purposes of efficiency, the electrode plates 16 are configured in such a way that directly adjacent electrode plates are electrically connected to different terminals. For example, electrode plates 16A¹ and 16A² (first electrodes) are electrically connected to terminal 14A and electrode plates 16B¹ and 16B² (second electrodes) are electrically connected to terminal 14B.

The number, size, shape and spacing of electrode plates are variable to optimise the efficiency of the heating element 10. Efficiency may further be enhanced by varying the orientation of the electrode plates relative to the fluid being heated. The relationship of the above factors are governed by the following formula, which was developed during experimental testing: Area (mm²)

Power (Watts) = x Voltage (Volts) x Conductivity (δ) x K

Spacing (mm²)

Conductivity - refers to the conductivity of the medium being heated (Rho - δ); and K - is a constant

Experimental testing has shown that optimum power efficiency is obtainable using an Area to Spacing ratio of about 3000:1. At these optimum dimensions, the heating element, operating at low voltages, consumes about 40% less power than a conventional heating element for doing the same amount of work.

In a first alternative embodiment as shown in figure 3, the heating element 110 comprises of a plurality of parallel electrode discs spaced apart from one another on support members 117, which support members 117 extend from a first end 120 of an attachment body 112.

In the first alternative embodiment of the heating element 110, the support members 117 may be tubular so as to house the temperature monitoring device (not shown) or any other necessary components. Referring now to figure 4, the heating element 110 is fitted to a hot- water storage tank or geyser tank 132 in much the same way as the heating element 10 in figure 2 is fitted.

The electrode discs 116 are connected either to terminal 114A or to terminal 114B. For the purposes of efficiency, the electrode discs 116 are configured in such a way that directly adjacent electrode discs are electrically connected to different terminals. For example, electrode discs 116A¹ and 116A² (first electrodes) are electrically connected to terminal 114A and electrode discs 116B¹ and 116B² (second electrodes) are electrically connected to terminal 114B.

As with heating element 10, the number, size, shape and spacing of electrode discs 116 making up heating element 110 are variable so as to optimise its efficiency. Efficiency may further be enhanced by varying the orientation of the electrode discs relative to the fluid being heated. Due to the similarities between heating elements 10 and 110, no further explanation is necessary.

In a second alternative embodiment as shown in figure 5, the heating element 210 comprises electrodes made up from a plurality of spaced apart coaxial tubular members 216. Preferably, the tubular members are cylindrical electrodes 216. The tubular electrodes 216 extend from an attachment body 212, which attachment body 212 may be a lid for a housing 221 as shown in figure 6.

The tubular electrodes 216 are connected either to terminal 214A or to terminal 214B. For the purposes of efficiency, the tubular electrodes 216 are configured in such a way that directly adjacent tubular electrodes are electrically connected to different terminals. For example, tubular electrode 216A¹ (first electrode) is electrically connected to terminal 214A and tubular electrode 216B¹ (second electrode) is electrically connected to terminal 214B.

As with heating elements 10 and 110, the number, size, shape and spacing of the tubular electrodes 216 making up heating element 210 are variable so as to optimise its efficiency. Efficiency may further be enhanced by varying the orientation of the tubular electrode relative to the fluid being heated. With particular reference to figure 8, the tubular electrodes 216 can also be used to direct the flow of the fluid being heated. With the heating element 210 positioned in the housing 221 , fluid, preferably in the form of water, enters the housing 221 through an inlet 223. The water is directed upwards through tubular electrode 216B¹ towards the lid 212. The tubular electrode 216B¹ defines one or more apertures 225, preferably located proximate the lid 212, through which the water is re-directed. The re-directed water flows through the apertures 225, between the gap 227 defined between tubular electrodes 216A¹ and 216B¹ and out of the housing 221 via outlet 229.

Although the operation of the invention will now be described with particular reference to the heating element 10 as illustrated in figure 1 and figure 2, it will be appreciated that the operation of heating element 110 (as illustrated in figure 3 and figure 4) and 210 (as illustrated in figures 5 to 8) is the same or very similar to the operation of heating element 10.

With specific reference to figure 9, the heating element 10 is controlled by a feedback system in the form of an electronic circuit 50. The electronic feedback circuit comprises power electrical terminals 14A, 14B, a power monitoring device 54, a temperature monitoring device 56, a control device 58, a switch 60, electrodes 16A¹, 16B¹, a power measuring device 52, the temperature measuring device 18 and power connection points 62A and 62B. In use, an electrical power supply (not shown) is connected across the power connection points 62A and 62B, causing electricity to flow through the circuitry 50. Electricity from the electrical power supply is conducted to electrodes 16A¹, 16B¹ via terminals 14A and 14B.

With the electrodes 16A¹, 16B¹ in communication with a medium to be heated, preferably a fluid and most preferably a liquid in the form of water, electricity flowing through the circuit 50 is conducted between the electrodes 16A¹ and 16B¹ by the conductivity of the fluid. As a result, the fluid between the electrodes 16 is heated by the resistance the fluid offers to the flow of electricity through it. Convective heating effects and/or forced flow cause the fluid to continually flow between the electrodes thereby heating the fluid. Preferably, the heating element 10 operates at or below 70 volts (RMS) for alternating current and 120 volts for direct current respectively.

