THEREOF

BACKGROUND

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a boiler. More particularly, the present invention provides information and controls volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler. Further, the present invention may be implemented using a device that is associated to the boiler. The device is primarily comprised of an electronic

thermometer and an electronic controller.

2. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0002] There are various solutions for heating systems of any fluid in the market. Some of the solutions respond to a constantly growing demand of consumers for energy efficiency and saving. For that purpose, different technologies and techniques are implemented in these solutions.

[0003] A technology known in the art is using various situation graphs to describe the variation of water temperature as function of time. In each section of a graph a percentage of hot water in the tank is determent. During an operation of a water boiler taking samples of the temperature of the water and matching for a sequence of samplings the corresponding graph section. The result, namely the percentage of warm water in the water boiler, is presented to the user.

[0004] Another technology known in the art is using a control unit that is connected to a plurality of heating elements spatially separated inside a water boiler and associated to temperature sensors. The heating elements and the temperature sensors are part of the water boiler. This technology enables heating only a fraction of the water in the water boiler to a certain temperature, thus saving energy.

[0005] Yet, another technology known in the art, which is also implemented as part of the water boiler, consists of a heater and a controller to regulate the temperature of the water. In addition two sensors located in different parts of the water boiler, transfer information regarding the temperature of the water to the controller. The controller in response to received information regulates the heater according to a predefined condition. [0006] None of the solutions mentioned above and known in the art offer a separate system that controls volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and provides information thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a tank and providing

information thereof is provided herein. The system that is associated to the tank is comprising the following: (i) an electronic thermometer consists of a plurality of detectors of temperature, wherein each detector of temperature in the plurality of detectors is located in a different height; (ii) a communication device associated to the electronic thermometer; (iii) a connecting mean to associate the system to the tank; (iv) an electronic controller comprising of: a) an electronic switch to operate the activity of the system; (b) a receiver

associated to the electronic thermometer arranged to provide temperature

value that is received from the electronic thermometer to the electronic switch;

(c) a screen arranged to display information about volume and temperature of fluid in the tank; (d) a microcomputer associated to the screen; and (e) a

communication device associated to the microcomputer.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the

communication device is arranged to enable remote monitor and control of the microcomputer.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microcomputer is arranged to control the activity of the tank manually and automatically.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microcomputer is arranged to provide information about volume and temperature of fluid in the tank.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microcomputer is arranged to define duration of usage and store information about the duration.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microcomputer is arranged to operate automatically upon the stored information.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microcomputer is arranged to compare between the stored information of duration of different users. [0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic switch is connected to the tank via wireless or via cable.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the screen is a touch screen.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an expected shortage in fluid in a predefined temperature in the tank is detected in realtime in an exceptional event and wherein the system calculates the amount of available fluid that is in a predefined temperature and estimates the required amount of water in predefined temperature based on stored information and history of usage.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system automatically turns on the electronic switch in the tank as a response to the detection of the exceptional event.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the exceptional event is reported by a user.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, receives information regarding exceptional events from external sources and takes the received information into account in its calculations for providing amount of fluid in a predefined temperature.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a flexible shaft is associated to the electronic thermometer to allow installation of the system from different angles and positions.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible shaft is formed as a flexible sleeve.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic thermometer consists of a plurality of detectors of infrared (IR) which are fewer than detectors of temperature for the same size of area.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method of controlling volume and temperature of fluid and providing information thereof using a system comprising a plurality of detectors of temperature and an

electronic controller is provided herein. The method is comprising the steps of:

(i) operating the system by an electronic switch; (ii) receiving settings

parameters from a user via a screen; (iii) detecting temperature by an

electronic thermometer consists of a plurality of detectors of temperature, wherein each detector of temperature in the plurality of detectors is located in a different height; (iv) transferring the detected temperature to the electronic controller; (v) controlling activity of the tank by a microcomputer, manually and automatically; and (vi) enabling remote monitor and control of the

microcomputer by a communication device.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method is further comprising the step of detecting an expected shortage in hot water in the tank in real-time in an exceptional event and wherein calculating the

amount of available fluid that is in a predefined temperature and estimating the required amount of hot water based on stored information and history of

usage.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of receiving information regarding exceptional events from external sources and takes the received information into account in its calculations for providing amount of fluid in a predefined temperature.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method is further comprising the step of associating a flexible shaft to the electronic

thermometer to allow installation of the system from different angles and positions.

[0027] These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1A is a high level schematic block diagram of a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure IB is a high level flowchart illustrating response of a system to demand for hot fluid, according to some embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 is a high level flowchart illustrating an activity of a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, according to some embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 is a high level schematic block diagram of an example of a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 4 is a high level schematic block diagram of a microcomputer in the electronic controller that is associated to the boiler and to a communication device, according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0030] For a better understanding of the invention, the usages of the following terms in the present disclosure are defined in a non-limiting manner:

[0031] The term "electronic thermometer" as used herein in this application, is defined as an instrument to measure temperature. The electronic thermometer consists of a plurality of sensors.

