Fluid heater temperature control apparatus and method
AssigneeValeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
InventorsKarl-Heinz Kuebler, Daryl G. Harris, Mark M. Benner, Lee A. Bissonnette
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling fluid temperature in a fluid heater apparatus which supplies heat to fluid from a controllable heater element(s) which includes establishing a discharge temperature range between a first high temperature and a second low temperature. The temperature of the fluid is measured and, in response to the measured temperature, activation of the heater elements is controlled to maintain the temperature of the fluid within the temperature range. The heater elements can be independently controllable for temperature control.
Claims9
A method for heating fluid comprising the steps of:
- establishing a predefined fluid discharge temperature range between first and second distinct temperatures;
- providing heating means to supply thermal energy to fluid;
- measuring the temperature of the fluid;
- and
- in response to the measured temperature, controlling activation of the heating means to maintain the temperature of the fluid within the temperature range.
An apparatus for heating fluid comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid flow path extending through the enclosure for the passage of fluid through the enclosure;
- heating means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the fluid flow path in the body;
- means for sensing the temperature of the fluid in the body;
- and
- control means, responsive to the temperature sensing means, for controlling the activation of the heating means to maintain the temperature of the fluid in the body within a predefined discharge temperature range.
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the predetermined operating temperature range is defined by first high temperature and a second lower temperature.
A vehicle wash apparatus comprising:
- a fluid reservoir for containing a wash fluid;
- a pump coupled to the fluid reservoir for pumping fluid from the reservoir;
- a spray nozzle fluidically coupled to the pump for discharging fluid onto a cleanable surface;
- and
- a heater apparatus disposed in fluid flow communication between the pump and the spray nozzle, the heater apparatus including:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid flow path extending through the enclosure for the passage of fluid through the enclosure;
- heating means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the fluid flow path in the body;
- means for sensing the temperature of the fluid in the body;
- and
- control means, responsive to the temperature sensing means, for controlling the activation of the heating means to maintain the temperature of the fluid in the body within a predefined discharge temperature range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.