The present disclosure relates to a system and method of controllably operating a water heater. More particularly, the present invention relates to the system and method of controllably operating the water heater, and ensuring functionality of the same irrespective of purity of water received for heating.
BACKGROUND
Water heaters are commonly known to be employed to heat water therein. The water heater includes a water container including an inlet and an outlet, such that cold water is received within the water container through the inlet and exits heated water from the water container through the outlet. The water heater further includes a heating unit, particularly a heating element, disposed within the water container, for heating water contained therein. In addition to aforementioned, the water heater also includes a control system for controllably operating the water heater.
Conventionally, the control system includes an inlet water sensor, a control unit, and a switching unit. The inlet water sensor generates an inlet signal in case of a presence of water at the inlet of the water container, while the inlet water sensor does not generate the inlet signal in case of absence of water at the inlet of the water container. The control unit includes a controller that receives the inlet signal from the inlet water sensor. In particular, the controller of the control unit sends a positive control signal to the switching unit upon receipt of the inlet signal from the inlet water sensor, while the controller of the control unit sends a negative control signal to the switching unit upon non-receipt of the signal from the inlet water sensor. In particular, the switching unit activates the heating element of the water heater upon receipt of the positive control signal from the controller, while the switching unit deactivates the heating element of the water heater upon receipt of the negative control signal from the controller. Such

deactivation of the heating element of the water heater, during absence of water at the inlet of the water container, avoids dry heating of the heating element of the water container which may lead to damage of the same due to overheating.
In such conventional control system of the water heaters, the inlet water sensor includes a transmitting plate and a receiving plate, dipped in a supply line at the inlet of the water container. The transmitting plate is supplied with an electric current. Furthermore, in case of presence of water in the supply line at the inlet of the water container, the current received at the transmitting plate is transmitted to the receiving plate through the water flowing thereof. Thus, the inlet signal is generated by the inlet water sensor, in case of receipt of current at the transmitting plate, and presence of water within the supply line at the inlet of the water container. Additionally, in case of absence of water in the supply line at the inlet of the water container, the current received at the transmitting plate is not transmitted to the receiving plate. Thus, the inlet signal is not generated by the inlet water sensor, in case of absence of water within the supply line at the inlet of the water container. It may be noted that the inlet water sensor in such conventional control system of the water heaters is effective, when purity of water received in the supply line at the inlet of the water container is low, that is, water has high amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) value. However, in case of high purity, that is, low total dissolved solids (TDS) value, of water received in the supply line at the inlet of the water container, the inlet water sensor in such conventional control system of the water heaters may restrict transmittal of current therethrough, and may fail to generate the inlet signal. Thus, the conventional control system may wrongly deactivate the heating element of the water heater. This may cause disruption in operability of the water heater thereof.

In light of the aforementioned, there is a well felt need of a system and method of controllably operating the water heater, and ensuring operability of the water heater irrespective of purity of water received for heating.
SUMMARY
One object of the present disclosure relates to a method of controllably operating a water heater. The method initiates with receiving, at a sampling unit, a plurality of inlet signals and a plurality of outlet signals in a predefined time period, from an inlet water-presence sensor and an outlet water-presence sensor. Thereafter, the method proceeds to compare, at the sampling unit, a count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals with a predefined count value, the predefined count value being dependent on a total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water. Further, the method generates, at the sampling unit, a predetermine configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals is above the predefined count value, and generating a non-predetermined configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals is below the predefined count value. Upon generating such signals, the method proceeds to generate, by a controller, a positive control signal in case of receipt of the predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit, and generating a negative control signal in case of receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit. Thereafter, an activation unit performs an action of either of: activating the water heater upon receipt of the positive control signal from the controller, and deactivating the water heater upon receipt of the negative control signal from the controller.
Another object of the present disclosure relates to a control system for controllably operating a water heater. The control system comprises of an inlet water-presence sensor, an outlet water-presence sensor, a control unit, and a

switching unit. The control unit comprising of a sampling unit and a controller. The inlet water-presence sensor and the outlet water-presence sensor are disposed on an inlet and outlet, respectively, of the water heater. The sampling unit of control unit is adapted to: receive a plurality of input signals and a plurality of output signals in a predefined time period, from the inlet water-presence sensor and the outlet water-presence sensor; compare a count of each of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of output signals with a predefined count value, wherein the predefined count is dependent on a total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water; and generate a predetermine configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of output signals is above the predefined count value, and generate a non-predetermined configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of output signals is below the predefined count value. The controller of the control unit is in electrical communication with the sampling unit, and is adapted to generate a positive control signal in case of receipt of the predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit, and generate a negative control signal in case of receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit. The switching unit is adapted to: activate the water heater upon receipt of the predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit, and deactivate the water heater upon receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. These and other details of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished

only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a water heater system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the water heater system, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a flowchart of a method of controllably operating a water heater, followed by a control unit of the water heater, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a water heater system [100], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. The water heater system [100] includes a water heater [102], and a control system [104] for controllably operating the water heater [102] thereof.

