Method for operating a heating device for providing hot water, heating device and computer program product

The method of detecting reduced flow rate and adjusting heating device output and fluid flow mitigates temperature spikes in fuel-burning water heaters, ensuring safe and consistent outlet temperatures.

EP4764331A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-24VAILLANT GMBH(DE)
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025222862
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-12-17
Filing Date
2025-12-12
Publication Date
2026-06-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Maintaining a constant outlet temperature is difficult in water heaters that burn fuel, particularly when there is a reduction in flow rate, leading to uncomfortable temperature spikes and a risk of burns, especially in systems without storage tanks.

Method used

A method involving detection of reduced water flow rate and immediate reduction of heating appliance output and heat transfer fluid flow to prevent temperature spikes, using sensors and control units to adjust burner output and circulation pump rates.

Benefits of technology

Effectively prevents temperature peaks, ensuring user safety and comfort by maintaining consistent outlet temperatures without increasing device complexity or requiring significant modifications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A method is proposed for operating a heating appliance (1) for hot water supply, configured to heat a heat transfer medium, wherein the heating appliance (1) has a hot water heat exchanger (16) configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer medium to a volume flow V of potable or service water, and the method comprises the following steps: a) detecting a reduction (33) in the volume flow V of the potable or service water during a withdrawal process, and b) immediately reducing a heat output PH of the heating appliance (1) after detecting the reduction (33) in step a) for a first smoothing period (39) and / or immediately reducing the volume flow V of the heat transfer medium flowing through the hot water heat exchanger (16) for a second smoothing period (36). The method makes it possible to avoid temperature peaks (31) after a reduction (33) of the volume flow V̇ of drinking or process water during a withdrawal process.In addition, a heating appliance (1) and a computer program product (17) are proposed.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    CN115552183A

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    EP3812659A1

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    GB2269443A

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    JP1993060383A

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    KR1020140075470A