Water heater appliance and a reserve tank mode thereof

Abstract

A water heater appliance may include a controller being configured for determining a reserve tank mode is activated, providing a first flow of heated water through an outlet conduit, determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below a depletion threshold, providing a flow of cold water through the outlet conduit in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold, receiving an authorization signal from a privileged user account, and providing a privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit in response to receiving the authorization signal.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a water heater appliance, and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling a water heater appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Water heater storage tanks are used for storing and supplying hot water to residential and commercial properties. A typical residential water heater holds about fifty gallons (190 liters) of water inside a steel reservoir tank. A thermistor is used to control the temperature of the water inside the tank. Many water heaters permit a consumer to set the thermistor to a temperature between 90 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (32 to 65 degrees Celsius (C)). To prevent scalding and to save energy, consumers may set the thermistor to heat the reservoir water to a temperature below 125 degrees F (about 52 degrees C).

[0003] Mixing valves in water heater appliances are generally used to increase the hot water capacity of hot water tanks of the water heater appliances. By increasing the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank, and then mixing the hot water flow from the hot water tank with cold water in a mixing valve, the realized capacity of the hot water tank is increased. However, even with an increased realized capacity of hot water, hot water may still be depleted before certain users in a home can access it.

[0004] Accordingly, systems and methods for controlling a water heater appliance that obviate one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a water heater appliance is provided. The water heater appliance may include a casing. The water heater appliance may include a tank disposed within the casing. The tank may define an interior volume for heating water therein. The water heater appliance may include an inlet conduit in upstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank. The water heater appliance may include an outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank. The water heater appliance may include a controller being configured for: determining a reserve tank mode is activated, providing a first flow of heated water through the outlet conduit, determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below a depletion threshold, providing a flow of cold water through the outlet conduit in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold, receiving an authorization signal from a privileged user account, and providing a privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit in response to receiving the authorization signal.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a water heater appliance is provided. The water heater appliance may include a casing. The water heater appliance may include a tank disposed within the casing. The tank may define an interior volume for heating water therein. The water heater appliance may include an inlet conduit in upstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank. The water heater appliance may include an outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank. The method may include determining a reserve tank mode is activated. The method may include providing a first flow of heated water through the outlet conduit. The method may include determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below a depletion threshold. The method may include providing a flow of cold water through the outlet conduit in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold. The method may include receiving an authorization signal from a privileged user account. The method may include providing a privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit in response to receiving the authorization signal.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a water heater appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of certain components of the exemplary water heater according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a water heater appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0013] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

[0017] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, reference to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0018] Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,”“a processor,”“a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

[0019] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a water heater appliance. Specifically, the water heater appliance includes a reserve tank mode for “reserving” or holding a predetermined amount of heated water within a tank of the water heater appliance for a privileged user to selectively authorize access to.

[0020] The water heater appliance may include a mixing valve for increasing a hot water capacity of the water heater appliance. For example, water held within the water heater appliance may be heated to a setpoint temperature that is greater than an output temperature (e.g., a temperature of water to be provided from the water heater appliance, such as to a user). The mixing valve may be in fluid communication with a inlet conduit and a outlet conduit, for instance, to selectively mix cold water from the inlet conduit with hot water from the outlet conduit. Thus, increasing the realized capacity of hot water within the tank.

[0021] Despite the increased realized capacity of hot water, hot water stored within the tank can still be completely exhausted before a user has a chance to utilize the hot water. For example, in a household with multiple users (e.g., children, guests, adults, etc.) hot water stored within the tank of the water heater appliance can be completely exhausted before certain users have a chance to utilize the hot water. Therefore, there is a need for a water heater appliance that provides improved data handling and processing such that certain users can reserve and selectively authorize access to heated water from the tank and if desired.

[0022] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a water heater appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of certain components of water heater appliance 100. As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, water heater appliance 100 includes a casing 102 and a tank 112 disposed within the casing 102. For example, the tank 112 may be mounted within casing 102. Tank 112 defines an interior volume 114 for heating water therein.

[0023] Water heater appliance 100 also includes an inlet conduit 104 and an outlet conduit 106 that are both in fluid communication with tank 112 within casing 102. As an example, cold water from a water source, such as a municipal water supply or a well, may enter water heater appliance 100 through the inlet conduit 104 (e.g., at an inlet 105 extending through an upper portion of tank 112). From inlet conduit 104, such cold water enters interior volume 114 of tank 112 wherein the water is heated to generate heated water. Such heated water exits water heater appliance 100 at outlet conduit 106 (e.g., supplied through an outlet 107 at an upper portion of tank 112) and, for example, is supplied to a bath, shower, sink, or any other suitable feature.

