WO2011089577A1

WO2011089577A1 - A system, method, circuit and assembly for providing heated water

Info

Publication number: WO2011089577A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/050302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nathan Galperin
Original assignee: ISOTERMA Ltd
Current assignee: ISOTERMA Ltd
Priority date: 2010-01-25
Filing date: 2011-01-24
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2012-07-25

Abstract

The present invention is a method, circuit, apparatus, assembly and system for providing heated water. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided one or more sets of sensors (e.g. temperature sensors), wherein each set of sensors may be functionally associated with one water reservoir and may include two or more sensors functionally associated with a different region (e.g. different depths) of the water reservoir, such as a hot water heater/boiler water storage chamber. Heated water monitoring logic may receive signals indicating water temperature from each of at least two of the sensors from each set of sensors and may be adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine a temperature distribution in the water contained in the reservoir.

Description

Patent Application

For:

A System, Method, Circuit and

Assembly for Providing Heated Water

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the field of water supply. More specifically, this invention relates to a system, method, circuit and assembly for providing heated water.

Background

[001] Water heating is a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water are for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating. In industry, both hot water and water heated to steam have many uses.

[002] Domestically, water is traditionally heated in vessels known as water heaters, kettles, cauldrons, pots, or coppers. These metal vessels heat a batch of water, however, they are inefficient, cannot heat portions of the water and do not produce a continual supply of heated water at a preset temperature. The temperature will vary based on the consumption rate of hot water.

[003] Appliances for providing a more constant supply of hot water are variously known as water heaters, boilers, heat exchangers, calorifiers, or geysers depending on whether they are heating potable or non-potable water, in domestic or industrial use, their energy source, and in which part of the world they are found. In domestic installations, potable water heated for uses other than space heating is sometimes known as domestic hot water (DHW).

[004] These appliances, although better than their predecessors, remain inefficient and inaccurate. Moreover, it is difficult to know how much hot water is available at a particular point in time and commonly water is either heated unnecessarily or less than desired.

[005] Most modern water heaters contain a heating unit at the bottom of the vessel, which heats the water surrounding it. The heated water then rises to the top of the vessel "pushing" the colder water downwards. Many modern water heaters contain a "sleeve" surrounding the heating element, which encompasses the water immediately surrounding the heating element, accelerating this process. Over time all of the water is heated. Once the temperature at the bottom of the vessel reaches a pre-determined temperature the heating element is automatically switched off by a bi metal switch. Thus, the water in the upper part of the vessel will be hotter than the water beneath it, more so when a "sleeve" is used, causing the heated water to rise faster and without losing heat to the surrounding water. For this reason, in most water heaters, hot water exits the vessel from the top while cold water enters from the bottom. As the water temperature is measured at the bottom of the reservoir, the water exiting the top of the reservoir will often be hotter than the pre-defined temperature, sometimes dangerously hot, especially when a "sleeve" is used. [006] As the water heater will only switch off automatically when all of the water in the vessel has been heated, if less than the entire vessel is desired, the heating element must be switched on and off manually, or a pre-programmed timer must be used. Either solution inevitably leads to inefficiency. While manual operation is both inherently inaccurate and subject to human error or carelessness, pre-programmed timers can only be used efficiently when hot water usage is consistent and invariable.

[007] Furthermore, as the temperature of the water is measured at the bottom of the vessel, it is impossible to know at any point during the heating of the vessel how much hot water has been produced thus far and what temperature it is. It is also common for extremely hot water to collect at the top of the vessel, creating safety concerns.

[008] It would therefore be desirable to provide efficient, accurate and automated water heating.

Summary of the Invention

[009] The present invention is a system, method, circuit and assembly for providing heated water. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided an apparatus for providing heated water, comprising: a. a water reservoir;

b. one or more heating elements functionally associated with the water reservoir; c. at least two water temperature sensors, wherein each sensor is functionally associated with a different region of the water reservoir and is adapted to produce an indicator indicative of a water temperature in its respective region;

d. heated water monitoring logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine based at least partially on the indicators produced by the sensors and/or on one or more parameters associated with a geometry of said reservoir or associated with a geometry of a region of the said reservoir:

1. a temperature distribution in the water contained in the reservoir;

2. one or more water volume/temperature units in said reservoir based at least partially on said indicators, wherein a water volume/temperature unit is some given volume of water approximately at some given temperature; and/or

3. the hottest volume/temperature unit present in the reservoir at a given time. e. control logic adapted to receive information relating to at least one water volume/temperature unit in the water reservoir and to cause the heating elements to heat water, with or without a duty cycle, if the volume/temperature unit is below a threshold;

f. digital memory functionally associated with the control logic and containing one or more profiles, wherein the thresholds used by the control logic may be based at least partially on said heating profiles;

g. One or more wireless communication modules;

h. an energy meter adapted to measure the amount of energy delivered to the heating elements;

i. an Ohmmeter adapted to measure the electrical resistance of the heating elements; j. processing logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine the amount of sediment build-up on the heating element, based at least partially on the measurements performed by the ohmmeter; and/or

k. processing circuitry adapted to communicate with one or more remote devices and further adapted to allow a remote device to:

1. Display to a user data relating to the operation of said apparatus;

2. Display to a user data relating to said calculations, estimations and determinations performed by said monitoring logic;

3. Control an operation of the apparatus; and/or

4. Regulate power usage by the apparatus.

[0010] According to further embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a system for providing heated water comprising one or more of the elements of the apparatus described above with the addition of one or more user interfaces adapted to communicate with at least one other component of the system. [0011] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided an apparatus comprising: a. at least two water temperature sensors adapted to produce an indicator indicative of a water temperature;

b. a physical interface assembly adapted to connect the apparatus with a water reservoir such that each of the sensors will be functionally associated with a different region of the water reservoir;

c. heated water monitoring logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine a temperature distribution in the water contained in said water reservoir based at least partially on said indicators;

d. control logic adapted to cause heating elements functionally associated with the water reservoir to heat water in said reservoir, with or without a duty cycle, based at least partially on the calculations, estimations and determinations performed by the water monitoring logic.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the "Claims" portion of this application. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 - is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus and system for providing heated water, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 - is a block diagram of an exemplary leak detector, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the accompanying drawings are presented solely to elucidate the following detailed description, are exemplary in nature and do not include all the possible permutations of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0014] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0015] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. The term server may refer to a single server or to a functionally associated cluster of servers.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) electrically programmable readonly memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any other type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and capable of being coupled to a computer system bus.

[0017] The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the desired method. The desired structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the inventions as described herein.

[0018] It should be understood that any topology, technology and/or standard for computer networking (e.g. mesh networks, infmiband connections, RDMA, etc.), known today or to be devised in the future, may be applicable to the present invention.

[0019] The present invention is a method, circuit, apparatus, assembly and system for providing heated water. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided one or more sets of sensors (e.g. temperature sensors), wherein each set of sensors may be functionally associated with one water reservoir and may include two or more sensors functionally associated with a different region (e.g. different depths) of the water reservoir, such as a hot water heater/boiler water storage chamber. Each sensor may be adapted to generate an indicator indicating the temperature of the water in its respective region. The sensors may be further adapted to communicate these indicators to a heated water monitoring logic. [0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensors may be fitted into the hot water reservoir upon manufacture of the reservoir, whereas according to further embodiments of the present invention, the sensors may be adapted to be installed in an existing reservoir, such that each sensor may be functionally associated with a different region of the reservoir.

[0021] Heated water monitoring logic, such as a digital controller circuit or a program running on a multipurpose processing unit, may receive signals indicating water temperature from each of at least two of the sensors from each set of sensors and may be adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine, based on: (1) the geometry, i.e. shape and dimensions, of the reservoir and/or the regions associated with each sensor; (2) the temperature readings from each of the two or more sensors; and/or (3) preprogrammed parameters and formulas:

a. a temperature distribution in the water contained in the reservoir; b. one or more water volume/temperature units present in the reservoir.

Water volume/temperature units = a volume of water at a given temperature. Determination of a water volume/temperature unit = determining the volume of water at a given temperature, and the given temperature. For example, a heated water monitoring logic, which is monitoring an 200 liter cylindrical water boiler and has received, from the set of sensors associated with the water boiler, the readings 60°c, 55°c, 50°c and 45°c from 4 sensors equally spaced along the height of the water boiler's water storage chamber, may determine that there are 50 liters of 60°c water in the chamber, 50 liters of 55°c water, 50 liters of 50°c water and 50 liters of 55°c water; and/or

c. the hottest volume/temperature unit present in the reservoir at a given time. Returning to the above example, the heated water monitoring logic may determine that the hottest water volume/temperature unit is 50 liters of 60°c water.

[0022] In order to perform the above determinations, the heated water monitoring logic may calculate the volume of water contained in each region associated with each sensor, based on the geometry of the region. For example, if the region is cylindrical in shape, the heated water monitoring logic may perform the calculation: π radius² height to determine the volume of the region. According to further embodiments of the present invention, the heated water monitoring logic may be pre-programmed with the volumes of each region. The heated water monitoring logic may then determine that a water volume/temperature unit equal to the volume of the water contained in each region at the temperature indicated by the respective sensor is present in the reservoir. By performing this determination for each region in the reservoir, the heated water monitoring logic may determine all of the water volume/temperature units currently present in the reservoir. By comparing the volume of all the water volume/temperature units present in the reservoir a distribution of temperature within the water in the reservoir may be determined.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, monitoring of the water volume/temperature units may be performed substantially continuously, intermittently and/or upon the occurrence of a particular event, such as whenever a user performs certain operations on the system/apparatus. Furthermore, in those embodiments of the present invention, in which the monitoring of the water volume/temperature units is performed intermittently, it may be performed more often while functionally associated heating elements are active and/or during times in which an active heating profile (described below) mandates a certain amount of heated water be maintained or generated in the reservoir.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided control logic adapted to regulate the operation of one or more heating elements, integral with or otherwise functionally associated or adapted to be functionally associated with the reservoir, and/or power (e.g. electricity, gas, etc.) delivery to the one or more heating elements. According to further embodiments of the present invention, the control logic may be adapted to cause the heating elements to operate with a duty cycle, which duty cycle may be determined and/or constantly or intermittently varied by the control logic. Operating with a Duty Cycle = when a device is active intermittently in a pattern repeating over set periods of time. The duty cycle may be represented by a percentage which represents the portion of the period of time during which the device is active. For example, a heating element operating with a 20% duty cycle, may be active for 2/10 of a second and then inactive for 8/10 of a second and then active for 2/10 of a second and then inactive for 8/10 of a second and so on. In the above example, the heating element may also be active for 4/10 of a second and then inactive for 16/10 of a second and then active for 4/10 of a second and then inactive for 16/10 of a second and so on and still be considered to be operating with a 20% duty cycle. Similarly any period of time may be used as long as the ratio between active and inactive times is maintained. The control logic may determine the duty cycle based on the relation between the current temperature of the water in the reservoir surrounding the heating element, as determined by the heating water monitoring logic, and the target temperature, wherein the target temperature is a defined temperature of water desired. The control logic may determine the duty cycle based on the calculation:

(target temperature - current temperature) x power rating _

target temperature ^U ^ ⁶

The power rating may be pre-programmed into the control logic, determined by the measurements performed by an energy meter and/or based on previous duty cycle determinations and resulting heating performance.

[0025] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, the control logic may also use a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm to determine and/or vary the duty cycle to optimize the water heating process.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control logic may include or be functionally associated with digital memory, which digital memory may store one or more heating profiles. Each of the one or more heating profiles may include one or more parameters indicating a water volume/temperature unit (e.g. two showers, four showers, 50 liters of 60°c water, etc.) to be generated at one or more particular times and/or to be maintained during one or more time periods of a day (e.g. between 7am and 10am, between 5pm and 8pm, etc.) and/or during the entire day. A heating profile may also include one or more parameters that indicate a temperature range to be generated and/or maintained in the heated water at a particular time and/or times. The heating profiles may be recurring, e.g. maintain sufficient hot water for 2 showers of 60°c water every day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., or instancial, e.g. generate sufficient hot water for 1 shower of 55°c water immediately or maintain 1 shower of 60°c water from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at times when an active heating profile dictates that one or more water volume/temperate units be generated and/or maintained in the reservoir, the control logic may check if the heated water monitoring logic's current determinations indicate that the current water volume/temperate units present in the reservoir meet the required threshold. In the event that they do not, the control logic may cause the heating elements to generate and/or maintain heated water, in accordance with active heating profiles, by causing the heating elements, directly and/or by regulating the power delivery to the heating elements, to heat water in the reservoir until the heated water monitoring logic's determinations show that the required water volume/temperate unit(s) dictated by the respective heating profile for the current time have been generated, i.e. the thresholds have been met. Heating profiles may mandate generation of one or more water volume/temperature units at a specific time or maintenance of one or more water volume/temperature units throughout a specific time period. In response to a "generate" mandate, the control logic may cause the heating elements to generate the required amount of heated water at the required time, however, once the required amount has been generated at the required time the control logic will not cause more water to be heated even if the amount of heated water present in the reservoir or its temperature goes down, e.g. if portions of the water are later used. In contrast, in response to a "maintain" mandate, the control logic may cause the heating elements to generate the required amount of heated water at the required time and continue to generate more heated water, throughout the specified time of maintenance, every time the amount of heated water present in the reservoir or its temperature goes down.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided one or more user interfaces, which user interfaces may be comprised of: (1) one or more graphic displays, (2) user controls (e.g. buttons and knobs), (3) processing circuitry and/or (4) one or more communication modules.

[0029] The user interfaces may be adapted to receive from the control logic and display to a user, data relating to the operation of the heating elements, data relating to the delivery of power to the heating elements, data relating to the water volume/temperature units currently available in the reservoir and/or any other data relating to the operation of the system. The user interfaces may be further adapted to display to a user heating profiles and to allow a user to create, delete, edit and/or activate/deactivate heating profiles. The user interfaces may be further adapted to allow a user to control any other operation of the control logic and/or to override/bypass its operation and directly control the heating elements and/or delivery of power to the heating elements.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the user interfaces, the control logic, the sensors and/or remote devices, may be adapted to communicate with each other via wireless and/or linear communication and/or via a distributed data network, such as the internet. Remote Devices = any device adapted to communicate over: (1) a distributed data network, such as the internet (e.g. mobile phones, computers, etc); (2) a phone line ; or (3) any other means of remote communication known today or to be devised in the future. [0031] According to further embodiments of the present invention, the control logic may be adapted to communicate with one or more remote devices, and may be further adapted to:

a. send the remote device data relating to: the current water volume/temperature units present in the reservoir(s), heating profiles, energy consumption and/or any other data related to its operation;

b. display upon the remote device data relating to: current water volume/temperature units present in the reservoir(s), heating profiles, energy consumption and/or any other data related to its operation;

c. allow a user of the remote device to perform any action that can be performed on a user interface described above.

d. allow an automated power supply system, such as is operated by some utility companies, to regulate and/or limit power consumption by the heating elements and/or to disconnect power supply to the heating elements altogether.

[0032] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided an energy meter functionally associated or adapted to be functionally associated with the power supply for the heating elements, which energy meter may be adapted to measure the amount of energy supplied to the heating elements and may be further adapted to send data relating to its measurements to the control logic and/or to user interfaces. This data may be displayed to a user, on a user interface display and/or a remote device display, and/or reported to a third party, such as a utility company. [0033] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided an ohmmeter, which ohmmeter may be adapted to measure the electrical resistance of one or more electric heating elements and to send the resistance parameters to the control logic. The control logic may be adapted to momentarily deactivate the heating elements, while they are in operation, and check the electrical resistance of the heating elements at that moment, as measured by the ohmmeter. As the electric resistance of the heating elements is relative to the temperature of the electric coil within the heating elements, a parameter indicating the temperature of the electric coil within the heating elements, while they are in operation, in relation to the temperature of the water surrounding the heating element at that time, as determined by the heated water monitoring logic, may thus be determined. As sediment build-up reduces the rate of heat transfer from the heating elements to the surrounding water, the more sediment has built up on the heating elements the hotter the coil within the heating elements will get, in relation to the temperature of the water surrounding the heating element, during the operation of the heating element. Accordingly, the control logic may be adapted to determine the extent of sediment build-up on the heating elements, based on measurements performed by the ohmmeter during the momentary deactivation of the heating elements mentioned above. The control logic may be adapted to perform this determination intermittently and further adapted to issue a warning when it determines that sediment build-up exceeds a pre-defined threshold.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control logic may be adapted to determine the amount of heat energy present in the water contained in the reservoir at a given time, based on the determinations performed by the heated water monitoring logic. This determination may be performed by multiplying the volume of water in each water volume/temperature unit present in the reservoir, by its temperature. The control logic may be further adapted to determine an increase in the amount of heat energy present in the water contained in the reservoir, over a period of time, by comparing the amount of heat energy present in the water before and after the relevant time period. By comparing this increase to the amount of energy delivered to the heating elements over the same period of time, based on the duty cycles used during those periods of time, an energy conversion efficiency parameter may be determined by the control logic, i.e. the control logic may thus determine what percentage of the energy delivered to the heating elements is being converted into heat energy. As sediment buildup on the heating elements reduces the energy conversion efficiency of the heating elements, the control logic may be adapted to analyze the amount of sediment build-up on the heating elements, based on the energy conversion efficiencies it determines from time to time. i.e. if the control logic finds that the same duty cycle previously used in a situation, wherein the same beginning water temperature existed surrounding the heating elements, produces a slower rate of water heating in the reservoir, it may determine that sediment has built up on the heating elements. The degree of decrease in water heating rate may determine the extent of sediment build up. The control logic may store parameters relating to rates of water heating in the reservoir when specific duty cycles are used. The control logic may be further adapted to issue an alert to a user when sediment build up reaches or exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

[0035] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and/or system for regulating the heating of water and/or heating water in the water reservoir of an existing water heater may be provided. The apparatus and/or system may be comprised of one or more of the components described in the other embodiments of the present invention described above, wherein said components are further adapted to be functionally associated with an existing water heater, separately or in unison. The apparatus and/or system may be further comprised of a physical interface assembly adapted to connect the apparatus or system with an existing water heater such that each of the components will be functionally associated with the existing water heater in a way that will allow it to function as described in the other embodiments of the present invention described above. Therefore, the physical interface assembly may be adapted to:

a. connect sensors with the water reservoir of an existing water heater such that each sensor will be functionally associated with a different region of the reservoir;

b. connect an energy meter with the power supply of an existing water heater such that it may measure the energy delivered to heating elements functionally associated with the existing water heater;

c. connect an ohmmeter with heating elements functionally associated with an existing water heater such that it may measure the electrical resistance of said heating elements;

d. connect a control logic with the power supply of heating elements functionally associated with an existing water heater such that the control logic may regulate the power supply to said heating elements; e. connect a control logic with heating elements functionally associated with an existing water heater such that the control logic may regulate the operation of said heating elements; and/or

f. connect any other component of the system or apparatus, such that the component may function as intended in relation to an existing water heater.

[0036] According to further embodiments of the present invention, one or more solar radiation meters may be provided, which solar radiation meters may be located in the vicinity of one or more solar panels functionally associated with the water reservoir. Processing circuitry functionally associated with the solar radiation meters may compare the amount of solar energy present in the vicinity of the solar panels over a given period of time, as measured by the solar radiation meters, with the amount of heat energy being supplied to the water within the reservoir from the solar panels over the same period of time. The determination of what amount of heat energy is being supplied to the water within the reservoir from the solar panels may be based on determinations performed by the heated water monitoring logic. Said processing circuitry may be further adapted to analyze the efficiency of the solar panels based on said comparisons. Said processing circuitry may be further adapted to issue a warning to a user when said efficiency falls below a pre-defined threshold.

[0037] According to yet further embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a leak detector (example of which is shown in Figure 2), which leak detector may be adapted to be situated in the vicinity of a water reservoir, and may be further adapted to issue a warning when a leak of water from the water reservoir is detected. Said leak detector may be adapted to detect a rise in the amount of moisture present beneath the leak detector, based on a rise of the dielectric constant of capacitors located on the bottom of the leak detector and may be further adapted to detect a the amount of moisture present on the sides of the leak detector based on the dielectric constant of capacitors located on the sides of the leak detector. The leak detector may be further adapted to determine that there is water present under the leak detector, indicating a possible leak in the water reservoir, when a certain rise in the moisture underneath the leak detector is detected, and may be further adapted to determine a level of water present on the sides of the leak detector, indicating the extent of a potential leak, based on the amount of moisture present on the sides of the leak detector. The leak detector may be yet further adapted to issue a warning to a user when a leak is detected, which warning may include an indicator of the extent of the leak.

[0038] It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, that according to further embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention presented above may be implemented upon a system including multiple water reservoirs, wherein each reservoir in the system includes or is fitted with one set of sensors.

[0039] It should be understood by one of skill in the art that some of the functions described as being performed by a specific component of the system may be performed by a different component of the system in other embodiments of this invention.

[0040] The present invention can be practiced by employing conventional tools, methodology and components. Accordingly, the details of such tools, component and methodology are not set forth herein in detail. In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be recognized that the present invention might be practiced without resorting to the details specifically set forth.

[0041] In the description and claims of embodiments of the present invention, each of the words, "comprise" "include" and "have", and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

[0042] Only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and but a few examples of its versatility are shown and described in the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.

[0043] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing heated water comprising:

a water reservoir;

one or more heating elements functionally associated with said water reservoir; and at least two water temperature sensors, wherein each sensor is functionally associated with a different region of said water reservoir and is adapted to produce an indicator indicative of a water temperature in its respective region.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising heated water monitoring logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine a temperature distribution in the water contained in said reservoir based at least partially on said indicators.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising heated water monitoring logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine one or more water volume/temperature units in said reservoir based at least partially on said indicators.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a water volume/temperature unit is some given volume of water approximately at some given temperature.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said determination by said monitoring logic is at least partially based on one or more parameters associated with a geometry of said reservoir or associated with a geometry of a region of the said reservoir.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising control logic adapted to receive information relating to at least one water volume/temperature unit in said water reservoir and to cause said heating elements to heat water if the water volume/temperature unit is below a threshold.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control logic is further adapted to cause said heating elements to heat water with a duty cycle.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising digital memory functionally associated with said control logic and containing one or more profiles, wherein said threshold is based at least partially on said heating profiles.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a wireless communication module.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an energy meter adapted to measure the amount of energy delivered to said heating elements.

1 1. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

an Ohmmeter adapted to measure the electrical resistance of said heating elements; and processing logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine the amount of sediment build-up on said heating element, based at least partially on said measurements.

12. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising processing circuitry adapted to communicate with one or more remote devices.

13. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said processing circuitry is further adapted to allow a remote device to perform one of the actions selected from the group of actions consisting of:

1. Display to a user data relating to the operation of said apparatus;

3. Control an operation of the apparatus; and

4. Regulate power usage by the apparatus.

14. A system for providing heated water comprising:

a water reservoir;

one or more heating elements functionally associated with said water reservoir;

at least two water temperature sensors , wherein each sensor is functionally associated with a different region of said water reservoir and is adapted to produce an indicator indicative of a water temperature in its respective region; and one or more user interfaces adapted to communicate with at least one other component of the system.

15. The system according to claim 14, further comprising heated water monitoring logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine one or more water volume/temperature units in said reservoir based at least partially on said indicators.

16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising control logic adapted to cause said heating elements to heat water in said reservoir, based at least partially on said calculations, estimations and determinations performed by said heated water monitoring logic.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the control logic is further adapted to cause said heating elements to heat water in said reservoir with a duty cycle.

18. An apparatus comprising:

at least two water temperature sensors adapted to produce an indicator indicative of a water temperature;

a physical interface assembly adapted to connect the apparatus with a water reservoir such that each of said sensors will be functionally associated with a different region of said water reservoir; and heated water monitoring logic adapted to calculate, estimate or otherwise determine a temperature distribution in the water contained in said water reservoir based at least partially on said indicators.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising control logic adapted to cause heating elements functionally associated with said water reservoir to heat water in said reservoir, based at least partially on said calculations, estimations and determinations performed by said water monitoring logic.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the control logic is further adapted to cause said heating elements to heat water in said reservoir with a duty cycle.