A device to store energy includes a phase change material (PCM), with a phase change temperature Tc, contained in a sealed container and constituting a storage core. A source to exchange heat with the PCM, at a temperature TA, to cause a phase change of the PCM. A recuperator to exchange heat with the PCM, at a temperature TB, to cause a phase change of the PCM in the opposite direction to the phase change produced by the source. A controller to control the heat flows between the PCM, the source and the recuperator. An apertured support in contact with the PCM in the sealed container and in thermal contact with the source and the recuperator.

The autonomous energy saving device (2) enabling the control of a water heater (1) connected to a power grid comprising a phase P, a neutral N and a protective conductor T operating on a permanent power supply or during rate periods using a switch or timer, said energy saving device (2) comprises inputs E1, E2, E3 and the outputs S1, S2, S3 and between inputs E1 and E2 and the outputs S1 and S2 at least one primary circuit board (7) comprising at least one electronic component (3, 4) and a control algorithm to remove or reduce the heating times of the water heater (1) without changing the technical characteristics of the water heater, and in order to adapt its operation to the needs of the user.

Systems and methods for integrating photovoltaic (PV) energy into water heater systems are disclosed. The disclosed technology includes determining whether a current water temperature is less than a first PV heat point that is greater than a normal heat point, and if so, outputting instructions for PV energy to be transferred from a PV system to a heating device of the water heater. If the current water temperature falls below a second PV heat point that is less than the normal heat point, the disclosed technology includes outputting instructions for energy to be transferred from a utility system to the heating device.

A heat pump may include a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a first temperature sensor configured to detect an outdoor temperature, a second temperature sensor provided in heating pipes connected to a heating device, and a controller. Based on a first sensing value of the first temperature sensor, the controller may be configured to control a compressor, control power to a boiler, and/or calculate an expected efficiency of the heat pump. Based on the expected efficiency and/or a second sensing value of a second temperature sensor, the controller may be configured to control power to the boiler.

An apparatus for managing hot water in a hot water storage tank heating system has one or more temperature sensors, a mounting bracket, a computer implemented processing arrangement configured to receive the temperature sensor signals and an interface to communicate with a user or additional processors either locally or remotely.

An apparatus and system for a combination space and water heater including a controller device and a method for control. The controller device is a self-contained system that can be added to, or in combination with, existing water heaters and hydronic air heating systems using standard plumbing connections, and provides a potable water system without any need of an intermediary heat exchanger. The controller device automatically monitors a heating capacity of the water heater and the hydronic heating coil over time, and correlates measured heating loads with one or more environmental temperatures, thermostats, user settings, and/or a supplemental heating system.

A valve is provided for flow regulation in a heating and/or cooling system. The valve includes a first valve unit with a first valve element and a second valve unit with a second valve element. The first valve unit and the second valve unit each have three valve ports. The first valve element and the second valve element are arranged in a common valve housing and the first and second valve elements fluidically couple, in a first valve element position, a first valve port to a third valve port and, in a second valve element position, couple a second valve port to the third valve port. The first valve element and the second valve element are movable together by an actuating apparatus into the first valve element position or the second valve element position. In addition, a system for heating and/or cooling including the valve is provided.

A heating system of a managed fluid system can include a heat exchanger and a first temperature sensor device that measures an inlet temperature of a fluid flowing into the heat exchanger. The heating system can also include a second temperature sensor device that measures an outlet temperature of the fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger. The heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor device and the second temperature sensor device. The controller can receive inlet temperature measurements made by the first temperature sensor device and outlet temperature measurements made by the second temperature sensor device. The controller can also evaluate the inlet temperature measurements and the outlet temperature measurements using at least one lookup table and at least one algorithm. The controller can subsequently determine an input rate of fuel used to heat the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger.

A system and approach for developing a periodic water usage profile and demand for controlling a water heater. A mode may be selected for demand for a certain amount of water of a particular temperature range to be available for use from the water heater. Data on hot water usage may be collected and the usage profile and demand may be calculated from the data. The water heater may be programmed to operate in a certain fashion based on the usage profile and demand. A control knob may be on the water heater control to select a particular demand. Control of the water heater may be operated from a remote device connected in a wireless or wired fashion. An optimization program may be implemented in the control of the water heater for achieving one or more beneficial goals related to water heater performance and hot water production.

A system and approach for developing a periodic water usage profile and demand for controlling a water heater. A mode may be selected for demand for a certain amount of water of a particular temperature range to be available for use from the water heater. Data on hot water usage may be collected and the usage profile and demand may be calculated from the data. The water heater may be programmed to operate in a certain fashion based on the usage profile and demand. A control knob may be on the water heater control to select a particular demand. Control of the water heater may be operated from a remote device connected in a wireless or wired fashion. An optimization program may be implemented in the control of the water heater for achieving one or more beneficial goals related to water heater performance and hot water production.