Method for displaying performance data on the front of an electric instantaneous water heater

Abstract

A method for displaying performance data of an electric instantaneous water heater having a display, an electronic control unit and heating elements, wherein at least one performance condition is stored in the electronic control unit and is available to the display, comprising: Determination of a saving E based on a reference value R and a time value Z; and Providing the saving E for the display and displaying the saving E on the display; wherein the reference value R comprises at least one loss value V of another water heater; where the time value Z is an input of the electric instantaneous water heater; and where the saving E corresponds to a measure of the energy saving of the instantaneous water heater compared to another water heater.

Description

The invention describes the method for displaying performance data on the front side of an electric continuous-flow heater. At least one of the power conditions is stored in an electronic control unit and transmitted to the digital display.Technological advances make it possible to equip household appliances with the capability of displaying consumption data. For example, the amount of electricity consumed can be displayed in kWh. The current power consumption may be displayed or totalized over a period of time.The separate document DE 38 42 857 C3 describes how an electric continuous heater equipped with a measuring system can determine the consumption. The amount of electric current flowing through a heating element can be detected with a measuring device. As water is drawn through the unit, the amount of electrical energy that is consumed may be indicated.The object of the invention is to make available a method for easily resolving the advantage of an electric continuous heater.A saving E is determined on the basis of a reference value R and a time value Z. The saving E is provided to the digital display. The reference value R includes at least a value from another water heater. The time value Z is an input of the electric continuous-flow heater. The saving E corresponds to a measure of the energy saving of the continuous-flow heater compared to the other water heater.The time value Z for the continuous flow heater comprises the time during which no warm water is drawn, or the time value is derived from the generation of warm water by the continuous flow module.The time value Z can also be a virtual input or can be input via a mobile device, in particular if the data of the electric continuous heater are already on a mobile device or are connected via a mobile connection.The time value Z can also comprise the state in which the flow module is ready for the output of hot water, but is not in operation. This is the standby state.The time value Z can also denote the time during which the flow module is connected to the power supply, is ready for operation or actively heats water.A calculation of the saving E takes place if the continuous-flow heater does not generate standby energy losses (standby losses) or the electrical heating element(s) is / are switched off.The reference value R is provided to the continuous flow heater either via an input device or via the Internet.The reference value R depends on and is based on example cases. The user is presented with case examples on the display and can make a selection. The user can modify these case examples.The time value Z is generated by the continuous-flow heater itself.The saving E depends on the reference value R of another water heater and is calculated with the aid of the time value Z of the continuous flow heater.The loss value V is advantageously based on the standby energy loss (standby loss) of the reference water heater.In addition, the loss value V is the standby power loss (standby loss) of a water heater having a memory.The invention also performs the calculation of the saving E in the time intervals in which no warm water is produced. The standby power loss value (standby loss) is calculated with a downtime of the continuous flow heater. The saving E is temporarily output on the display, so that the user can see how high the saving E is.The saving advantage E is calculated when the continuous-flow heater does not generate standby energy losses (standby losses).Parameters such as a loss of distribution value and / or money value are used to determine the reference value.The savings E are output at a preset time interval of about 5 minutes, one hour, one day, one week or a similar time interval.In addition, the saving E includes a parameter PE such as a current value (kWh), money value ($) or CO2value (kg), and is displayed on the display as current value, money value or CO2value, respectively.A trip signal which depends on the operating status of the continuous-flow heater determines the downtime during which a further calculation of the saving E can be made. The timing module of the CPU supplies the trigger signal.A water heater according to the prior art, which is operated by means of a process according to the prior art, has a central process control in combination with a built-in control panel and display. From the cold water inlet port, the water flows through the CPU controlled modulating heating element where it is brought to temperature.The comparison unit contained is combined with a saving output.The comparison unit is combined with a timing module.The timing module is connected to a trip unit.A trip signal which depends on the operating status of the continuous-flow heater determines the downtime during which a further calculation of the saving E can be made. The timing module of the CPU supplies the trigger signal.The invention comprises the input of parameters via the input unit. Further input methods, for example via a touchscreen or via speech recognition, are possible.In addition, it may be advantageous to operate the continuous flow heater with a mobile device. This can be done via a cable connection or WLAN via the Internet. Mobile devices may be smart phones, tablet computers, or other mobile control devices.The data input can be, but need not be, by a mobile device touch screen. Speech recognition, touch screen computer manipulation or control via service menus are also possible.A water heater according to the prior art, which is operated by means of a process according to the prior art, has a central process control in combination with a built-in control panel and display. From the cold water inlet connection, the water flows through the heating element(s) modulating the CPU-controlled(s) where it is brought to temperature.The built-in comparison unit is for displaying a power saving output.The comparison unit is combined with a timing module.The timing module is connected to a trip unit. A trip signal which depends on the operating status of the continuous-flow heater determines the downtime during which a further calculation of the saving E can be made. The timing module of the CPU supplies the trigger signal. FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an electric continuous-flow heater at a point of consumption. FIG. 2 shows a process sequence for evaluating the energy saving.It should be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements relevant to a clear understanding of the present invention, while many other elements common in this art have been omitted for purposes of clarity. