Patent ID: 8271143
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: F24D,F24H,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a plurality of fluidly and operably connected water heaters in a network to meet a system demand, comprising steps of: providing a value corresponding to relative remaining life of each said water heater, a value corresponding to a minimum output of each said water heater, a flow limiting valve for each said water heater and a pump for each said water heater; obtaining a number of participating water heaters required to service said system demand by dividing said system demand by said value corresponding to minimum output; obtaining an average heating load by dividing said system demand by said number of participating water heaters in said network; selecting participating water heaters by identifying said number of participating water heaters having the longest relative remaining life; and setting and activating each of said selected participating water heaters at said average heating load to provide a total load meeting said system demand.