Water Heater for Heating Water Using Various Power Sources and Enhancing Energy Savings

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 18/886,776, filed Sep. 16, 2024; which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/538,655, filed Sep. 15, 2023; all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety and referenced thereto.

The present disclosure relates to a water heating system, and in particular, relates to a water heater for heating water using different power sources while enhancing energy savings.

It is known that water heaters are commonly used in household or commercial applications. In typical water heaters, water is introduced into a storage tank via an inlet water pipe at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50° F.). The water heater includes an electrical element within the storage tank typically positioned inside the water heater, or beneath the water tank (for gas heaters). The electrical element is used to heat the water within the water tank to a preset temperature. The electrical element is controlled with the help of a thermostat that is capable of monitoring or measuring the temperature within the water tank.

With improvements in the technology, the power required to heat the electrical element is drawn from a variety of sources such as power grid, renewable power source, among others. Several water heaters operating using different power sources have been disclosed in the past. One such water heater is disclosed in a United States Granted U.S. Pat. No. 11,480,366, entitled “Solar water heating system” (“the '366 patent”). The '366 patent discloses systems and methods for a thermosyphonic water heating system for a storage tank. A DC heat pump receives power from a DC power source and heats water via a heat exchanger using a thermosyphonic piping system. A passive back-flushing having a cold-water inlet pipe connected to the hot water return pipe draws cold water into the storage tank through the heat exchanger. A vertical array of temperature sensors distributed throughout the storage tank monitor temperature of stored water at multiple heights and a communication unit communicates monitored data to an external control device.

Another water heater is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20130266295, entitled “Hybrid Gas-Electric Hot Water Heater” (“the '295 Publication”). The '295 Publication discloses systems and methods (i.e., utilities) broadly directed to the generation of hot water using energy derived from renewable energy sources. In the various aspects, these utilities are directed to the retrofitting of existing water heaters with electrical heating elements that are connectable to a renewable source of electrical energy. While primarily discussed in relation to retrofitting existing water heaters, various aspects are applicable to OEM manufactured systems. Further, various control methods are provided that allow for enhancing the efficiency of hot water generation, net metering, and/or the generation of renewable energy credits.

Yet another water heater is disclosed in a United States Publication No. 20120060827, entitled “Control for a tankless water heater used with a solar water heating system” (“the '827 Publication”). The '827 Publication discloses a tankless water heating auxiliary system for a solar water heating system, includes a solar collector; a tankless water heater auxiliary system; an insulated water storage tank storing the potable water; a heat exchange system for heating stored water; and piping for connecting the collector, the storage tank and the heat exchanger in fluid communication. A first sensor is connected to and located adjacent to the storage tank for sensing the temperature of the stored water at an outlet of the tank. A method for controlling initiation of heating in a tankless water heater auxiliary system, includes monitoring operation of a tankless water heater; measuring water flow using a water flow sensor to determine if water flow rate exceeds a use determined flow rate; implementing a control time delay into the tankless water heater to purge water from the heater and sense the inlet water supply temperature; measuring the water temperature using a heat exchanger outgoing thermistor; comparing the temperature measured by the thermistor to a predetermined temperature; and initiating a combustion sequence if the temperature measured by the outgoing thermistor is less than the predetermined temperature.

Although the above discussed disclosures are useful, still, there is a need in the art to provide an improved water heater capable of reducing energy cost for major electrical equipment for both end user and suppliers of energy.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electric water heater and that avoids the drawback of known water heaters.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved water heater capable of reducing energy cost for major electrical equipment for both end user and suppliers of energy.

In order to achieve one or more objects, the present invention provides a water heater and a method for heating water using various power sources and enhancing energy savings. The water heater includes a first heating element within an inlet pipe. The first heating element draws energy from a first power source to heat water to a first temperature. The first power source indicates a power supplied by utility service providers, say traditional grid. The water heater further includes a second heating element within an outlet pipe. The second heating element draws power from a second power source to heat water from the first temperature to a second temperature. The second power source indicates energy drawn from renewable energy sources such as solar panels, for example. Optionally, when the second power source is unavailable or insufficient, then the second heating element draws power from a third power source to heat water from the first temperature to the second temperature. The third power source indicates energy drawn from renewable energy sources such as batteries or wind turbines, for example.

