Inductive intelligent water heater

Abstract

A system for heating a flow of water comprising a heating circuit fluidly coupled to a water source fluidly coupled to a plurality of water fixtures. The heating circuit may comprise an inlet, an outlet, and a water containment unit comprising a ferromagnetic material. The heating circuit may comprise an inductor operatively coupled to the water containment unit. Actuating the inductor may induce magnetic eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material to heat the flow of water. The heating circuit may further comprise an electric high-frequency generator operatively coupled to the inductor. The electric high-frequency generator may be configured to actuate the inductor. The system may further comprise a plurality of sensors comprising pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, or a combination thereof. The system may further comprise a Smart Appliance communicatively coupled to the heating circuit and the plurality of sensors.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system ( 100 ) for heating a flow of water comprising:
 a. a heating circuit ( 200 ) fluidly coupled to a water source fluidly coupled to a plurality of water fixtures ( 600 ), the heating circuit ( 200 ) comprising:
 i. an inlet ( 202 ) configured to accept water; 
 ii. an outlet ( 204 ); 
 iii. a water containment unit ( 220 ) comprising:
 1. a shell ( 222 ); 
 2. one or more plates ( 224 ) disposed within the shell ( 222 ); and 
 3. a plurality of pipes ( 226 ) fluidly coupled to the inlet ( 202 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the outlet ( 204 );
 wherein the shell ( 222 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the plurality of pipes ( 226 ) comprise a ferromagnetic material; 
 wherein the water containment unit ( 220 ) is configured to allow the flow of water to travel within and between the plurality of pipes ( 226 ); 
 
 
 iv. an inductor ( 210 ) operatively coupled to the water containment unit ( 220 ), wherein actuating the inductor ( 210 ) induces magnetic eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material of the shell ( 222 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the plurality of pipes ( 226 ) to heat the flow of water; and 
 v. an electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) operatively coupled to the inductor ( 210 ), wherein the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) is configured to actuate the inductor ( 210 ); 
   b. a plurality of sensors ( 300 ) comprising pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, or a combination thereof, wherein at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one flow rate sensor of the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) is disposed at the inlet ( 202 ), wherein at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one flow rate sensor of the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) is disposed at the outlet ( 204 ); and   c. a Smart Appliance ( 400 ) communicatively coupled to the heating circuit ( 200 ) and the plurality of sensors ( 300 ), comprising:
 i. a processor capable of executing computer-readable instructions; and 
 ii. a memory component operatively coupled to the processor, the memory component comprising:
 1. an artificial intelligence model configured to accept data from the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) as input and generating a prediction of potential water system failure as output; 
 2. a User Settings module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. setting, based on user input, a temperature for the flow of water; 
 b. activating, based on user input, an automatic inlet shutoff setting for the heating circuit ( 200 ) in response to a leak within the water containment unit ( 220 ); 
 c. activating, based on user input, an automatic outlet shutoff setting for the heating circuit ( 200 ) in response to a leak within or downstream of the water containment unit ( 220 ), an unusual amount of hot water usage, or a combination thereof; 
 d. activating, based on user input, a temporary reduction of water, power, or a combination thereof to the heating circuit ( 200 ); 
 e. activating, based on user input, a scalding safety governor to prevent the heating circuit ( 200 ) from producing water at a temperature above a set threshold; and 
 f. setting, based on user input, a number and duration of alerts triggered by the Smart Appliance ( 400 ); 
 
 3. a Flow Control Module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. activating the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) upon activation of one or more water fixtures; 
 b. reducing, in response to an inability to provide the flow of water at the temperature determined by the user input, the flow of water; and 
 c. alerting a user in response to reduction of the flow of water in response to the inability to provide the flow of water at the temperature determined by the user input; 
 
 4. a Safety Monitor and Control Module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. detecting leaks, blockages, or a combination thereof within, upstream of, or downstream of the water containment unit ( 220 ); 
 b. detecting, by the artificial intelligence model, potential water system failure; 
 c. detecting excessive water usage; 
 d. closing the inlet ( 202 ), the outlet ( 204 ), or both in response to a detected leak, blockage, predicted pipe failure, excessive water usage, or a combination thereof; and 
 e. reduce power to the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) if the heating circuit ( 200 ) is producing water at a temperature above the set threshold or if the inlet ( 202 ), outlet ( 204 ), or both are closed; 
  wherein the safety scalding governor automatically runs a diagnostic and alerts the user in response to irregular performance of the heating circuit; 
 
 5. a Utility Interface Module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. connecting the system ( 100 ) to a utility supplier; 
 b. temporarily suspend or reduce operation of the heating circuit ( 200 ) to accommodate reductions requested by the utility supplier; 
 c. alerting the user in response to temporary suspension or reduction of operation; and 
 d. gathering consumption data from the plurality of sensors ( 300 ); 
 
 6. a Hot Water Reporting module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. reporting a cost and trend of power used by the heating circuit ( 200 ); 
 b. reporting a cost and trend of hot water consumption of the heating circuit ( 200 ); 
 c. predicting a future trend of hot water consumption; and 
 d. forecasting a future cost of water and power used by the heating circuit ( 200 ); 
 
 7. a Communication module comprising computer-readable instructions for managing wireless interfaces between the system ( 100 ) and one or more external devices; 
 8. an Intelligent Power Supply and Conditioner module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. receiving electric power from a power source; 
 b. cleaning, conditioning, and surge-protecting electric power to the Smart Appliance ( 400 ); and 
 c. regulating power to the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ); and 
 
 9. a Maintenance Monitor module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. alerting the user for current or predictive maintenance needs; and 
 b. running diagnostics on the heating circuit ( 200 ) and one or more modules of the Smart Appliance ( 400 ) at a fixed interval. 
 
 
   
     
     
         2 . A system ( 100 ) for heating a flow of water comprising:
 a. a heating circuit ( 200 ) disposed at a water source fluidly coupled to a plurality of water fixtures ( 600 ) comprising:
 i. an inlet ( 202 ) configured to accept water; 
 ii. an outlet ( 204 ); 
 iii. a water containment unit ( 220 ) comprising:
 1. a shell ( 222 ); 
 2. one or more plates ( 224 ) disposed within the shell ( 222 ); and 
 3. a plurality of pipes ( 226 ) fluidly coupled to the inlet ( 202 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the outlet ( 204 );
 wherein the shell ( 222 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the plurality of pipes ( 226 ) comprise a ferromagnetic material; 
 wherein the water containment unit ( 220 ) is configured to allow the flow of water to travel within and between the plurality of pipes ( 226 ); 
 
 
 iv. an inductor ( 210 ) operatively coupled to the water containment unit ( 220 ), wherein actuating the inductor ( 210 ) induces magnetic eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material of the shell ( 222 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the plurality of pipes ( 226 ) to heat the flow of water; and 
 v. an electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) operatively coupled to the inductor ( 210 ), wherein the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) is configured to actuate the inductor ( 210 ); 
   b. a plurality of sensors ( 300 ) comprising pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, or a combination thereof, wherein at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one flow rate sensor of the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) is disposed at the inlet ( 202 ), wherein at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one flow rate sensor of the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) is disposed at the outlet ( 204 ); and   c. a Smart Appliance ( 400 ) communicatively coupled to the heating circuit ( 200 ) and the plurality of sensors ( 300 ), capable of monitoring, operating, regulating, and running diagnostics on the heating circuit ( 200 ) automatically or in response to user input.   
     
     
         3 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 2 , wherein the Smart Appliance ( 400 ) comprises a processor capable of executing computer-readable instructions, and a memory component operatively coupled to the processor. 
     
     
         4 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 3 , wherein the memory component further comprises an artificial intelligence model configured to accept data from the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) as input and generating a prediction of potential water system failure as output. 
     
     
         5 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the memory component comprises a User Settings module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. setting, based on user input, a temperature for the flow of water;   b. activating, based on user input, an automatic inlet shutoff setting for the heating circuit ( 200 ) in response to a leak within the water containment unit ( 220 );   c. activating, based on user input, an automatic outlet shutoff setting for the heating circuit ( 200 ) in response to a leak within or downstream of the water containment unit ( 220 ), an unusual amount of hot water usage, or a combination thereof;   d. activating, based on user input, a temporary reduction of water, power, or a combination thereof to the heating circuit ( 200 );   e. activating, based on user input, a scalding safety governor to prevent the heating circuit ( 200 ) from producing water at a temperature above a set threshold; and   f. setting, based on user input, a number and duration of alarms triggered by the Smart Appliance ( 400 ).   
     
     
         6 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the memory component comprises a Flow Control Module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. activating the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) upon activation of one or more water fixtures;   b. reducing, in response to an inability to provide the flow of water at the temperature determined by the user input, the flow of water;   c. alerting a user in response to reduction of the flow of water in response to the inability to provide the flow of water at the temperature determined by the user input.   
     
     
         7 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 5 , wherein the memory component further comprises a Safety Monitor and Control Module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. detecting leaks, blockages, predicted pipe failure, or a combination thereof within, upstream of, or downstream of the water containment unit ( 220 );   b. detecting excessive water usage;   c. closing the inlet ( 202 ), the outlet ( 204 ), or both in response to a detected leak, blockage, predicted pipe failure, excessive water usage, or a combination thereof; and   d. reduce power to the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ) if the heating circuit ( 200 ) is producing water at a temperature above the set threshold or if the inlet ( 202 ), outlet ( 204 ), or both are closed;
 wherein the safety scalding governor automatically runs a diagnostic and alerts a user in response to irregular performance of the heating circuit. 
   
     
     
         8 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the memory component comprises a Utility Interface Module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. connecting the system ( 100 ) to a utility supplier;   b. temporarily suspend or reduce operation of the heating circuit ( 200 ) to accommodate reductions requested by the utility supplier;   c. alerting a user in response to temporary suspension or reduction of operation; and   d. gathering consumption data from the plurality of sensors ( 300 ).   
     
     
         9 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the memory component comprises a Hot Water Reporting module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. reporting a cost and trend of power used by the heating circuit ( 200 );   b. reporting a cost and trend of hot water consumption of the heating circuit ( 200 );   c. predicting a future trend of hot water consumption; and   d. forecasting a future cost of water and power used by the heating circuit ( 200 ).   
     
     
         10 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 2 , wherein the system ( 100 ) is communicatively coupled to one or more external devices. 
     
     
         11 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more external devices comprise a smartphone, a server, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 10 , wherein the memory component comprises a Communication module comprising computer-readable instructions for managing wireless interfaces between the system ( 100 ) and the one or more external devices. 
     
     
         13 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the memory component comprises an Intelligent Power Supply and Conditioner module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. receiving electric power from a power source;   b. cleaning, conditioning, and surge-protecting electric power to the Smart Appliance ( 400 ); and   c. regulating power to the electric high-frequency generator ( 430 ).   
     
     
         14 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 4 , wherein the memory component comprises a Maintenance Monitor module comprising computer-readable instructions for:
 a. alerting a user for current or predictive maintenance needs; and   b. running diagnostics on the heating circuit ( 200 ) and one or more modules of the Smart Appliance ( 400 ) on a fixed interval.   
     
     
         15 . A device ( 100 ) for heating a flow of water comprising a heating circuit ( 200 ) disposed at a water source fluidly coupled to a plurality of water fixtures ( 600 ), the heating circuit ( 200 ) comprising:
 a. an inlet ( 202 ) configured to accept water;   b. an outlet ( 204 );   c. a water containment unit ( 220 ) comprising:
 i. a shell ( 222 ); 
 ii. one or more plates ( 224 ) disposed within the shell ( 222 ); and 
 iii. a plurality of pipes ( 226 ) fluidly coupled to the inlet ( 202 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the outlet ( 204 );
 wherein the shell ( 222 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the plurality of pipes ( 226 ) comprise a ferromagnetic material; 
 wherein the water containment unit ( 220 ) is configured to allow the flow of water to travel within and between the plurality of pipes ( 226 ); 
 
   d. an inductor ( 210 ) operatively coupled to the water containment unit ( 220 ), wherein actuating the inductor ( 210 ) induces magnetic eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material of the shell ( 222 ), the one or more plates ( 224 ), and the plurality of pipes ( 226 ) to heat the flow of water; and   e. an electric generator ( 430 ) operatively coupled to the inductor ( 210 ), wherein the electric generator ( 430 ) is configured to actuate the inductor ( 210 ).   
     
     
         16 . The device ( 100 ) of  claim 15  further comprising a plurality of sensors ( 300 ). 
     
     
         17 . The device ( 100 ) of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) comprise pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The device ( 100 ) of  claim 17 , wherein at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one flow rate sensor of the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) is disposed at the inlet ( 202 ), wherein at least one pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one flow rate sensor of the plurality of sensors ( 300 ) is disposed at the outlet ( 204 ). 
     
     
         19 . The device ( 100 ) of  claim 15 , wherein the electric generator ( 430 ) comprises a high-frequency generator. 
     
     
         20 . The device ( 100 ) of  claim 15  further comprising a Smart Appliance ( 400 ) communicatively coupled to the heating circuit ( 200 ) capable of monitoring, operating, regulating, and running diagnostics on the heating circuit ( 200 ) automatically or in response to user input.