Patent ID: 6989514
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G01K,G05B,G05D

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling temperature control elements used to alter temperatures of a liquid residing within a tank, comprising: a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the liquid; a first temperature control element configured to alter a temperature of the liquid; a second temperature control element configured to alter a temperature of the liquid; and logic configured to determine a first value and a second value, the first value indicative of a total amount of time that the first temperature control element is activated and the second value indicative of a total amount of time that the second temperature control element is activated, the logic configured to perform a comparison between the first and second values, the logic configured to make a determination, based on the temperature sensor, that a temperature of the liquid is to be altered, the logic further configured to select, based on the comparison, one of the temperature control elements and to activate the selected temperature control element in response to the determination, wherein the logic is further configured to monitor usage of the liquid within the tank, wherein the logic is configured to automatically define a schedule indicative of expected usage of the liquid within the tank based on the monitored usage, wherein the determination is based on a comparison of a threshold to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, and wherein the threshold is automatically selected by the logic for the comparison based on the schedule and a current time value indicated by a clock.