Procedure for Displaying Performance Data on the Front of a Tankless Electric Water Heater

Abstract

The invention describes the procedure for displaying performance data on the front of a tankless electric water heater. At least one of the performance conditions is stored in the electronic control unit and is available to the display. A savings E is determined from a reference value R and a time value Z and is made available to be shown on the display. The reference value R contains at least one loss value V of another water heater and the time value Z is an input from the tankless electric water heater. The savings E represents a measure of the energy savings of the tankless water heater as contrasted with the other water heater.

1 . A method for displaying performance data of a tankless electric water heater having a display, an electronic control unit, and heating elements, where at least one performance condition is stored in the electronic control unit and is available to the display, the method comprising:
 determining a savings E based on a reference value R and a time value Z; and   making the savings E available to and shown on the display;   wherein the reference value R contains at least one loss value V of another water heater;   wherein the time value Z is an input of the tankless electric water; and   wherein the savings E represents a measure of the energy savings of the tankless water heater as contrasted with another water heater.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 generating the time value Z dependent on whether hot water is being drawn; and   then determining the savings E when the tankless water heater is not producing any readiness energy losses (standby losses) or the heating elements are not activated.   
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein the savings E is determined from an initial standby-savings e 1  during standby, from a draw-savings e 2  during a hot water draw, or from both.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein the energy savings E contains a standby loss value of a hot water heating device other than the tankless electric water heater.   
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 ;
 wherein the tankless electric water heater has an integrated user panel and display configured to accept entry of the standby loss value.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 4 ;
 wherein the determination of the savings E follows in time intervals in which the tankless water heater is not heating water;   wherein the standby loss value is calculated with a downtime; and   wherein a readout of a comparison of the savings E compared with a calculated value for an electric storage tank during same time that no water was used is at least temporarily shown on the display.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein the reference value R is determined based on a distribution loss value, a money value, or both.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein a statement of the savings E takes place in a predetermined time interval.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein the predetermined time interval is selected from the group consisting of 5 minutes, an hour, a day, a week, or any combination or multiple thereof.   
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein the savings E contains at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a power value (kWh), a money value ($), and a CO2 value (kG); and   wherein the at least one parameter is displayed on the display.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 ;
 wherein a trigger signal, dependent on a state of operation the tankless water heater, produces determination of downtimes and the determination of the savings E; and   wherein the trigger signal is made available by a time module of a comparator unit.   
     
     
         12 . A tankless water heater, configured to perform the method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 an electronic control unit;   with a cold water inlet connection;   an electronically controlled heating element configured to heat incoming cold water; and   a comparator unit that is connected to the display to show the savings E;   wherein the comparator unit is connected to a timing module;   wherein the timing module is connected to the trigger unit; and   wherein the trigger unit is configured to produce a trigger signal, dependent on the state of the tankless water heater operation, for determination of downtimes and calculation of the savings E.