Segmented rapid heating of fluid

Abstract

A fluid heating apparatus has a fluid flow path from an inlet to an outlet, with multiple heating sections positioned along the flow path. Each heating section is at least one pair of electrodes between which an electric current is passed through the fluid to resistively heat the fluid during its passage along the flow path. At least one of the heating sections has a segmented electrode made up of a plurality of electrically separable segments. This allows an effective active area of the segmented electrode to be controlled by selectively activating the segments. A controller determines a required voltage and current to be delivered to the fluid by each heating section, and allows for input conductivity as well as variations in fluid conductivity with temperature. The controller activates selected segments of the segmented electrode to effect delivery of desired current and voltage by the segmented electrode to the fluid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2008900634 filed on 11 Feb. 2008, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and method for the rapid heating of fluid and more particularly, to an apparatus, system and method for rapidly heating fluid using electrical energy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Hot water systems of one form or another are installed in the vast majority of residential and business premises in developed countries. In some countries, the most common energy source for the heating of water is electricity.[0004]Of course, as is generally known, the generation of electricity by the burning of fossil fuels significantly contributes to pollution and global warming. For example, in 1996, the largest electricity consuming sector in the United States were residential households, which were r...

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Benefits of technology

[0023]activating segments of the segmented electrode in a manner to eff

Problems solved by technology

Of course, as is generally known, the generation of electricity by the burning of fossil fuels significantly contributes to pollution and global warming.

Electric hot water storage systems are generally considered to be energy inefficient as they operate on the principle of storing and heating water to a predetermined temperature greater than the temperature required for usage, even though the consumer may not require hot water until some future time.

As thermal energy is lost from the hot water in the storage tank, further consumption of electrical energy may be required to reheat that water to the predetermined temperature.

However, during that time, some electric hot water storage systems continue to consume energy to heat the water in preparation for a consumer requiring hot water at any time.

However, whilst it is possible to use natural gas fuel sources for the rapid heating of water, these sources are not always readily available.

Whilst the hot wire type of system avoids the energy inefficiencies involved with the storage of hot water, it unfortunately suffers a number of other disadvantages.

This has the disadvantageous effect of causing the formation of crystals of dissolved salts normally present in varying concentrat

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