[0024] As shown, interior volume 114 of tank 112 extends between a top portion 108 and a bottom portion 109 along a vertical direction V. Thus, water heater appliance 100 is generally vertically oriented. Water heater appliance 100 can be leveled (e.g., such that casing 102 is plumb in the vertical direction V) in order to facilitate proper operation of water heater appliance 100.

[0025] In certain embodiments, water heater appliance 100 includes a control panel 103 having one or more user inputs (e.g., attached to casing 102 proximal to top portion 108). Control panel 103 may be in communication with a controller 150 (e.g., described in more detail below). Control panel 103 may thus receive power as directed by controller 150. Additionally or alternatively, a user of water heater appliance 100 may interact with the user inputs of control panel 103 to operate the water heater appliance 100, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs and controller 150 to facilitate operation of the water heater appliance 100 based on such user commands. A display may additionally be provided in the control panel 103 in communication with the controller 150. The display may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for water heater appliance 100.

[0026] In some embodiments, a drain pan 110 is positioned at bottom portion 109 of water heater appliance 100 such that water heater appliance 100 sits on drain pan 110. Drain pan 110 may sit beneath water heater appliance 100 along the vertical direction V (e.g., to collect water that leaks from water heater appliance 100 or water that condenses on an evaporator 128 of water heater appliance 100). It should be understood that water heater appliance 100 is provided by way of example only and that the present subject matter may be used with any suitable water heater appliance.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 2, exemplary embodiments of water heater appliance 100 include a heating system 115, such as one or more of an upper heating element 118, a lower heating element 119, or a sealed system 120 in thermal communication with the tank 112. During operation of water heater appliance 100, one or all of upper heating element 118, lower heating element 119, or sealed system 120 may thus be selectively activated to heat water within interior volume 114 of tank 112.

[0028] As shown, the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 2 include upper heating element 118, lower heating element 119, or sealed system 120. Thus, the exemplary water heater appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a “heat pump water heater appliance.” Upper and lower heating elements 118 and 119 can be any suitable heating elements. For example, upper heating element 118 or lower heating element 119 may be electric heating elements, such as an electric resistance element, a microwave element, an induction element, or any other suitable heating element (including combinations thereof). Lower heating element 119 may also include or be provided as a gas burner. Moreover, it is understood that illustrated heat pump water heater appliance embodiments is merely a non-limiting example, and other water heater appliance configurations may be provided within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., embodiments including a different heating system having more heating elements, fewer heating elements, or no sealed system).

[0029] Sealed system 120 includes a compressor 122, a condenser 124, a throttling device 126, and an evaporator 128. Condenser 124 is thermally coupled or assembled in a heat exchange relationship with tank 112 in order to heat water within interior volume 114 of tank 112 during operation of sealed system 120. In particular, condenser 124 may be a conduit coiled around and mounted to tank 112. During operation of sealed system 120, refrigerant exits evaporator 128 as a fluid in the form of a superheated vapor or high quality vapor mixture. Upon exiting evaporator 128, the refrigerant enters compressor 122 wherein the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are increased such that the refrigerant becomes a superheated vapor. The superheated vapor from compressor 122 enters condenser 124 wherein it transfers energy to the water within tank 112 and condenses into a saturated liquid or high quality liquid vapor mixture. This high quality / saturated liquid vapor mixture exits condenser 124 and travels through throttling device 126, which is configured for regulating a flow rate of refrigerant therethrough. Upon exiting throttling device 126, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant drop at which time the refrigerant enters evaporator 128 and the cycle repeats itself. In certain exemplary embodiments, throttling device 126 may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

[0030] A fan or air handler may assist with heat transfer between air about water heater appliance 100 (e.g., within casing 102) and refrigerant within evaporator 128. Air handler may be positioned within casing 102 on or adjacent evaporator 128. Thus, when activated, air handler may direct a flow of air towards or across evaporator, and the flow of air from air handler may assist with heating refrigerant within evaporator 128. It is understood that air handler may be any suitable type of air handler, such as an axial or centrifugal fan.

