摘要:
A potable water temperature management system (10) includes a device (26) that produces waste heat and that has a primary purpose other than heating potable water. The waste heat from the device (26) is used to heat potable water in a tank (14). A heat shedding system (62) is activated when the temperature of the potable water in the tank (14) exceeds a selected maximum temperature. An auxiliary energy transfer system (54) may be activated to heat the potable water in the tank (14) when the potable water in the tank (14) falls below a selected minimum temperature. A controller (42) may be used to monitor the temperature of the potable water in the tank (14) and activate either the heat shedding system (62) or the auxiliary energy transfer system (54) based on the potable water temperature.
摘要:
Some embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a tank and/or pressure sensing assembly that can reduce one or more steps from a conventional manufacturing operation. The tank of some embodiments can have a seal that is capable of sealing an entire opening within the tank and is adapted to be punctured or pierced by a portion of a pressure sensing assembly or while the pressure sensing assembly is attached to the tank. The pressure sensing assembly of some embodiments can include a conduit connectable with the tank and a pressure switch coupled to the conduit. A projection contiguous with and extending from the conduit can pierce the seal (if used) on the tank. The projection can also pierce an elastic member within the tank in the event that the elastic member contacts the piercing member due to a leak.
摘要:
Some embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a tank and/or pressure sensing assembly that can reduce one or more steps from a conventional manufacturing operation. The tank of some embodiments can have a seal that is capable of sealing an entire opening within the tank and is adapted to be punctured or pierced by a portion of a pressure sensing assembly or while the pressure sensing assembly is attached to the tank. The pressure sensing assembly of some embodiments can include a conduit connectable with the tank and a pressure switch coupled to the conduit. A projection contiguous with and extending from the conduit can pierce the seal (if used) on the tank. The projection can also pierce an elastic member within the tank in the event that the elastic member contacts the piercing member due to a leak.
摘要:
A temperature sensor assembly and method for use in a water heater. The temperature sensor assembly includes a sensor disposed within a non-planar base that at least partially defines a volume, a collector coupled to the base, and a reflector coupled to the base such that the sensor and the reflector are not in thermal contact. The reflector comprises a highly reflective material such that heat from the tank of the water heater is focused on the sensor, thereby increasing the accuracy of the temperature readings of the sensor.
摘要:
A self-cleaning water heater element is provided. The water heater element is plated with a layer of gold such that the gold surface has a low surface roughness. The smooth gold surface inhibits scale formation on the water heater element. The gold-plated smooth-surfaced water heater element may be manufactured by coating a standard water heater element with an adhesion layer, electroplating a layer of bright nickel on the adhesion layer, and electroplating a gold layer on top of the bright nickel layer.
摘要:
A combustion apparatus comprises a combustion chamber (12) having distally opposite first and second end walls (14, 16), and having a sidewall (18) extending between said end walls (14, 16), a cover (24) external to said combustion chamber (12) and covering said first end wall (14) and defining a buffer space (26) therebetween, one or more penetrations extending through said first end wall (14) between said buffer space (26) and said combustion chamber (12), a blower (32) external to said cover (24) and supplying air to said buffer space (26) and pressurizing said buffer space (26) to a higher pressure than said combustion chamber (12) such that leakage at said one or more penetrations flows from said buffer space (26) into said combustion chamber (12).
摘要:
Disclosed is an improved water heater and method of heating water retained in a storage tank (12) having a flue (16) passing through it. The apparatus and method directs hot gases flowing upwardly along the flue (16) toward the flue's wall (18) when heat transfer between those gates and the water is desired. The apparatus and method also directs the air or gases flowing upwardly within the flue away from the flue's wall (18) when heat transfer is undesirable. The apparatus includes a plurality of movable flow control fins (44) secured at various locations along the length of a baffle (42) supported within the flue (16). Each fin (44) is secured to the baffle (42) by a piece (46) of bi-metallic material whose shape changes in response to its temperature. When hot gases flow through the flue during a water heating mode, the bi-metallic pieces (46) position the fins (44) near the middle of the flue (16) along the baffle's length and direct the flow of hot gases outward toward the flue's wall (18). When relatively hot gases are not passing through the flue (16) and the only gas or air flow in the flue is that associated with a pilot burner, for example, the bi-metallic pieces (46) sense the realtively cooler gas/air flow and position the fins (44) near the flue's wall (18) where they obstruct flow along the wall (18) and direct it along the central axis portion of the baffle (42).