Water Heating System with Combination Valve

Abstract

A water heating system is disclosed. The water heating system may include a water tank, a cold water conduit, a hot water conduit, and an output water conduit. The cold water conduit may be configured to receive a supply of cold water, the hot water conduit may be configured to receive hot water from the water tank, and the output water conduit may be configured to output water at a desired water temperature. The system may further include a combination valve that may be configured to blend the cold water from the cold water conduit and the hot water from the hot water conduit, and output blended water to the output water conduit at the desired water temperature. In addition, the combination valve may be configured to stop a water flow from the cold water conduit and from the hot water conduit when a predetermined condition is met.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 479,587, filed Jan. 12, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to water heating systems and methods and more particularly to water heating systems and methods that include a combination valve that combines a mixing valve and a shut-off valve.BACKGROUND

[0003] Water heating systems are generally used to provide a supply of heated water. Water heating systems are used in a variety of applications including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. A conventional water heating system may include a mixing valve that may regulate the temperature of output water. The mixing valve typically receives a feed of cold water and hot water and mixes them at a predefined ratio to output water at a desired water temperature.

[0004] In addition, the water heating system may include a shut-off valve that may shut the water intake into the water heating system when the water heating system develops a fault or when the water heating system is being cleaned. Typically, the mixing valve and the shut-off valve are located about a top exterior surface of the water heating system, which may make the water heating system bulky and may cause inconvenience during water heating system packaging, transport, and installation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0006] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic illustration of an example water heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIGS. 2A-2D sequentially depict example operation modes of a combination valve in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a controller in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method to control a water heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present disclosure is directed towards a water heating system that may include a combination valve. The combination valve may be a combination of a mixing valve and a shut-off valve. In some aspects, the combination valve may act as the mixing valve in which the combination valve may blend cold water from a cold water supply and hot water from a system water tank, and output water at a desired water temperature. In addition, the combination valve may act as the shut-off valve in which the combination valve may shut water flow into and from the system. The combination valve may shut the water flow when there may be a leakage in the system water tank.

[0011] The combination valve may be disposed in a water heating system interior portion. For example, the combination valve may be disposed in proximity to a water heating system top interior surface. The combination valve may be in fluid communication with a cold water conduit to receive the cold water supply, a hot water conduit to receive hot water from the system water tank, and an output water conduit to output blended water at the desired water temperature. In addition, the combination valve may be configured to receive the cold water supply and may direct the cold water to the system water tank.

[0012] The water heating system may further include an actuator and a controller that may control the combination valve operation. In particular, the controller may transmit a first command signal to the actuator and cause the combination valve to operate in a first operation mode. Further, the controller may transmit a second command signal to the actuator and cause the combination valve to operate in a second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the combination valve may act as the mixing valve and output water at the desired water temperature. In the second operation mode, the combination valve may act as the shut-off valve.

[0013] The present disclosure is directed to a water heating system that may include a combination valve that acts as the mixing valve and the shut-off valve. Thus, the present disclosure does not require two separate valves (one for mixing water and another for shutting the water heating system). Furthermore, in some instances, since the water heating system may have only one combination valve, only one actuator and one controller may be needed. Thus, the present disclosure reduces space requirements and use of multiple components. In addition, the combination valve may be disposed inside the water heating system, which makes the water heating system more compact as compared to conventional water heating systems.

[0014] Although certain examples of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other examples, embodiments, and implementations of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components expressly set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented in a variety of examples and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being a water heating system and method using a combination valve. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable in other contexts. Further, the present disclosure, for example and not limitation, can be applied to water heating systems such as residential water heaters, industrial water heaters, and other water heating systems configured to heat water. Furthermore, the present disclosure can include other fluid heating systems configured to heat a fluid other than water such as process fluid heaters used in industrial applications. Such implementations and applications are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of being a water heating system and method using the combination valve, it will be understood that other implementations can take the place of those referred to.