In one implementation, the water heater provides a different flow path for hot water located outside of the normal water heater. The flow path may have a first heating element (i.e., cal-rod) at the bottom of the outside flow path connected to an alternative power source or standard utility power. Optionally, the water heater includes a trickle charger controlled by a thermostat that maintains a programmed temperature throughout the hot water heater.

Further, the water heater includes a second heating element (e.g., cal-rod) that runs inside of the inlet pipe hot water heater (HWH). The second heating element is designed to run off any available power source, with alternate power preferred to save energy. The selection of power source is supplied by thermostat program. The transfer of temperature is provided by an outside flow path. The second heating element activates as needed to maintain set water temperature when demand is high.

In addition, the water heater includes a third heating element (e.g., cal-rod) placed in the hot water outlet line which becomes the second cal-rod to activate inside of HWH. The water heater includes a controller integrating a thermostat program that takes sensor data from all sensors, available electrical energy and calculates the amount of energy needed to maintain maximum set HWH temperature.

There are two electric Cal-rods that come with most standard electric water heaters and are primarily supplied electrical energy by a utility company. The electric Cal-rods are controlled by the thermostat program, if the three Cal-rods supplied by the alternate energy cal-rods cannot maintain the max temperature set for HWH. In other words, all Cal-rods, a total of five (5) would be activated and have the same effect as a tank-less water heater system. The same process can be used by a gas HWH. Here, once demand for the hot water is met, the HWH would return to normal operations. The outside flow pipe created by the transfer line may be used to create a heat source for additional heat to the house heating system. This approach can be used anytime. The HWH can be used as a type of boiler. The external pipe can be enlarged to hold additional hot water that would be circulated from the HWH outside to the heat pump where heat is transferred to the heat pump coil and then circulated by small pump back to HWH to be reheated making a complete cycle. The heat exchanger is isolated from the heat pumps fan system to enhance the transfer of heat to the heat pump system.

In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the water heater can be used with existing water tanks for heating water while reducing energy cost at household and commercial structures. The water heater presents a multi-stage heating process that increases the water temperature in a short span of time and improves the overall efficiency of the water heater while minimizing the heat loss.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the second heating element allows water inside the outlet pipe to be at operating temperature quickly due to water volume inside hot water heater since the outlet valve is small and easy to bring to operating temperature by the second heating element. Setting a low temperature of 40° or 50° F. for heating by the first heating element helps to save energy cost for both users and power utility providers.

In one alternate implementation, the first heating element is set to heat the water from 100° F. This allows the energy source from the utility company to do the heavy lifting and the second heating element operated using the alternative energy to increase the total tank temperature to a temperature of 125° F. to 140° F. The alternative energy to heat the water tank can be ON to reach set maximum temperature of hot water heater (HWH), once the tank reaches the set temperature, only the alternative energy is needed to maintain temperature at maximum. The natural flow of hotter water to the top of the heater tank is from the cooler bottom of the tank.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, when there is a power failure, alternate power such as the solar panels get activated and maintain the power for the first heating element.

In yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the third heating element installed near the bottom of the outside outlet/inlet pipe allows the hot water to flow/migrate upward to aid in maintaining temperature at top of the hot water tank outlets.

In yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the water heater includes a controller. The controller optimizes the energy usage by controlling the operation of the second heating element based on real-time temperature data. This ensures the energy is consumed only when it is required.

The features and advantages of the invention here will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGURES. As will be realized, the invention disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

The following detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed water heater. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed water heater.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present invention provides a description of a water heater, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the water heater. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this disclosure.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The present invention discloses a water heater and a method for heating water using various power sources and enhancing energy savings. The water heater includes a first heating element within an inlet pipe. The first heating element draws energy from a first power source to heat water to a first temperature. The water heater further includes a second heating element within an outlet pipe. The second heating element draws power from a second power source to heat water from the first temperature to a second temperature. Optionally, when the second power source is unavailable or insufficient, then the second heating element draws power from a third power source to heat water from the first temperature to the second temperature.

In one implementation, the water heater includes rooftop mounted solar panels supplying power to home HVAC units and to an electricity grid. The utility companies can collect the power generation data. The invention further includes a hybrid water heater with a T-shaped connection tube comprising a heating element powered through solar energy providing alternative source for utility power. The invention further includes a hybrid heat pump with a separate chamber for refrigerant heating through heating element using solar energy to bring temperature back to efficient mode for heat pump. The system includes DC batteries to supply electric power in case of unavailability of solar power. The refrigerant of the heat pump is reheated by the heating element using solar power or bypassing through an area heated by microwave or heating element operating through solar power.

Various features and embodiments of a water heater are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGUREs (.

shows a diagrammatic representation of a water heater, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Further,shows a top view of water heater, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Water heaterincludes a housing or enclosure or tankmade of a suitable material for holding various electrical and mechanical components required for heating water.

Housingincludes an inlet pipe. Inlet pipereceives water W from a water source. Inand, inlet water flow is denoted with a reference numeral(inlet water flow). Inlet pipeconnects to a first heating element. In one example, first heating elementindicates a Calrod™ used as a heating element for converting electricity into heat via Joule heating. In accordance with the present invention, inlet pipehas two connections, a first connection and a second connection that are on top of each other and located outside the top of housing. Further, two connections are connected to inlet pipein a water and pressure tight manner. Here, the first connection is positioned below the first connection. The first connection allows the water to enter inlet pipe. Further, the second (top) connection allows a first armored power wireto go through the water connection and attaches to first heating elementinside inlet pipe.

First heating elementhas an Alternate Current (AC) supplied by a first power source, say via a grid using first power wire. Alternatively, first heating elementhas a Direct current (DC) supplied, if needed. First heating elementutilizes first power sourceto heat water W up to 40 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50° F.) or as may be needed. In some embodiments, first power sourceincludes renewable energy, say solar energy used to heat water W up to 40 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50° F.) or as may be needed.

Referring toand, constructional features of first heating elementare explained. It should be understood thatshows a partial view of water heatercontaining first heating elementwithin inlet pipe. As can be seen from at least is, first heating elementis attached to the bottom of inlet pipeto prevent fluid from moving first heating elementup or down inside inlet pipe. Optionally, first heating elementis not attached to inlet pipesince water flows downward under normal operation and keeps first heating elementin place. Further, first heating elementcreates a flow pathusing slots or holesfor heating water at the middle of first heating element. Slotsact as open ends for inlet pipeto the whole of water heater.

Further, water heaterincludes an outlet pipe or hot water discharge pipe, as shown inand. Outlet pipeis configured to discharge the heated water. Outlet pipeincludes a second heating element. Second heating elementindicates a Cal-rod or Calrod™ used as a heating element for converting electricity into heat via Joule heating.shows a partial view of water heatercontaining second heating elementwithin outlet pipe. As can be seen, outlet pipehas a cap with a second armored power wirethat runs through it and is attached to second heating element. Similar to first heating element, second heating elementincludes two connections, a first connection and a second connection that are positioned on top of each other and located outside the top of housing. Further, two connections are connected to outlet pipein a water and pressure tight manner. Here, the first connection is positioned below the first connection. The first connection allows the water to enter outlet pipe. Further, the second (top) connection allows second power wireto go through the water connection and attaches to second heating elementinside outlet pipe. Second heating elementcreates a flow pathusing slots or holesat the middle of second heating element.

Further, outlet pipeencompasses a bottom cap connection. Bottom cap connectionpositions underneath second heating elementand keeps second heating elementin place when water surges up through outlet pipe. Further, bottom cap connectionhas holes through it to prevent debris from collecting below second heating element.

