Water heater appliance and a method for operating the same

A water heater appliance and a method for operating the same are provided. The method includes receiving a first temperature measurement from a temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, receiving a second temperature measurement from the temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, and establishing if water is flowing through a conduit of the water heater appliance based at least in part on the first and second temperature measurements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to water heater appliance and methods for operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain water heater appliances include a tank therein. Heating elements, such as gas burners, electric resistance elements, or induction elements, heat water within the tank during operation of such water heater appliances. In particular, the heating elements generally heat water within the tank to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is generally selected such that heated water within the tank is suitable for showering, washing hands, etc.

During operation, relatively cool water flows into the tank, and the heating elements operate to heat such water to the predetermined temperature. Thus, the volume of heated water available at the predetermined temperature is generally limited to the volume of the tank. According, water heater appliances are sold in various sizes to permit consumers to select a proper tank volume and provide sufficient heated water. However, large water heater appliances with large tanks occupy large amount of space within a residence or business. In certain buildings, space is limited and/or expensive. Thus, utilizing large water heater appliances can be impractical and/or prohibitively expensive despite needing large volumes of heated water.

To provide relatively large volumes of heated water from relatively small tanks, certain water heater appliances utilize a mixing valve. The mixing valve permits water within the water heater's tank to be stored at relatively high temperatures. The mixing valve mixes such high temperature water with relatively cool water in order to bring the temperature of such water down to suitable and/or more usable temperatures. Thus, such water heater appliance can provide relatively large volumes of heated water without requiring large tanks.

To operate efficiently, water heater appliances with mixing valves generally determine whether hot water is in demand or is flowing. When water is flowing through the mixing valve, the mixing valve adjusts the ratio of relatively hot water and relatively cold water in order to control the temperature of water supplied downstream. Certain water heater appliances utilize a flowmeter or a flow sensor to determine if water is flowing through the mixing valve, but such devices can be unreliable. In particular, flowmeters and flow sensors include moving components that can clog or otherwise malfunction due to hard water or debris.