During operation, the power monitoring device 54, which may be housed in the attachment body 12, monitors the power reading received from the power measuring device 52. If the power reading falls outside a pre-defined band of allowable values pre-set in the power monitoring device 54, the power monitoring device 54 triggers the control device 58 which in turn regulates the supply of electrical power supply to the heating element 10. The control device 58 regulates the supply of power via a switch 60, which is preferably an electronic switch. Generally, the allowable band of power is between 0 to 10,000 watts.

Similarly, the temperature monitoring device 56, which may be housed in the attachment body 12 and which receives temperature readings from the temperature measuring device 18, monitors the temperature of the fluid being heated by the heating element 10 and communicates this information to the control device 58. If the temperature falls outside a predetermined band of allowable values, the temperature monitoring device 56 triggers the control device 58, which in turn regulates the supply of electrical power supply to the heating element via the switch 60. Generally, the allowable band of temperatures is between 0 and 250 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the allowable band of temperatures is between 0 and 100 degrees Celsius.

Some of the advantages of the heating element in accordance with the present invention are listed below: ^■ operates at extra-low voltages (ELV);

^■ operates at safety extra-low voltages, making the device safe for users;

^■ reduces electrical power consumption (kWh) of between 10% and 40% in comparison to conventional heating elements;

^■ reduces electricity demand (kW) of between 40% and 50% in comparison to conventional heating elements;

^■ neutralises water borne bacteria, which is beneficial to pool, spa bath and Jacuzzi heating applications where reduced quantities of chemicals will be required;

^■ desalinates water;

^■ it cannot burn out; and

^■ its self cleaning capability.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications or variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the electrical terminals 14A and 14B may be housed within the attachment body 12 having wires extending therefrom for the purposes of electrically connection the heating element 10 to the electrical power supply. Further, the feedback system for controlling the operation of the heating element 10 may be substituted with any other control system, for example, a mechanical system comprising a thermostat.

Claims

1. A heating element for heating a volume of fluid including:

one or more first electrodes connected to a first electrical terminal; and

one or more second electrodes connected to a second electrical terminal, wherein the first and second electrodes are spaced apart in an alternating configuration with respect to one another thereby preventing any one electrode from being directly adjacent to another common electrode, the electrodes comprising an optimum electrode-surface-area to electrode-spacing ratio such that the heating element is capable of heating the volume of fluid as a result of the electrical resistance of the fluid, to the flow of electricity between the electrodes, while powered by no more than 70 volts for alternating current (AC) or 120 volts for direct current (DC).

2. A heating element according to claim 1 , wherein the voltage is a Root Mean Square (RMS) voltage.

3. A heating element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the heating element in use consumes more than 40% less power than a conventional heating element to heat up the same volume of fluid.

4. A heating element according to claim 3, wherein the heating element in use consumes between 10% and 40% less power than a conventional heating element.

5. A heating element according to claim 4, wherein the heating element in use consumes between 10% and 30% less power than a conventional heating element.

6. A heating element according to claim 5, wherein the heating element in use consumes between 10% and 20% less power than a conventional heating element.

7. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an optimum electrode- surface-area-to-electrode-spacing ratio is between 1000:1 and 4000:1.

8. A heating element according to claim 7, wherein the optimum electrode-surface-afea-to- electrode-spacing ratio is between 2000:1 and 3500:1.

9. A heating element according to claim 8, wherein the optimum electrode-surface-area-to- electrode-spacing ratio is between 2750:1 and 3250:1.

10. A heating element according to claim 9, wherein the optimum electrode-surface-area-to- electrode-spacing ratio is about 3000:1.

11. A heating element according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the optimum electrode- surface-area-to-electrode-spacing ratio is governed by equation:

Area (mm²)

Power (Watts) = \ Voltage (Volts) x Conductivity (δ) x K

Spacing (mm²)

wherein: Area is the total contactable surface area of all the electrodes combined; Spacing is the distance between each pair of adjacent electrodes; Voltage is the voltage supplied to the system; Conductivity is the conductivity of the medium being heated (Rho - δ); and K is a constant.

12. A heating element according to any one claims 7 to 11 , wherein the optimum electrode spacing is large enough to allow sufficient fluid flow between the electrodes and small enough to allow the heating element to operate at no more than 70 volts for alternating current (AC) or 120 volts for direct current (DC).

13. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating element is operable with voltages of between 0 and 55 volts AC.

14. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating element is operable with voltages of between 0 and 50 volts AC.

15. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the number of first electrodes is equal to the number of second electrodes, and further wherein the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from one another by electrically non-conductive spacers.

16. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second electrodes extend from an attachment body, and further wherein the attachment body houses the first and second terminals to which each of the first and second electrodes are connected respectively such that electricity from a power source is connectable to the first and second electrodes via the first and second electrical terminals.