As specified above, second heating elementheats water using a second power sourcesuch as solar energy. In one example, second power sourceincludes utility company provided AC, Alternating Current or Direct Current from sources other than utility power. In other words, any source of developed AC, DC or batteries work with the presently disclosed water heater. In some embodiments, batteriesare used in addition to solar energy. Batteriescan be used to supply electrical energy when solar energy is not available or when the solar energy is insufficient to power second heating element.shows use of batterieswith each of first heating elementand second heating elementwith the help of a converter. As can be seen from, batteriesare used when it is determined that solar energy is not active or insufficient to operate second heating element. In one example, a wind turbine (not shown) is used with batteriesto supplement solar panels and during low sun conditions. Optionally, a gas fired water heater or gas fired burner is used to supplement solar panels for operating second heating element. Other natural resources may be used to increase energy savings.

shows an exemplary embodiment in which water heateris used at an attic with airfrom duct wallpassing by coilsand entering air conditioning duct to ventilatorto a living area. The Freon is used similar to an air-conditioner. In one example, hot water is returned to water heaterto reuse via water faucet.shows another exemplary embodiment in which water heateris used at an attic with airfrom duct wallpassing by coilswith hot water and then back to an air conditioning duct to be circulated to add worth to the living area. The Freon is used similar to an air-conditioner. In one example, hot water is returned to water heatervia tubesto reuse via water faucet. In one example, the drain line from inside the container for the hot water heater (HWH) is needed in case a water leak is developed.is presented to have a different flow path for hot water located outside of a normal water heater. This flow path may have a heating element (cal-rod) at the bottom of the outside flow path connected to an alternative power source or standard utility power.shows a heat pumphaving a linesucking airand another linedischarging the air. Here, a heat plateseparates an areafrom F Freon. Areais heated by microwave or other heating sources.

shows a schematic view of a housingfor receiving a heat pump air conditioning unit or regular air conditioning unit. Here, housingis presented to explain a method involving building two walls of two different materials to supply cooler air to the heat pump unit by reducing the sun's hotter rays and enhancing the efficiency of a heat pump or conventional air conditioning system. The first wall is placed four inches from the sides of the heat pump walls and is totally enclosing the heat pump unit. The first wall is made of 80% shade cloth or 45% aluminum covered shade cloth. The shade cloth has 4 inches laying on and attached to the ground to prevent outside air from entering at the bottom of the shade cloth. There is a frame used to hold shade cloth upright. The top of the shade cloth is folded over the frame and is allowed to cover all but a fan opening on all four sides of the AC unit. This shade cloth allows outside air to be pulled thru the shade cloth and be expelled by the fan. If the aluminum covered shade cloth is used it will reflect the sun's rays and heat away before entering the ac unit. This will result in a cooling effect of the outside air temperature. The heat rays are exhausted upward, and the shade cloth removes about 45% of the sun's heat.

The second wall around the heat pump unit consists of radiant barriers that removes and dissipates the heat waves from getting to the shade cloth and improves the cooling effect further. Each of the radiant barriers is placed standing up and are four inches away from each other and overlap each other by four inches, all the way around the heat pump assembly. This arrangement allows free flow of air to the shade cloth minus the heat reflected away. The height of the radiant barriers can be seen as the shadow on the AC unit. It needs to be high enough to keep all sunlight from hitting on the AC unit at any time of the day on any side.

Still referring to, housingencompasses a container. In one implementation, all sides of containerare provided with silvishade cloth reflective material. The silvishade reflects sunlight, creating shade on the air conditioning unit, such that the air will be cooler on the inside than outside. In winter conditions, it is possible to add between the air conditioning unit and the shade cloth a heat blanket to aid the heat pump operations, similar to electric blanket. Containerpresents a wall, say house brick wall on one side, concrete slab at the bottom and receives cooler sirfrom the opposite side of wall. The area denoted by X inside containerindicates an area on the outer air conditioning unit cover where outside air is condensed and blown out through top by a fan (forced air).shows an air conditioning unit(similar to air conditioning unit), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. air conditioning unitincludes a housing unithaving postsat all corners for affixing to the wall. In one example, three sides,of air conditioning unit, say about 80% of the air conditioning unitis provided with shade material (silvishade cloth reflective material) at an angle of 45 degrees. Air conditioning unitincludes a fan housinghaving blades.is shown to illustrate that shade cloth,is provided at the bottom and sides of air conditioning unitsuch that air temperature being circulated through the condenser coil is at least 10 degrees below the ambient temperature and would make the condenser more efficient and reduce the energy cost.shows a feature of shade clothon all sides. Here, shade clothdoes not cover fan housing.shows a bottom portion of air conditioning unitshown above in. Here, areaindicates an area of flow created when fanis ON. Two valvesare provided to check coilshoused in a container. Coilsare insulated and used as a form of heating freon for winter operations and supply heat to hot water heater which maintains a constant temperature to heat exchanger. This would be used to improve efficient use of heat pump when operating below its optimum for heating reuse.

shows water heater, in accordance with one exemplary setup. The exemplary setup presents a PVC pipe system used to run a line from the external HWH line to the air conditioning duct work where, past the coil. A heat exchanger is placed inside of existing duct work with a return line to the hot water heater. This feature would only be active in cold weather and controlled by a controller (not shown) integrating an artificial intelligence (AI) program. The process ceases when the thermostat setting was reached. The Al program determines the proper time to start or stop hot water flow. Here, water is used as fluid to provide a safety system and a drain line would catch water leaking from water lines and heat exchanger. The A/C filter positioned ahead of the heat exchanger is used to capture and clean air to heat exchanger or a separate exchange filter is used. The additional adoption would be with AC Freon and no water. The same approach would be taken with the Freon as the water. Two Freon lines would be run (one intake, one outtake) one insulated and one not. The process would be the same as water, except the Freon method is used to enhance the ability to heat and cool during weather extremes. The Freon exchanger is attached to the AC unit by way of testing ports normally provided to service the AC unit. The ability to test the heat exchanger and main AC requires an additional set of testing ports at the end of the heat exchanger for service. The heat exchanger function is controlled inside by the thermostat/controller using Al program. The heat exchanger is finned on the outside to improve efficiency for both heating and cooling. The heat exchanger is shut off when not needed for efficiency. Water heaterincludes a primary duct, and an electric bar. Primary ductreceives air, which passes through electric bar. The air flow is directed to AC through a RM duct. In some implementations, the airflowis directed to HWH pipehaving a heating memberconnecting a powerline. Water heaterincludes a heat exchangerwith fins. Heat exchangerconnects to outlethaving a drip panfor the air-conditioning unit. Outletconnects to an outside pipe. Further, outletconnects to a hot water tank pipe. Cold water is supplied to water heatervia an inlet line. Here, exchangerhas a hotter flow to upper heat exchange with a lower cool water return to hot water.

In accordance with the present invention, first power sourceis used to heat the water up to 40° F. If the water heater is set for 125° F., then the difference between 40° F. and 125° F., i.e., 85° F. is achieved using second power sourcei.e., using solar energy. Optionally, when the second power source, say solar energy is not available at night time, then an alternate source say, batteriesare used to achieve the temperature of 125° F., from the water temperature of 40° F. This way, water heaterhelps to reach the required temperature of 125° F. much faster.

Further, water heaterincludes a pop off pressure relief valve. Pop off pressure relief valveconnects to a third heating elementvia a third pipe or outlet line. Third pipeis insulated from top to bottom of water heaterto reduce heat loss. The length of third pipecan be adjusted to increase the amount of hot water availability in water heater.

shows a partial view of pop off pressure relief valvepositioned adjacent to water heater, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.shows a partial view of pop off pressure relief valvepositioned adjacent to water heater, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In one example, pop off pressure relief valvehas a third armored power wireconnecting pop off pressure relief valveand third heating element. Pop off pressure relief valvehelps to relieve high pressure inside housingfor safety. Further, third heating elementis connected to a drain valve. The flow path with third heating elementoutside of the hot water tankfrom drain valveto pop off pressure relief valveis installed with or without third heating elementinstalled. This is done to allow natural flow of hot water to top of hot water heater. Here, installation of third heating elementat the lower end of the outside third pipepresents an advantage should other heating features fail. It should be noted that third heating elementis placed high enough in third pipeto allow for draining of any sediment that might accumulate through drain valve. In some instances, third heating elementmay take extra room below where it is set to catch sediment for removal via drain valve. In one example, water heaterincludes a faucetto discharge water from water heater.

shows an alternate embodiment of pop off pressure relief valve. Here, a T-shaped connection tube is in pop off pressure relief valvein order to use drain valvetemporarily. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, FIG.shows an above view of heat pump, a discharge line, and a return lineboth with check valves to allow connections for auxiliary functions outside the AC unit to be installed. Here, heat pumpconnects to a first valveand a second valve. Each of first valveand second valveincludes check valves. A separate unit that is pressure tight such as A/C service unit is used to operate and match with the operating pressure of the A/C using a service unit. In one example, heat pumpwith a separate chamber for refrigerant heating through heating element using solar energy to bring temperature back to efficient mode for heat pump. In one example, a control box (not shown) is used to regulate the source of power i.e., A/C solar or batteries. This is to help in the case of loss of A/C from the grid.

Here, the temperature of first heating elementis set to 40 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50° F.) or as may be needed. Setting a low temperature of 40° or 50° F. helps to save energy cost for both users and power utility providers. In case of a power failure, alternate power will activate and maintain the power of first heating element.

As can be seen from, the flow path of inlet source water is through the top of the water inlet connection and downward around first power wireto first heating elementis used to heat the water in tank/housing. Inlet pipehas two connections that are on top of each other and located outside the top of water heater. The bottom connections allows the source water to enter inlet pipe. A second connection above the water inlet connects first power wire(armored power wire) that runs through both connections. First power wireis connected to first heating element(cal-rod) located near the bottom of inlet pipe. There is a flow path just about four inches below the top of inlet pipe(about 2 3/16″ holes) that allows hot water from lower first heating elementto create flow between the top and bottom circulation ports on inlet pipeby migration of water or applied heat. The flow path of inlet source water is through the top of the water inlet connection and downward around the cable to first heating elementused to heat the water in tank/housing. In one implementation, first heating elementhas a flow path created by holes or slotsfor heating the water around the middle of first heating element. The open end of inlet pipeallows water flow and any sediment to exit inlet pipe. Further, sediment falls to the bottom of tank/housing. In addition, first heating elementcan be latched to the bottom of inlet pipeto prevent fluid from moving first heating elementup or down inside inlet pipe. It should be understood that it may not be possible to attach first heating elementto inlet pipeas all water forces under normal operations would be downward to keep first heating elementin place. As first heating elementin inlet pipeis supplied with AC power supplied by the utility company, down first power wireto first heating elementwith alternative power, if needed. The Temperature setting of 125 degrees F. or as needed is maintained throughout water heaterby heating element,,. The lower temperature which is less than the final temperature results in savings of energy cost for the consumer and the utility company. In some implementations, a gas fired burner (not shown) and controls can be used in place of first heating elementas a heat source in inlet pipe.

A small amount of cool water enters hot water when hot water is flowing out of the tank. When water reaches a pre-set temperature say 50° F., first heating elementshuts down and other flow paths with second heating elementand/or third heating elementincrease and maintain constant temperature to maximum. Once hot water begins to flow from the tank, first heating elementturns ON to quickly maintain heat at maximum temperature.

shows three different openings, a first opening, a second opening, and a third openingin inlet pipeto allow flow from inlet pipeto the water between the water tank inside the wall and the outside of the inlet pipe. First openinghas two 3/16″ holes to allow some inlet water out of inlet pipe. Second openingis a larger opening close to the bottom of the water tank and is positioned about even with the halfway mark of second heating element. This allows easy flow out to the total volume of the water tank. The last flow path via third openingis the end of inlet pipeand allows water to flow toward or away from first heating elementto enhance heat exchange. In the present invention, the flow paths FP, and FPallow water or heated water to migrate to the top of the tank to maximum temperature.

In one embodiment, first heating elementis set with a temperature of 50° F. plus 75-85° F. for a total of 125° F. from an alternate source, say renewable energy (solar energy). Here, second heating elementis adjusted to a total of 90° F. which would be the maximum tank pressure for second heating elementto achieve. A person skilled in the art understands that when water temperature reaches 125° F., third heating elementlocated in the outside flow path increases water temperature to the final temperature of 120-130° F., if needed. The maximum temperature is maintained for a longer period of time by water flowing from the bottom of third pipeto the top of the hot water heater.

A person skilled in the art understands that it is possible to heat water by running converted solar/battery energy to AC and replacing AC from the utility company to AC from an alternate energy source. This would allow all controls of the heating elements to operate as if connected to the utility company. The connection to the utility company would not be operational nor involve only alternate energy resulting in energy savings and money spent. It would be possible to eliminate any utility company electricity to be used.