Accordingly, a water heater appliance having a mixing valve that includes features for determining when water is flowing through the mixing valve would be useful. In particular, a water heater appliance having a mixing valve that includes features for determining when water is flowing through the mixing valve without using a flowmeter or a flow sensor would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a water heater appliance and a method for operating the same. The method includes receiving a first temperature measurement from a temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, receiving a second temperature measurement from the temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, and establishing if water is flowing through a conduit of the water heater appliance based at least in part on the first and second temperature measurements. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a water heater appliance is provided. The water heater appliance has a tank and a heating element for heating water within the tank. The water heater appliance also has a cold water conduit for directing a flow of water into the tank and a hot water conduit for directing water out of the tank. The water heater appliance further has a mixing valve. The mixing valve is configured for regulating a temperature of water within the hot water conduit by selectively directing a flow of relatively cool water into the hot water conduit. The water heater appliance also has a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the mixing valve for measuring a temperature of water within the hot water conduit. The method includes setting the mixing valve of the water heater appliance to a default position when water is not flowing through the hot water conduit of the water heater appliance, receiving a first temperature measurement from the temperature sensor of the water heater appliance, receiving a second temperature measurement from the temperature sensor of the water heater appliance after the step of receiving the first temperature measurement, determining whether a rate of change of the temperature of water within the hot water conduit is greater than a predetermined value based at least in part on the first and second temperature measurements, and establishing that water is flowing through the hot water conduit of the water heater appliance if the rate of change of the temperature of water within the hot water conduit is greater than the predetermined value at the step of determining whether the rate of change of the temperature of water within the hot water conduit is greater than the predetermined value.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a water heater appliance is provided. The water heater appliance includes a tank that defines a chamber and a heating element for heating water within the chamber of the tank. A cold water conduit is in fluid communication with the chamber of the tank. The cold water conduit is configured for directing a flow of water into the chamber of the tank. A hot water conduit is in fluid communication with the chamber of the tank. The hot water conduit is configured for directing a flow of water out of the chamber of the tank. The water heater appliance also includes a mixed water conduit. A mixing valve is in fluid communication with the hot water conduit, the cold water conduit, and the mixed water conduit. The mixing valve is configured for selectively permitting water from the cold water conduit and the hot water conduit into the mixed water conduit in order to regulate a temperature of water within the mixed water conduit. A temperature sensor is positioned proximate the mixed water conduit and downstream of the mixing valve. The temperature sensor is configured for measuring the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit. The water heater appliance further includes a controller in communication with the mixing valve and the temperature sensor. The controller is configured for setting the mixing valve to a default position when water is not flowing through the mixed water conduit, receiving a first temperature measurement from the temperature sensor, receiving a second temperature measurement from the temperature sensor after the step of receiving the first temperature measurement, and establishing that water is flowing through the mixed water conduit if a difference between the first and second temperature measurements is greater than a predetermined value.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a water heater appliance is provided. The water heater appliance includes a tank that defines a chamber and a heating element for heating water within the chamber of the tank. A cold water conduit is in fluid communication with the chamber of the tank. The cold water conduit is configured for directing a flow of water into the chamber of the tank. A hot water conduit is in fluid communication with the chamber of the tank. The hot water conduit is configured for directing a flow of water out of the chamber of the tank. The water heater appliance also includes a mixed water conduit. A mixing valve is in fluid communication with the hot water conduit, the cold water conduit, and the mixed water conduit. The mixing valve is configured for selectively permitting water from the cold water conduit and the hot water conduit into the mixed water conduit in order to regulate a temperature of water within the mixed water conduit. A temperature sensor is positioned proximate the mixed water conduit and downstream of the mixing valve. The temperature sensor is configured for measuring the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit. The water heater appliance further includes a controller in communication with the mixing valve and the temperature sensor. The controller is configured for receiving a first temperature measurement from the temperature sensor, receiving a second temperature measurement from the temperature sensor, determining whether the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit is unstable based at least in part on the first and second temperature measurements, adjusting the mixing valve if the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit is unstable at the step of determining whether the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit is unstable, receiving an additional temperature measurement from the temperature sensor after the step of adjusting the mixing valve, determining whether a difference between the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit and a set-point temperature of the mixing valve is decreasing based at least in part on the additional temperature measurement of the step of receiving the additional temperature measurement, and establishing that water is not flowing through the mixed water conduit if the difference between the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit and the set-point temperature of the mixing valve is not decreasing at the step of determining whether the difference between the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit and the set-point temperature of the mixing valve is decreasing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1provides a perspective view of a water heater appliance100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Water heater appliance100includes a casing102. A tank101(FIG. 2) and heating elements103(FIG. 2) are positioned within casing102for heating water therein. Heating elements105may include a gas burner, a heat pump, an electric resistance element, a microwave element, an induction element, or any other suitable heating element or combination thereof. As will be understood by those skilled in the art and as used herein, the term “water” includes purified water and solutions or mixtures containing water and, e.g., elements (such as calcium, chlorine, and fluorine), salts, bacteria, nitrates, organics, and other chemical compounds or substances.

Water heater appliance100also includes a cold water conduit104and a hot water conduit106that are both in fluid communication with a chamber111(FIG. 2) defined by tank101. As an example, cold water from a water source, e.g., a municipal water supply or a well, can enter water heater appliance100through cold water conduit104(shown schematically with arrow labeled FcoolinFIG. 2). From cold water conduit104, such cold water can enter chamber111of tank101wherein it is heated with heating elements103to generate heated water. Such heated water can exit water heater appliance100at hot water conduit106and, e.g., be supplied to a bath, shower, sink, or any other suitable feature.

