FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrically operated water heaters and, more
specifically to a method for indicating temperature rise in electric water heaters
by using smooth transition of LED from one color to another.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known electric water heater comprises a water tank, heating elements
mounted in the water tank, a thermostat, which controls the heating elements to
heat water to a desired temperature a display for heating power on and off, and
an indicator displaying water heating state. Recent electric water heaters have
different kind of indictors for showing the temperature of water for the ease of an
user. The user can set the desired temperature of water and a digital shows the
temperature of water in the tank multiple LEDs in few water heaters glow when
water reaches at present temperature. Reference may be made to the following-
Patent Publication No. CN203068813 teaches an intelligent monitoring system
for electric water heater, which comprises a water level sensor for monitoring the
water level of the tank, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature
inside the tank, the water temperature and water level display circuit for
displaying the heating status of a cold water heating device alarm devices for
displaying warning when the water level is too low or too high, a keyboard to
input control data, and a microcontroller; the water level sensor, the temperature
sensor, the display circuit, the electric heating devices, the alarm devices and the
control keyboard are SCM connected; a display circuit includes a liquid crystal
display unit and LED display unit. The liquid crystal display unit for displaying
temperature, the temperature is displayed in digital form.
Patent Publication No.CN203533894 describes a setting temperature display
lights with a gas water heater. Lights change color according to the water heater
temperature, so the user through the color display by the knows the temperature
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of the gas water heaters, but also improve the water heater appearance display
diversity. However, this publication is limited for only gas water heaters and does
not refer to any kind of continuous transition of color.
US Patent No. 7,293,914 discloses a temperature detecting heater with an
indicating structure for an aquarium with which a user can see whether the
heating function of the temperature detecting heater is normal. The temperature
detecting heater mainly has an indicating structure including a control circuit and
a two-color LED indicating lamp in its circuitry.
US Patent No. 6,002,114 describes a control device for an electric water
heater. A temperature detection means is provided to detect the temperature of
water at the water inlet and the temperature of water at the water outlet, so that
the desired temperature of output water can be controlled accurately. The
temperature of water at the water outlet is detected by the water temperature
detection circuit, and then displayed through the digital display.
Indian Application No. 2540/CHE/2010 teaches an adaptive water heater
controller to monitor as well control the temperature and quantity of water in the
water heater. It also has a temperature control unit which comprises heating
element and temperature sensor. It can measure flow of water and also check
the temperature in the water tank using temperature sensor and display the
output unit. Temperature sensor is directly connected to microcontroller.
US Patent No. 4,713,525 discloses a computer controlled electric instant water
heating system. An LED indicator which is controlled by the microcomputer to
provide a digital display of the water temperature delivered to the water tap in
use is present in the system.
Patent Publication No. CN202915574 describes a temperature control device for
a domestic constant temperature water heater. The temperature control device
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can meet different hot water using habits of all members of a family, and has the
advantages of control accuracy, safety, reliability, convenience in use, simple
structure and low cost.
Indian Patent Publication No. 833/MUM/2003 provides a storage water heater
having a temperature indicator. It comprises an analog thermometer to provide a
reading. The thermometer is provided with a sensor which is in contact with inner
container surface senses the temperature and transmits the heat to a disc
encompassing the torsion spring. Due to increase in temperature the torsion
spring starts to unwind and this movement is transmitted to needle provided on
display.
Patent Publication No. CN201062979 teaches a structure that is simple, widely
applicable, as intuitive display, low-voltage low current work, accuracy and
stability, water temperature limit, sensing electrodes, extremely corrosive effects
of pollution level and temperature display precision instrument. The utility model
microcomputer digital color level and temperature indicator consists of sensors,
microcomputer control composition and digital color display.
Patent Publication No. CN203349548 discloses a control system for a solar
water heater. The control system for the solar water heater comprises a singlechip
microcomputer, a relay connected with the single-chip microcomputer, a
solenoid valve, an A/D converter, a displayer, a temperature control device
connected with the relay, a water level controller connected with the solenoid
valve and a temperature and water level detection sensor which is connected
with the A/D converter and arranged in the water tank of the solar water heater.
The temperature and water level detection sensor sends temperature and water
level signals converted by the A/D converter to the single-chip microcomputer,
current temperature and water level values are displayed through the displayer.
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Thus, in view of the above prior art, indications are provided in the form of
different colors for different temperatures / bands and is stepped in nature. These
type of structures of electric water heater are still not satisfactory in function as
none of the prior art provide continuous color change corresponding to rising
water temperature. Additionally, no indication is available for water temperature
rise in case of manual water heater. Further, the user has to visit the heater
installation area to see if water is ready for use or not.
Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior arts by
providing temperature indication on the whole heater body in the form of LED in
which smooth transition of LEDs from one color to another shows temperature
rise.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an electrically
operated water heater exhibiting smooth transition of LED from one color to
another corresponding to rise in water temperature.
Another objection of the present invention is to propose an electrically operated
water heaters exhibiting smooth transition of LED from one color to another
corresponding to rise in water temperature, which is extremely convenient to use.
A further object of the present invention is to propose an electrically operated
water heaters exhibiting smooth transition of LED from one color to another
corresponding to rise in water temperature, which includes a large display to
enable the user to judge from a longer distance water is heated to the pre-set
temperature.
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Summary of the invention
Accordingly, there is provided an electrically operated water heaters exhibiting
smooth transition of LED from one color to another corresponding to rise in water
temperature. The electrical water heater according to the present invention
comprises a steel tank, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a heating element, a thermal
cutout, a pressure relief valve, an anode rod, an insulation structure, a power
supply PCB, a display PCB, a temperature sensor, a RGB LED strip, wherein the
display arrangement includes the temperature sensor, a microcontroller, the RGB
LED strip and a LED driver. The temperature Sensor senses the temperature of
water inside tank of the water heater and provides an input to the microcontroller
in the form of voltage. The microcontroller senses the temperature and based on
the sensed temperature, changes the color of RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LED. LED
driver provides constant current for the LEDs.
