Flammable vapor sensing control for a water heater
AssigneeEmerson Electric Co.
InventorsDonald Donnelly, Thomas Buescher, Michael Somorov
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of controlling a gas-fired water heater. A resistance input is received from a sensor configured to sense flammable vapor near the heater tank. The resistance input is compared to one or more previously received inputs from the sensor. Based on the comparing, one or more functions of the heater are controlled. This control method can be used to compensate for gradual ageing of the sensor.
Claims29
A method of controlling a gas-fired water heater having a tank, the method comprising:
- receiving a resistance input from a sensor configured to sense flammable vapor near the tank;
- comparing the resistance input to one or more previously received inputs from the sensor;
- and
- based on the comparing, controlling one or more functions of the heater.
A gas-powered water heater having a burner that heats water in a tank, the heater comprising:
- a sensor configured to sense flammable vapor near the tank;
- a controller configured to:
- receive a resistance signal from the sensor;
- compare the resistance signal with a running average of sensor signals;
- compare the running average with a predetermined resistance range;
- and
- control the heater based on the comparing.
A method of controlling a gas-fired water heater having a tank, the method comprising:
- receiving a resistance input from a sensor configured to sense flammable vapor near the tank;
- averaging the resistance input and one or more previously received inputs from the sensor to obtain an average resistance;
- and
- based on the average resistance, controlling one or more functions of the heater.
A gas-powered water heater having a burner that heats water in a tank, the heater comprising:
- means for sensing flammable vapor;
- means for averaging resistance of the sensing means over time;
- and
- means for controlling the heater based on the averaged resistance.
An apparatus for controlling a gas-fired water heater including a flammable vapor sensor, the apparatus comprising a controller configured to:
- receive input indicating resistance of the sensor;
- over time, use the input to obtain an average resistance;
- and
- control the heater based on the average resistance.
A method of controlling a gas-powered water heater having a burner that heats water in a tank, the method comprising:
- receiving input from a sensor configured to sense flammable vapor near the tank;
- comparing the input to a value representing a plurality of previous sensor inputs;
- and
- controlling the heater based on the comparing.
An apparatus for controlling a gas-fired water heater having a tank, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor configured to sense flammable vapor near the tank;
- and
- a controller through which is provided power for supplying gas to the heater, the controller having a processor configured to:
- evaluate input from the sensor relative to previous sensor inputs and relative to a predetermined sensor operating range;
- and
- interrupt the gas supply power based on the evaluating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.