Control system for a water heater

A water heater, comprising:

• a tank dimensioned for containing a quantity of water, said tank having a top and a bottom;
• a heat exchanger positioned in said tank;
• means for combusting a mixture of gas and air, said combusting means being positioned proximate to said bottom of said tank, said combusting means in operational connection with said heat exchanger;
• a draft hood positioned on said top of said tank, said draft hood being in fluid communication with said heat exchanger;
• a vent pipe extending from said draft hood;
• an air intake channel, said air intake channel being in fluid communication with said combusting means;
• and
• means for controlling said water heater, said controlling means comprising:
• a control panel supported by said exterior of said tank, said panel being in operational connection with said combusting means,
• means for sensing the presence of flammable gases, said flammable gases sensing means being in electrical connection with said control panel, said sensing means issuing a signal to said control panel when said flammable gases sensing means senses a preselected concentration of a flammable gas, said controlling means discontinuing the operation of said combusting means upon receipt of said signal from said flammable gases sensing means, and
• means positioned proximate to said draft hood for sensing the presence of a blocked vent pipe, said blocked vent pipe sensing means issuing a signal to said control panel when said vent pipe is blocked, said control panel deactivating said combusting means in response to said signal.

A water heater, comprising:

• a tank dimensioned for containing a quantity of water, said tank having a top and a bottom;
• a heat exchanger positioned in said tank;
• means for combusting a mixture of gas and air, said combusting means being positioned proximate to said bottom of said tank, said combusting means in operational connection with said heat exchanger;
• a draft hood positioned on said top of said tank, said draft hood being in fluid communication with said heat exchanger, said draft hood having a motor controlled damper;
• a vent pipe extending from said draft hood;
• and
• means for controlling said water heater, said controlling means further comprising:
• means for recording a pattern of use, said pattern of use having a time period,
• means for modifying an operating parameter in accordance with said pattern of use so that said heater operates more efficiently.

A controller for use with a water heater, said water heater having

• a tank dimensioned for containing a quantity of water, said tank having a top and a bottom, a water inlet positioned proximate to said bottom of said tank and a water outlet positioned proximate to said top of said tank;
• a heat exchanger positioned in said tank;
• means for combusting a mixture of gas and air, said combusting means being positioned proximate to said bottom of said tank, said combusting means in operational connection with said heat exchanger;
• a draft hood positioned on said top of said tank, said draft hood being in fluid communication with said heat exchanger;
• a vent pipe extending from said draft hood;
• an air intake channel, said air intake channel being in fluid communication with said combusting means, said controller comprising:
• a control panel supported by said exterior of said tank, said panel being in operational connection with said combusting means,
• means carried by said water heater for sensing the presence of flammable gases, said flammable gases sensing means being in electrical connection with said control panel and positioned so that said flammable gases can be sensed before reaching said combusting means, said sensing means issuing a signal to said control panel when said flammable gases sensing means senses a preselected concentration of a flammable gas, said controlling means discontinuing the operation of said combusting means upon receipt of said signal from said flammable gases sensing means;
• and
• means for sensing a blocked vent pipe, said blocked vent pipe sensing means issuing a signal to said control panel when said vent pipe is blocked, said control panel discontinuing the operation of said combusting means in response to said signal.