Method for operating a multi-stage electrical heater comprised of several heating elements

• US 20040056018A1
• Filed: 09/24/2002
• Published: 03/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Beru Aktiengesellschaft (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Beru Aktiengesellschaft (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Uhl, Gunther
• Granted Patent: US 6,872,922 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/483
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/148 Assessing the current energy consumption
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 9/2071 using electrical energy supply

Abstract

A method for operating a multi-stage electrical heater comprised of several heating elements. In conventional multi-stage electrical heaters, the resistance value of the individual heating elements scatters. In order that the individual heating elements emit the same power, specifically the required nominal power, despite the scattered resistance values, the voltage on the individual heating elements is separately regulated down to the required nominal power, proceeding from a maximum electrical resistance of the individual heating elements, at which the entire applied operating voltage yields the nominal power of the individual heating elements required for operation.

Claims

1. A method for operating a multi-stage electrical heater comprised of several heating elements, comprising the steps of:

applying the full operating voltage so as to yield the nominal power of the individual heating elements required for operation at the maximum electrical resistance of the individual heating elements, and

then, separately regulating the voltage to the individual heating elements down to the required nominal power for the heater.