[0015] Although the term “water” is used throughout this specification, it is to be understood that other fluids may take the place of the term “water” as used herein. Therefore, although described as a water heating system, it is to be understood that the system and methods described herein can apply to fluids other than water. Further, it is also to be understood that the term “fluid” can replace the term “water” as used herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The fluid heating systems may include gas furnaces, electric heating elements, and / or heat pump systems or the like for heating the fluid.

[0016] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a schematic illustration of an example water heating system 100 (system 100) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 may heat water to be used in a residential, a commercial, or an industrial application. The system 100 may be of any size based on the water heating system application. The system 100 may utilize any type of heating systems. For example, the system may include a gas heating system, an electric element heating system, and / or a heat pump heating system.

[0017] The system 100 may include a water tank 105 that may be disposed in a system 100 interior portion. The water tank 105 may be configured to receive a supply of cold water, and store water. The water tank 105 may be made of any material such as steel, copper, and / or the like. The water tank 105 may be insulated to maintain water temperature inside the water tank 105. The water tank 105 may be of any shape. In an exemplary aspect, the water tank 105 may conform to a system 100 shape. For example, the water tank 105 may be cylindrical in shape. The water tank 105 may be any suitable size, shape, or configuration.

[0018] The system further may include heating elements (not shown) that may be configured to heat water in the water tank 105 to a desired water temperature. The heating elements may include any type of available heating systems. For example, the heating elements may include electric heating elements, gas burners, heat pumps, and / or the like.

[0019] The system 100 may further include a cold water conduit 110, a hot water conduit 122, and an outlet water conduit 115 (or output water conduit 115). The cold water conduit 110 may be configured to receive cold water from an independent source located outside the system 100 (e.g., a supply of cold water from a utility or the like).

[0020] The hot water conduit 122 may be configured to receive heated water from the water tank 105. The outlet water conduit 115 may be configured to output water, such as to sinks, showers, bathtubs, etc. In some aspects, the outlet water conduit 115 may be configured to output heated / hot water at a desired water temperature.

[0021] The water heating system 100 may further include a combination valve 120 that may be configured to act as a mixing valve and a shut-off valve of the system 100. In some aspects, the combination valve 120 may be located in a system 100 interior portion, as shown in FIG. 1. That is, the combination valve may be disposed within an outer casing of the system 100. In particular, the combination valve 120 may be located in proximity to a system 100 top end and in the system 100 interior portion. Stated another way, the combination valve 120 may not be visible to a user from outside when the user views the system 100. The combination valve 120 may be located at any suitable location about the system 100.

[0022] The combination valve 120 may be in fluid communication with the cold water conduit 110, the hot water conduit 122, and the outlet water conduit 115. Further, the combination valve 120 may act as a single / unified manifold for the water tank 105. In particular, the water tank 105 may receive the cold water supply via the combination valve 120 via a conduit 124, and the water tank 105 may output the hot water (alone or mixed with cold water) to the outside via the combination valve 120. Specifically, the combination valve 120 may be configured to receive cold water from the cold water conduit 110 and hot water from the hot water conduit 122. The combination valve 120 may be configured to blend the cold water and the hot water at the desired water temperature, and output the blended water or temperature-regulated water to the outside via the outlet water conduit 115. Thus, the combination valve 120 may act as a mixing valve that may receive cold water and the hot water in a controlled manner, mix / blend the cold water and the hot water, and output the blended water at the desired water temperature.

[0023] In addition, the combination valve 120 may act as a shut-off valve and may shut water intake into the system 100 and water output from the system 100 when a predetermined condition is met. For example, the combination valve 120 may stop a water flow from the cold water conduit 110 (e.g., to the water tank 105 and the outlet water conduit 115) and from the hot water conduit 122 (e.g., to the outlet water conduit 115) when there is a leakage detected in the water tank 105 or when the system 100 is being cleaned. The operational details of the combination valve 120 may be understood in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2D,

[0024] The system 100 may further include an actuator 126 or the like that may be configured to actuate the combination valve 120. For example, the actuator 126 may be configured to control mechanical movement of one or more components of the combination valve 120 and enable the combination valve 120 to act as the mixing valve or the shut-off valve. The actuator 126 may include, for example, a stepper motor, a linear actuator, a solenoid-operated water valve, a gear / motor driven water valve, and / or the like. The actuator 126 may include any type of suitable actuating system.

