Water heater control
OwnerRobert Tetiinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method of using a set-back or programmable thermostat for heating or cooling systems to also controlling a fast-recovery water heater such as a power-vented fossil fuel powered water heater such that the water heater is disabled during a set-back mode of the thermostat. The system sends a control signal to a relay module adjacent to the water heater, into which the water heater electrical power cord can be plugged into. The interlock mechanism of the water heater prevents operation of the water heater when power to the water heater is interrupted.
Claims20
An apparatus for controlling a power-conserving mode in a heating and/or cooling system, in conjunction with a fossil fuel powered water heater, said fossil fuel powered water heater requiring electric power for control and/or venting, the apparatus comprising:
- a thermostat means for controlling said furnace and/or air conditioner;
- and
- a relay means for controlling electric power to said water heater;
- wherein said thermostat means is operable to provide a set-back mode for reducing energy consumption, and wherein said thermostat means is configured to control said relay means to disconnect electric power to said water heater during said set-back mode.
A method of disabling a power-vented fossil fuel powered water heater during set-back periods of a programmable thermostat, said method comprising steps of:
- programming a set-back mode for a predetermined time period on said programmable thermostat;
- activating said set-back mode at the start of said set-back time period;
- sending a control signal to a relay means;
- disengaging a relay contact at said relay means so as to interrupt electric power to said water heater.
A kit for retrofitting set-back functionality to a power vented fossil fuel powered water heater, said kit comprising:
- a thermostat means for controlling a furnace and/or air conditioner;
- and
- a relay means for controlling electric power to said water heater;
- wherein said thermostat means is operable to provide a set-back mode for reducing energy consumption, and wherein said thermostat means controls said relay means to disconnect power to said water heater during said set-back mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.