Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a heater and particularly to a water heater.
Description of Related Art
[002] Water heating systems are essential in residential and commercial settings, providing a steady supply of hot water for daily activities. Traditional water heaters, including tank-based and tankless systems, have been widely used for decades. However, traditional water heating solutions present several challenges.
[003] One primary concern is energy efficiency. Conventional water heaters often consume significant amounts of energy, leading to higher utility bills and environmental impacts. As global energy efficiency standards become stricter, there is an increasing demand for systems that optimize energy usage without compromising performance. Safety is another critical factor. Unregulated heating leads to overheating, posing risks, such as scalding and fire hazards. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, are particularly susceptible to these risks. Additionally, malfunctions in water heating systems result in property damage or accidents, emphasizing the need for robust safety mechanisms. Temperature regulation is another area of focus. While mechanical solutions like thermostatic mixing valves offer basic temperature control, they lack the adaptability and precision provided by electronic systems. This gap has driven the development of integrated solutions combining sensors, automation, and user-friendly interfaces to enhance functionality and user experience.
[004] Moreover, commercial advancements have introduced "smart" technologies to water heating systems. Smart thermostats and controllers enable users to remotely monitor and adjust settings through mobile applications, enhancing convenience and control. Internet-connected devices allow for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of failures. Despite these improvements, existing solutions often face challenges such as high costs, complex integration processes, limited compatibility, and dependency on stable internet connectivity.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced heating apparatus that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a heating apparatus. The apparatus comprising: a heating unit installed in a container and adapted to heat a fluid. The heating unit is actuated upon activation of a relay. The apparatus further comprising: temperature sensors, installed at locations selected from a top of the container, a middle of the container, a bottom of the container, or a combination thereof, adapted to measure zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container. The apparatus further comprising: a control unit communicatively connected to the heating unit and the temperature sensors. The control unit is configured to: receive the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container; create a thermal profile of the fluid in the container; dynamically adjust a heating power of the heating unit in multiple zones of the container to achieve a relative fluid temperature across the container; compare the relative fluid temperature with a user defined threshold temperature; and deactivate the relay and actuate a sound unit, when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container reaches to the user defined threshold temperature.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for heating water using a heating apparatus. The method comprising steps of: receiving measured zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in a container; creating a thermal profile of the fluid in the container; dynamically adjusting a heating power of a heating unit in multiple zones of the container to achieve a relative fluid temperature across the container; comparing the relative fluid temperature with a user defined threshold temperature; and deactivating a relay and actuating a sound unit, when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container reaches to the user defined threshold temperature.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that ensures precise tracking of fluid temperature, providing immediate responses to changes and enhancing both safety and energy efficiency.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that offers customizable temperature settings, allowing users to tailor heating levels to their specific needs, improving comfort and reducing energy wastage.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that includes buzzer alerts when the desired temperature is reached, preventing overheating and associated safety risks.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that utilizes an open-source platform, enabling cost-effective customization and adaptability for future upgrades and enhancements.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that reduces unnecessary energy consumption by maintaining precise control over fluid temperature, ultimately lowering electricity bills.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that provides immediate alerts, automatic shutoff, and electrical insulation to prevent burns, overheating, and fire hazards.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that combines a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) interface for on-site operation with Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities for remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps, offering convenience and flexibility.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that implements a design based on affordable, widely available components, making it accessible to a broader audience compared to high-cost commercial systems.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that features a user-friendly interface and durable components, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring long-term reliability.
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that promotes energy conservation, aligning with global sustainability goals by reducing carbon footprints associated with fluid heating.
[0019] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that is easily integrated into existing heating systems or scaled for larger setups, making it versatile for various applications.
[0020] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a heating apparatus that offers an intuitive, easy-to-use solution that can encourage the adoption of smart heating technology, even among users unfamiliar with advanced systems.
[0021] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0022] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a heating apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the heating apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for heating a fluid using the heating apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0029] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0030] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a heating apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may be adapted to heat a fluid.
[0032] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the fluid may be, but not limited to, a beverage such as water, milk, oil, soup, and so forth. The fluid may further be chemical solutions, solvents, liquid detergents, pharmaceutical compositions, industrial fluids, coolants, lubricants, or any other liquid suitable for heating applications. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable fluid that may be heated using the apparatus 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The heated fluid may be used for purposes such as, but not limited to, drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, bathing, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable purposes of fluid that may be heated using the apparatus 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The apparatus 100 may be installed at locations such as, but not limited to, a washroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a garage, a hospital, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location of installation of the apparatus 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] The apparatus 100 may further be adapted to heat the fluid up to a user defined threshold temperature that may be assigned by a user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user defined threshold temperature may be a numerical value of an absolute temperature up to which the apparatus 100 may heat the water. In another embodiment of the present invention, the user defined threshold temperature may be the numerical value of a desired temperature to heat the water. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the user defined threshold temperature may inputted and/or set by a user before using the apparatus 100.
[0034] Further, upon heating the fluid up to the user defined threshold temperature, the apparatus 100 may be configured to automatically power down. The heating apparatus 100 may further be configured to alert the user to intimate that the fluid may have been heated up to the user defined threshold temperature.
[0035] Further, the apparatus 100 may be adapted to heat the fluid stored in a container 102. The container 102 may be, but not limited to, a tumbler, a bucket, a jacuzzi, a hot spring, a geyser, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover type of the container 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies The container 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a metallic material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container 102 may be constructed of a heat resistive and electrically insulative material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the container 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The container 102 may be constructed of any shape such as, but not limited to, a cubical shape, a cuboidal shape, a cylindrical shape, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the container 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] The apparatus 100 may comprise, a heating unit 104, temperature sensors 106a-106c, a control unit 108, a display unit 110, a relay 112, a sound unit 114, a Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116, a communication unit 118, and a user device 120.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 104 may be installed in the container 102. The heating unit 104 may be permanently installed in the container 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 104 may be removably installed the container 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 104 may be encased using an electrically isolative and thermally conductive material. The electrically isolative material may prevent a flow of electricity in the fluid stored in the container 102, and the thermally conductive material may allow a flow of heat in the fluid stored in the container 102.
[0038] The heating unit 104 may be adapted to be submerged into the fluid stored in the container 102. Upon submersion, the heating unit 104 may be adapted to heat the fluid stored in the container 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 104 may be arranged inside the container 102 such that the heating unit 104 may adjustably power outputs for multiple zones of the container 102.
[0039] The heating unit 104 may further employ a heating technique to heat the fluid stored in the container 102 that may be, but not limited to, a radiation of heat, a conduction of heat, a convention of heat, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any heating techniques of the heating unit 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] The heating unit 104 may be, but not limited to, a tubular cased wire apparatus, an open ribbon wire apparatus, an open wire resistance apparatus, a heating element, an oil-based radiator, a ceramic core radiator, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the heating unit 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensors 106a-106c may be installed in a distributed manner inside the container 102 such that the temperature sensors 106a-106c may be adapted to measure zonal temperatures of the fluid in the multiple zones of the container 102.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 106a may be installed on a top of the container 102 and may be adapted to measure a first zonal temperature of the fluid occupied at the top of the container 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 106b may be installed in a middle of the container 102 and may be adapted to measure a second zonal temperature of the fluid occupied in the middle of the container 102. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 106c may be installed on a bottom of the container 102 and may be adapted to measure a third zonal temperature of the fluid occupied at the bottom of the container 102.
[0043] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensors 106a-106c may be collectively installed anywhere in the container 102. The temperature sensors 106a-106c may further be adapted to measure a relative temperature of the fluid stored in the container 102.
[0044] The temperature sensor 106a-106c may be, but not limited to, a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD), thermocouples, a semiconductor-based temperature sensor, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 106a-106c may be a DS18B20 temperature sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the temperature sensor 106a-106c, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be connected to the heating unit 104, and to the temperature sensors 106a-106c. The control unit 108 may be configured to receive the measured zonal temperatures from the temperature sensors 106a-106c. The control unit 108 may further be configured to create a thermal profile of the fluid in the container 102. The thermal profile of the fluid may represent a variation in temperature across different regions of the fluid. The thermal profile of the fluid may provide a comprehensive distribution of the heat distribution in the fluid within the container 102. The control unit 108 may be configured to process the zonal temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 106a-106c and may utilize the measured zonal temperatures to map a temperature distribution of the fluid. The thermal profile of the fluid may identify temperature gradients and/or zones of uneven heating within the fluid. By continuously monitoring and updating the thermal profile, the control unit 108 may adjust heating parameters in real time, and may optimize a heating process for more uniform temperature distribution. The optimized heating process may ensure that no part of the fluid is more overheated or underheated and may further ensure uniform temperature distribution in the fluid.
[0046] The control unit 108 may further be configured to dynamically adjust a heating power of the heating unit 104 in the multiple zones of the container 102 to achieve a relative fluid temperature across the container 102. For example, if the temperature in Zone A of the fluid in the container 102 is lower than a desired value, the control unit 108 may transmit first set of signals to the heating unit 104 to increase the heating power in the Zone A. Conversely, if the temperature exceeds the desired value in a Zone B, the control unit 108 may transmit a second set of signals to the heating unit 104 to reduce the heating power in the Zone B.