[0031] As shown, water heater appliance 100 includes one or more tank temperature sensors, such as a first temperature sensor 130 (e.g., lower temperature sensor) and a second temperature sensor 132 (e.g., upper temperature sensor). Generally, tank temperature sensors 130, 132 are configured for measuring a temperature of water within interior volume 114 of tank 112 and can be any suitable temperature sensing device (e.g., in operative communication with the controller 150). For example, one or more tank temperature sensors 130, 132 may be provided as a thermocouple, thermistor, or electromechanical temperature-dependent switch (e.g., bimetal switch).

[0032] Tank temperature sensors 130, 132 may be positioned at any suitable location within or on water heater appliance 100. For instance, one or more tank temperature sensors 130, 132 may be positioned within interior volume 114 of tank 112 or may be mounted to tank 112 outside of interior volume 114 of tank 112. When mounted to tank 112 outside of interior volume 114 of tank 112, a tank temperature sensor (e.g., first temperature sensor 130 or second temperature sensor 132) can be configured for indirectly measuring the temperature of water within interior volume 114 of tank 112. For example, tank temperature sensors 130, 132 can measure the temperature of tank 112 and correlate the temperature of tank 112 to the temperature of water within interior volume 114 of tank 112. Additionally or alternatively, one or more tank temperature sensor 130 or 132 may also be positioned at or adjacent top portion 108 of water heater appliance 100 (e.g., at or adjacent an inlet of outlet conduit 106).

[0033] In certain embodiments, first temperature sensor 130 is attached to tank 112 at a location below second temperature sensor 132. For instance, first temperature sensor 130 may be mounted above lower heating element 119, but below upper heating element 118. Additionally or alternatively, second temperature sensor 132 may be mounted above upper heating element 118. One or both of temperature sensors 130, 132 may be mounted above a midpoint of tank 112 (e.g., at upper half of tank 112).

[0034] The water heater appliance 100 may include a mixing valve 134 and a mixed water outlet conduit 136. Mixing valve 134 may be in downstream fluid communication with inlet conduit 104 via a bypass conduit 138 and the tank 112 via the outlet conduit 106. The mixing valve 134 may be in upstream fluid communication with the mixed water outlet conduit 136. As discussed in greater detail below, mixing valve 134 may be configured for selectively directing water from inlet conduit 104 and outlet conduit 106 into mixed water outlet conduit 136 in order to regulate a temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136.

[0035] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a water heater appliance 100 without the mixing valve 134 or the mixed water outlet conduit 136. In such embodiments, the inlet conduit 104 may be connected directly to the tank 112 and only to the tank 112, e.g., not connected to the outlet conduit 106 other than through the interior volume 114 of the tank 112, and the outlet conduit 106 may also be connected only to the tank 112, e.g., not connected to the inlet conduit 104 other than through the interior volume 114 of the tank 112. In such embodiments, it is to be understood that the inlet conduit 104 is still connected to a water supply, and the outlet conduit 106 is still connected to downstream use points or fixtures, e.g., dishwasher appliance, laundry appliance, sink, bathtub, etc., such that the foregoing description of the conduits being “only” connected to the tank in some embodiments is limited to the particular context of which components of the water heater appliance 100 are connected to each other.

[0036] Referring again to the particular example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, in embodiments where the mixing valve 134 is provided, the mixing valve 134 may selectively adjust between a first position and a second position. In the first position, mixing valve 134 may permit a first flow rate of relatively cool water from inlet conduit 104 (shown schematically with arrow labeled Fcool in FIG. 2) into mixed water outlet conduit 136 and mixing valve 134 may also permit a first flow rate of relatively hot water from outlet conduit 106 (shown schematically with arrow labeled Fheated in FIG. 2) into mixed water outlet conduit 136. In such a manner, water within mixed water outlet conduit 136 (shown schematically with arrow labeled Fmixed in FIG. 2) may have a first particular temperature when mixing valve 134 is in the first position. Similarly, mixing valve 134 may permit a second flow rate of relatively cool water from inlet conduit 104 into mixed water outlet conduit 136 and mixing valve 134 may also permit a second flow rate of relatively hot water from outlet conduit 106 into mixed water outlet conduit 136 in the second position. The first and second flow rates of the relatively cool water and relatively hot water are different such that water within mixed water outlet conduit 136 may have a second particular temperature that is different from the first particular temperature when mixing valve 134 is in the second position. In such a manner, mixing valve 134 may regulate the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136 and adjust the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136 between the first and second particular temperatures.