Water heater appliance100extends longitudinally between a top portion108and a bottom portion109along a vertical direction V. Thus, water heater appliance100is generally vertically oriented. Water heater appliance100can be leveled, e.g., such that casing102is plumb in the vertical direction V, in order to facilitate proper operation of water heater appliance100. A drain pan110is positioned at bottom portion109of water heater appliance100such that water heater appliance100sits on drain pan110. Drain pan110sits beneath water heater appliance100along the vertical direction V, e.g., to collect water that leaks from water heater appliance100or water that condenses on an evaporator (not shown) of water heater appliance100. It should be understood that water heater appliance100is provided by way of example only and that the present subject matter may be used with any suitable water heater appliance.

FIG. 2provides a schematic view of certain components of water heater appliance100. As may be seen inFIG. 2, water heater appliance100includes a mixing valve120and a mixed water conduit122. Mixing valve120is in fluid communication with cold water conduit104, hot water conduit106, and mixed water conduit122. As discussed in greater detail below, mixing valve120is configured for selectively directing water from cold water conduit104and hot water conduit106into mixed water conduit122in order to regulate a temperature of water within mixed water conduit122.

As an example, mixing valve120can selectively adjust between a first position and a second position. In the first position, mixing valve120can permit a first flow rate of relatively cool water from cold water conduit104(shown chematically with arrow labeled FcoolinFIG. 2) into mixed water conduit122and mixing valve120can also permit a first flow rate of relatively hot water from hot water conduit106(shown schematically with arrow labeled FheatedinFIG. 2) into mixed water conduit122. In such a manner, water within mixed water conduit122(shown schematically with arrow labeled FmixedinFIG. 2) can have a first particular temperature when mixing valve120is in the first position. Similarly, mixing valve120can permit a second flow rate of relatively cool water from cold water conduit104into mixed water conduit122and mixing valve120can also permit a second flow rate of relatively hot water from hot water conduit106into mixed water conduit122in the second position. The first and second flow rates of the relatively cool water and relatively hot water are different such that water within mixed water conduit122can have a second particular temperature when mixing valve120is in the second position. In such a manner, mixing valve120can regulate the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122and adjust the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122between the first and second particular temperatures.

It should be understood that, in certain exemplary embodiments, mixing valve120is adjustable between more positions than the first and second positions. In particular, mixing valve120may be adjustable between any suitable number of positions in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, mixing valve120may be infinitely adjustable in order to permit fine-tuning of the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122.

Water heater appliance100also includes a position sensor124. Position sensor124is configured for determining a position of mixing valve120. Position sensor124can monitor the position of mixing valve120in order to assist with regulating the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122. For example, position sensor124can determine when mixing valve120is in the first position or the second position in order to ensure that mixing valve120is properly or suitably positioned depending upon the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122desired or selected. Thus, position sensor124can provide feedback regarding the status or position of mixing valve120.

Water heater appliance100also includes a mixed water conduit temperature sensor or first temperature sensor130and a cold water conduit temperature sensor or second temperature sensor132. First temperature sensor130is positioned on or proximate mixed water conduit122and is configured for measuring a temperature of water within mixed water conduit122. First temperature sensor130is also positioned downstream of mixing valve120. Second temperature sensor132is positioned on or proximate cold water conduit104and is configured for measuring a temperature of water within cold water conduit104. Second temperature sensor132is positioned upstream of mixing valve120. In certain exemplary embodiments, first temperature sensor130and/or second temperature sensor132may be positioned proximate or adjacent mixing valve120.

Water heater appliance100further includes a controller134that is configured for regulating operation of water heater appliance100. Controller134is in, e.g., operative, communication with heating elements103, mixing valve120, position sensor124, and first and second temperature sensors130and132. Thus, controller134can selectively activate heating elements103in order to heat water within chamber102of tank101. Similarly, controller134can selectively operate mixing valve120in order to adjust a position of mixing valve120and regulate a temperature of water within mixed water conduit122.

Controller134includes memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of water heater appliance100. The memory can represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. The processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller134may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

Controller134can be positioned at a variety of locations. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, controller134is positioned within water heater appliance100, e.g., as an integral component of water heater appliance100. In alternative exemplary embodiments, controller134may be positioned away from water heater appliance100and communicate with water heater appliance100over a wireless connection or any other suitable connection, such as a wired connection.

Controller134can operate heating elements103to heat water within chamber111of tank101. As an example, a user can select or establish a set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101, or the set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101may be a default value. Based upon the set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101, controller134can selectively activate heating elements103in order to heat water within chamber111of tank101to the set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101. The set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101can be any suitable temperature. For example, the set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101may be between about one hundred and forty degrees Fahrenheit and about one hundred and eighty-degrees Fahrenheit.

Controller134can also operate mixing valve120to regulate the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122. For example, controller134can adjust the position of mixing valve120in order to regulate the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122. As an example, a user can select or establish a set-point temperature of mixing valve120, or the set-point temperature of mixing valve120may be a default value. Based upon the set-point temperature of mixing valve120, controller134can adjust the position of mixing valve120in order to change or tweak a ratio of relatively cool water flowing into mixed water conduit122from cold water conduit104and relatively hot water flowing into mixed water conduit122from hot water conduit106. In such a manner, controller134can regulate the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122.

The set-point temperature of mixing valve120can be any suitable temperature. For example, the set-point temperature of mixing valve120may be between about one hundred degrees Fahrenheit and about one hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheit. In particular, the set-point temperature of mixing valve120may be selected such that the set-point temperature of mixing valve120is less than the set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101. In such a manner, mixing valve120can utilize water from cold water conduit104and hot water conduit106to regulate the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122.

FIG. 3illustrates a method300for operating a water heater appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method300can be used to operate any suitable water heater appliance. For example, method300may be utilized to operate water heater appliance100(FIG. 1). Controller134of water heater appliance100may be programmed to implement method300.

Method300can be used to determine whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122. In such a manner, method300can assist with operating water heater appliance100, e.g., by assisting operation of mixing valve120. In particular, knowledge of whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122can assist mixing valve120with maintaining a proper or predetermined temperature for water within mixed water conduit122.

As may be seen inFIG. 3, at step310, controller134adjusts mixing valve120to a default position, e.g., when water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122. Controller134can adjust mixing valve120at step310by signaling or commanding mixing valve120to adjust to the default position. To ensure that mixing valve120is in the default position or to monitor mixing valve120, controller134can receive a signal from position sensor124when mixing valve120shifts to the default position.

The default position of mixing valve120can correspond to a position of mixing valve120where the temperature of water within chamber111of tank101is about the set-point temperature for water within chamber111of tank101and the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is about the set-point temperature of mixing valve120when water is flowing through mixed water conduit122. Thus, controller134can determine or establish the default position for mixing valve120based upon the position of mixing valve120when water within chamber111of tank101is heated by heating elements103to about the set-point temperature and the temperature of water flowing through mixed water conduit122is about the set-point temperature of mixing valve120.

With mixing valve120in the default position, controller134can receive a temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130at step320. Based at least in part on the temperature measurement of step320, controller134can determine whether the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122has changed, e.g., dramatically or significantly, at step330. The temperature of water within mixed water conduit122can increase, e.g., slowly or gradually, due to heat transfer from water within hot water conduit106when water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122. Similarly, the temperature of water within cold water conduit104can increase, e.g., slowly or gradually, due to heat transfer from water within hot water conduit106when water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122. Conversely, when water begins to flow through mixed water conduit122, the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122can change, e.g., dramatically or significantly. Thus, if the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122changes, e.g., dramatically or significantly, at step330, controller134can establish or determine that water is flowing through mixed water conduit122.

