An apparatus and method for heating water using a tank or a tankless water heater with improved electronic control.

A water heater appliance, as provided herein, may include a casing, a tank, an inlet conduit, an electric heating system, and a controller. The tank may be disposed within the casing, the tank defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet conduit may be mounted to the tank at the inlet of the tank. The electric heating system may be in thermal communication with the tank to heat water within the tank. The controller may be in operative communication with the electric heating system. The controller may be configured to initiate a responsive-heating cycle. The responsive heating cycle may include detecting expiration of a dormant event at the water heater appliance, initiating a randomized delay period in response to detecting expiration of the dormant event, and initiating activation of the water heater appliance following the delay period.

A system and method for controlling power to a water heater. The method comprises providing the water heater in a locked state, wherein at least one heating element of the water heater is inoperable when the water heater is in the locked state, coupling a digital key module to a communications port of the water heater, and receiving a digital key from the digital key module through the communications port. The method comprises coupling an electrical grid controller to the water heater through the communications port and placing the water heater in an unlocked state, wherein the at least one heating element of the water heater is operable when the water heater is in the unlocked state.

Techniques regarding water heating control and hot water tanks are provided herein. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can regard a device or system for water tank heating regulation. The system can comprise a processor that executes computer executable components stored in a memory. The system can also comprise a mounting component that couples the system to a thermostat of a water heater. The system can further comprise an adapter component that attaches to a temperature adjustor of the thermostat; and a configuration component of the computer executable components that, when enabled by the processor, causes the adapter component to move the temperature adjustor make a temperature change at the thermostat.

A controller for an electric booster element in a water heater is described. The electric booster element is powered from mains power and the controller comprises a control module and a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module. The control module produces a control signal for controlling a relay to supply or restrict mains power supply to said booster element, said control signal depending at least in part on time of use data.

A method of operating a water heater receiving electrical power from an electrical grid. The method includes providing a water heater in a locked state. A digital key module may be communicatively coupled (for example, via wired or wireless communication) to the water heater and used to unlock the water heater placing the water heater into an unlocked state. Such unlocking of the water heater must only be done for such water heaters that are enrolled in a utility demand response program.

An apparatus and method for heating water using tankless water heater with improved rain cap.

A controller for an electric booster element in a water heater is described. The electric booster element is powered from mains power and the controller comprises a control module and a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module. The control module produces a control signal for controlling a relay to supply or restrict mains power supply to said booster element, said control signal depending at least in part on time of use data.

A hybrid heating system for use with a gas supply and an electricity supply to provide a temperature controlled environment is provided, the hybrid heating system comprising: a hybrid heater, the hybrid heater including a firebox, a gas burner housed in the firebox and providing a first heat source, a variable pressure gas valve in fluid communication with the gas burner, a modulating actuator in mechanical communication with the variable pressure gas valve, a housing attached to the firebox, an electric element housed in the housing, the electric element providing a second heat source, a high duty cycle on off switch in electrical communication with the electric element; a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the modulating actuator and the high duty cycle on off switch; and a microprocessor which is in electronic communication with both the modulating actuator and the high duty cycle on off switch.

A hybrid heating system for use with a gas supply and an electricity supply to provide a temperature controlled environment is provided, the hybrid heating system comprising: a hybrid heater, the hybrid heater including a firebox, a gas burner housed in the firebox and providing a first heat source, a variable pressure gas valve in fluid communication with the gas burner, a modulating actuator in mechanical communication with the variable pressure gas valve, a housing attached to the firebox, an electric element housed in the housing, the electric element providing a second heat source, a high duty cycle on off switch in electrical communication with the electric element; a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the modulating actuator and the high duty cycle on off switch; and a microprocessor which is in electronic communication with both the modulating actuator and the high duty cycle on off switch.