Hybrid water heater system and methods of use

Abstract

A hybrid water heater system includes a body which includes a water storage tank. The hybrid water heater system further includes a heat pump system mounted relative to the body and in thermal connection with the water storage tank, and a heating element mounted relative to the body and in fluid and thermal connection with the water storage tank. The hybrid water heater system is configured to selectively activate the heat pump system, the heating element, or the heat pump system and the heating element based on a desired output.

1 . A hybrid water heater system comprising:
 a body including a water storage tank;   a heat pump system mounted relative to the body and in thermal connection with the water storage tank;   a heating element mounted relative to the body and in fluid and thermal connection with the water storage tank;   wherein the hybrid water heater system is configured to selectively activate the heat pump system, the heating element, or the heat pump system and the heating element based on a desired output.   
     
     
         2 . The hybrid water heater system according to  claim 1 , wherein based on the desired output, the heat pump system is configured to consume a first input current of a total available current, the first input current being equal to or less than a maximum current rating of the heat pump system. 
     
     
         3 . The hybrid water heater system according to  claim 2 , wherein the heating element is configured to consume a second input current that is equal to or less than the remaining current based on the difference between the total available current and the first input current. 
     
     
         4 . The hybrid water heater system according to  claim 1 , wherein the desired output is heating capacity, and wherein the hybrid water heater system is configured to selectively operate the heat pump system when the heating capacity of the heating element is below the heating capacity of the heat pump system at a predetermined input voltage. 
     
     
         5 . A water heater system comprising:
 a body including a water storage tank;   a heat pump system mounted relative to the body and in thermal connection with the water storage tank;   wherein the water heater system is configured to selectively activate the heat pump system based on a desired output, and wherein the desired output is selected from the list comprising water temperature, system efficiency, decibel level, time for water usage, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         6 . The water heater system according to  claim 5  further comprising a heating element mounted relative to the body and in fluid and thermal connection with the water storage tank, wherein the water heater system is configured to selectively activate the heating element or the heat pump system and the heating element based on the desired output. 
     
     
         7 . The water heater system according to  claim 5 , wherein the system is configured to estimate hot water usage over a period of time and selectively activate the heat pump system to heat water within the storage tank prior to the expected usage of the water based on the tracked hot water usage. 
     
     
         8 . The water heater system according to  claim 6 , wherein the system is configured to estimate hot water usage over a period of time and selectively activate at least one of the heat pump system or the heating element to heat water within the storage tank prior to the expected usage of the water based on the tracked hot water usage. 
     
     
         9 . The water heater system according to  claim 5 , wherein the heat pump system further comprises an evaporator and a compressor, wherein the evaporator further comprises an evaporator fan, and wherein the speed of the evaporator fan, the speed of the compressor, or the speed of the evaporator fan and the speed of the compressor are adjusted to reduce the decibel level output of the water heater system during operation. 
     
     
         10 . The water heater system according to  claim 9 , wherein the heat pump system is configured to adjust the speed of the evaporator fan before adjusting the speed of the compressor. 
     
     
         11 . The water heater system according to  claim 5 , wherein the water heater system is configured to operate on grid power, alternative energy, or grid power and alternative energy. 
     
     
         12 . A method of selecting a power mode of a water heater system, the water heater system includes a body including a water storage tank and a heat pump system mounted relative to the body and in thermal connection with the water storage tank, the method comprising:
 assessing a temperature of water within the water storage tank over a period of the time to determine which power mode is required;   determining whether the temperature is within a predetermined range or outside of the predetermined range,   activating a low power mode if the temperature is within the predetermined range, and   activating a boost power mode if the temperature is below the predetermined range.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein activating the low power mode includes only activating the heat pump system. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the water heater system also includes a heating element mounted relative to the body and in fluid and thermal connection with the water storage tank, wherein activating the boost power mode includes activating the heat pump system and the heating element. 
     
     
         15 . A method of applying pattern learning to a water heater system, the water heater system includes a body including a water storage tank and a heat pump system mounted relative to the body and in thermal connection with the water storage tank, the method comprising:
 estimating water usage of the water heater system, such as hot water usage, power usage, and tank temperature at predetermined increments to identify patterns; and   operating the water heater system beginning a period of time before the identified pattern.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the water heater system further comprises a heating element mounted relative to the body and in fluid and thermal connection with the water storage tank, and wherein operating the water heater system in a boost power mode includes activating the heat pump system and the heating element. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein operating the water heater system further comprises operating the hybrid water heater system in a low power mode. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17  further comprising operating the water heater system in one of a boost power mode and the low power mode based on sensed system parameters. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15  further comprising:
 estimating a potential for a request for increased water usage based on the identified pattern; and 
 operating the water heater system in response to the estimated increased water usage. 
 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein operating the water heater system further comprises operating the water heater system in a low power mode prior to the estimated increased water usage and operating the water heater system further comprises operating the water heater system in a boost power mode in response to the estimated timing of increased water usage.