[0025] In some aspects, the actuator 126 may be configured to actuate the combination valve 120 in a first operation mode (such as a mixing valve mode) and a second operator mode (such as a shut-off valve mode). In particular, the actuator 126 may cause the combination valve 120 to blend the cold water and the hot water in the first operation mode and output the blended water (heated at the desired water temperature) to the outlet water conduit 115. In addition, the actuator 126 may cause the combination valve 120 to stop the water flow in the second operation mode.

[0026] In some aspects, the actuator 126 may be disposed on a system 100 exterior surface (e.g., at a system 100 top surface). In other aspects, the actuator 126 may be disposed in a system 100 interior portion or surface. For example, the actuator 126 may be located in proximity to (or adjacent to) or form part of the combination valve 120.

[0027] The system 100 may further include a controller 300 (as depicted in FIG. 3) that may communicatively couple with the actuator 126. The controller 300 may be configured to provide / transmit signals to the actuator 126 to control combination valve 120 component movement. For example, the controller 300 may transmit a first command signal to the actuator 126 to trigger a combination valve first operation mode and transmit a second command signal to the actuator to trigger a combination valve second operation mode. The details of the controller 300 may be understood in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0028] In some aspects, the controller 300 may be disposed on a system 100 exterior surface (e.g., a system 100 top surface or front surface). In other aspects, the controller 300 may be disposed in a system 100 interior surface. For example, the controller 300 may be located in proximity to the combination valve 120 and / or the actuator 126.

[0029] The system 100 may further include a plurality of sensors 302 that may communicatively couple with the controller 300. The plurality of sensors 302 may include a leakage sensor 125, temperature sensor(s) 127, flow rate sensor(s) 129, etc. The leakage sensor 125 may be configured to detect water leakage in the water tank 105. The temperature sensor(s) 127 may be configured to detect water temperature (e.g., temperature of water entering the water tank from the cold water conduit 110, water present in the water tank 105, and water flowing out from the outlet water conduit 115). The temperature sensor(s) 127 may include thermocouples, resistor temperature detectors, thermistors, infrared sensors, semiconductors, or any other type of sensor that would be appropriate for a given use or application. The flow sensor(s) 129 may be configured to determine a rate of water flow into the water tank or of water dispensed from the system 100.

[0030] The plurality of sensors may include additional sensors or components. Examples of such additional sensors or components include, but are not limited to, a pressure sensor, a scale, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a power meter, an ohmmeter, a resistance temperature detector, environment condition sensors including ambient air temperature sensor, humidity sensors, and / or the like. These additional sensors or components are not shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity and conciseness.

[0031] The controller 300 may be configured to receive inputs from the plurality of sensors 302 and may control operations of various system 100 components to efficiently heat the water. In some aspects, the controller 300 may trigger the first operation mode and the second operation mode based on inputs from one or more sensors 302. For example, the controller 300 may trigger the second operation mode when the leakage sensor 125 detects leakage in the water tank 105. In addition, the controller 300 may be configured to control the movement of one or more components of the combination valve 120, via the actuator 126, to ensure that the combination valve 120 outputs the water at the desired water temperature.

[0032] FIGS. 2A-2D depict example operation modes of a combination valve 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The combination valve 200 may be same as the combination valve 120. FIGS. 2A-2D depict details of the first operation mode and the second operation mode described in conjunction with FIG. 1. In particular, FIGS. 2A-2C depict a combination valve 200 first operation mode, and FIG. 2D depicts a combination valve 200 second operation mode.

[0033] The combination valve 200 may include a cold port 205 and a hot port 210. The cold port 205 may be connected to the cold water conduit 110 and may be configured to receive cold water therefrom. The hot port 210 may be connected to the hot water conduit 122 and may be configured to receive hot water from the water tank 105. Stated another way, the combination valve 200 may include the cold port 205 and the hot port 210 to receive cold water and hot water, respectively.

