Integrated Anode For A Heat Exchanger

Abstract

A water heater can include a heat source and a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the water. A header attached to the heat exchanger provides an inlet and an outlet for water to flow into and out of the heat exchanger. The header can also include an anode assembly that releasably attaches to the header. The anode assembly can be located at a bottom of the header so that an anode in the anode assembly remains in contact with the water when water is flowing through the heat exchanger.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An anode assembly comprising:
 an anode housing; and   an anode disposed at least partially within the anode housing;   wherein the anode has a non-circular cross section oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the anode housing; and   wherein the anode housing is configured to be attached to a header of a heat exchanger.   
     
     
         22 . The anode assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the anode has a generally cross-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         23 . The anode assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the anode is a passive anode. 
     
     
         24 . The anode assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the anode comprises an inner anode portion and an outer anode stud formed as an integral component, the inner anode portion having the non-circular cross section. 
     
     
         25 . The anode housing of  claim 21 , wherein at least a portion of the anode housing is transparent. 
     
     
         26 . A heat exchanger comprising:
 a first end plate and a second end plate;   a series of tubes extending between the first end plate and the second end plate; and   a header comprising an anode assembly attached to the header, the anode assembly comprising:
 an anode housing; and 
 an anode disposed at least partially within the anode housing, wherein the anode has a non-circular cross section oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the anode housing. 
   
     
     
         27 . The heat exchanger of  claim 26 , wherein the anode has a generally cross-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         28 . The heat exchanger of  claim 26 , wherein the anode is a passive anode. 
     
     
         29 . The heat exchanger of  claim 26 , wherein the anode comprises an inner anode portion and an outer anode stud, wherein the inner anode portion has a non-circular cross section. 
     
     
         30 . The heat exchanger of  claim 26 , wherein the anode assembly attaches to a bottom side of the header. 
     
     
         31 . The heat exchanger of  claim 26 , wherein the header further comprises an inlet and an outlet. 
     
     
         32 . The heat exchanger of  claim 31 , wherein the anode assembly attaches to the inlet of the header. 
     
     
         33 . A water heater comprising
 a combustion chamber; and   a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising:
 a header; and 
 a series of tubes through which water passes, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the combustion chamber to the series of tubes; 
 wherein the header comprises an anode assembly attached to the header, the anode assembly comprising an anode having a non-circular cross section. 
   
     
     
         34 . The water heater of  claim 33 , wherein the anode has a generally cross-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         35 . The water heater of  claim 33 , wherein the anode is a passive anode. 
     
     
         36 . The water heater of  claim 33 , wherein the anode comprises an inner anode portion and an outer anode stud, wherein the inner anode portion has a non-circular cross section. 
     
     
         37 . The water heater of  claim 36 , wherein the inner anode portion is disposed at least partially within the anode housing, and wherein the outer anode stud is disposed at least partially outside of the anode housing. 
     
     
         38 . The water heater of  claim 36 , wherein the inner anode defines a first width and the outer anode stud defines a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the second width. 
     
     
         39 . The water heater of  claim 33 , wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a first and plate and a second end plate, and wherein the series of tubes extends between the first end plate and the second end plate. 
     
     
         40 . The water heater of  claim 33 , wherein the water heater is a pool water heater.