As the temperature of the water increases, the colour of LED will change from
one color to another. The LED serves the dual purpose of indicating ‘Power ON’
as well as temperature rise of water. The storage water heater of the present
invention also has digital controls for temperature adjustment and a soft digital
display for temperature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for limiting
of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
Figure 1 shows an outer structure of the water heater with storage tank and inlet
and outlet connections;
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Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the inner working layout of the water heater
according to the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a electric water heater with a colour changing LEDs, according to
the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a flow diagram showing functioning of the colour changing of
LEDs according to the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to fig. 1, the outer structure of the storage tank has conventional
inlet and outlet water connections and is adapted to contain and store water. A
suitable water heating means, such as a heat exchanger, heating coil, (not
shown), are also provided either internally or externally of the storage tank.
Referring to fig. 2, the electric water heater according to the present invention
has a Steel Tank in which Water is stored / heated inside. Internal surface of the
tank is coated to protect tank from corrosion. Cold water enters in the tank
through inlet pipe and
Hot water goes out of the tank through outlet pipe. The heating element is
electrically to the power supply, connected and is used to heat water inside tank.
A thermal cutout is also provided to deactivate the heating element in case the
electronics control stops working. Further, the thermal cutout automatically
disconnect the power supply to the heating element when the water temperature
reaches at a set value. The pressure relief valve is connected to the inlet pipe
and it prevents the water heater from explosion during abnormal conditions such
as high pressure and high temperature. The anode rod also known as a
sacrificial rod, aids in keeping the steel tank free from corrosion. This rod can be
replaced when it is completely eroded. Polyurethane foam or similar element is
used for insulation structure of the tank. It helps to retain temperature of the
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heated water even if the water storage heater is switched off. The power Supply
PCB converts the input AC to DC for controlling the electronics provided inside
the Water Heater. It has different sections one is power supply section and the
other section includes, LED driver and sensors. The display PCB consists of an
User interface for setting temperatures and indicating the real-time water
temperature along with the Microcontroller. The temperature Sensor senses the
temperature of water inside the tank of water heater, transmit input to the
microcontroller in the form of voltage. The RGB LED Strip is tri-color RGB LED
which changes color continuously and indicates continuous rise in water
temperature.
Referring to figure 3, illustrates that the storage water heater with a colour
changing RGB LED showing a glowing Halo effect on the overall storage tank.
As the temperature of the water increases, the colour of the LEDs changes
through smooth transition from one color to another. The LED serves the dual
purpose of indicating ‘Power ON’ as well as the temperature rise of water. LED
indicates continuous rise in water temperature once the unit is switched ON. The
change in temperature is not in steps or bands, or ranges, rather uniquely
through smooth transition of the LEDs from one color to another continuously as
the temperature changes. The minimum and maximum temperatures are given
designated colors as per the product design (say Blue for minimum and Amber
for maximum). Colors can vary from one product to another depending upon the
compatibility with the overall product design. Change in color takes place due to
change in hues and color tint which also indicates the user that the water heater
is working with the temperature steadily going up. It is not restricted to a small
temperature indicator like in prior arts. The indication according to the present
invention provides special glowing effect on the overall water heater improving
it's aesthetics value as well.
Due to it's bigger size, the user can judge from a longer distance (say, upto 50'
distance) whether the water is ready for use or not which was not possible with
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any of the prior art systems. Storage water heater of the present invention also
has digital controls for temperature adjustment and a soft digital display for
temperature.
Fig. 4 shows the block diagram for the functioning of LED based on the water
temperature. The color changing LED circuit comprises the temperature sensor,
the microcontroller, the tri- color RGB LED strip and the LED driver. The
temperature Sensor senses the temperature of water inside tank of water heater
and gives input to microcontroller in the form of voltage. The microcontroller
senses the temperature and based on temperature, changes the color of the
RGB LED, and the LED driver provides constant current output for LED as per
specification of LED.
Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art and thus it is intended by the appended
claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true
spirit and scope of this invention.
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We claim
1. An electrically operated water heaters exhibiting smooth transition of LED
from one color to another corresponding to rise in water temperature,
comprising a steel tank, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a heating element, a
thermal cutout, a pressure relief valve, an anode rod, an insulation
structure, a power supply PCB a display PCB and an LED circuit formed
of a temperature sensor, a microcontroller, a tri-color RGB LED strip, and
a LED driver, wherein the temperature sensor senses the temperature of
water inside the tank of the water heater and transmit the sensed data to
the microcontroller in form of voltage, wherein the microcontroller senses
the temperature and based on the sensed data changes the color of the
RGB LED through the LED driver that provides a constant current to the
LEDs.
2. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, further comprising digital
controls for temperature adjustment and a soft digital display for
temperature.
3. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCB
comprises a power supply section and a control section including the
relays LED driver and sensors, wherein the control section converts input
AC to DC for controlling the electronics present inside the Water Heater.
4. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display PCB
consists of an user interface for setting temperatures and indicating the
real-time water temperature along with the Microcontroller.
5. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the change in
temperature is indicated via smooth and continuous transition of the LEDs
from one color to another.
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6. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon switched
ON the water heater, the temperature of the water increases and the
colour of the LEDs changes from one color to another.
7. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LED indicates
temperature rise of water including a Power ON status.
8. The electric water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the minimum and
the maximum temperature are provided with designated color and wherein
the indication provides a special glowing effect on the water heater.