[0034] The combination valve 200 may further include an outlet port 215 that may be connected to the outlet water conduit 115 and may be configured to output blended water (mixture of cold and hot water) to the outlet water conduit 115. In addition, the combination valve 200 may include a water tank port 220 that may be configured to connect the cold water supply from the cold port 205 to the water tank 105 via the conduit 124.

[0035] The combination valve 200 may include a plurality of paths that may connect the cold port 205 and the hot port 210 to the outlet port 215 and the water tank port 220. For example, the plurality of paths may include a first path 225, a second path 230, and a third path 235. The first path 225 may be configured to direct water from the cold port 205 to the water tank 105. Stated another way, the water tank 105 may receive the cold water supply from the cold port 205 via the combination valve 120. The water tank 105 may not receive the cold water supply directly from the cold water conduit 110.

[0036] The second path 230 may be configured to direct water from the cold port 205 to a mixing chamber 240 of the combination valve 200, in which the cold water may be blended with hot water. Stated another way, the combination valve 200 may include two paths (the first path 225 and the second path 230) from the cold port 205. One path, e.g., the first path 225, may supply the cold water to the water tank 105, and another path, e.g., the second path 230, may supply the cold water to the mixing chamber 240.

[0037] The third path 235 may be configured to direct the hot water, the cold water, or the blended water to the outside via the outlet port 215. For example, the third path 235 may direct hot water from the water tank 105 to the outlet port 215 via the mixing chamber 240. In further aspects, the third path 235 may direct the cold water from the mixing chamber 240 to the outlet port 215. In additional aspects, the third path 235 may direct the blended water from the mixing chamber 240 to the outlet port 215.

[0038] The combination valve 200 may be an electronic mixing valve and may include additional components including, but not limited to, a piston or a spool 245, a spring (not shown), etc. The spool 245 may be configured to move relative to its nominal position to change a ratio of hot and cold water in the mixing chamber 240, thus changing water temperature in the mixing chamber 240. Specifically, the spool 245 may be configured to open or close the entry of water supply from the cold port 205 and / or the hot port 210 in the mixing chamber 240 to change water temperature.

[0039] In some aspects, the spool 245 may include a first spool land 250a, a second spool land 250b, and a spool core 255. The first spool land 250a and the second spool land 250b may be rigidly connected with the spool core 255, such that the first and second spool lands 250a, 250b may move along with the spool core 255 when the spool core 255 moves. For example, the first and second spool lands 250a may move with the spool core 255 when the spool core 255 moves longitudinally. The first and second spool lands 250a, 250b may act as blocking parts which may be configured to block / unblock the supply of cold / hot water from the cold port 205 and / or the hot port 210. Further, in an exemplary aspect, the first and second spool lands 250a and 250b and the spool core 255 may be cylindrical in shape. Diameters of the first and second spool lands 250a, 250b may be greater than spool core 255 diameter, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.

[0040] When the spool 245 moves along its longitudinal axis, the spool 245 may cause the spool lands 250a and 250b to open or close the supply of water from the cold port 205 and / or the hot port 210. Stated another way, the spool 245 may open or close the ports based on position of the spool 245 (specifically, the position of the spool lands 250a and 250b), thereby closing or sealing certain water flow paths.

[0041] The structure of the spool 245 described above and depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D is exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure scope. For example, in some aspects, the combination valve 200 may have a rotary spool or the like to mix the cold water and the hot water. Any valve configuration capable of blocking certain pathways and opening other using a single valve may be used herein.

[0042] As described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, the controller 300 may actuate the combination valve 200 via the actuator 126. In particular, the controller 300 may control spool 245 movement to control temperature of water in the mixing chamber 240 and thus control temperature of output water from the outlet port 215. The details of the operation may be understood as follows.

[0043] The controller 300 may receive a desired water temperature and a water temperature in the water tank 105. In some aspects, the controller 300 may receive the desired water temperature from a user, via a user interface 320 (which may be disposed on water heating system outer surface or located at a remote location) or a user device. Further, the controller 300 may receive the water temperature in the water tank 105 via temperature sensor(s) 127 located inside the water tank 105. The controller 300 may be configured to compare the desired water temperature and the water temperature in the water tank 105 and may trigger the actuator 126 to control temperature of water that may be dispensed from the outlet port 215. In particular, the controller 300 may transmit a first command signal to the actuator 126 to trigger the combination valve first operation mode based on temperature comparison.

