Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090235875 | CONDENSATION DRAINING SYSTEM FOR CONDENSING WATER HEATERS - A system and method for configuring a water heater to drain condensate from combustion products is provided. The water heater comprises a water tank, a burner for producing combustion products, a flue extending through an interior of the water tank to receive the combustion products, and an exhaust passageway positioned downstream of the flue and extending outside of the water tank to exhaust the combustion products. The exhaust passageway includes a first portion and a second portion positioned at an elevation above the first portion. A bypass conduit is coupled to the exhaust passageway and positioned to direct condensate in the exhaust passageway from the second portion toward the first portion. A drain port is positioned at or an elevation below the first portion of the exhaust passageway to drain condensate from the exhaust passageway. | 09-24-2009 |
20090301406 | CONDENSING WATER HEATER - A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion providing a first pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater. The flue system further includes a downstream heat exchange portion providing a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater and a blower positioned between the upstream heat exchange portion and the downstream heat exchange portion. The blower is configured to urge combustion products from the upstream heat exchange portion to the downstream heat exchange portion. | 12-10-2009 |
20100037888 | SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM WITH BACK-UP ELECTRIC HEATING - A system for heating water including a water heater and a solar collector is provided. The water heater includes a water storage tank, a heating element positioned within the bottom end of the water tank and a lower thermostat configured to selectively activate the heating element as a function of the water temperature sensed by the temperature sensor of the thermostat. A tank heat exchanger is also positioned within the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The tank heat exchanger is configured to contain a fluid medium for heat exchange with water in the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The solar collector is fluidly coupled to the tank heat exchanger of the water heater for circulating the fluid medium through the tank heat exchanger. | 02-18-2010 |
20100262403 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING WATER HEATERS OR BOILERS - A system for monitoring water heaters. The system includes a central monitoring station and a plurality of water heater systems. The central monitoring station includes a computer, and each water heater system includes a water heater and one or more sensors for sensing one or more conditions of the water heater. The one or more conditions include one or more fault states, each indicating a reduced ability of the water heater to deliver hot water at a set temperature. The one or more sensors are in communication with the computer of the central monitoring station to provide data indicating the one or more conditions to the computer. | 10-14-2010 |
20110277744 | SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM WITH BACK-UP ELECTRIC HEATING - A system for heating water including a water heater and a solar collector is provided. The water heater includes a water storage tank, a heating element positioned within the bottom end of the water tank and a lower thermostat configured to selectively activate the heating element as a function of the water temperature sensed by the temperature sensor of the thermostat. A tank heat exchanger is also positioned within the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The tank heat exchanger is configured to contain a fluid medium for heat exchange with water in the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The solar collector is fluidly coupled to the tank heat exchanger of the water heater for circulating the fluid medium through the tank heat exchanger. | 11-17-2011 |
20110308481 | WATER HEATER BLOWER HOUSING - A fuel-fired water heater includes a water storage tank, a flue positioned to receive combustion gases and transfer heat from combustion gases to water in the water storage tank, and a blower assembly. The blower assembly includes a housing defining an inlet positioned to receive combustion gases from the flue, an interior defined by the housing, and an outlet positioned to exhaust combustion gases from the interior of the housing. The blower assembly further includes a motor/impeller assembly that is positioned in the interior of the housing and is configured to direct combustion gases from the inlet of the housing toward the outlet of the housing. The housing of the blower assembly includes an interior wall portion, an exterior wall portion, and sound-absorbing material interposed between the interior and exterior wall portions. The interior wall portion defines perforations extending between the sound-absorbing material and the interior of the housing. | 12-22-2011 |
20120017886 | SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM WITH BACK-UP ELECTRIC HEATING - A system for heating water including a water heater and a solar collector is provided. The water heater includes a water storage tank, a heating element positioned within the bottom end of the water tank and a lower thermostat configured to selectively activate the heating element as a function of the water temperature sensed by the temperature sensor of the thermostat. A tank heat exchanger is also positioned within the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The tank heat exchanger is configured to contain a fluid medium for heat exchange with water in the bottom end portion of the water storage tank. The solar collector is fluidly coupled to the tank heat exchanger of the water heater for circulating the fluid medium through the tank heat exchanger. | 01-26-2012 |
20130247843 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VENTING A WATER HEATER - Systems and methods for venting a water heater are disclosed. The system includes a water heater, a blower, a draft hood, and a thermal switch. The blower has a blower inlet positioned to receive combustion gas from the water heater and a blower outlet positioned to exhaust combustion gas. The draft hood defines a passageway positioned to receive combustion gas from the blower outlet. The draft hood defines a relief opening to allow gas to enter into or exit from the passageway of the draft hood. The thermal switch detects a blockage in the passageway of the draft hood and deactivates the water heater when a blockage is indicated. A method for venting a water heater includes blowing exhaust gas outward through a blower outlet of the water heater, and receiving the exhaust gas blown through the outlet with a draft hood positioned on top of the blower outlet. | 09-26-2013 |