As an example, controller134can receive multiple temperature measurements from first temperature sensor130at step320. In particular, controller134can receive a first temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. After receiving the first temperature measurement, controller134can also receive a second temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. Based at least in part upon the first and second temperature measurements, controller134can determine whether a rate of change of the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is greater than a predetermined value. If the rate of change of the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is greater than the predetermined value, controller134can establish that water is flowing through mixed water conduit122. In such a manner, controller134can establish or determine that water is flowing through mixed water conduit122based upon temperature measurements with first temperature sensor130. In alternative exemplary embodiments, controller134can establish that water is flowing through mixed water conduit122if a difference between the first and second temperature measurements is greater than a predetermined value.

After establishing that water is flowing through mixed water conduit122, controller134can delay for a period of time at step340. The period of time can be selected in order to permit the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122to approach the set-point temperature of mixing valve120. Water within mixed water conduit122can experience a large temperature swing after water begins flowing through mixed water conduit122. For example, the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122can increase rapidly when water starts flowing through mixed water conduit122and can decrease and approach the set-point temperature of mixing valve120as water continues to flow through mixed water conduit122. By delaying for the period of time at step340, controller134can avoid responding to the predictable temperature increase when water begins flowing through mixed water conduit122. Also, mixing valve120is in the default position when water begins flowing through mixed water conduit122and adjusting mixing valve120in response to the predictable temperature increase may be unnecessary.

After establishing that water is flowing through mixed water conduit122, controller134can receive a temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130at step350. Based at least in part on the temperature measurement of step350, controller134can determine whether the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is stable at step360. If the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is stable at step360, controller134can determine or establish that water is continuing to flow through mixed water conduit122. Conversely, if the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is unstable at step360, controller134adjust a position of mixing valve120at step370.

As an example, controller134can receive multiple temperature measurements from first temperature sensor130at step350. In particular, controller134can receive a first temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. After receiving the first temperature measurement, controller134can also receive a second temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. Based at least in part upon the first and second temperature measurements, controller134can compare a, e.g., absolute, temperature error of mixing valve120to a predetermined error threshold. If the temperature error of mixing valve120is greater than the predetermined error threshold, controller134can establish that the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is unstable. The temperature error can correspond to a difference between the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122, e.g., as measured with first temperature sensor130, and the set-point temperature of mixing valve120.

Controller134adjusts a position of mixing valve120, e.g., from the default position, at step370if the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122is unstable at step360. After adjusting the position of mixing valve120at step370, controller134can delay for a period of time at step380. The period of time can be selected in order to permit the mixing valve120to adjust, e.g., from the default position, and/or to permit account for a lag of first temperature sensor130, e.g., between the measured temperature and the true temperature.

At step390, controller134can receive a temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. Based at least in part on the temperature measurement of step390, controller134can determine whether the temperature error of mixing valve120is decreasing at step395. If the temperature error of mixing valve120is decreasing at step395, controller134can determine or establish that water is continuing to flow through mixed water conduit122. Conversely, controller134can determine or establish that water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122if the temperature error of mixing valve120is not decreasing at step395. Controller134can adjust or reset mixing valve120to the default position if water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122at step395.

As discussed above, adjusting the position of mixing valve120can adjust the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122by adjusting the ratio of relatively cool water flowing into mixed water conduit122from cold water conduit104and relatively hot water flowing into mixed water conduit122from hot water conduit106. At step370, controller134can adjust mixing valve120in order to reduce the temperature error of mixing valve120. For example, if the temperature of water within mixing conduit122is low relative to the set-point temperature of mixing valve120, controller134can adjust the position of mixing valve120in order to direct additional relatively hot water from hot water conduit106into mixed water conduit122and/or direct less relatively cool water from cold water conduit104into mixed water conduit122. Conversely, if the temperature of water within mixing conduit122is high relative to the set-point temperature of mixing valve120, controller134can adjust the position of mixing valve120in order to direct less relatively hot water from hot water conduit106into mixed water conduit122and/or direct more relatively cool water from cold water conduit104into mixed water conduit122.

If water is flowing through mixed water conduit122, adjusting the position of mixing valve120at step370decreases the temperature error of mixing valve120at step395. Conversely, if water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122, adjusting the position of mixing valve120at step370does not decrease the temperature error of mixing valve120at step395. Thus, controller134can determine or establish that water is continuing to flow through mixed water conduit122if the temperature error of mixing valve120is decreasing at step395, or controller134can determine or establish that water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122if the temperature error of mixing valve120is not decreasing at step395. In such a manner, controller134can establish or determine whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122based upon temperature measurements with first temperature sensor130and the position of mixing valve120.

FIG. 4illustrates an additional method400for operating a water heater appliance according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method400can be used to operate any suitable water heater appliance. For example, method400may be utilized to operate water heater appliance100(FIG. 1). Controller134of water heater appliance100may be programmed to implement method400.

Method400can be used to determine whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122. In such a manner, method400can assist with operating water heater appliance100, e.g., by assisting operation of mixing valve120. In particular, knowledge of whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122can assist mixing valve120with maintaining a proper or predetermined temperature for water within mixed water conduit122.

At step410, controller134sets mixing valve120to the default position, e.g., when water is not flowing through mixing valve120and/or mixed water conduit122. At step420, controller134receives a first temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. At step430, controller134receives a second temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. Controller134can establish that water is flowing through mixing valve120and/or mixed water conduit122at step440if a difference between the first and second temperature measurements is greater than a predetermined value. In alternative exemplary embodiments, controller134can establish that water is flowing through mixing valve120and/or mixed water conduit122at step440if a rate of change for water within mixed water conduit122is greater than a predetermined value. The rate of change for water within mixed water conduit122can be established with the first temperature measurement from step420and the second temperature measurement from step430.

Method400can also include receiving a first temperature measurement from second temperature sensor132and receiving a second temperature measurement from second temperature sensor132. Controller132can establish that water is not flowing through mixing valve120and/or mixed water conduit122if the second temperature measurement from second temperature sensor132is greater than the first temperature measurement from second temperature sensor132.

Second temperature sensor132is positioned proximate cold water conduit104and, e.g., mixing valve120. If water is not flowing through cold water conduit104, water within cold water conduit104can increase in temperature due to heat transfer from water within hot water conduit106. Thus, if water within cold water conduit104is increasing in temperature, controller134can establish that water is not flowing through mixing valve120and/or mixed water conduit122.

FIG. 5illustrates another method500for operating a water heater appliance according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Method500can be used to operate any suitable water heater appliance. For example, method500may be utilized to operate water heater appliance100(FIG. 1). Controller134of water heater appliance100may be programmed to implement method500.

Method500can be used to determine whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122. In such a manner, method500can assist with operating water heater appliance100, e.g., by assisting operation of mixing valve120. In particular, knowledge of whether water is flowing through mixed water conduit122can assist mixing valve120with maintaining a proper or predetermined temperature for water within mixed water conduit122.

At step510, controller134receives a first temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. At step520, controller134receives a second temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. Controller134determines whether the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit122is stable based at least in part on the first and second temperature measurements at step530. If the temperature of water within the mixed water conduit122is unstable, controller134adjusts the position of mixing valve120at step540. At step550, controller134receives an additional temperature measurement from first temperature sensor130. Based at least in part on the additional temperature measurement, controller134determines whether a difference between the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122and the set-point temperature of mixing valve120is decreasing. If the difference between the temperature of water within mixed water conduit122and the set-point temperature of mixing valve120is not decreasing, controller134establishes that water is not flowing through mixed water conduit122.

It should be understood that in alternative exemplary embodiments, water heater appliance100need not include mixed water conduit122. In such exemplary embodiments, mixing valve120can direct water into hot water conduit106in order to regulate a temperature of water within hot water conduit106.