[0047] The control unit 108 may be configured to actuate and/or de-actuate the heating unit 104 based on the received relative fluid temperature. The control unit 108 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the apparatus 100. The control unit 108 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be an Arduino. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 110 may be connected to the control unit 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 110 may be adapted to display the measured zonal temperatures and the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container 102. Further, the display unit 110 may be adapted to display the user defined threshold temperature. The display unit 110 may be installed in a visual proximity of the user.
[0049] The display unit 110 may be, but not limited to, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 110 may be a 16 X 2 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Further, the display unit 110 may feature a backlight that may be turned on and/or turned off based on a requirement. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the display unit 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the relay 112 may be connected to the control unit 108 and the heating unit 104. The relay 112 may be adapted to actuate and/or de-actuate the heating unit 104 based on instructions received from the control unit 108. The relay 112 may be, but not limited to, an electromechanical relay, a solid state relay, a magnetic latching relay, a thermal relay, a reed relay, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the relay 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be connected to the control unit 108. The sound unit 114 may be adapted to be activated or deactivated based on the instructions received from the control unit 108. The sound unit 114 may be installed in an audible proximity of the user. The sound unit 114 may be, but not limited to, a speaker, an alarm, a megaphone, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be a buzzer. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sound unit 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be connected to the control unit 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be adapted to indicate a status of the apparatus 100. More particularly an actuation status of the heating unit 104. The Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be installed in visual proximity of the user.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be adapted to emit a red light, indicating that the heating unit 104 may be actuated and in an operational state. The red light emitted by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may further alert the user to be cautious, and may maintain a safe distance from the heating unit 104.
[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be adapted to emit a green light, indicating that the heating unit 104 may be de-actuated and in a standby state. The green light emitted by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may further inform the user to manually engage with the heating unit 104.
[0055] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be adapted to emit light of any color. The colored light emitted by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may further be adapted to indicate the status of the apparatus 100. The status of the apparatus 100 indicated by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116 may be, but not limited to, an error status, a malfunctioned status, a low-fluid status, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any status of the apparatus 100 that may be indicated by the Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be adapted to communicatively connect the user device 120 with the control unit 108. The communication unit 118 may generate and establish a communicative link between the user device 120 and the control unit 108, in an embodiment of the present invention. The communication unit 118 may be adapted for transmission of alerts to the user device 120.
[0057] The communication unit 118 may be, but not limited to a wired communication network, a wireless communication network, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) enabled Espressif (ESP) 8266 communication unit or a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) enabled Espressif (ESP) 32 communication unit. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication unit 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0058] The wired communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a twisted pair cable, a co-axial cable, an Ethernet cable, a modem, a router, a switch, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wired communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0059] The wireless communication network may be enabled by means such as, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi communication module, a Bluetooth communication module, a millimeter waves communication module, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communication module, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the means that may enable the wireless communication network, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 120 may be an electronic device that may be used by the user. The user device 120 may be adapted to enable the user to power on, power off, and adjust settings of the apparatus 100 remotely. The user device 120 may be adapted to enable the user to set the user defined threshold temperature.
[0061] The user device 120 may further be adapted to receive alerts indicating one or more of the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container 102, the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container 102, the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container 102 reaching to the user defined threshold temperature, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any alerts and/or notifications that may be received on the user device 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0062] The user device 120 may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a desktop, a server, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a wearable device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user device 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 108 of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 108 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a profiling module 202, a data display module 204, a data comparison module 206, a control module 208.
[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container 102 from the temperature sensors 106a-106c. The data receiving module 200 may further be configured to receive the user defined threshold temperature from the user device 120. The data receiving module 200 may be configured to transmit the received measured zonal temperatures of the fluid to the profiling module 202. The data receiving module 200 may further be configured to transmit the received measured zonal temperatures of the fluid, and the user defined threshold temperature to the data display module 204.
[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the profiling module 202 may be activated upon receipt of the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid from the data receiving module 200. The profiling module 202 may be configured to create the thermal profile of the fluid in the container. The profiling module 202 may further be configured to dynamically adjust the heating power of the heating unit 104 in the multiple zones of the container 102 to achieve the relative fluid temperature across the container 102. The achieved relative fluid temperature may further be transmitted to the data display module 204.
[0066] The data display module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid and the user defined threshold temperature from the data receiving module 200, and the relative fluid temperature of the fluid from the profiling module 202.
[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data display module 204 may be configured to display the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid, the relative fluid temperature of the fluid, and the user defined threshold temperature on the display unit 110. Upon display of the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid, the relative fluid temperature of the fluid, and the user defined threshold temperature on the display unit 110, the data display module 204 may further be configured to transmit a comparison signal to the data comparison module 206.
