SHEET 2

Consider a controller for an electric water heater (as shown below) as an embedded computer system.
Hot Cold
Water Water
Out In

Thermometer
Heating
Element
Temperature
Setpoint Controller

Thermometer
Heating
Element

1. What are the input devices?

2. What are the outputs?
3. Name at least two safety features to include, and specify what hardware and/or software is needed for each.
4. Describe a useful feature which could you add in software without requiring additional hardware.
5. Describe two useful energy-saving features which could you add in software if the controller could keep
tracking the time of day.
6. Describe a useful feature which could you add in software if the water heater included an internet connection.
Answers :

1- Temprature, Temprature Setpoint indicator

2- heating Element Power Circuit
3- Trun off heating in case of empty tank , prevent overheating
4- Prevent water from freezing by turning on heater if temprature reaches Zero , internal timer of controller (etc if we need
water afternoon, the response would be slower as the water is wormer)
5- Energy saving by timer
6- Control the heater in case of being outside home