[0037] It should be understood that, in certain exemplary embodiments, mixing valve 134 is adjustable between more positions than the first and second positions. In particular, mixing valve 134 may be adjustable between any suitable number of positions in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, mixing valve 134 may be infinitely adjustable between and including a full cold position and a full hot position, in order to permit fine-tuning of the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136.

[0038] The water heater appliance 100 may also include a position sensor 140. The position sensor 140 may be configured for determining a position of mixing valve 134. The position sensor 140 may monitor the position of the mixing valve 134 in order to assist with regulating the temperature of water within the mixed water outlet conduit 136. For example, the position sensor 140 may determine when the mixing valve 134 is in the first position or the second position in order to ensure that the mixing valve 134 is properly or suitably positioned depending upon the temperature of water within the mixed water outlet conduit 136 desired or selected. Thus, the position sensor 140 may provide feedback regarding the status or position of mixing valve 134.

[0039] It should be understood that in alternative exemplary embodiments, water heater appliance 100 need not include mixed water outlet conduit 136. In such exemplary embodiments, mixing valve 134 may direct water into outlet conduit 106 in order to regulate a temperature of water within outlet conduit 106. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may also include a water heater appliance without a mixing valve or a mixed water outlet conduit, e.g., where the inlet conduit 104 and the outlet conduit 106 are each connected to the other only through the tank 112, as noted above.

[0040] The water heater appliance 100 may also include a mixed water outlet conduit temperature sensor 142 and a inlet conduit temperature sensor 144. The mixed water outlet conduit temperature sensor 142 may be positioned on or proximate to the mixed water outlet conduit 136 and may be configured for measuring a temperature of water within the mixed water outlet conduit 136. The mixed water outlet conduit temperature sensor 142 may also be positioned downstream of mixing valve 134. The inlet conduit temperature sensor 144 may be positioned on or proximate to the inlet conduit 104 and may be configured for measuring a temperature of water within the inlet conduit 104. The inlet conduit temperature sensor 144 may be positioned upstream of the mixing valve 134. In additional or alternative embodiments, the mixed water outlet conduit temperature sensor 142 or the inlet conduit temperature sensor 144 may be positioned proximate to or adjacent to mixing valve 134.

[0041] The water heater appliance 100 may further include a controller 150 that may be configured for regulating operation of water heater appliance 100. The controller 150 may be in operative communication with the heating system 115 or components thereof, the mixing valve 134, the position sensor 140, the mixed water outlet conduit temperature sensor 142, or the inlet conduit temperature senor 144. Thus, controller 150 may selectively activate the heating system 115 in order to heat water within interior volume 114 of tank 112. Similarly, the controller 150 may selectively operate mixing valve 134 in order to adjust a position of mixing valve 134 and regulate a temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136.

[0042] The controller 150 may include memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of water heater appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, the controller 150 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

[0043] The controller 150 may be programmed to operate the water heater appliance 100 by executing instructions stored in memory. For example, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations. The controller 150 may include one or more processor(s) and associated memory device(s) configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions or instructions (e.g. performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like and storing relevant data as disclosed herein). It should be noted that the controller 150 as disclosed herein may be capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein.

[0044] The controller 150 may include or may be coupled to the control panel 103 (e.g., FIG. 1). The control panel 103 may include any suitable control or display that will allow a user to program, set, and adjust the functions and settings of the water heater appliance 100, as are generally described herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the control panel 103 may include a display interface, such as a touch screen display. In some exemplary embodiments, the control panel 103 may also or instead include mechanical buttons or switches for manipulating and programming the settings of the water heater appliance 100, including, for example, the setpoint temperature. In some embodiments, the control panel 103 may be located remotely from the water heater appliance 100, and may be accessible through a computing device (e.g., remote serve 176 described in more detail below) that is remote from the water heater appliance 100 or through a web-based interface (e.g., operated on an external device, such as the external device 172 described in more detail below). In additional or alternative embodiments, the controller 150 may be positioned away from water heater appliance 100 and communicate with water heater appliance 100 over a wireless connection or any other suitable connection, such as a wired connection.

[0045] The controller 150 may operate heating system 115 to heat water within interior volume 114 of tank 112. As an example, a user may select or establish a setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112, e.g., via the control panel 103, or the setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112 may be a default value. Based upon the setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112, the controller 150 may selectively activate heating system 115, and more particularly, the upper heating element 118 or the lower heating element 119, in order to heat water within interior volume 114 of tank 112 to the setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112. The setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112 may be any suitable temperature. For example, the setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112 may be between about one hundred forty-degrees Fahrenheit (140° F.) and about one hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit (180° F.).

