Abstract:
Electrically resistive liquids such as tap water are heated in an all solid state electrical apparatus. Spaced inner and outer conically shaped electrodes provide a flow path for the water or other liquid which is heated to a preselected temperature by selectively passing alternating current between the electrodes and through the partially conductive liquid. The resistivity of the liquid dissipates the electrical energy in the form of heat which thus increases the temperature of the flowing liquid. Rapid, safe and effective control over the electrical current flowing between the conical electrodes is achieved by an electrical control circuit including a solid state alternating current switching device, a current sensing circuit, a temperature sensing circuit and a logic circuit for selective control of the switching device. Predetermined conditions of the temperature and current sensing circuits cause the logic circuit to selectively trigger the solid state switching device into conduction for passing a sufficient number of half or full cycles of alternating current to the electrodes to achieve the desired temperature rise and steady state temperature level of the flowing liquid.
Abstract:
A flow through electric water heater of the type having carbon containing electrodes is disclosed herein. The heater has means for reducing the deposition of scale on the electrode surfaces. Water heaters of the type disclosed herein are normally operated on 110 or 220 volt alternating current maintained across the electrodes and a current passes through the water between the electrodes. Reduced deposition is brought about by the application of a direct current potential across the electrodes or by the use of an improved graphitic electrode containing metal particles or by both of these means in combination.
Abstract:
An electrolytic method and means of heating is characterized by driving an electrolytic fluid of predetermined physical characteristics through a closed hydraulic circuit including, in series arrangement, a pump for driving the fluid through the circuit, an electric heating device of the type including at least one pair of electrodes arranged to define a flow passageway within the circuit and means for applying an electric potential across the fluid to heat the fluid electrolytically and heat exchanger means configured for transferring thermal energy either to a gas, such as air in a manner to form a space heater, or to a liquid, such as water in a manner to form a domestic water heater or a water heater for a swimming pool or to any other utilitarian fluid. Each pair of electrodes includes inner and outer coaxially disposed electrodes having cylindrical confronting surfaces spaced to define an annular flow passaway. In order to eliminate eddy currents and turbulence within the passaway, the inlet and outlet conducts to and from the passageway are so formed and arranged in the inner electrode that the fluid passes through the passageway in a spiral fashion. The electrolytic fluid consists of distilled water having dissolved therein a metallic salt, such as copper sulfate, and an anionic material, such as alkyl aryl sufonate.