HOT WATER HEATER WITH AN INTEGRATED FLOW METER
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A water heating and storage system, comprisingan insulated tank for containing water to be heated;
- the tank having a cold water inlet pipe for water to flow therein;
a flow meter that is used for measuring an amount of water drawn from the tank; and
a communication module operatively connected to the flow meter for communicating aggregate water consumption data from the water flow meter to a central controller of a home network.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are disclosed that monitors water of a water heating and storage system. At least one flow meter is integrated within the system having a tank for storing water to be heated. The meter is in communication with other devices in a home network and a controller of the network with a communication module. The flow meter is connected to the cold water inlet pipe and/or the hot water outlet pipe of the system. Data is presented to the user to enable more informed use of water and of water consumption habits.
42 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A water heating and storage system, comprising
an insulated tank for containing water to be heated; -
the tank having a cold water inlet pipe for water to flow therein; a flow meter that is used for measuring an amount of water drawn from the tank; and a communication module operatively connected to the flow meter for communicating aggregate water consumption data from the water flow meter to a central controller of a home network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A water heating and storage system, comprising
an insulated tank having a cold water inlet pipe for water to flow therein to be stored and heated; -
a flow meter used to measure the amount of water drawn from the tank; a communication module for communicating the data from the water flow meter to a user display; and a processor coupled to the flow meter for aggregating and processing water usage data received therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for monitoring water consumption in a water heating and storage system within a home network having a hot water storage tank and a water flow measuring device used for measuring water usage, and a controller communicatively linked to the water flow measuring device of the water heating and storage system, the controller including at least one memory for storing data and executable instructions, comprising:
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receiving water usage data via the water flow measuring device indicative of the amount of water drawn from the; communicating the data from a communication module to the controller for processing the data; and presenting the water usage data to a user via a user display. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification