Patent ID: 7372005
Filing Date: 2008-05-13
Classification: C23F,F24H

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling, with a controller, the operation of a storage-type water heater, the water heater including a tank for storing water while the water is being heated to a set point temperature, the tank comprising a ferrous metal and a lining coupled to the ferrous metal, a portion of the ferrous metal being exposed to the water, the water heater further including an electrode at least partially disposed in the tank, the method comprising the steps of: applying a voltage to the electrode having a first location, the voltage having an amplitude; ceasing the application of the applied voltage to the electrode; determining the potential of the electrode relative to a second location after the ceasing of the application of the applied voltage; modifying the amplitude of the voltage to have the potential of the electrode relative to the second location emulate a target potential of the electrode relative to the second location, the target potential having a value; applying the modified voltage to the electrode; determining an indication of an electrical conductivity of a system including the electrode, the water, and the tank; modifying the value of the target potential based on the indication; and repeating the above steps of the method.