17. A heating element according to claim 16, wherein the attachment body is electrically isolated from the electrodes and the terminals.

18. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the heating element includes a switch that switches the supply of electricity to the heating element on and off.

19. A heating element according to claim 18, wherein the switch is capable of being triggered by the attainment of one or more predefined parameters.

20. A heating element according to claim 19, wherein the predefined parameters are fluid temperature parameters, and the switch is a temperature measuring device movable between the on position, wherein the fluid temperature drops below a pre-defined minimum temperature, and the off position, wherein the fluid temperature reaches a pre-defined maximum temperature.

21. A heating element according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the switch is a thermostat.

22. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the supply of electricity to the heating element is regulated by a feedback system, the feedback system including:

a measuring device for measuring one or more parameters; and

a control device for controlling the supply of electricity to the heating element as a result of the measured parameter falling outside of an allowable band of pre-defined parameters, the control device capable of regulating the supply of electricity to the heating element between an on position, wherein the measured parameter falls below a pre-defined minimum parameter, and an off position wherein the measured parameter reaches a pre-defined maximum parameter.

23. A heating element according to claim 22, wherein the feedback system further includes a monitoring device pre-set with the allowable band of pre-defined parameters against which the measured parameter, communicated to the monitoring device by the measuring device, is capable of being interrogated, such that in the event of the measured parameter falling outside of the allowable band of pre-defined parameters, the monitoring device triggers the control device to regulate the supply of electricity to the heating element.

24. A heating element according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the control device regulates the control of electricity to the heating element through an electronic switch.

25. A heating element according to claim 24, wherein the electronic switch is a relay.

26. A heating element according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the measuring device is a power measuring device for measuring the power drawn by the heating element.

27. A heating element according to claim 26, wherein the allowable band of pre-defined power parameters is 0 to 10,000 watts.

28. A heating element according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the measuring device is a temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the fluid being heated by the heating element.

29. A heating element according to claim 28, wherein the allowable band of pre-defined fluid temperature parameters is 0 to 250 degrees Celsius.

30. A heating element according to claim 29, wherein the allowable band of pre-defined fluid_, temperature parameters is 0 to 100 degrees Celsius.

31. A heating element according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the control device, monitoring device and measuring devices are electrical and/or electronic devices.

32. A heating element according to any one of claims 23 to 31 , wherein the measuring device, monitoring device, control device and electronic switch are integral with the heating element and connected to or housed within the attachment body.

33. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating element is portable for the purposes of being used in any fluid receptacle or conduit.

34. A heating element according to claim 33, wherein the heating element includes a guard surrounding the electrodes and/or the terminals, for preventing a user from coming into direct contact with the electrodes and/or the terminals.

35. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 32 read together with any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the attachment body of the heating element is attachable to any fluid receptacle or conduit, the attachment body comprising attachment formations being correspondingly similar to the attachment formations on the fluid receptacle or conduit.

36. A heating element according to claim 35, wherein the attachment formations are threaded attachment formations.

37. A heating element according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the fluid receptacle is a tank, a geyser, a housing or any other formation defining a cavity in which a volume of fluid may be contained, and the conduit is piping, tubing or any other formation allowing communication of the fluid with the heating element.

38. A heating element according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the attachment body and attachment formations on the attachment body are substantially similar to that of a conventional heating element so as to allow replacement of the conventional heating element with the heating element.

39. A heating element according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the heating element comprises a nut and seal, the nut and seal being locatable over the attachment formations on the attachment body and being co-operative under tightening to form a fluid-tight seal between the attachment body, nut, seal and receptacle or conduit to which the heating element is installed.

40. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrodes are plurality of laterally spaced apart plates.

41. A heating element according to claim 40, wherein the electrodes are flat quadrangular plates, the plates being substantially parallel to one another.

42. A heating element according to claim 40 or claim 41 read together with claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the electrodes are flat rectangular plates having two major sides and two minor sides, each of the electrodes extending from the attachment body from at least one of the major or minor sides.

43. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 39 read together with claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the electrodes are a plurality of axially spaced plates mounted substantially parallel to one another along one or more axial support members extending from the attachment body.

44. A heating element according to claim 43, wherein the axially spaced plates are substantially perpendicular to the one or more axial support members.

45. A heating element according to claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the axially spaced plates are disc shaped plates and the one or more axial support members are tubular and capable of housing at least the temperature measuring device.

46. A heating element according to any one of claims 1 to 39 read together with claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the electrodes are a plurality of coaxially mounted tubular members, extending from the attachment body, which both heat and direct the fluid through gaps defined between adjacent tubular electrodes.

47. A heating element according to claim 46, wherein the tubular members are cylindrically shaped.

48. A heating element according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein one of more of the tubular members define apertures for allowing fluid to pass between the adjacent gaps defined by the tubular electrodes.

49. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrodes are manufactured from an electrically conductive material.

50. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrodes are manufactured from a metallic material.

51. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrodes are manufactured from any conductive material, or at least comprise of a conductive coating.

52. A heating element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid is a gas or a liquid.

53. A heating element substantially as herein described and illustrated.