Water heater control system and method for controlling temperature with same

Abstract

A water heater control system is disclosed that can be programmed by a user to go on and off at predetermined times and maintain temperatures below normal usage temperatures. The water heater control system may also program itself based on usage of the hot water by users. The control system may also be remotely controlled, using a computer, wireless communication, or other communication device. The water heater control system may be included with a new water heater or used to replace existing control systems.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A water heater control system for a water heater comprising: 
 a system controller;    at least one thermal sensor electrically connected to the system controller to monitor water temperature in the water heater;    at least one heating element electrically connected to the system controller, the at least one heating element capable of heating water in the water heater to a first predetermined temperature,    wherein the system controller maintains the water temperature between the first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature during at least one predetermined time of day, the predetermined time of day being determined by the system controller based on water use from the water heater, the second predetermined temperature being higher than an ambient temperature and lower than the first predetermined temperature    
   
   
       22 . The water heater control system of  claim 21 , wherein the system controller is programmable.  
   
   
       23 . The water heater control system of  claim 22 , wherein a user may program at least two temperature cycles into the system controller.  
   
   
       24 . The water heater control system of claim  1 , wherein the controller has a visual display.  
   
   
       25 . The water heater control system of claim  1 , wherein the system controller may be remotely programmed.  
   
   
       26 . A method for controlling water temperature in a water heater comprising the steps of: 
 heating water in the water heater to a first predetermined water temperature;    monitoring the water temperature in the water heater at at least one location;    determining a time of day; and    energizing at least one heating element to raise the water temperature in the water heater to the first predetermined temperature when the water temperature at the at least one location falls below a second predetermined water temperature only when the time of day is within at least one predetermined time period, wherein the at least one predetermined time period is based on use of hot water from the water heater and determined by a controller associated with the water heater.    
   
   
       27 . The method for controlling water temperature in a water heater according to claim  6 , wherein the second predetermined water temperature is above an ambient temperature.  
   
   
       28 . The method for controlling water temperature in a water heater according to  claim 26 , further comprising the step of: 
 energizing the at least one heating element to raise the water temperature to a third predetermined temperature after the water temperature falls below a fourth predetermined temperature when the time of day is not within the at least one predetermined time period.    
   
   
       29 . The method for controlling water temperature in a water heater according to  claim 28 , wherein the third predetermined temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature and higher than the fourth predetermined temperature.  
   
   
       30 . The method for controlling water temperature in a water heater according to  claim 26 , wherein the at least one predetermined time period comprises at least two predetermined time periods in a single 24 hour period.  
   
   
       31 . The method for controlling water temperature in a water heater according to claim  20 , wherein the at least two predetermined time periods are of different durations.