External Gas Controller For Tankless Water Heater
First Claim
1. Apparatus for maintaining a constant output water temperature of a tankless water heater where output water temperature changes can occur due to changes in incoming water temperature or changes in water flow rate comprising:
- a control valve coupled to a fuel line source to control the fuel flow to the water heater;
an electromechanical device used to control the position of the fuel control valve; and
a temperature sensor that produces an electrical signal which relates to the temperature of water to command the electromechanical device;
wherein the control valve, the electromechanical device and the temperature sensor are coupled th external components of the tankless water heater.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention is directed to maintaining the output water temperature of a tankless water heater to a constant temperature regardless of changes in water flow rate and/or changes in the temperature of the cold water feed. The water heater has a cold water feed pipe, a fuel line and a hot water output pipe. A temperature monitor attached to the water output pipe generates a signal which varies in direct proportion to the changes in water temperature of the heated water. This signal commands the control motor which operates a fuel valve. The valve then in turn controls the amount of fuel to the water heater. In operation, as the temperature of the hot water changes, the control motor operates the fuel valve to feed more or less fuel to the water heater, maintaining a more constant water temperature regardless of the water flow rate or the incoming water temperature.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. Apparatus for maintaining a constant output water temperature of a tankless water heater where output water temperature changes can occur due to changes in incoming water temperature or changes in water flow rate comprising:
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a control valve coupled to a fuel line source to control the fuel flow to the water heater; an electromechanical device used to control the position of the fuel control valve; and a temperature sensor that produces an electrical signal which relates to the temperature of water to command the electromechanical device; wherein the control valve, the electromechanical device and the temperature sensor are coupled th external components of the tankless water heater. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification