The metal tank portion of an electric water heater is protected against corrosion utilizing a corrosion protection system that detects a voltage potential between the sheath portion of a tank water-immersed electric heating element and the tank. In one embodiment of the corrosion protection system the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to enable a user of the water heater to accurately gauge the necessity of replacing a sacrificial anode extending into the tank. In another corrosion protection system, the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to provide impressed current cathodic protection of the tank and also to prevent dry firing of the electric water heater.

Systems and methods for monitoring anodic protection are disclosed. The system can include a sacrificial anode having an anode body, at least one cavity within the anode body, a conductor disposed within the at least one cavity, and electronic circuitry in communication with the conductor. The sacrificial anode can be electrically connected to a component or structure that is subject to galvanic corrosion. The cavity can be positioned such that as the anode degrades to a certain point, the conductor will contact water. In response, an alert can be provided to inform a user that the sacrificial anode needs replacement. The alert can be provided by activating a light, siren, or other device. The alert can also be sent to a mobile device or website.

A water heater monitoring and notification method includes determining that an intake pressure switch of a combustion system of a water heater or an exhaust pressure switch of the combustion system of the water heater is open and shutting down a blower of the combustion system in response to the intake pressure switch or the exhaust pressure switch being open.

Disclosed systems and methods relate to a water heater sensor for detecting a corrosion of an anode rod. According to embodiments, a system can include the anode rod in contact with water in a water heater, where the anode rod includes a corrodible sheath having a cavity. The system can include two electrical wires, where first ends of the two electrical wires, disposed within the cavity, are configured to come in contact with the water when the corrodible sheath of the anode rod corrodes to a certain point. The system can include a controller coupled to second ends of the two electrical wires, where the controller can detect whether the water is in contact with the first ends of the two electrical wires. The system can include an indicator to provide an indication when the water is in contact with the first ends of the two electrical wires.

Disclosed systems and methods relate to a water heater sensor for detecting a corrosion of an anode rod. According to embodiments, a system can include the anode rod in contact with water in a water heater, where the anode rod includes a corrodible sheath having a cavity. The system can include two electrical wires, where first ends of the two electrical wires, disposed within the cavity, are configured to come in contact with the water when the corrodible sheath of the anode rod corrodes to a certain point. The system can include a controller coupled to second ends of the two electrical wires, where the controller can detect whether the water is in contact with the first ends of the two electrical wires. The system can include an indicator to provide an indication when the water is in contact with the first ends of the two electrical wires.

Systems and methods for providing and monitoring corrosion protection are disclosed. The system can include a sacrificial passive anode and a reference electrode. The sacrificial anode and the reference electrode can both be in communication with a component that is subject to corrosion and the liquid contained therein. The sacrificial anode can be electrically connected to the component with a bonding wire. The reference electrode can be electrically connected to an electronic measurement device and the component. As the sacrificial anode is depleted the voltage of the system drops. The difference in the voltage can be monitored over time and can be used in various algorithms to calculate a protection level based on the amount of sacrificial anode remaining. When the protection level drops below a predetermined level, an alert can be provided to inform a user that the sacrificial anode needs to be replaced.

A sacrificial anode for a water heater system is provided. The anode may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage running longitudinally between the distal and proximal end. A first current carrying lead and a first voltage lead may be connected to the distal end of the anode, while a second current carrying lead a second voltage lead may be connected to the proximal end of the anode. The first current carrying lead and first voltage lead may be connected to the distal end of the anode in such a manner that the leads may be fed through the passage of the anode and protrude from the proximal end of the anode. A method of determining the health of a sacrificial anode is further provided, which involves utilizing the resistance drop across the anode to determine the radius of the anode during use.

A water heater monitoring and notification method includes determining, by a controller of a water heater system, a deviation of a duration of a pre-purge operation from a pre-purge duration average value. The method further includes determining, by the controller of the water heater system, a deviation of a flame current from a flame current average value and determining, by the controller of the water heater system, a deviation of a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) parameter from a PWM parameter average value. The method also includes providing a notification related to a combustion system of the water heater system based on at least the deviation of the duration of the pre-purge operation from the pre-purge duration average value, the deviation of the flame current from the flame current average value, and the deviation of the PWM parameter from the PWM parameter average value.

A monitoring system (10) for monitoring parameters of a fluid heater. The heater (30) comprises a storage vessel (32) for storing heated fluid therein. The monitoring system (10) includes a first sensor (12) and associated first electrical metering circuitry (14), a second sensor (16) and associated second electrical metering circuitry (18), and a control switch (22). The control switch (22) is operable so as to be able to adopt a first mode of operation in which the first electrical metering circuitry (14) is activated, and, a second mode of operation in which the second electrical metering circuitry is activated. The monitoring system (10) also includes a controller (24) for causing periodic operation of the control switch so that it switches between the first and second modes of operation.

Disclosed herein are heat exchanger devices comprising an outer shell defining an interior chamber that is configured to pass a heat transfer fluid therethrough, a tube at least partially disposed within the interior chamber and in thermal communication with the heat transfer fluid, the tube being connected to a pool and configured to flow water from the pool therethrough such that the water flowing through the tube exchanges heat with the heat transfer fluid, and a coating disposed on an interior surface of the tube contacting the water from the pool, the coating comprising Nickel. The coating can comprise an additive, such as an electroless Nickel coating. The coating can also be selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Boron Nitride (BN), Silicon Carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), carbon (C), and carbon allotropes.