Heat pump water heater in conjunction with gas water heater

Abstract

A method for heating water delivered and stored in a water heater storage tank includes activating at least one of dual fuel heater types in response to various modes of operation. The water heater is preferably a dual fuel or hybrid heat pump gas water heater that includes a heat pump as the first type of heater for heating the water, and a gas burner as the second type of heater that transfer heat to the water. One or more sensors monitor water temperature and communicate with a controller to activate one of, or both of, the first and second types of heaters. If there is an electrical power outage, the hybrid heat pump gas water heater is still able to heat the water.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]This disclosure is directed to water heaters, and is more particularly directed to a hybrid water heater that is also referred to as a dual fuel water heater or hybrid heat pump gas water heater.[0002]One skilled in the art understands that different heat sources offer different advantages, and likewise have different disadvantages. For example, full-sized tank water heaters usually require either an electrical connection in which the circuit is a 220 / 240 V and 30 amp circuit or a gas connection capable of supplying 40 to 100 K BTUs per hour. Typically, the tank water heater relies upon a single energy source—either electric or gas. Thus, installations in the home are made based upon the energy requirements of the water heater. That is, either a 30 amp connection or a gas connection is provided in order to connect with an electric or gas water heater, respectively, in the home.[0003]As will be appreciated, replacement water heater units for the home...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]One advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a hybrid water heater that operates with high energy efficiency.

[0013]Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a water heater that reduces costs of operating and installation.

[0014]Still another advantage of the present disclosure relates to providing a high efficiency electric heat pump to maintain hot water temperature at a lower cost than using a high-powered gas burner when water is not being used or when hot water consumption is low or moderate.

[0015]Yet another advantage is that with a hybrid gas heat pump w

Problems solved by technology

Heat pumps are highly efficient but take a longer period of time to raise the temperature of the water in the tank.

Gas burners, on the other hand, can quickly raise the temperature of the water in the tank.

Nevertheless, no hybrid, heat pump water heater offering is available as a replacement in the gas water heater market.

Gas fuel costs versus electrical costs in some areas make the electrical heat pump water heaters less attractive in terms of payback.

Further, higher installation costs are required if a heat pump water heater is installed as a replacement and particularly if the replacement water heater requ

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