[0032] The term "communication device" as used herein in this application, is defined as a device that transmits digital communication through wireless network, cables or power lines.

[0033] The term "electronic controller" as used herein in this application, is defined as a device that controls the operation of the Electronic thermometer and enables display of information and action upon the displayed information. The device consists of a microcomputer associated to a screen and a communication device associated to the microcomputer. Both the information displayed and the action upon it is related to another device. [0034] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for providing information and controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a tank. In a non limiting example, a boiler.

[0035] Figure 1A is a high level schematic block diagram of a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0036] In a non limiting example, to reduce energy expenses on heating of water at home and in other places information regarding volume and temperature in a boiler may be provided and used. Commonly, when people are turning on the boiler, they assume that the water in the electric water boiler is not warm enough for use or that the volume of warm water is not sufficient for intentional use. However, this assumption may be wrong, since the water in the electric water boiler may already be warm enough for use. For example, if someone else turned on the electric water boiler without them knowing.

[0037] According to an aspect of the present invention, the system for controlling of volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, may contribute and support energy saving. Further, the system may reduce the duration of time that the boiler is turned on, hence save energy and reduce energy expenses.

[0038] According to an aspect of the present invention, connecting means 160 are arranged to associate system 100 to the boiler (not shown) is provided herein. The system 100 is comprised of the following components: (i) an electronic thermometer 110 consists of: microprocessor 127, electronic switch 125, communication device 120 and a plurality of detectors of temperature 115A-115D, each detector of temperature is located in a different height in the boiler; (ii) a communication device 155 associated to the electronic thermometer 110; and (iii) an electronic controller 130. The electronic controller 130 includes a microcomputer 150.

[0039] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the microcomputer 150 in the electric controller 130 is arranged to: (a) control activity of the boiler manually via electronic switch 135 operated by micro processor 125 which is integrated with Electronic thermometer, and automatically; (b) provide information about volume and temperature of fluid in the boiler; (c) define duration of usage of the boiler and store that information; (d) automatically operate the boiler according to the stored information; and (e) compare between the stored information of different users. [0040] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the electronic switch 135 may be connected to the boiler via wireless or via cables or through the power lines.

[0041] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, data transfer between the boiler and the electronic controller may be synchronized to be conveyed through power lines at predefined time periods when no power is transmitted over it.

[0042] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electronic switch 125 may control the activity of the electronic thermometer 110. The electronic switch 125 may be turned on automatically by a microprocessor 127 that is associated to it. The micro processor controls the operation of the Electronic thermometer and convey the measured data from the sensors to the to electronic controller.

[0043]

[0044] Figure IB is a high level flowchart illustrating response of a system to demand for hot fluid, according to some embodiments of the invention. In a non limiting example, the system 100 may be associated to an existing boiler in a house of a family of five. Daily routine of showers where, hot water is consumed as follows: between 8:00AM and 10:00AM two showers. Early shower out of the two requires 20 Liter of water in 30C°. Second shower requires 30 Liter of water in 37 C°. Between 4:00PM to 4:30PM a shower that requires 25 Liter of water in 29C°, and between 7:00PM and 10:00PM four showers. Each shower out of the four showers requires different volume and temperature of water.

[0045] According to an aspect of the present invention, the boiler may be programmed to respond to the demand for hot water described above. The microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A may learn the time and amount of hot water that is needed at home for every day of the week and adjust itself to provide in time the amount of hot water. Programming of the boiler may be operated by each individual identifying himself via the electric controller 130 in Figure 1A before he or she starts taking a shower (stage 165). The information may be typed utilizing a screen 145 in Figure 1A of the electric controller 130 in Figure 1A and received in a microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A in the electronic controller 130 in Figure 1A. The screen 145 may be a 'touch screen'. Then, while an individual is taking a shower the microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A may monitor the temperature and volume of the water in the boiler (stage 170). [0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, the microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A may store information about volume of water that is consumed and temperature for each shower that is taken (stage 175). The stored information may be used to compare between showers that were taken by different individual. The comparison may be used to encourage individuals to save water and energy (stage 180). The microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A may be switched on and off automatically or manually (stage 185).

[0047] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a communication device 155 in Figure 1A is arranged to communicate with the microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A. The microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A may allow a remote monitoring and controlling of the system 100 in Figure 1A. The remote monitoring and controlling of the system 100 in Figure 1A may be operated from a remote microcomputer located in close area. Further, the system 100 in Figure 1A may be monitored and controlled via the internet or a mobile device (stage 190).

[0048] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a user may set the microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A to limit a desirable volume and temperature of water (stage 195). The option of setting desirable volume and temperature of water by the user may save energy because only desired volume is heated to a specific temperature instead of heating the whole water in the boiler.

[0049] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, detectors of temperature 115A-115D in Figure 1A included in system 100 in Figure 1A may be integrated as part of the boiler, hence making the connecting means 160 in Figure 1A obsolete.

[0050] Further, the system with the sensors as part of it, may be provided as a universal separate kit that fits into any type of boiler or any tank.

[0051] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the system 100 in Figure 1A may detect expected shortage in hot water in the tank (in a non limiting example, boiler) in real time, due to an exceptional event. In other words, while a user is taking a shower and using the hot water that are incoming from the boiler the system 100 in Figure 1A may calculate the amount of available water in a predefined temperature and estimate the required amount of hot water based on stored information and history of usage. As a response to the detection of the exceptional event, the system 100 in Figure 1A may automatically turn on the heating system in the boiler for a defined period of time. [0052] Additionally, the exceptional event (i.e. not a routine usage of hot water) may be reported by the user. For example, when a family of four is about to take a shower in a row, when normally only two members of the family are taking a shower in a row.

[0053] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the system 100 in Figure 1A may receive information regarding exceptional events from external sources such as weather forecast and take the information into account in its calculations to provide a predefined temperature of fluid in the tank (i.e. boiler). For example, the system 100 in Figure 1A may recalculate the amount of water to be heated according to information regarding an exceptional warm day in the middle of a cold winter. In this case the system 100 in Figure 1A may turn on the boiler for less time to reach predefined temperature value.

[0054] Figure 2 is a high level flowchart illustrating activity of a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0055] According to an aspect of the present invention, associating the system 100 in Figure 1A to a boiler (stage 210). Then, the electronic thermometer 110 in Figure 1A may sense temperature of fluid in the boiler, utilizing a plurality of detectors of temperature 115A-115D in Figure 1A (stage 215). Each detector of temperature 115A-115D in Figure 1A is located in a different height, thus allowing accurate information regarding several volumes of fluid each volume of fluid with different temperature.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present invention, transmitting the sensed temperature of each volume of fluid to an electronic controller 130 in Figure 1A (stage 220). The information that was transmitted may be received by a communication device 155 in Figure 1A in the electronic controller 130 in Figure 1A and displayed on a screen of the electronic controller 130 in Figure 1A (stage 225). The

[0057] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the received information may be saved on a microcomputer 150 in Figure 1A (stage 230). The information that was saved may be utilized to monitor and control activity of the boiler. Further, the controlling may allow to start the boiler and determine the limit of volume and temperature of fluid in the boiler before taking a shower (stage 235). [0058] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, monitoring and controlling activity of the boiler may be operated via at least one of internet or mobile phone.

[0059] Figure 3 is a high level schematic block diagram of an example of a system for controlling volume and temperature of fluid in a boiler and providing information thereof, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0060] In a non limiting example, according to an aspect of the invention, a new electronic thermometer (320) may be inserted into a boiler (310) and may be located beside an old thermometer (330) in the boiler (310). A regular heater (340) is located in the boiler (310 ) as well.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, communication device (350) may be connected to the boiler (310) and an electronic controller (360) and may be arranged to transfer information between the boiler (310) and the electronic controller (360). Further, the boiler (310) may be switched on or off via a manual switch (370).

[0062] Figure 4 is a high level schematic block diagram of a microcomputer in the electronic controller associated to the boiler and to a communication device, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0063] According to an aspect of the invention, a microcomputer 410 is associated to the boiler 420 and to a user interface (not shown). The microcomputer 410 is located in the electronic controller 130 in Figure 1A. The microcomputer 410 is arranged to automatically control the activity of the boiler 420 via master heater 450.

[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, electronic thermometer 480 consists of a plurality of detectors of temperature 115A-115D in Figure 1A, each detector of temperature is located in a different height in the boiler 420, thus providing accurate information regarding several volumes of fluid each volume of fluid with different temperature.

[0065] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the information that is collected by the electronic thermometer 480 may be transmitted to temperature collector 460 in the microcomputer 410 via a communication device 490. Information from the temperature collector 460 is transmitted to temperature and volume monitoring analyzer 470.

[0066] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a flexible shaft 485 may be associated to the electronic thermometer 480 which consists of a plurality of detectors of temperature, each detector in a different height. The flexibility of the shaft 485 allows installation of the boiler 420 in various positions and angles. The flexible shaft 485 may be made of a flexible sleeve.

[0067] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the electronic thermometer 480 may consist of a plurality of detectors of infrared (IR) instead the plurality of detectors of temperature 115A-115D in Figure 1A. Usage of a plurality of IR detectors is advantageous because fewer detectors are needed as one IR detector may measure temperature of a larger area.

[0068] According to yet another aspect of the invention, information received in the temperature and volume monitoring analyzer 470 may be stored in user memory 440. Further, information received in the temperature and volume monitoring analyzer 470 may be controlled via a scheduler 430 to allow scheduling of the activity of the boiler 420.

[0069] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

[0070] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0071] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0072] The invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0073] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.