[0046] The controller 150 may also operate mixing valve 134 to regulate the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136. For example, the controller 150 may adjust the position of mixing valve 134 in order to regulate the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136. As an example, a user may select or establish an output temperature of mixing valve 134, or the output temperature of mixing valve 134 may be a default value. Based upon the output temperature of mixing valve 134, the controller 150 may adjust the position of mixing valve 134 in order to change or tweak a ratio of relatively cool water flowing into mixed water outlet conduit 136 from inlet conduit 104 and relatively hot water flowing into mixed water outlet conduit 136 from outlet conduit 106. In such a manner, controller 150 may regulate the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136.

[0047] The output temperature of mixing valve 134 may be any suitable temperature. In particular, the output temperature of mixing valve 134 may be selected such that the output temperature of mixing valve 134 is less than the setpoint temperature for water within interior volume 114 of tank 112. For example, the output temperature of mixing valve 134 may be between about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100° F.) and about one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit (120° F.). In such a manner, mixing valve 134 may utilize water from inlet conduit 104 and outlet conduit 106 to regulate the temperature of water within mixed water outlet conduit 136.

[0048] Referring now back to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 170 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 170 may be configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between water heater appliance 100 and one or more external devices. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of water heater appliance 100. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication system 170 may be used to transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices or appliances or improve user interaction with such devices.

[0049] For example, external communication system 170 may permit controller 150 of water heater appliance 100 to communicate with a separate device external to water heater appliance 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 172. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 174. In general, external device 172 may be any suitable device separate from water heater appliance 100 that is configured to provide or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 172 may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

[0050] In addition, a remote server 176 may be in communication with water heater appliance 100 or external device 172 through network 174. In this regard, for example, remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server 176, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 172 may communicate with a remote server 176 over network 174, such as the Internet, to transmit / receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control water heater appliance 100, etc. In addition, external device 172 and remote server 176 may communicate with water heater appliance 100 to communicate similar information.

[0051] In general, communication between water heater appliance 100, external device 172, remote server 176, or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device 172 may be in direct or indirect communication with water heater appliance 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 174. For example, network 174 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short-or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP / IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

[0052] External communication system 170 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 170 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 200 for operating a water heater appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method 200 can be used to operate any suitable water heater appliance. For example, method 200 may be utilized to operate water heater appliance 100, such as a water heater appliance with or without a mixing valve, or a water heater appliance with various heating elements, such as resistance rod heating elements as illustrated in FIG. 2, or a heat pump, a gas burner, or other suitable heating element, including combinations of two or more different types of heating elements. Controller 150 of water heater appliance 100 may be programmed to implement method 200.

[0054] FIG. 3 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purpose of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods disclosed herein can be modified, adapted, rearranged, omitted, or expanded in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure (except as otherwise described).

[0055] Advantageously, methods in accordance with the present disclosure provide a feature for reserving a predetermined amount (e.g., a predetermined volume) of heated water, for example, for a privileged user to utilize when an amount of heated water falls below a depletion threshold. Such methods may provide system-efficient data handling and process (e.g., at the controller of the water heater appliance to reserve a predetermined amount of heated water).

[0056] At 210, the method 200 includes determining a reserve tank mode is activated. Activation of the reserve tank mode may indicate that the water heater appliance may “reserve” or hold a predetermined amount of heated water in abeyance for a privileged user of the water heater appliance. A privileged user of the water heater appliance may be any suitable user of the water heater appliance that has been granted elevated or increased privileges for the water heater appliance. For example, the privileged user may be an owner of a water heater appliance, a parent of the household that the water heater appliance is provided in, a guest of the household that the water heater appliance is provided in, or any other suitable user that may have been granted elevated or increased privileges for the water heater appliance.