[0068] The data comparison module 206 may be activated upon receipt of the comparison signal from the data display module 204. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 206 may be configured to compare the relative fluid temperature with the user defined threshold temperature. Upon comparison, if the relative fluid temperature reaches, or is greater than the user defined threshold temperature, then the data comparison module 206 may be configured to transmit a first signal to the control module 208. However, upon comparison, if the relative fluid temperature falls below the user defined threshold temperature, then the data comparison module 206 may be configured to transmit a second signal to the control module 208.
[0069] The control module 208 may be activated upon receipt of the first signal from the data comparison module 206. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control module 208 may be configured to deactivate the relay 112 and actuate the sound unit 114. Further, the control module 208 may be configured to activate the communication unit 118 to transmit the alert on the user device 120.
[0070] The alert received on the user device 120 may be in a pre-defined form, in an embodiment of the present invention. The pre-defined form of the alert received on the user device 120 may be, but not limited to a pop-up notification, a flash notification, a ringer notification, a silent notification, a push notification, a hidden notification, an electronic mail notification, a Short Message Service (SMS) notification, an always on-screen notification, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any pre-defined form of the alert that may be received on the user device 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the control module 208 may be activated upon receipt of the second signal from the data comparison module 206, the control module 208 may be configured to activate the relay 112 to actuate the heating unit 104.
[0071] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for heating fluid using the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] At step 302, the apparatus 100 may receive the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container 102.
[0073] At step 304, the apparatus 100 may create the thermal profile of the fluid in the container 102.
[0074] At step 306, the apparatus 100 may dynamically adjust the heating power of the heating unit 104 in the multiple zones of the container 102 to achieve the relative fluid temperature across the container 102.
[0075] At step 308, the apparatus 100 may compare the relative fluid temperature with the user defined threshold temperature. Upon comparison, if the relative fluid temperature is equal to the user defined threshold temperature, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 310. Else, the method 300 may proceed to a step 312.
[0076] At step 310, the apparatus 100 may compare the relative fluid temperature with the user defined threshold temperature. Upon comparison, if the relative fluid temperature is greater than the user defined threshold temperature, then the method 300 may proceed to the step 310. Else, the method 300 may proceed to a step 312.
[0077] At step 312, the apparatus 100 may deactivate the relay 112 to de-actuate the heating unit 104 and actuate the sound unit 114.
[0078] At step 314, the apparatus 100 may compare the relative fluid temperature with the user defined threshold temperature. Upon comparison, if the relative fluid temperature is less than the user defined threshold temperature, then the method 300 may proceed to the step 316
[0079] At step 316, the apparatus 100 may activate the relay 112 to actuate the heating unit 104.
[0080] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0081] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A heating apparatus (100), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a heating unit (104) installed in a container (102) and adapted to heat a fluid stored in the container (102), wherein the heating unit (104) is actuated upon activation of a relay (112);
temperature sensors (106a-106c), installed at locations selected from a top of the container (102), a middle of the container (102), a bottom of the container (102), or a combination thereof, adapted to measure zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container (102);
a control unit (108) communicatively connected to the heating unit (104) and to the temperature sensors (106a-106c), characterized in that the control unit (108) is configured to:
receive the measured zonal temperatures of the fluid stored in the container (102);
create a thermal profile of the fluid in the container (102);
dynamically adjust a heating power of the heating unit (104) in multiple zones of the container (102) to achieve a relative fluid temperature across the container (102);
compare the relative fluid temperature with a user defined threshold temperature; and
deactivate the relay (112) and actuate a sound unit (114), when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102) reaches to the user defined threshold temperature.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to activate the relay (112) to actuate the heating unit (104) when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102) falls below the user defined threshold temperature.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication unit (118) adapted to transmit an alert on a user device (120) when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102) reaches to the user defined threshold temperature.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a user device (120) adapted to set the user defined threshold temperature.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (116) adapted to indicate a status of the system.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to display the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102) on a display unit (110).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a display unit (110) adapted to display the measured zonal temperatures and the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102).
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound unit (114) is a buzzer.
9. A method (300) for heating fluid using a heating apparatus (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
receiving a measured zonal temperatures of fluid stored in a container (102);
creating a thermal profile of the fluid in the container (102);
dynamically adjusting a heating power of a heating unit (104) in multiple zones of the container (102) to achieve a relative fluid temperature across the container (102);
comparing the relative fluid temperature with a user defined threshold temperature; and
deactivating a relay (112) and actuating a sound unit (114), when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102) reaches to the user defined threshold temperature.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a step of activating the relay (112) to actuate the heating unit (104), when the relative fluid temperature of the fluid stored in the container (102) falls below the user defined threshold temperature.
Date: December 23, 2024
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant