Our Technology
Smart Technology Digital Controller and Display presented by American Heat has improved tankless water heater technology by automatically increasing or decreasing energy consumption based on the inlet water temperature and flow rate of water. Our revolutionary Smart Technology Digital Controller is one of the many features which sets American Heat apart.
The American Heat electric tankless water heater is a marvel of technology and engineering, packaged in an intelligent, simple design. It heats water entirely on demand, only when it is needed. Our smart controller, as compared to a full on full off system, commonly found in the market, modulates the amount of electricity used to heat only the amount of water being demanded to limit the energy consumption of the American Heat Tankless water heater. This self modulating feature achieves the highest energy efficiency for tankless electric heaters in the market.
How Does our Smart Controller Work?
When a hot water faucet is turned on and the water begins to flow, a sophisticated flow sensor detects that hot water is being demanded and turns the water heater on. Instantaneously, a series of sensors gather information about the flow rate of the water and the incoming water temperature. This information is sent to a microprocessor which calculates the amount of power needed to heat the water to the temperature set point. The water flows across the internal heating elements and exits the unit at the desired temperature. The start-up process takes a couple of seconds. A convenient thermostatic control and digital display on the front of the unit allows the homeowner to select an output temperature of between 80F and 125F.
The sensors continue to monitor the water flow rate and incoming water temperature as long as the water is running. They send constant and continuous data to the microprocessor so power to the heating elements can be modulated in accordance with changes in incoming flow rate and temperature. If, for instance, the flow rate increases because a second demand for hot water in the home is initiated, the unit will increase its power output to maintain a consistent and precise output temperature. The tankless water heater will remain on until the hot water faucet is closed. As soon as the flow sensor detects that water has stopped flowing, the power to the unit is completely turned off.
Electronics and Computer Chip
The brains of the system…sophisticated micro-processor based electronics control the power output of the heating elements based on flow rate and incoming water temperature to precisely regulate the output water temp.
User Temperature Controls
Simplicity at its finest! Set it and forget it - use the simple push button controls to raise or lower the temperature setting of your unit. A convenient digital display shows the current temperature setting whenever the unit is running. You can set the temperature at any level between 80F (27C) and 125F (52C) in increments of 5F. To change the digital display from Fahrenheit to Celsius, simply press both buttons at the same time. It's just that easy!
Sensors
A series of sensors monitor the water flow rate as well as incoming and output water temperatures. These sensors sent vital information to the micro-processor on a constant and ongoing basis to help maintain the precise output temperature selected by the user.
Time Proportional Triggering Devices (TRIAC)
Each heating element is served by a TRIAC which regulates power to the heating element. TRAICS allow the control of very large power flows with milliampere-scale precision. The TRIACS are mounted on a heat-diffusing plate which in turn is cooled by the water flowing through the inlet water line.
Terminal Block
Handles the incoming wiring from the electrical sub-panel that is supplied with the unit. For your convenience, the wires that connect the tankless water heater to the electrical sub-panel are pre-wired to the terminal block when you receive your unit.
Heating Elements
The brawn of the system…a series of very high power heating elements are used to heat the water as it passes through the heating chambers. The heating elements are coated with stainless steel to resist dissolved minerals such as calcium (hard water) and iron.
Hi-Limit Thermal Protection with Automatic Reset
Each heating element is protected by its own automatic thermal limit switch which will turn off the heating element if a potentially unsafe output water temperature is reached (approx. 140F). This reduces the risk for scalding injuries and protects the unit from damage in the event of a power surge or other unusual event. Most competitors' models use thermal limit switches that must be manually reset when triggered - this is inconvenient.
Heating Chambers
No messing around with cheap plastics here! The heating chambers are the heart of the American tankless water heater. They are made of copper and brass welded together with silver to resist the expansion and contraction of the metals caused by rapid heated and cooling. Further, they are manufactured by hand to ensure precision.
Aluminum Case
Once again, no plastics here! The whole package is housed in a solid heat-resistant, attractively-finished aluminum case, thereby protecting internal components from dust, debris and physical damage. The aluminum case also features a built-in mounting bracket to securely fix the unit to the wall at all four corners.