[0057] In some embodiments, determining the reserve tank mode is activated includes receiving a reserve tank signal from a user account (e.g., a privileged user account, such as an owner account). The reserve tank signal received from the user account may include data or information indicating a depletion threshold for the reserve tank mode of the water heater appliance. In some embodiments, an external device configured with the user account (e.g., the privileged user account) transmits the reserve tank signal to the water heater appliance in response to user manipulation of the external device. For example, the reserve tank signal provided from the external device may be based on communications, information, data, or commands corresponding to activation of the reserve tank mode from a user. In this regard, the external device may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or external device. The external device may include or be able to access a software application (e.g., an “app”) for interacting with the water heater appliance (e.g., via a network). For instance, the external device may be provided or associated with a particular user profile (e.g., a privileged user account, such as an owner account) to interact with and control operation of the water heater appliance.

[0058] In some embodiments, the reserve signal includes data or information indicative of the depletion threshold (e.g., the predetermined amount of heated water that may be reserved within the tank while the heated water reserve tank mode is activated). In some embodiments, the depletion threshold may include or be provided as a discrete value, such as a discrete volumetric value, that corresponds to the predetermined amount of heated water that may be reserved within the tank while the heated reserve tank mode is activated. For example, the depletion threshold may include or correspond to any suitable discrete volume of heated water that is less than the total capacity of the tank, such as five gallons of heated water, ten gallons of heated water, or any other suitable amount of heated water that may be less than the total volume of heated water capable of being held within the tank. In some other embodiments, the depletion threshold may include or be provided as any suitable percentage or percentage range the total heated water capacity of the tank, such as fifty percent of the total heated water capacity of the tank, twenty-five percent of the total heated water capacity of the tank, fifteen percent of the total heated water capacity of the tank, or the like.

[0059] Moreover, receiving the reserve tank signal may include implementing the reserve tank mode in response to receiving the reserve tank signal. The reserve tank mode may be a preprogrammed or preloaded mode of the water heater appliance that is initially deactivated, for instance, at start-up or boot up of the water heater appliance. In this regard, implementing the reserve tank mode includes loading the reserve tank mode according to the reserve tank signal. In some embodiments, implementing the reserve tank mode includes setting the depletion threshold. The depletion threshold may be received within the reserve tank signal or may be a default threshold that is prestored or preloaded a memory of the water heater appliance. The depletion threshold may include or correspond to a predetermined amount of heated water held within the tank that may be “reserved” or held in abeyance, for instance, for the privileged user to selectively authorize access to. In other words, the predetermined amount of heated water held within the tank may not be used (e.g., provided through the mixing valve) until authorization, for instance, from the privileged user, is received.

[0060] At 220, the method 200 includes providing a flow of heated water through an outlet conduit of the water heater appliance. In some embodiments, providing the flow of heated water through the outlet conduit of the water heater appliance includes directing a mixing valve to provide the flow of heated water through a mixed water outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the mixing valve. As mentioned above, the mixing valve may be configured for selectively directing water from a water supply and an interior volume of the tank into the mixed water outlet conduit. In particular, the mixing valve may be configured for selectively directing water from an inlet conduit (e.g., in upstream fluid communication with the mixing valve) and selectively directing water from an outlet conduit (e.g., in upstream fluid communication with the mixing valve) in order to regulate an output temperature of water flowed through the mixed water outlet conduit. As such, in some embodiments, directing the mixing valve to provide the flow of heated water through the mixed water outlet conduit includes adjusting a position of the mixing valve according to the output temperature of the water. For example, a position of the mixing valve may permit a first flow rate of relatively cool water from the inlet conduit into mixed water outlet conduit and mixing valve can also permit a flow rate of relatively hot water from the outlet conduit into the mixed water outlet conduit. The first flow rate of relatively cold water and the first flow rate of relative hot water may be adjusted such that water provided through the mixed water outlet conduit is provided at the output temperature.

[0061] At 230, the method 200 includes determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold, for instance, as the first flow of heated water is provided through the outlet conduit. Generally, the contemporary depletion state of the water heater may indicate or be contingent on the relative amount of heated water (e.g., water heated to a setpoint temperature) within the tank of the water heater appliance at a given moment. Thus, at 230, it may be determined when the relative amount of heated water within the tank of the water heater appliance at a given moment is below the depletion threshold (e.g., predetermined amount of heated water that may be reserved within the tank). The depletion state at a given or current moment (e.g., contemporary depletion state) may be based on one or more detected temperature values (e.g., upper or lower temperature detected at a corresponding temperature sensor). In this regard, at 230, the method 200 may include detecting temperature values with a plurality of temperature sensors, such as the upper or lower temperature sensors of the water heater appliance. The detected temperature(s) may be used with a provided chart, graph, table, or formula to determine what depletion state corresponds to the detected temperature(s).