[0044] Responsive to receiving the first command signal, the actuator 126 may activate / trigger the combination valve first operation mode. In the combination valve first operation mode, the actuator 126 may position the spool 245 in either “full hot” position, intermediate position, or “full cold” position based on the desired water temperature and the water temperature in the water tank 105. For example, the controller 300 may position the combination valve 200 in the “full hot” position when the desired water temperature is equivalent to the water temperature in the water tank 105. Further, the controller 300 may position the combination valve 200 in the intermediate position when the desired water temperature is less than the water temperature in the water tank 105. Furthermore, the controller 300 may position the combination valve 200 in the “full cold” position when the desired water temperature may be equivalent to water temperature of cold water supplied via the cold port 205. The details of the positions described herein may be understood as follows.

[0045] FIG. 2A depicts the spool 245 in the “full hot” position, in which the spool land 250b may completely block the second path 230 (i.e., supply of cold water from the cold port 205). In this position, the spool 245 may be positioned such that the first path 225 between the cold port 205 and the water tank port 220 may be open, and the second path 230 between the cold port 205 and the mixing chamber 240 may be completely closed, as shown in FIG. 2A. Stated another way, in the “full hot” position, the cold water may flow from the cold port 205 to the water tank 105, but the cold water may not flow into the mixing chamber 240.

[0046] Additionally, in the “full hot” position, the third path 235 may allow hot water from the hot port 210 to flow into the outlet port 215. Thus, in this mode, the hot water may flow from the hot port 210 to the outlet port 215 via the mixing chamber 240, without any restriction. Stated another way, in this mode, the combination valve 200 may output the hot water from the water tank 105.

[0047] FIG. 2B depicts the spool 245 in the intermediate position, in which the spool land 250a may partially block the supply of hot water from the hot port 210, and the spool land 250b may partially block the second path 230 (i.e., supply of cold water from the cold port 205). In this position, the spool 245 may be positioned such that the first path 225 between the cold port 205 and the water tank port 220 may be open, and the second path 230 between the cold port 205 and the mixing chamber 240 may be partially open, as shown in FIG. 2B. Stated another way, in the intermediate position, the water may flow from the cold port 205 to the water tank 105 and restricted flow of cold water into the mixing chamber 240 may be enabled.

[0048] Additionally, in the intermediate position, the path between the hot port 210 and the mixing chamber 240 may be partially open. Thus, in this mode, the hot water may flow from the hot port 210 to the mixing chamber 240 with some restriction, and the cold water too may flow into the mixing chamber 240 with some restriction. The hot and the cold water may blend in the mixing chamber 240, and the blended water may be output from the outlet port 215, via the third path 235. The actual position of the spool 245 may be based on a difference between the desired water temperature and the water temperature in the water tank 105 so as to provide different ratios of mixing.

[0049] FIG. 2C depicts the spool 245 in the “full cold” position, in which the spool land 250a may completely block the supply of hot water from the hot port 210. In this position, the spool 245 may be positioned such that the first path 225 between the cold port 205 and the water tank port 220 may be open, and the second path 230 between the cold port 205 and the mixing chamber 240 too may be completely open, as shown in FIG. 2C. Stated another way, in the “full cold” position, the cold water may flow from the cold port 205 to the water tank 105, as well as to the outlet port 215 via the mixing chamber 240.

[0050] Additionally, in the “full cold” position, the path between the hot port 210 and the mixing chamber 240 may be completely closed. Thus, in this mode, the hot water may not flow from the hot port 210 to the outlet port 215. Stated another way, in this mode, the combination valve 200 may output only the cold water via the third path 235.

[0051] In some aspects, FIGS. 2A-2C depict the combination valve 200 in the combination valve first operation mode, i.e., “mixing valve” mode (mode in which the combination valve 200 acts as the mixing valve to mix or blend cold and hot water). FIG. 2D depicts the combination valve 200 in the combination valve second operation mode, i.e., “shut-off valve” mode (mode in which the combination valve 200 acts as the shut-off valve, in which the spool 245 closes both the cold port 205 and the 210 hot port). As described above, the combination valve 200 may act as the shut-off valve when a predetermined condition is met.

[0052] The controller 300 may receive inputs from the leakage sensor 125 and may actuate the combination valve second operation mode based on the received input. Specifically, the controller 300 may determine that there may be a leakage in the water tank 105 based on the inputs received from the leakage sensor 125. Responsive to a determination that there may be a leakage, the controller 300 may transmit a second command signal to the actuator 126 to activate the combination valve second operation mode.

[0053] In the combination valve second operation mode, the controller 300 may position the spool 245 such that the spool 245 may close both the cold port 205 and the hot port 210. In particular, the spool 245 may stop water flow from the cold port 205 to the water tank 105 and the mixing chamber 240 in the combination valve second operation mode. Similarly, the controller 300 may stop water flow from the hot port 210 to the mixing chamber 240 in the combination valve second operation mode. Thus, when the controller 300 determines a leakage in the water tank 105, the controller 300 may shut water flow into and from the system 100.

[0054] In additional aspects, the controller 300 may activate a combination valve cleaning mode (not shown). In particular, the controller 300 may transmit a third command signal to the actuator 126 to trigger the combination valve cleaning mode. In some aspects, the controller 300 may trigger the cleaning mode at a predetermined frequency, e.g., once every week. In the combination valve cleaning mode, the controller 300 may cause the actuator to move the spool 245 longitudinally back and forth between a fully open and fully closed position at a predefined rate, so that the combination valve 200 may perform self-cleaning operation. In some instances, the combination valve cleaning mode may implemented based on a predefined frequency, on command from a user (e.g., via a user device), on an external command received from the controller, or as commanded by the controller based on a usage profile of the water tank and / or a perceived condition of the water tank or of the water within the water tank.

[0055] In some instances, the combination valve 200 may include one or more backflow prevention check valves. The backflow prevention check valves may be located at or upstream of the cold port 205 and / or the hot port 210. The backflow prevention check valves may be located along any of the pathways (e.g., the first path 225, the second path 230, and / or the third path 235).

[0056] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the controller 300 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The controller 300 may be same as the controller described in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2A-2D. The controller 300 may include a plurality of components including, but not limited to, a memory 305, a processor 310 and a communication interface 315. The controller 300 may be a computing device configured to receive data, determine actions based on the received data and output a control signal instructing one or more water heating system 100 components to perform one or more actions. As described above, the controller 300 may be a part of the water heating system 100, and the controller 300 may be in communication with at least some of the water heating system 100 components.

[0057] In some aspects, the controller 300 may be configured to send and receive wireless or wired signals, and the signals may be analog or digital signals. The wireless signals may include Bluetooth™, BLE, WiFi™, ZigBee™, infrared, microwave radio, or any other type of wireless communication signals as may be suitable for a particular water heating system 100 application. The hard-wired signals can include communication signals between any directly wired connections between the controller 300 and other water heating system 100 components. For example, the controller 300 can have a hard-wired 24 Volts Direct Current (VDC) connection to the plurality of sensors described above in conjunction with FIG. 1.

[0058] Alternatively, the controller 300 may communicate with the plurality of sensors (described in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2A-2D) via a digital connection. The digital connection can include a connection such as an Ethernet or a serial connection and can utilize any suitable communication protocol for the water heating system 100 application, such as Modbus, fieldbus, PROFIBUS, Safety Bus, Ethernet / IP, and / or the like. Furthermore, the controller 300 can utilize a combination of wireless, hard-wired, and analog or digital communication signals to communicate with and control the various water heating system 100 components. The above configurations are given merely as non-limiting examples and the actual configuration can vary depending on the particular water heating system 100 application.

[0059] The memory 305 may be configured to store a program and / or instructions associated with the functions and methods described herein. The processor 310 may be configured to execute the program and / or instructions stored in the memory 305. The memory 305 can include one or more suitable types of memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash memory, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), and the like) for storing files including the operating system, application programs (including, for example, a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine, and or other applications, as necessary), executable instructions and data. One, some, or all of the processing techniques or methods described herein can be implemented as a combination of executable instructions and data within the memory 305.

[0060] The communication interface 315 may be configured to send or receive communication signals between the various water heating system 100 components. Communication interface 315 can include hardware, firmware, and / or software that allows the processor 310 to communicate with the other components via wired or wireless networks, whether local or wide area, private or public, as known in the art. Communication interface 315 can also provide access to a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network, or another wide-area network as suitable for the particular water heating system 100 application.

[0061] Additionally, the controller 300 may have or be in communication with a user interface 320 (which may be, e.g., a water heating system 100 Human Machine Interface (HMI)) for displaying water heating system 100 information and receiving inputs from the user. In some instances, the user interface 320 may be installed locally on the water heating system 100 (e.g., on a water heating system 100 outer surface). The user, for example, can view water heating system 100 data on the user interface 320 and input data or commands to the controller 300 via the user interface 320. For example, the user can view water heating system 100 temperature settings (or any other setting) on the user interface 320 and provide inputs to the controller 300 via the user interface 320 to change the settings. For example, the user may provide information associated with the desired water temperature of heated water, water usage / demand, desired time to heat the water, etc.

[0062] In some aspects, the controller 300 may be configured to control the operation of the combination valve 120 to act as the mixing valve and the shut-off valve, as described above. The controller 300 may obtain inputs from the plurality of sensors and may trigger the spool 245 movement to control operation modes associated with the combination valve 120. The details of controller 300 operation are already described in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2A-2D.

[0063] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 400 to control the water heating system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 4 may be described with continued reference to prior figures, including FIGS. 1-3. The following process is exemplary and not confined to the steps described hereafter. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or less steps that are shown or described herein and may include these steps in a different order than the order described in the following example embodiments.

[0064] The method 400 may start at step 402. At step 404, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the controller 300, a first input associated with a desired water temperature and a water temperature in the water tank 105. In particular, the controller 300 may obtain the desired water temperature from the user interface 320 (or the user device). In addition, the controller 300 may obtain the water temperature in the water tank 105 from temperature sensor(s) 127 that may be disposed inside the water tank 105.

[0065] At step 406, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the controller 300, a second input associated with water tank leakage information. The water tank leakage information may include information associated with leakage of water in the water tank 105. In particular, the controller 300 may obtain the second input from the leakage sensor 125 disposed inside the water tank 105.

[0066] At step 408, the method 400 may include determining, by the controller 300, whether to activate the combination valve first operation mode or the combination valve second operation mode based on the first input and the second input. For example, the controller 300 may activate the combination valve second operation mode (in which the combination valve 200 may act as a shut-off valve) when the second input indicates leakage in the water tank 105. On the other hand, the controller 300 may activate the combination valve first operation mode (in which the combination valve 200 acts as a mixing-valve and may mix cold and hot water to output water at the desired water temperature), when the second input does not indicate leakage in the water tank 105.

[0067] In the combination valve first operation mode, the controller 300 may obtain the desired water temperature and the water temperature in the water tank 105 and may compare the desired water temperature with the water temperature in the water tank 105. Responsive to the comparison, the controller 300 may determine spool 245 position / movement to output water at the desired water temperature, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2D.

[0068] At step 410, the method 400 may include outputting, by the controller 300, a control signal based on the determination at the step 408. In particular, the controller 300 may transmit a first command to the actuator to activate the combination valve first operation mode and may transmit a second command signal to the actuator to activate the combination valve second operation mode.

[0069] The method 400 may end at step 412.

[0070] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0071] It should also be understood that the word “example” as used herein is intended to be non-exclusionary and non-limiting in nature. More particularly, the word “example” as used herein indicates one among several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is being directed to the particular example being described.

[0072] With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.

[0073] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and variation.

[0074] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,”“the,”“said,” etc., should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,”“might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. A water heating system comprising:a water tank;a cold water conduit configured to receive a supply of cold water;a hot water conduit configured to receive hot water from the water tank;an output water conduit configured to output water at a desired water temperature; anda combination valve in fluid communication with the cold water conduit, the hot water conduit and the output water conduit, wherein the combination valve is configured to:blend the cold water from the cold water conduit and the hot water from the hot water conduit and output blended water to the output water conduit at the desired water temperature; orstop a water flow from the cold water conduit and from the hot water conduit when a predetermined condition is met.

2. The water heating system of claim 1, wherein the water tank is configured to receive the cold water via the combination valve.

3. The water heating system of claim 1 further comprising an actuator configured to actuate the combination valve in a first operation mode or a second operation mode, wherein the combination valve is configured to blend the cold water and the hot water in the first operation mode and stop the water flow in the second operation mode.

4. The water heating system of claim 3 further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a first command signal to the actuator to trigger the first operation mode, and wherein the controller is configured to transmit a second command signal to the actuator to trigger the second operation mode.

5. The water heating system of claim 4 further comprising a leak sensor configured to detect leakage in the water tank.

6. The water heating system of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to:receive inputs from the leak sensor;determine that the predetermined condition is met when the leak sensor detects the leakage; andtransmit the second command signal to the actuator when the predetermined condition is met.

7. The water heating system of claim 4, wherein the controller is further configured to transmit a third command signal to the actuator to activate a combination valve cleaning mode.

8. The water heating system of claim 7, wherein the controller transmits the third command signal at a predefined frequency.

9. The water heating system of claim 1, wherein the cold water conduit and the output water conduit are disposed at a water heating system top end.

10. The water heating system of claim 1, wherein the combination valve is disposed in a water heating system interior portion.

11. A water heating system comprising:a water tank;a cold water conduit configured to receive a supply of cold water;a hot water conduit configured to receive hot water from the water tank;an output water conduit configured to output water at a desired water temperature;a combination valve in fluid communication with the cold water conduit, the hot water conduit and the output water conduit, wherein the combination valve is configured to:blend the cold water from the cold water conduit and the hot water from the hot water conduit and output blended water to the output water conduit at the desired water temperature; orstop a water flow from the cold water conduit and from the hot water conduit when a predetermined condition is met; anda controller configured to operate the combination valve in a first operation mode and a second operation mode.

12. The water heating system of claim 11, wherein the combination valve is configured to blend the cold water and the hot water in the first operation mode or stop the water flow in the second operation mode.

13. The water heating system of claim 12 further comprising an actuator communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the combination valve in at least one of the first operation mode or the second operation mode.

14. The water heating system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a first command signal to the actuator to trigger the first operation mode, and wherein the controller is configured to transmit a second command signal to the actuator to trigger the second operation mode.

15. The water heating system of claim 14, wherein the water tank is configured to receive the cold water via the combination valve.

16. The water heating system of claim 15, wherein the combination valve is disposed in a water heating system interior portion.

17. A water heating method comprising:obtaining, by a controller, a first input associated with a desired water temperature and a water temperature in a water tank;obtaining, by the controller, a second input associated with water tank leakage information; andoutputting, by the controller, a control signal to an actuator to activate a combination valve based on the first input and the second input, wherein activating the combination valve comprises activating a first operation mode or a second operation mode, and wherein the combination valve is configured to:blend cold water from a cold water conduit and hot water from a hot water conduit and output blended water to an output water conduit at the desired water temperature in the first operation mode, orstop a water flow from the cold water conduit and from the hot water conduit in the second operation mode.

18. The water heating method of claim 17, wherein activating the combination valve in the second operation mode comprises:determining a leakage in the water tank based on the water tank leakage information; andstopping the water flow based on a leakage determination.

19. The water heating method of claim 17 further comprising activating a third operation mode to activate a combination valve cleaning mode.

20. The water heating method of claim 19 further comprising activating the third operation mode at a predefined frequency, on command from a user, on an external command received from the controller, or as commanded by the controller based on a usage profile of the water tank, a perceived condition of the water tank, or the water within the water tank.

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