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other elements are desirable for practicing the present invention. However, since these elements are known in the art and do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, these elements will not be discussed herein.The present invention will now be described in detail based on embodiments.FIG. 1 shows an application of an electric continuous-flow heater (1) with a built-in control panel and display (4). The continuous flow heater has a cold water connection (2) and a hot water line (3). The built-in control panel and display (4) comprises a temperature output (5), a saving display (6), an operating button (7) and an input element (8) for navigation in the operating menu. The hot water line (3) can be combined with at least one point of consumption (9), in this case a shower head, or can be accommodated in a loop with at least one point of consumption (9).In order to indicate to the user the energy saving of his continuous-flow electric heater (1) in a simple manner, the saving E of the heater compared to a conventional standard storage device is displayed on the saving display (6).In a centrally mounted storage heater, additional energy costs for water storage and water distribution to the point of consumption (9) are incurred compared to a continuous flow heater (1). The continuous-flow heater (1) is located in the vicinity of the point of consumption (9), as a result of which hardly any costs arise as a result of heat loss capacities for storage and longer distribution pipe guides.If the continuous flow heater (1) is mounted in the vicinity of the point of consumption (9) and only current decreases as water flows through, more than 99% of the energy consumed will flow into the heating of the water. There are no energy losses for the time that warm water is not required. On the display (4) of the built-in control panel, a saving E is displayed over the calculated value for an electric storage for the same period of time during which no water was used. This corresponds to the standby loss saving e 1.A saving in removal e2 is compared with an electrical store if water is conducted to the removal point via a longer pipe guide instead of via the shorter hot water line ( 3), as shown in FIG. 1.The saving E of the continuous-flow heater compared with an electrical storage device is calculated for the first time interval as follows:E= Einsparung (in $)e1 Standby Saving (Standby)e2 Entnahme (heating)In the simplest case, the microprocessor control panel calculates the saving E of the continuous flow heater once per second and the sum is displayed on the display (4). If desired by the user, the value T can be adapted to the local electricity costs via the input element ( 8) of the device.The standby losses of the reference device (storage device) are programmed into the control panel and display ( 4) in the form of an informed average value in (kWh / day). The duration of the standby and heating operations is detected by the processor by means of the collection of the on and off times of the continuous flow heater. This is effected by a triggering signal which originates from a triggering unit.The corresponding calculated amount of saved energy is summed based on the operating mode. The resulting sum of the estimated energy saving E is displayed on the saving display (6).The detection of the operating mode, standby or heating, can be effected either via a flow-dependent signal of the water flow or by monitoring the current consumption for heating, in which the electronics can "observe" an exceeding or falling below a current level. The triggering unit recognizes the duration of the operating mode.FIG. 2 shows a process sequence. In block B 1, the energy saving estimation parameters such as the reference value R, a current value kWh, a money value ($), a CO2value (kg), a valid currency, the current power price, and / or the loss value are input.In addition, the built-in control panel and display (4) are also designed for the input of standard values (SV) for the operation of the continuous-flow heater (1). The standard values (SV) comprise a setpoint temperature for the hot water, a brewing protection temperature and / or additional control parameters for the standard operation of the continuous-flow heater ( 1).In block B 2, the heating H or standby S operating mode is established. The triggering unit can also be advantageously located here.In block B3, the standby saving E2 is calculated according to a preset time interval, for example, 1 x / sec. Here, a continuous calculation of the standby saving E 2 can also be determined.In block B 4, the extraction saving E 1 is determined according to a preset time interval or continuously.In block B5, the saving E is added together and displayed as the sum of e1 and e2 on the saving display (6).In block B 6, the total saving E can be updated hourly, daily or continuously.In an advantageous arrangement, the continuous flow heater (1) is connected to the Internet via a router, and the input of the local power prices or currency can take place automatically.A further differentiation of the reference system is possible by additional inputs on the installed control panel and display ( 4). With the additional parameter PE, such as the input of a specific standby heat loss (standby) value, f1 can be helpful if the continuous heater has to replace a memory with a return system and the reference system with the standby loss has to be changed as a parameter.In addition, a specific distribution loss factor f2 can be input as the parameter PE as a measure of the losses in pipe routing from the storage heater to the point of consumption or in a loop distribution.The information on the display for displaying the saving display ( 6) can be displayed in (kWh), (kg CO2) and / or in the local currency (euro) or ($). Advantageously, these parameters can be provided via the Internet, which simplifies the calculation.Advantageously, the annual saving of CO2 emissionen over the reference system can be outputted as a percentage of the average CO2generation of an average household.The saving E can be called up as required on the display (4), displayed continuously, displayed according to a predetermined time schedule or called up by an input on the control panel and display (4).A trigger signal, which depends on the operating status of the continuous-flow heater (1), provides for the determination of the down times and the calculation of the saving E.The trigger signal is provided by the time module of the comparison unit.The time module is connected to a triggering unit.While this invention has been described in connection with the specific embodiments set forth above, it should be understood that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments discussed above are intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims.It should be noted that the citation or identification of any document in this application is not to be construed as being available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

A method of displaying electrical continuous flow heater performance data having a display, an electronic control unit and heating elements, at least one performance condition being stored in the electronic control unit and available to the display, comprising: determining a saving E based on a reference value R and a time value Z; and providing the saving E to the display and displaying the saving E on the display; wherein the reference value R comprises at least one loss value V of another water heater; wherein the time value Z is an input of the electrical continuous flow heater; and wherein the saving E corresponds to a measure of energy saving of the continuous flow heater over another water heater.The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating the time value Z depending on whether warm water is being drawn; and then determining the saving E when the continuous heater does not generate standby power losses (standby losses) or the heating elements are not turned on.Method according to claim 1, wherein the saving E is determined on the basis of a first standby saving e1 during standby, on the basis of a removal saving e2 during hot water removal or on the basis of both.The method according to claim 1, wherein the power saving E comprises a standby loss value of a hot water heater other than the electric continuous heater.The method of claim 4 wherein the electric flow heater has a built-in control panel and display configured to accept the input of the standby loss value.The method of claim 4: wherein the determination of the saving E is made at time intervals in which the continuous heater does not heat water; wherein the standby loss value is calculated with a downtime; and wherein an output of the saving E compared to a calculated value for an electric storage for the same time that no water has been consumed is at least temporarily displayed on the display.The method of claim 1 : wherein the reference value R is determined from a loss of distribution value, a money value, or both.Method according to Claim 1: wherein a representation of the saving E takes place in a preset time interval.The method of claim 1 : wherein the preset time interval is selected from the group comprising 5 minutes, one hour, one day, one week, and any combinations or multiples of these values.The method of claim 1 : wherein the saving E comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a current value (kWh), a money value ($), and a CO2 value (kg); and wherein at least one parameter is displayed on the display.Method according to Claim 1: wherein a trigger signal dependent on the operating status of the continuous-flow heater provides for the determination of standstill times and the determination of the saving E, and wherein the trigger signal is provided by a time module of a comparison unit.A continuous flow heater configured to implement the method of claim 1, comprising: an electronic control unit; having a cold water inlet port; an electronically controlled heating element configured to heat the incoming cold water; and a comparison unit connected to the display for displaying the saving E; wherein the comparison unit is connected to a timing module; wherein the timing module is connected to the trip unit; and wherein the trip unit is configured to generate a trip signal dependent on the operating status of the continuous flow heater for determining downtime and for calculating the saving E.

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