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the contemporary depletion state may be based on a previous depletion state. Thus, a previously determined depletion state (e.g., the depletion state immediately prior to contemporary depletion state) may be used to determine the contemporary depletion state. For instance, the contemporary depletion state of the water heater appliance may be continuously or repeatedly determined or tracked, for instance, while the mixing valve is providing heated water through the mixed water outlet conduit, such as at 220. Thus, the water heater appliance may be able to reference or look up what heated water depletion state the tank has been in (e.g., prior to expiration of a set interval, a water draw event, or a heating event in which one or more portions of the heating system are activated to heat water within the tank). In some such embodiments, 230 includes detecting a contemporary temperature or temperatures from the corresponding temperature sensor(s) (e.g., as is generally understood) and referencing a previous heated water depletion state determination, and determining the contemporary depletion state based on the contemporary temperature(s) and the determined previous heated water depletion state (e.g., using a provided chart, graph, table, or formula that is configured to use the contemporary temperature(s) and the determined previous depletion state as inputs).

[0063] At 240, the method 200 includes providing a flow of cold water through the outlet of the water heater appliance, for instance, in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold. In some embodiments, providing the flow of cold water through the outlet conduit includes directing the mixing valve to flow cold water through the mixed water outlet conduit in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold. Directing the mixing valve to flow cold water through the mixed water outlet conduit may include adjusting a position of the mixing valve to a full cold position. In the full cold position, the mixing valve may only allow water from the inlet conduit (e.g., via a bypass valve) to pass through to the mixed water outlet conduit. In other words, the mixing valve may not allow heated water from the tank to pass through to the mixed water outlet conduit.

[0064] At 250, the method 200 includes receiving an authorization signal from the user account (e.g., the privileged user account). The authorization signal received from the user account may include data or information indicating an authorization of access to the reserve tank of heated water. In other words, the authorization signal may include data or information indicating that heated water may be passed through the mixing valve. In some embodiments, the external device configured with the user account (e.g., the privileged user account) transmits the authorization signal to the water heater appliance in response to user manipulation of the external device. For example, a reserve tank notification may be transmitted to the external device configured with the privileged user account in response to it being determined that the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold. In response to the reserve tank notification, the privileged user may selectively manipulate the external device to transmit communications, information, data, or commands corresponding to an authorization of access to the reserve tank of heated water. In this regard, the privileged user may selectively authorize access to the “reserve tank” of heated water within the tank in response to it being determined that the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold.

[0065] At 260, the method 200 includes providing a privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit, for instance, in response to receiving the authorization signal. The privileged flow of heated water may be provided when the reserve tank mode is activated and the privileged user as authorized the reserve tank mode to be utilized. For example, at 260 a heated water may be provided or permitted to pass through the mixing valve to the mixed water outlet conduit, for instance, until the tank is fully depleted of heated water. In some embodiments providing the privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit includes adjusting the position of the mixing valve to flow heated water through the mixed water outlet conduit at the output temperature.

[0066] Following 240, or in tandem therewith, the method 200 may proceed to 270. At 270, the method 200 includes directing a heating system according to a heating cycle. Directing the heating system according to the heating cycle may include selectively activating one or more heating elements of the heating system according to the heating cycle. In some embodiments, the heating cycle is configured to raise or increase the relative amount of heated water within the tank until a target heated water state is reached. For example, the target heated water state may include a steady state or a state of the water heater appliance in which the tank is substantially “full” of heated water (e.g., such that, at capacity, substantially all of the water within the water heater appliance is heated or otherwise within a set range from the setpoint temperature). In such instances, the one or more heating elements may be selectively activated until the steady state is reached. As another example, the target heated water state may include a mild state or a state of the water heater appliance in which the tank includes less heated water than steady state, but more heated water than the predetermined amount of heated water designated by the reserve tank mode.

[0067] As should be appreciated, if an authorization signal is not received from the user account, the mixing valve may be directed to only allow cold water from the bypass conduit to pass through until the water heater has reached the target heated state. When the target heated state has been reached, the reserve tank mode may be deactivated or reset and the water heater appliance may return to normal operating conditions.

[0068] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A water heater appliance comprising:a casing;a tank disposed within the casing, the tank defining an interior volume for heating water therein;an inlet conduit in upstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank;an outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank; anda controller being configured for:determining a reserve tank mode is activated,providing a first flow of heated water through the outlet conduit,determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below a depletion threshold,providing a flow of cold water through the outlet conduit in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold,receiving an authorization signal from a privileged user account, andproviding a privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit in response to receiving the authorization signal.

