Water heater

Abstract

A water heater for use in an aircraft, including a pipe having a length of at least 1 metre and being configured to provide a conduit for water between a source and an outlet. The water heater includes an electric heater. The electric heater extends around an outer surface of the pipe. The electric heater is configured to heat the water in the pipe. The water heater further includes a planar support structure. The pipe is attached to a surface of the planar support structure such that the pipe follows a non-linear path across the surface of the planar support structure. The planar support structure comprises a structure for attaching the water heater to a surface in a vanity unit of an aircraft.

1 . A water heater for use in an aircraft, comprising:
 a pipe having a length of at least 1 metre and being configured to provide a conduit for water between a source and an outlet; and   an electric heater;
 wherein the electric heater extends along and/or around an outer surface of the pipe; and 
 wherein the electric heater is configured to heat the water in the pipe; 
   wherein the water heater further comprises a planar support structure;   wherein the pipe is attached to a surface of the planar support structure such that the pipe follows a non-linear path across the surface of the planar support structure; and   wherein the planar support structure comprises a mount for attaching the water heater to a surface in a vanity unit of an aircraft.   
     
     
         2 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pipe is formed from a thermally conductive material such that the electric heater is configured to heat the water in the pipe. 
     
     
         3 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the electric heater extends helically around the outer surface of the pipe. 
     
     
         4 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the electric heater extends along a substantial length of the pipe. 
     
     
         5 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the electric heater extends along at least 50% of the pipe, optionally along at least 60% of the pipe, optionally along at least 70% of the pipe, optionally along at least 80% of the pipe, optionally along at least 90% of the pipe. 
     
     
         6 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pipe substantially covers the surface of the planar support structure. 
     
     
         7 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pipe comprises a plurality of substantially parallel portions. 
     
     
         8 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein each of the plurality of substantially parallel portions are connected to an adjacent substantially parallel portion at their respective ends, such that the pipe forms a continuous path between the water source and the water outlet. 
     
     
         9 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pipe is attached to a surface of the planar support structure by an adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mount for attaching the water heater to a surface of the aircraft comprises at least one bracket formed as a unitary piece with the planar support structure. 
     
     
         11 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mount for attaching the water heater to a surface of the aircraft comprises at least one aperture in the planar support structure. 
     
     
         12 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the water heater further comprises a thermostat. 
     
     
         13 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the thermostat comprises a temperature sensor in fluid communication with the water in the pipe; and
 wherein the water heater is configured to adjust the power provided to the electric heater based on the measurements from the temperature sensor.   
     
     
         14 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the thermostat comprises a digital display configured to display the actual and/or target temperature of the water. 
     
     
         15 . The water heater as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the water heater is configured to increase the temperature of the water by at least 15 degrees Celsius, optionally at least 20 degrees Celsius, optionally at least 30 degrees Celsius, optionally at least 40 degrees Celsius