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RESIDENTIAL HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER

  • US 20100209084A1
  • Filed: 02/13/2009
  • Published: 08/19/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A heat pump water heater comprising:

  • a water storage tank;

    a heat pump, comprising a sealed system including a compressor an evaporator, a condenser and a refrigerant configured for refrigerant flow from compressor to condenser to evaporator and back to the compressor, wherein the condenser is positioned in a heat exchange relationship with the water storage tank for heating the contents of the tank;

    a first electric resistance heater positioned proximate the upper region of the water storage tank;

    a first temperature sensor positioned proximate the top of the water storage tank; and

    a controller operatively connected to the first temperature sensor and including an event flow module configured to receive and process data representative of temperature readings measured by the first temperature sensor in order to determine if water is flowing from the water storage tank, wherein the controller is operatively connected to the heat pump and the first electric resistance heater, the controller being further configured to automatically select and energize at least one of the heat pump and the first electric resistance heater in response to the temperature readings measured by the first temperature sensor.

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