2. The water heater appliance of claim 1, wherein determining a reserve tank mode is activated comprisesreceiving a reserve tank signal from the privileged user account prior to directing the flow of heated water through the outlet conduit, the reserve tank signal comprising data or information corresponding to the depletion threshold; andimplementing the reserve tank mode in response to receiving the reserve tank signal.

3. The water heater appliance of claim 1, further comprising:a temperature sensor attached to the casing in thermal communication with the tank to detect a temperature of water within the interior volume,wherein determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold is based on one or more detected temperature values from the temperature sensor.

4. The water heater appliance of claim 1, further comprising:a mixing valve in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit via a bypass conduit and in downstream fluid communication with the tank via the outlet conduit; anda mixed water outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the mixing valve,wherein providing the first flow of heated water through the outlet conduit comprises directing the mixing valve to flow the heated water through the mixed water outlet conduit.

5. The water heater appliance of claim 4, wherein directing the mixing valve to flow the heated water through the mixed water outlet conduit comprisesadjusting a position of the mixing valve according to an output temperature.

6. The water heater appliance of claim 1, further comprising:a mixing valve in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit via a bypass conduit and in downstream fluid communication with the tank via the outlet conduit; anda mixed water outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the mixing valve,wherein providing the flow of cold water through the outlet conduit comprises directing the mixing valve to flow the cold water through the mixed water outlet conduit.

7. The water heater appliance of claim 6, wherein providing the mixing valve to flow the cold water through the mixed water outlet conduit comprisesadjusting a position of the mixing valve to a full cold position.

8. The water heater appliance of claim 1, wherein the contemporary depletion state is determined as the first flow of heated water is provided through the outlet conduit.

9. The water heater appliance of claim 1, further comprising:a heating system in thermal communication with the tank to heat water within the tank,wherein the controller is further configured for:directing the heating system according to a heating cycle following providing the flow of cold water through the outlet conduit.

10. The water heater appliance of claim 9, wherein directing the heating system according to a heating cycleselectively activating one or more heating elements of the heating system until a target heated water state is reached.

11. A method for operating a water heater appliance, the water heater appliance comprising a casing, a tank disposed within the casing, the tank defining an interior volume for heating water therein, an inlet conduit in upstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank, and an outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank, the method comprising:determining a reserve tank mode is activated;providing a first flow of heated water through the outlet conduit;determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below a depletion threshold;providing a flow of cold water through the outlet conduit in response to determining the contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold;receiving an authorization signal from a privileged user account; andproviding a privileged flow of heated water through the outlet conduit in response to receiving the authorization signal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining a reserve tank mode is activated comprisesreceiving a reserve tank signal from the privileged user account prior to directing the flow of heated water through the outlet conduit, the reserve tank signal comprising data or information corresponding to the depletion threshold; andimplementing the reserve tank mode in response to receiving the reserve tank signal.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein determining a contemporary depletion state is at or below the depletion threshold is based on one or more detected temperature values from a temperature sensor attached to the casing in thermal communication with the tank.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the first flow of heated water through the outlet conduit comprises directing a mixing valve to flow the heated water through a mixed water outlet conduit, the mixing valve in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit via a bypass conduit and in downstream fluid communication with the tank via the outlet conduit, the mixed water outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the mixing valve.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein directing the mixing valve to flow the heated water through the mixed water outlet conduit comprisesadjusting a position of the mixing valve according to an output temperature.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein providing the flow of cold water through the outlet conduit comprises directing a mixing valve to flow the cold water through a mixed water outlet conduit, the mixing valve in downstream fluid communication with the inlet conduit via a bypass conduit and in downstream fluid communication with the tank via the outlet conduit, the mixed water outlet conduit in downstream fluid communication with the mixing valve.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the mixing valve to flow the cold water through the mixed water outlet conduit comprisesadjusting a position of the mixing valve to a full cold position.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the contemporary depletion state is determined as the first flow of heated water is provided through the outlet conduit.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:directing a heating system according to a heating cycle following providing the flow of cold water through the outlet conduit, the heating system in thermal communication with the tank to heat water within the tank.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein directing the heating system according to a heating cycleselectively activating one or more heating elements of the heating system until a target heated water state is reached.

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