Hot water controller

A system for controlling the heating of water in a tank, said tank having a first and second heater for heating said water, comprising:

• a first module for activating said first heater to maintain water in said tank proximate said first heater at a first selectable temperature, said first selectable temperature being variable over time;
• a second module for activating said second heater to maintain water in said tank proximate said second heater at a second selectable temperature, said second selectable temperature being variable over time;
• and
• said first module comprising a processor for the exchange of data between said first and second modules said data used in controlling activation of said second heater;
• communication means between said first and second modules for permitting said exchange of data between said first and second modules;
• wherein said first and second selectable temperatures are substantially independent.

A method for controlling the temperature of water in a hot water tank comprising the steps of

• a) selecting a first first location set-point temperature and maintaining the temperature of water proximate a first location of said tank at about said first first location set-point temperature during a first time interval;
• b) selecting a first second location set-point temperature and maintaining the temperature of water proximate a second location of said tank at about said first second location set-point temperature during said first time interval;
• c) selecting a subsequent first location set-point temperature and maintaining the temperature of water proximate said first location of said tank at about said subsequent first location set-point temperature during a subsequent time interval;
• d) selecting a subsequent second location set-point temperature and maintaining the temperature of water proximate said second location of said tank at about said subsequent second location set-point temperature during said subsequent time interval.