The water heater [102] is a conventionally known electric water heater, which operates to heat water received therein. Although, the present disclosure the water heater [102] as the electric water heater [102], it may be obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the water heater may be a gas water heater, a coal water heater, a solar water heater, and/or similar heaters thereof. Additionally, the water heater may be either of an instant water heater, and/or a conventional water heater. The water heater [102] includes a water container [106] and a heating element [108]. The water container [106] is formed of a multi-layered housing [106a] that provides a supporting space [106b] for the heating element [108], and also defines a water storage compartment [106c] therein, such that the water received in the water storage compartment [106c] is capable of being heated by the heating element. The water container [106] further includes an inlet [110] and an outlet [112], fluidly communicating with the water storage compartment [106c]. The inlet [110] is fluidly connected to a supply of water to receive cold water therethrough within the water storage compartment [106c], while the outlet is fluidly connected to a water exit to exit heated water therethrough from the water storage compartment [106c]. Notably, the heating element [108] is powered by a power supply [114], and is disposed within the supporting space [106b] of the water container [106]. Water contained within the water storage compartment [106c] of the water container [106] is heated, upon activation of the heating element [108].
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the water heater system [100], in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and figure 2 should be referred to in conjunction with each other, to clearly understand scope of the present disclosure, in respect of the control system [104] of the water heater [102], disclosed herein. The control system [104] includes a switching unit [116], a sensing unit [118], and a control unit [120].

The switching unit [114] is a conventionally known unit electrically connected between the power supply [114] and the heating element [108] of the water heater [102]. The switching unit [114] is a combination of a MOSFET switch [116a] and a relay switch [116b] electrically connected in series, between the power supply [114] and the heating element of the water heater [102]. The switching unit [114] ensures safe operation of the water heater [102], based on control signals form the control unit [120]. In particular, the control unit switching unit [114] is in electric communication with a controller of the control unit [120], for receiving control signals thereof. Further, the switching unit [114] is adapted to activate/deactivate the water heater [102], based on the control signals received from the controller of the control unit [120]. Specifically, the switching unit [114] is adapted to activate the water heater [102], upon receiving a positive control signal from the controller of the control unit [120]. While, the switching unit [114] is adapted to deactivate the water heater [102], upon receiving a negative control signal from the controller of the control unit [120].
The sensing unit [118] and the control unit [120] in combination, are adapted to generate control signals to be sent to the switching unit for activation and deactivation of the water heater [102]. The sensing unit [118] includes an Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and an Outlet water-presence sensor [124]. The Inlet water-presence sensor [122] is disposed on the inlet [110] of the water heater [102], while the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] is disposed on the outlet [112] of the water heater [102]. The Inlet water-presence sensor [122] is adapted to detect presence of water at the inlet [110] of the water heater [102], while the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] is adapted to detect presence of water at the outlet [112] of the water heater [102]. Each of the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118], are adapted to generate an inlet signal and an outlet signal, corresponding to presence of water in the inlet [110] and the outlet [112] of the water heater [102], upon activation of the power supply [114]. Additionally, the

Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118], do not generate the inlet signal and the outlet signal, corresponding to absence of water in the inlet [110] and the outlet [112] of the water heater [102], upon activation of the power supply [114]. It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that in case of a relatively impure water (with high total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water), each of the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118] are adapted to generate the inlet signal and the outlet signal, corresponding to presence of water in the inlet [110] and the outlet [112] of the water heater [102]. Moreover, in case of a relatively pure water (with low total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water), each of the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118] may or may not generate the inlet signal and the outlet signal, corresponding to presence of water in the inlet [110] and the outlet [112] of the water heater [102]. Accordingly, a count of the inlet signals and a count of outlet signals generated by the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] in a predefined time period, is relatively high in case of impure water than in case of pure water.
The control unit [120] is provided to receive a plurality of inlet signals and a plurality outlet signals from the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118] in a predefined time period, based on which the control unit [120] sends either of positive control signal or negative control signal to the switching unit [116] to correspondingly either of activate or deactivate water heater [102]. In particular, the control unit [120] is programmed to determine the count of the inlet signals and the outlet signals generated by the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118] in a predefined time period; compare the count of the inlet signals and the outlet signals so generated with a predefined count value dependent on the TDS value of water; and thus generate

either of the positive control signal or the negative control signal to be sent to the switching unit [116] for either of activation or deactivation of the water heater [102]. Accordingly, the control unit [120] is capable of controllably operating the water heater [102], irrespective of the TDS value of the water being heated. The control unit [120] is electrically connected between the sensing unit [118] and the switching unit [116]. The control unit [120] includes a sampling unit [126], an amplifying unit [128], an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) [130], a feedback unit [132], and the controller [134]. The sampling unit [126] is in electric communication with the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [116]. The amplifying unit [128] is in electric communication with the sampling unit [126] and the ADC [130]. The ADC [130] is in electric communication with the amplifying unit [128] and the controller [134]. The feedback unit [132] is in electric communication with the controller [134] and the sampling unit [126]. The control unit [120] is adapted to perform a method of controllably operating the water heater [102], irrespective of the TDS value of the water being heated.
Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the method [200] of controllably operating the water heater [102], irrespective of the TDS value of the water being heated. The method is initiated upon activation of a power supply [114] of the water heater system [100]. The method [200] initiates at step [202]. At step [202], the sampling unit [126] of the control unit [120] receives a plurality of inlet signals and a plurality of outlet signals from the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [122] of the sensing unit [116] in a predefined time period. The method [200] then proceeds to step [204].
At step [204], the sampling unit [126] of the control unit [120], compares a count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals with a predefined count value. Notably, the predefined count value as defined herein is dependent on a total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water. Specifically, higher the

TDS value of water (impure water) the lower is the predefined count value of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals, while lower the TDS value of water (pure water) the higher is the predefined count value of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals. In one embodiment, the total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water can be manually pre-fed by a user to the sampling unit [126]. In another embodiment, the TDS value of water is inputted to the sampling unit [126] by a TDS testing unit. For example, for the TDS value of water of 500, the predefined count value at the sampling unit [126] is set to 5, however, for the TDS value of water of 20, the predefined count value at the sampling unit [126] is set to 30. The method [200] then proceeds to step [206].
At step [206], the sampling unit [126] generates a predetermine configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals is above the predefined count value. Further, the sampling unit [126] generates a non-predetermined configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals is below the predefined count value. The method [200] then proceeds to step [208].
At step [208], the amplifying unit [128] amplifies either of the predetermine configure signal and non-predetermined configure signal, as received from the sampling unit [126]. The method [200] then proceeds to step [210].
At step [210], the ADC [130] converts an analog form of either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal, as received from the amplifying unit [128], to a digital form of either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal, thereof. The method [200] then proceeds to step [212].
At step [212], the controller [134] interprets either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal. In particular, the

controller [134] generates a positive control signal in case of receipt of the predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit [126] through the ADC [130]. Alternatively, the controller [134] generates a negative control signal in case of receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit [126] through the ADC [130]. The method [200] then proceeds to step [214] and step [216].
At step [214], the switching unit [116] performs an action of activating the water heater [102] upon receipt of the positive control signal from the controller [134]. Alternatively, the switching unit [116] performs an action of deactivating the water heater [102] upon receipt of the negative control signal from the controller [134].
At step [216], the feedback unit [132] of the control unit [120] sends a halt signal to the sampling unit [126] for halting operation thereof, upon receipt of the positive control signal at the controller [134]. Alternatively, the feedback unit [132] of the control unit [120] sends a repeat signal to the sampling unit [126] for repeating the method [200], upon receipt of the negative control signal at the controller [134]. Specifically, the feedback unit [132] of the control unit [120] directs to perform steps [202]-[216] of the method [200].
Various advantage of the present disclosure relates to the control system [104], and the method [200] for controllably operating water heater [102], irrespective of the TDS value of the water. In particular, the sampling unit [126] of the control unit [120] of the control system [104]: receives a plurality of inlet signals and a plurality outlet signals from the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118] in a predefined time period; determines the count of the inlet signals and the outlet signals generated by the Inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the Outlet water-presence sensor [124] of the sensing unit [118] in the predefined time period; compare the count

of the inlet signals and the outlet signals so generated with a predefined count value dependent on the TDS value of water; and thus generate either of the positive control signal or the negative control signal to be sent to the switching unit [116] for either of activation or deactivation of the water heater [102]. As the predefined count value is dependent on the TDS value of water, the control system [104] is capable of efficiently operating the water heater [102], irrespective of the TDS value of water. Furthermore, as the control system [104] controllably operates the water heater [102] based on both of the input signals and the output signals from the inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the outlet water-presence sensor [124], the control system is capable of avoiding dry heating. In particular, as the control system [104] ensures both the conditions of: inlet flow of water by detecting presence of water at the inlet [110] of the water heater [102] through the inlet water-presence sensor [122]; and complete filling of the water heater [102] by detecting presence of water at the outlet [112] of the water heater [102] through the outlet water-presence sensor [124]; wherein based on both these conditions, the control system [104] controllably operates the water heater [102]. Thus, dry heating of the water heater [102] is also prevented.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
List of Components:

100 - Water Heater System
102-Water Heater
104-Control System
106 - Water Container
108-Heating Element
106a - Multi-layered Housing
106b - Supporting Space
106c - Water Storage Compartment
108-Heating Element
110-Inlet
112-Outlet
114-Power Supply
116-Switching Unit
116a - MOSFET Switch
116b-Relay Switch
118-Sensing Unit
120-Control Unit
122 - Inlet water-presence sensor
124 - Outlet water-presence sensor

126 - Sampling Unit
128-Amplifying Unit
130 - Analog-to-digital Converter (ADC)
132 - Feedback unit
134-Controller

I/We Claim:

1. A method [200] of controllably operating a water heater [102], the method comprising:
receiving, at a sampling unit [126], a plurality of inlet signals and a plurality of outlet signals in a predefined time period, from an inlet water-presence sensor [122] and an outlet water-presence sensor [124];
comparing, at the sampling unit [126], a count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals with a predefined count value, the predefined count value being dependent on a total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water; and
generating, at the sampling unit [126], a predetermine configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals is above the predefined count value, and generating a non-predetermined configure signal in case the count of each of the plurality of inlet signals and the plurality of outlet signals is below the predefined count value;
generating, by a controller [134], a positive control signal in case of receipt of the predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit [126], and generating a negative control signal in case of receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit [126]; and
Performing, by a switching unit [116], an action of either of: activating the water heater [102] upon receipt of the positive control signal from the controller [134], and deactivating the water heater [102] upon receipt of the negative control signal from the controller [134].

2. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, is initiated upon activation of a power supply [114].
3. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, comprising amplifying each of the predetermine configure signal and non-predetermined configure signal as received from the sampling unit [126], before sending to the controller [134].
4. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, comprising converting an analog form of either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal, to a digital form of either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal, thereof.
5. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, comprising halting the method for a predefined halt time period, upon receipt of the positive control signal from the controller [134].
6. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, comprising repeating the steps of receiving and comparing inlet and outlet signals, generating predetermine configure signals and non-predetermined configure signals, generating positive control signal and negative control signals, and performing the action of activating and deactivating the water heater [102], upon receipt of the negative control signal from the controller [134].
7. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TDS value is entered by a user thereof.
8. The method [200] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TDS value is received from a TDS testing unit.

9. A control system [104] for controllably operating a water heater [102], the control system [104] comprising:
a sensing unit [118] including an inlet water-presence sensor [122] and an outlet water-presence sensor [124] disposed on an inlet [110] and an outlet [112], respectively, of the water heater [102]; and
a control unit [120], comprising:
a sampling unit [126], adapted to:
receive a plurality of input signals and a plurality of output signals in a predefined time period, from the inlet water-presence sensor [122] and the outlet water-presence sensor [124];
compare a count of each of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of output signals with a predefined count value, the predefined count being dependent on a total dissolved solid (TDS) value of water; and
generate a preconfigured signal in case the count of each of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of output signals is above the predefined count value, and generate a negative preconfigured signal in case the count of each of the plurality of input signals and the plurality of output signals is below the predefined count value; and
a controller [134] in electrical communication with the sampling unit [126], the controller [134] being adapted to, generate a positive control signal in case of receipt of the

predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit, and generate a negative control signal in case of receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit [126]; and
a switching unit [116] adapted to: activate the water heater [102] upon receipt of the predetermine configure signal from the sampling unit [126], and deactivate the water heater [102] upon receipt of the non-predetermined configure signal from the sampling unit [126].
10. The control system [104] as claimed in claim 9, comprising an amplifying unit [128] electrically communicating with the sampling unit [126] and the controller [134], and adapted to amplifying each of the predetermine configure signal and non-predetermined configure signal as received from the sampling unit [126].
11. The control system [104] as claimed in claims 9 and 10, comprising an analog-to-digital converter [130] electrically communicating with the amplifying unit [128] and the controller [134], and adapted to convert an analog form of either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal to a digital form of either of the predetermine configure signal and the non-predetermined configure signal, thereof.
12. The control system [104] as claimed in claims 9, 10, and 11, comprising a feedback unit [132] electrically communicating with the controller [134] and the sampling unit [126], and adapted to send a halt signal to the sampling unit [126] for halting operation thereof, upon receipt of the positive control signal at the controller [134].
13. The control system [104] as claimed in claim 12, wherein the feedback unit [132] sends a repeat signal to the sampling unit [126] for repeating

an operation of the sampling unit [126], upon receipt of the negative control signal at the controller [134].
14. The control system [104] as claimed in claim 9, comprises a TDS testing unit for inputting the TDS value to the sampling unit [126].