Smart Fluid Heating Systems and Methods

Abstract

A fluid heating system is disclosed. The fluid heating system may include a first heating source and a second heating source configured to heat fluid in the fluid heating system. The first heating source may include a control unit that may obtain a plurality of inputs. The plurality of inputs may include a current fluid temperature, a desired fluid temperature, and ambient conditions. Responsive to obtaining the plurality of inputs, the control unit may determine whether to activate the first heating source or the second heating source based on the plurality of inputs. The control unit may further output a control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source to heat the fluid based on the determination.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 482,191 filed Jan. 30, 2023, which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to smart fluid heating systems and methods and more specifically to fluid heating systems and methods that may selectively activate multiple fluid heating sources to maximize fluid heating system efficiency.BACKGROUND

[0003] Water heating systems are generally used to provide a supply of heated water. Water heating systems are used in a variety of applications including residential, commercial and industrial applications. For example, water heating systems may be used to heat water in pools, kitchens, industrial plants, etc. Conventional water heating systems use gas burners, electrical heating elements, heat pumps, and / or solar panels to heat water.

[0004] While water heating systems utilizing solar panels may be more environment-friendly and energy efficient, there may be instances where solar panels may not be effective in heating water. For example, solar panels may be less effective in geographical areas where there is limited sunlight. Further, solar panels may not work efficiently during nighttime.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0006] FIGS. 1A-1B depicts an example fluid heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 depicts an example fluid heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a controller in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method to control a water heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method to control a water heating system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure is directed towards fluid heating systems and methods that may include a solar heater and a heat pump to heat fluid. In an exemplary aspect, the fluid heating system may be used to heat water in a pool or spa. The system may selectively use the solar heater or the heat pump to heat water based on a plurality of parameters. For example, the system may use the solar heater to heat water when there is abundant sunlight. The system may use the heat pump when there is limited sunlight or when the system may not achieve a desired temperature of heated water by using the solar heater. The systems and methods may also be used to cool fluid in a similar manner.

[0012] In some aspects, the heat pump may include a controller that may be configured to switch heating operation between the solar heater and the heat pump. The controller may receive inputs from a plurality of sensors installed in the fluid heating system, and / or an external server or a user device to determine a best heating source (e.g., from the solar heater and / or the heat pump) to heat the water. For example, the controller may receive fluid temperature information, water inflow and outflow rates, ambient air temperature, humidity level, etc. from the sensors. Further, the controller may receive ambient weather conditions, weather forecasts, etc. from the external server. Furthermore, the controller may receive a desired water temperature of heated water and a duration to heat the water from a system user.

[0013] The controller may determine the best heating source based on the received inputs. For example, the controller may switch ON the heat pump during nighttime or on a cloudy day when sunlight is unavailable. In a similar manner, the controller may switch ON the solar heater during daytime or when the ambient temperature is cold (at which the heat pump may not heat the water effectively). In other aspects, the fluid heating system may include additional heating sources including, but not limited to, an electric heater and / or a gas burner. The controller may switch ON either the electric heater and / or the gas burner when the solar heater and / or the heat pump may not be effective in heating water to the desired water temperature requested by the user. For example, the controller may switch ON the electric heater when the user requests heating the water quickly to a high temperature.

[0014] Likewise, the controller may also determine the best cooling source based on the received inputs. For example, the controller may switch ON the solar heater during night time when the ambient temperature is cooler (or any other time when the ambient temperature is sufficiently cool for the solar heater to be used to cool the water). In a similar manner, the controller may switch ON the heat pump when the ambient temperature is not sufficiently cool for the solar heater to cool the water.

[0015] In additional aspects, the controller may select the best heating source to maximize fluid heating system efficiency and optimize resource / energy utilization. The controller may further select the best heating source that may take less time to heat the water based on user's requirements. In further aspects, the controller may select the best heating source based on a combination of the above-mentioned factors.

[0016] The present disclosure is directed to a fluid heating system that may combine a plurality of heating sources to effectively heat fluid, without using any external controller to select and activate the best heating source. For example, the controller of the heat pump may control all heating sources, including the solar heating system, the electric heating system, and / or the gas heating system. In this manner, the system optimizes resource utilization and effectively switches between different heating sources to meet a user's demand.

[0017] In this manner, the present disclosure describes a water heating system that may include a plurality of heating sources to heat water. The plurality of heating sources may include, but is not limited to, a solar heater, a heat pump, an electric heater, and / or a gas burner. The heat pump may include a controller that may receive inputs from a plurality of sensors installed in the solar heater, the heat pump, the electric heater, the gas burner, and an external server, and / or a user device. The controller may select a best heating source to heat the water based on the received inputs. In some aspects, the controller may select the best heating source based on user's requirements, a current water temperature, and ambient weather conditions. The controller may further select the best heating source such that system resource utilization may be optimized. Responsive to selecting the best heating source, the controller may send a control signal to activate the selected heating source.

[0018] In some aspects, the system described herein may also be used to cool water in a pool or spa as well. The system may also selectively use the solar heater or the heat pump to cool water based on a plurality of parameters. For example, the system may use the solar heater to cool the water at particular times, such as during night time when the ambient temperature is cooler (in a similar manner in which the solar heater is used to heat the water when there is abundant sunlight). That is, reference to a “solar heater” herein is not necessarily intended to limit the solar heater to heating water, and the solar heater may also be used to cool water as well. The system may use the heat pump to cool the water instead of the solar heater when the solar heater is not sufficiently cool (for example, based on the ambient temperature) for the water to be sufficiently cooled (the manner in which it is determined if the solar heater can sufficiently cool the water is described below).

[0019] Although certain examples of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other examples, embodiments, and implementations of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components expressly set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented in a variety of examples and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being a system and method for heating water using multiple heating sources. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable in other contexts. The present disclosure, for example and not limitation, can include other water heater systems such as boilers, pool heaters, industrial water heaters, and other water heater systems configured to heat water. Furthermore, the present disclosure can include other fluid heating systems configured to heat a fluid other than water such as process fluid heaters used in industrial applications. Such implementations and applications are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of being a system and method for heating water with multiple heating sources, it will be understood that other implementations can take the place of those referred to.

[0020] Although the term “water” is used throughout this specification, it is to be understood that other fluids may take the place of the term “water” as used herein. Therefore, although described as a water heating system, it is to be understood that the system and methods described herein can apply to fluids other than water. Further, it is also to be understood that the term “water” can replace the term “fluid” as used herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] Additionally, while reference is made herein to the systems and methods being used for purposes of heating, this is not intended to be limiting and the systems and methods may similarly be used for purposes of cooling as well. For example, even though reference is specifically made to a water heating system, the system may similarly be used to perform cooling as well. This may also apply to any other system, device, etc. referenced herein, such as, but not limited to, a heating source, solar heater, etc. This may also apply to operations, such as performing heating, which may similarly including performing cooling.

[0022] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1B depict an example water heating system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The water heating system 100 may heat water to be used in a pool or spa. The water heating system 100 may include a plurality of heating sources. The plurality of heating sources may include a first heating source and a second heating source. In certain embodiments, the first heating source may be a heat pump pool heater 110 and the second heating source may be a solar heating system 115. Additional heating sources may be used herein. Any suitable combination and number of heating sources may be used herein.

[0023] The heat pump pool heater 110 may be of any size based on the fluid heating system application. For example, the heat pump pool heater 110 may be sized for common residential use or for commercial or industrial use that may require greater amounts of heated water. In some aspects, the heat pump pool heater 110 may include a water inlet 120 to receive / input water (such as water from a pool 105), and a water outlet 125 to output heated water (e.g., to the pool 105).

[0024] The heat pump pool heater 110 may further include a plurality of sensors 130. The plurality of sensors 130 may include temperature sensor(s) configured to detect / monitor water temperature in the heat pump pool heater 110. The temperature sensor(s) may be thermocouples, resistor temperature detectors, thermistors, infrared sensors, semiconductors, or any other type of sensor that would be appropriate for a given use or application. The plurality of sensors 130 may further include a fluid flow rate sensor disposed in proximity to the water inlet 120. The fluid flow rate sensor may be configured to detect / monitor input water flow rate in the heat pump pool heater 110. Stated another way, the fluid flow rate sensor may be configured to detect flow rate of incoming water in the heat pump pool heater 110. In further aspects, the fluid flow rate sensor may be disposed in proximity to the water outlet 125 that may detect / monitor output water flow rate from the heat pump pool heater 110.

[0025] Although the plurality of sensors 130 are shown as being provided at the heat pump pool heater 110, the plurality of sensors 130 (including any number of sensors) may also be provided at any other number of locations (including providing different sensors at different combinations of locations) throughout the water heating system 100. As one non-limiting example, a first sensor may be provided prior to a solar water inlet 145 and a second sensor may be provided after a solar water outlet 150 to measure the effectiveness of the solar heating system 155 in heating or cooling water. As another example, a sensor (or multiple sensors) may be provided at the solar heating system 155 to measure an internal temperature of the solar heating system 155.

[0026] A person ordinarily skilled in the art may appreciate that the plurality of sensors 130 may include additional sensors or components, which may enable efficient working of the heat pump pool heater 110. Examples of such additional sensors or components include, but are not limited to, a pressure sensor, a scale, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a power meter, an ohmmeter, a resistance temperature detector, environment condition sensors including ambient air temperature sensor, humidity sensors, and / or the like. These additional sensors or components are not shown in FIGS. 1A-1B for the sake of simplicity and conciseness.

[0027] The heat pump pool heater 110 may further include a heat pump controller 135 that may communicatively couple with the plurality of sensors 130 described above. The controller 135 may receive inputs from the plurality of sensors 130 and may control operations of various water heating system 100 components to efficiently heat (or cool) the water (such as pool water). The controller 135 may be further communicatively coupled with a server 140. The server 140 may store information associated with ambient weather conditions, weather forecast, environment conditions and / or the like of a geographical area where the water heating system 100 may be installed. The controller 135 may be configured to obtain the information associated with ambient weather conditions / weather forecast, and control operations of various water heating system 100 components. In further aspects, the controller 135 may communicatively couple with one or more sensors located in the second heating source to control operations of various water heating system 100 components. The sensors located in the second heating source may be same as the plurality of sensors 130 located in the heat pump pool heater 110. The details of the controller 135 and controlling of the water heating system 100 components may be understood in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5.

[0028] The heat pump pool heater 110 may additionally include a fan, an evaporator, a compressor, a heat exchanger / condenser, an expansion valve, etc. The various heat pump pool heater 110 components may be sized, shaped, and located as would be suitable for the particular application. As will be appreciated, the various heat pump pool heater 110 components may be sized for residential, commercial, or industrial applications and for heating water within various temperature ranges and within various time ranges. The fan may draw stream of ambient air, and may pass the air through the evaporator and the compressor to absorb the heat from the ambient air. The absorbed heat may be transferred to heat water in the heat exchanger / condenser. In some aspects, the controller 135 may be configured to control operations of the heat pump pool heater 110 components.

[0029] The compressor may be of any type. For example, the compressor may be a positive displacement compressor, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, a rotary vane compressor, a rolling piston compressor, a scroll compressor, an inverter compressor, a diaphragm compressor, a dynamic compressor, an axial compressor, or any other form of compressor that can be integrated into the heat pump assembly for the particular application. The heat condenser may be sized, shaped, and installed in a position that enhances energy transfer to the water in the heat pump pool heater 110.

[0030] The heat pump pool heater 110 may use refrigerant as an intermediate fluid to absorb the heat where it vaporizes, in the evaporator, and then to release heat where the refrigerant condenses, in the condenser. Further, the compressor may be configured to receive the refrigerant from the evaporator, compress the refrigerant (to further heat the refrigerant) and transmit the compressed refrigerant to the condenser. Specifically, the compressor (e.g., a pump) pumps a gaseous refrigerant, for example a hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerant such as R-410A, R-407C, R-134A or other suitable refrigerant, forward from the compressor, increasing the refrigerant's pressure and temperature and causing the now-hotter refrigerant gas to flow to the condenser.

[0031] As mentioned above, the second heating source may be the solar heating system 115. The solar heating system 115 may include a solar panel suitable to collect, transmit and dissipate at least partial energy of solar radiation that strikes it. The solar panel may include a solar thermal collector configured to heat water as sunlight strikes an absorber surface, by which heat can generated and / or obtained. In a similar manner, the collector may be cooled based on a lower ambient temperature (for example, during nighttime or any other time at which the ambient temperature is cooler) such that the solar heating system 115 may be used to cool water that is provided to the solar heating system 115.

[0032] The solar heating system 115 can be any form of solar thermal system as would be appropriate for the particular application.

[0033] The solar heating system 115 may include a solar water inlet 145 and a solar water outlet 150. The solar water inlet 145 may be configured to receive / input water (such as water from the pool 105) in the solar heating system 115 and the solar water outlet 150 may be configured to output heated water (or cooled water) such as to the pool 105.

[0034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the water inlet 120 and the solar water inlet 145 may be coupled with an inlet valve 155. The inlet valve 155 may be configured to control supply of water into the heat pump pool heater 110 and the solar heating system 115 (such as controlling supply of pool water to the heat pump pool heater 110 and the solar heating system 115). Similarly, the water outlet 125 and the solar water outlet 165 may be coupled with an outlet valve 160. The outlet valve 160 may control output water from the heat pump pool heater 110 and the solar heating system 115 (e.g., into the pool 105). The size, type, and installed location of the inlet valve 155 and the outlet valve 160 may vary depending on the application.

[0035] In some aspects, the controller 135 may control the inlet valve 155 and the outlet valve 160 to control flow of water into and from the water heating system 100. Specifically, the controller 135 may be configured to determine a best heating source (from the heat pump pool heater 110 and the solar heating system 115) to heat water, based on inputs that the controller 135 may receive from the plurality of sensors 130, sensors installed in the solar heating system 115, the server 140, and / or one or more external devices (e.g., a user device, not shown). Responsive to determining the best heating source, the controller 135 may activate (e.g., switch ON) the determined heating source, and may control water inflow and outflow into / from the determined heating source by controlling the inlet valve 155 and the outlet valve 160.

[0036] Controller 135 details and the process of determining the best heating source is described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5.

[0037] FIG. 2 depicts another fluid heating system 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. The fluid heating system 200 may be similar to the water heating system 100 described in FIGS. 1A-1B. In addition to including the first heating source (the heat pump pool heater 110) and the second heating source (the solar heating system 115), the fluid heating system 200 may include a third heating source. The third heating source may be an electric heater 205 (or a gas burner, not shown). The electric heater 205 may be configured to heat the water by using electricity.

[0038] The electric heater 205 may include an electric heater water inlet 210 and an electric heater water outlet 215. The electric heater water inlet 210 may be configured to receive / input water (such as water from the pool 105) in the electric heater 205 and the electric heater water outlet 215 may be configured to output heated water (e.g., to the pool 105).

[0039] In accordance with the present disclosure, the electric heater water inlet 210 may be coupled with the inlet valve 155. The inlet valve 155 may control supply of water into the electric heater 205 (similar to controlling supply of water into the heat pump pool heater 110 and the solar heating system 115, as described above). Similarly, the electric heater water outlet 215 may be coupled with the outlet valve 160. The outlet valve 160 may control outflow of water from the electric heater 205.

[0040] In some aspects, the electric heater 205 may further include a plurality of sensors (similar to the plurality of sensors 130) that may provide inputs (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) associated with the electric heater 205 to the controller 135.

[0041] As described above, the controller 135 may control the inlet valve 155 and the outlet valve 160 to control flow of water into and from the fluid heating system 200. The controller 135 may select a best heating source (from the heat pump pool heater 110, the solar heating system 115 and the electric heater 205) based on the inputs received from the plurality of sensors (located in the heat pump pool heater 110, the solar heating system 115 and the electric heater 205) described above, the server 140, and / or the external devices. Responsive to determining the best heating source, the controller 135 may activate (e.g., switch ON) the determined heating source, and may control water inflow and outflow into / from the determined heating source by controlling the inlet valve 155 and the outlet valve 160.

[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a controller 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. The controller 300 may be same as the controller 135 described in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1B. The controller 300 may include a plurality of components including, but not limited to, a memory 305, a processor 310 and a communication interface 315. The controller 300 may be a computing device configured to receive data, determine actions based on the received data, and output a control signal instructing one or more water heating system 100 components to perform one or more actions. As discussed above, the controller 300 may be a part of the heat pump pool heater 110, and the controller 300 may be in communication with at least some of the water heating system 100 components.

[0043] In some aspects, the controller 300 may be configured to send and receive wireless or wired signals, and the signals may be analog or digital signals. The wireless signals may include Bluetooth™, BLE, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, infrared, microwave radio, or any other type of wireless communication signals as may be suitable for a particular water heating system 100 application. The hard-wired signals can include communication signals between any directly wired connections between the controller 300 and other water heating system 100 components. For example, the controller 300 can have a hard-wired 24 Volts Direct Current (VDC) connection to the plurality of sensors described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0044] Alternatively, the controller 300 may communicate with the plurality of sensors 130 and the sensors installed in the solar heating system 115 (and the electric heater 205) via a digital connection. The digital connection can include a connection such as an Ethernet or a serial connection and can utilize any suitable communication protocol for the water heating system 100 application, such as Modbus, fieldbus, PROFIBUS, SafetyBus, Ethernet / IP, and / or the like. Furthermore, the controller 300 can utilize a combination of wireless, hard-wired, and analog or digital communication signals to communicate with and control the various water heating system 100 components. A person ordinarily skilled in the art may appreciate that the above configurations are given merely as non-limiting examples and the actual configuration can vary depending on the particular water heating system 100 application.

[0045] The memory 305 may be configured to store a program and / or instructions associated with the functions and methods described herein. The processor 310 may be configured to execute the program and / or instructions stored in the memory 305. The memory 305 can include one or more suitable types of memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash memory, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), and the like) for storing files including the operating system, application programs (including, for example, a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine, and or other applications, as necessary), executable instructions and data. One, some, or all of the processing techniques or methods described herein can be implemented as a combination of executable instructions and data within the memory 305.

[0046] The communication interface 315 may be configured to send or receive communication signals between the various water heating system 100 components. Communication interface 315 can include hardware, firmware, and / or software that allows the processor 310 to communicate with the other components via wired or wireless networks, whether local or wide area, private or public, as known in the art. Communication interface 315 can also provide access to a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network, or another wide-area network as suitable for the particular water heating system 100 application. In particular, the communication interface 315 may be configured to communicatively couple with the server 140 to receive information associated with environment conditions such as weather condition / forecast, and to a user device to receive user inputs (such as, a desired temperature of heated water).

[0047] Additionally, the controller 300 may have or be in communication with a user interface 320 (which may be, e.g., a water heating system 100 Human Machine Interface (HMI)) for displaying water heating system 100 information and receiving inputs from the user. The user interface 320 may be installed locally on the water heating system 100. The user, for example, can view water heating system 100 data on the user interface 320 and input data or commands to the controller 300 via the user interface 320. For example, the user can view water heating system 100 temperature settings (or any other setting) on the user interface 320 and provide inputs to the controller 300 via the user interface 320 to change the settings. For example, the user may provide information associated with the desired temperature of heated water, water usage / demand, volume of water to be heated (e.g., pool water heating or personal use heating), desired time to heat the water, etc.

[0048] In some aspects, the controller 300 may be configured to determine whether to use the heat pump pool heater 110, the solar heating system 115, or a third heating source (such as the electric heater 205 or a gas burner) based at least in part on inputs received from the sensors described above, the server 140, and the user. However, any other inputs may also be considered as well. Specifically, the controller 300 may be configured to selectively activate the plurality of heating sources based on inputs received from the sensors, the server 140, and the user. The process of selectively activating the plurality of heating sources may be understood in conjunction with example methods described in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0049] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example first method 400 to control the water heating system 100 / 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 4 may be described with continued reference to prior figures, including FIGS. 1-3. The following process is exemplary and not confined to the steps described hereafter. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or less steps that are shown or described herein and may include these steps in a different order than the order described in the following example embodiments.

[0050] The method 400 starts at step 402. At step 404, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the controller 300, a desired fluid temperature. In some aspects, the controller 300 may obtain the desired fluid temperature, e.g., desired temperature of heated (or cooled) water, from the user via the user interface 320 or the user device. In other aspects, the controller 300 may obtain the desired fluid temperature from the server 140. In the latter case, the server 140 may pre-store the desired fluid temperature based on user input or historical water heating system 100 usage.

[0051] The desired fluid temperature may indicate a temperature of pool water (or water output from the water heating system 100) that the user may desire. For example, the user may set the desired temperature to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In some aspects, the controller 300 may also obtain user preferences to heat the fluid. The user preferences may include, e.g., a desired time to heat the fluid. For example, the user may desire to heat the water to the desired temperature within 10-15 minutes (quick heating), or may desire to heat the water to the desired temperature within 30-40 minutes.

[0052] At step 406, the method 400 may include obtaining, by the controller 300, a plurality of inputs. In some aspects, the controller 300 may obtain the plurality of inputs from the plurality of sensors 130 located in the heat pump pool heater 110, the server 140, and / or the sensors located in solar heating system 115 (or other heating systems such as the gas burner or the electric heater 205). As aforementioned, the sensors 130 may also be provided at any other location with the system as well. For example, sensors may be provided at the water inlet and water outlet of a heating (or cooling) source to determine a temperature differential between the water being provided to the heating (or cooling) source and the water being output by the heating (or cooling) source. This temperature differential may be used to determine the effectiveness of heating (or cooling) source in heating or cooling water.

[0053] The plurality of inputs may include, but is not limited to, a current fluid temperature (e.g., temperature of water flowing into one of the plurality of heating sources of the water heating system 100), input fluid flow rate and output fluid flow rate for the plurality of heating sources, and ambient weather conditions, for example, as well as any other inputs. The ambient weather conditions may include ambient temperature (e.g., air temperature), current weather conditions (e.g., cloudy, rainy, sunny, etc.), humidity level, weather forecast, etc. For example, the controller 300 may access the server 140 (via internet) to determine whether it will be a rainy or a sunny day for a predefined duration (e.g., the next 8 hours), based on the weather forecast information. In addition, the plurality of inputs may include heat pump temperature / flow rate threshold value, solar heating system temperature / flow rate threshold value, and other heating sources' temperature / flow rate threshold values. In some aspects, the temperature / flow rate threshold values may indicate the value beyond which a particular heating source may not be effective. For example, a heat pump temperature threshold of 150 degrees Fahrenheit may indicate that the heat pump pool heater 110 may not effectively heat water beyond 150 degrees Fahrenheit. In some aspects, the controller 300 may obtain the above-mentioned temperature / flow rate threshold values from the server 140.

[0054] At step 408, the method 400 may include determining, by the controller 300, a best heating source from the plurality of heating sources based on the desired temperature and the plurality of received inputs. In particular, the controller 300 may determine whether to activate the first heating source or the second heating source to heat the water, if there are two available heating sources in the water heating system 100. As described in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1B, the first heating source may be the heat pump pool heater 110 and the second heating source may be the solar heating system 115. In other aspects, the controller 300 may determine whether to activate the first heating source, the second heating source, or the third heating source (e.g., the electric heater 205) to heat the water, if there are three available heating sources in the water heating system (e.g., the water heating system 200).

[0055] In some aspects, the controller 300 may select a heating source, from the plurality of heating sources described above, to maximize fluid heating system 100 / 200 efficiency. For example, the controller 300 may identify a heating source that may be more energy or resource efficient to heat the water to the desired temperature. In another example, when the ambient temperature and / or humidity level is greater than a threshold, the controller 300 may select the heat pump pool heater 110 over other heating sources (e.g., the gas heater or the electric heater 205), as the heat pump pool heater 110 may operate more efficiently at higher ambient temperature / humidity level.

[0056] In further aspects, the controller 300 may determine a duration (time) to heat the fluid to the desired temperature for each heating source based on the received plurality of inputs. The controller 300 may then select a heating source that may take less time to heat the fluid. For example, if the user desires quick heating, the controller 300 may select the electric heater 205, over the heat pump pool heater 110 or the solar heating system 115 to heat the fluid. In this case, the controller 300 may further determine a difference between the current fluid temperature and the desired fluid temperature, and correlate the difference with fluid heating duration to select the best heating source. For example, if the current fluid temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the desired fluid temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and if the heat pump pool heater 110 requires 25 minutes to heat the fluid from 80 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the electric heater 205 requires 5 minutes, the controller 300 may select the electric heater 205 to heat the fluid if the user desires quick heating. On the other hand, if the heat pump pool heater 110 can heat the fluid from 80 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in 15 minutes, the controller 300 may select the heat pump pool heater 110 to heat the fluid over the electric heater 205 (as the heat pump pool heater 110 may be more environment-friendly heating option).

[0057] In further aspects, the controller 300 may determine a time of day from the plurality of inputs, and may select heating source based on the determined time of day to heat the fluid. For example, the controller 300 may not select the solar heating system 115 to heat the fluid when the received inputs indicate that it is nighttime. In this case, the controller 300 may instead select the heat pump pool heater 110 or the electric heater 205 to heat the fluid, based on the desired duration of heating. In some aspects, the controller 300 may select a heating source based on a combination of the factors discussed above.

[0058] In further aspects, the controller 300 may select (or give preference to) the solar heating system 115, when there is abundant sunlight (as identified from the received inputs) and the user may not desire quick heating. The controller 300 may give preference to solar heating system 115 usage, as solar energy is more environment-friendly and energy efficient heating option.

[0059] In some embodiments, by default, the controller 300 may first select the solar heating system 115 to determine if the solar heating system 115 is able to sufficiently heat or cool the water. The controller 300 may initially select the solar heating system 115 to perform a heating or cooling operation. Based on a determination of the temperature of the water output by the solar heating system 115, the controller 300 may then determine whether to continue using the solar heating system 115 to heat or cool the water, or to transition to use of a different heating (or cooling) source. Even if the controller 300 determines that the solar heating system 115 is initially able to sufficiently heat or cool the water, the controller 300 may periodically or continuously analyze sensor data to determine if the solar heating system 115 continues to produce sufficiently heated or cooled water. When the controller 300 determines that the solar heating system 115 is no longer sufficiently heating or cooling the water, the controller 300 may transition to use of a different heating (or cooling source). For example, if the controller 300 determines that the water being output by the solar heating system 115 no longer satisfies the desired fluid temperature, then the controller 300 may instruct a different heating or cooling source to begin heating or cooling the water.

[0060] In additional aspects, the controller 300 may obtain the user preferences and determine the best heating source to heat the fluid according to the user preferences. For example, the user may prefer to reduce cost to heat the fluid over the time taken to heat the fluid. In such scenarios, the controller 300 may give higher weightage to cost over the time to heat the fluid, while selecting the best heating source. In this case, the controller 300 may select the solar heating system 115 to heat the fluid (if sunlight is available).

[0061] In yet another aspect, the controller 300 may obtain fluid flow rate (e.g., fluid inflow rate into the water heating system 100 / 200) or desired heated water outflow rate from the user, and select the heating source accordingly. For example, if the flow rate is high (e.g., beyond the heat pump flow rate threshold value and the solar heating system flow rate threshold value), the controller may select the electric heater 205 to heat the fluid. On the other hand, if the flow rate is higher than the solar heating system flow rate threshold value but less than the heat pump flow rate threshold value, the controller 300 may select the heat pump pool heater 110 to heat the fluid.

[0062] In yet another aspect, the controller 300 may compare the desired temperature of heated water with the heat pump temperature threshold value, the solar heating system temperature threshold value and the electric heater temperature threshold value, and select the heating source accordingly. For example, if the desired temperature is higher than the solar heating system temperature threshold value, but lower than the heat pump temperature threshold value and the electric heater temperature threshold value, the controller 300 may select the heat pump pool heater 110 to heat the fluid (as the heat pump pool heater 110 may be more environment-friendly and energy efficient heating option over the electric heater 205).

[0063] At step 410, the method 400 may include outputting, by the controller 300, a control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source (or the third heating source) based on the best heating source determination. Specifically, the controller 300 may send the control signal to the selected heating source to activate the selected heating source and heat the fluid. In addition to activating the selected heating source, the controller 300 may control the inlet valve 155 such that the selected heating source may receive the input water (and water supply to other heating sources may be shut off or deactivated). In addition, the controller 300 may control the outlet valve 160 to output the heated water from the selected heated source.

[0064] For example, if the selected heating source is the solar heating system 115, at step 410, the controller 300 may send the control signal to the solar heating system 115 to activate the solar heating system 115. In addition, the controller 300 may control the inlet valve 155 such that the solar heating system 115 may receive the inflow water. Further, the controller 300 may control the outlet valve 160 such that only the heated water from the solar heating system 115 may flow out from the outlet valve 160.

[0065] In some aspects, the controller 300 may switch between the plurality of heating sources to heat the fluid in an efficient manner, based on changes to the inputs received by the controller 300. For instance, the controller 300 may switch from using the solar heating system 115 to the heat pump pool heater 110 or the electric heater 205, if the user increases the desired temperature or desires an enhanced rate of heating.

[0066] As another example, the controller 300 may use the electric heater 205 to quickly increase the fluid temperature to the desired temperature, and then turn off the electric heater 205 and use the heat pump pool heater 110 (or the solar heating system 115) to maintain the temperature.

[0067] The method 400 stops at step 412. FIG. 5 depicts flow diagram of an example second method 500 to control the water heating system 100 / 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 5 may be described with continued reference to prior figures, including FIGS. 1-4. The following process is exemplary and not confined to the steps described hereafter. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include more or less steps that are shown or described herein and may include these steps in a different order than the order described in the following example embodiments.

[0068] The method 500 starts at step 502. At step 504, the method 500 may include obtaining, by the controller 300, a desired fluid temperature. The step 504 may be same as the step 404 described in FIG. 4. At step 506, the method 500 may include obtaining, by the controller 300, a plurality of inputs. The plurality of inputs mentioned herein may be same as the plurality of inputs described in conjunction with FIG. 4. For example, the plurality of inputs may include the current fluid temperature for the plurality of heating sources, input fluid flow rate and output fluid flow rate for the plurality of heating sources, and ambient weather conditions.

[0069] At step 508, the method 500 may include determining, by the controller 300, whether solar energy is available. In particular, the controller 300 may determine solar or sunlight availability based on the received plurality of inputs. For example, the controller 300 may obtain weather information from the server 140 and may determine whether solar energy is available to heat the fluid. When the controller 300 determines that it may be a rainy day or nighttime, the controller 300 may determine that the solar energy may not be available. On the other hand, if the weather information indicates a sunny day, the controller 300 may determine that the solar energy may be available.

[0070] Responsive to a determination that the solar energy may be available at step 508, the method 500 moves to step 510. At step 510, the method 500 may include determining, by the controller 300, whether available solar energy is sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature. In particular, the controller 300 may compare the desired temperature with the current fluid temperature. Based on the comparison, the controller 300 may determine whether the solar heating system 115 can heat the fluid for the deficit temperature (difference between the desired temperature and the current temperature). In some aspects, the controller 300 may also determine whether the solar heating system 115 may be able to heat the fluid within a duration that the user may desire (e.g., if the user desires quick heating).

[0071] In some aspects, the controller 300 may estimate the available solar energy (using the weather information / forecast) to determine whether the estimated solar energy is sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature (within the duration desired by the user).

[0072] Responsive to a determination that the solar energy is sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature, the method 500 moves to step 512. At step 512, the method 500 may include heating the fluid using the solar heating system 115. Stated another way, at step 512, the controller 300 may select and activate the solar heating system 115 when the solar energy is available and is sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature.

[0073] Responsive to a determination that the solar energy is unavailable at step 508, or if the available solar energy is not sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature at step 510, the method 500 may move to step 514. At step 514, the method 500 may include determining, by the controller 300, whether the heat pump pool heater 110 is sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature (and within the duration desired by the user). In particular, the controller 300 may compare the desired temperature with the current fluid temperature. Based on the comparison, the controller 300 may determine whether the heat pump pool heater 110 may heat the fluid for the deficit temperature (difference between the desired temperature and the current temperature). In some aspects, the controller 300 may use the heat pump temperature threshold value and standard heat pump heating rate (that may be pre-stored in the memory 305) to determine whether the heat pump pool heater 110 can heat the fluid to the desired temperature (within the duration desired by the user). In additional aspects, the controller 300 may use the ambient air temperature information to determine whether the heat pump pool heater 110 can heat the fluid to the desired temperature. A person ordinarily skilled in the art may appreciate that heating pump heating rate may vary based on ambient air temperature.

[0074] Responsive to a determination that the heat pump pool heater 110 may be sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature at step 514, the method 500 moves to step 516. At step 516, the method 500 may include heating the fluid using the heat pump pool heater 110. In particular, at step 516, the controller 300 may select and activate the heat pump pool heater 110.

[0075] Alternatively, when the controller 300 determines that the heat pump pool heater 110 may not be sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature at step 514, the method moves to step 518. At step 518, the method 500 may include heating the fluid by another heating source (such as by the gas burner or the electric heater 202). Stated another way, when the controller 300 determines that the heat pump pool heater 110 is not sufficient to heat the fluid to the desired temperature, the controller 300 may select and activate the other heating source.

[0076] The method 500 stops at step 520.

[0077] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,”“an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will recognize such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0078] It should also be understood that the word “example” as used herein is intended to be non-exclusionary and non-limiting in nature. More particularly, the word “example” as used herein indicates one among several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is being directed to the particular example being described.

[0079] With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.

[0080] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and variation.

[0081] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,”“the,”“said,” etc., should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,”“might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.Example Embodiments

[0082] Embodiment 1. A fluid temperature management system. The fluid temperature management system comprises a first temperature regulation source configured to heat or cool fluid in the fluid heating system. The fluid temperature management system comprises a second temperature regulation source configured to heat or cool the fluid in the temperature management system. The first temperature regulation source comprises a control unit configured to: obtain a desired fluid temperature; obtain a plurality of inputs comprising a current fluid temperature and ambient conditions; determine whether to activate the first temperature regulation source or the second temperature regulation source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs; and output a control signal to the first temperature regulation source or the second temperature regulation source to heat or cool the fluid based on the determination.

[0083] Embodiment 2. The fluid temperature management system of Embodiment 1, wherein the first temperature regulation source is a heat pump pool heater.

[0084] Embodiment 3. The fluid temperature management system of Embodiment 2, wherein the second temperature regulation source is a solar device.

[0085] Embodiment 4. The fluid heating system of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the control unit is configured to obtain the plurality of inputs from (i) at least one of a plurality of sensors located in the fluid temperature management system and (ii) a server.

[0086] Embodiment 5. The fluid temperature management system of any of Embodiments 1-4 further comprising an inlet valve coupled to a first temperature regulation source inlet and a second temperature regulation source inlet; and an outlet valve coupled to a first temperature regulation source outlet and a second temperature regulation source outlet, wherein the control unit is configured to control the inlet valve and the outlet valve to heat or cool the fluid using the first temperature regulation source or the second temperature regulation source.

[0087] Embodiment 6. The fluid temperature management system of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the control unit is further configured to: determine a duration to heat or cool the fluid using the first temperature regulation source or the second temperature regulation source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs; and output the control signal to the first temperature regulation source or the second temperature regulation source based on the duration.

[0088] Embodiment 7. The fluid temperature management system of any of Embodiments 1-6 further comprising a third temperature regulation source configured to heat or cool the fluid in the fluid temperature management system.

[0089] Embodiment 8. The fluid temperature management system of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the third temperature regulation source is at least one of a gas burner and an electric heater.

[0090] Embodiment 9. The fluid temperature management system of Embodiments 1-8, wherein the control unit is further configured to determine whether to activate the first temperature regulation source, the second temperature regulation source, or the third temperature regulation source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs.

[0091] Embodiment 10. A method to control a fluid heating system having a first heating source and a second heating source. The method comprises obtaining, by a first heating source controller, a desired fluid temperature. The method also comprises obtaining, by the first heating source controller, a plurality of inputs comprising a current fluid temperature and ambient conditions. The method also comprises determining, by the first heating source controller, whether to activate the first heating source or the second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs, and wherein the first heating source and the second heating source are configured to heat fluid in the fluid heating system. The method also comprises outputting, by the first heating source controller, a control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source to heat the fluid based on the determination.

[0092] Embodiment 11. The method of Embodiment 10, wherein at least one of: the first heating source is a heat pump pool heater or the second heating source is a solar heating device.

[0093] Embodiment 12. The method of Embodiment 11, wherein the obtaining the plurality of inputs comprises obtaining the plurality of inputs from (i) at least one of a plurality of sensors located in the fluid heating system and (ii) a server.

[0094] Embodiment 13. The method of any of Embodiments 10-11 further comprising controlling an inlet valve and an outlet valve to heat the fluid using the first heating source or the second heating source, wherein the inlet valve is coupled to a first heating source inlet and a second heating source inlet, and wherein the outlet valve is coupled to a first heating source outlet and a second heating source outlet.

[0095] Embodiment 14. The method of any of Embodiments 10-12, further comprising determining a duration to heat the fluid using the first heating source or the second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs; and outputting the control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source based on the duration.

[0096] Embodiment 15. The method of any of Embodiments 10-13, further comprising determining whether to activate the first heating source, the second heating source, or a third heating source based on the plurality of inputs.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)16. A fluid heating system comprising:a first heating source configured to heat fluid in the fluid heating system; anda second heating source configured to heat the fluid in the fluid heating system,wherein the first heating source comprises:a control unit configured to:obtain a desired fluid temperature;obtain a plurality of inputs comprising a current fluid temperature and ambient conditions;determine whether to activate the first heating source or the second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs; andoutput a control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source to heat the fluid based on the determination.

17. The fluid heating system of claim 16, wherein the first heating source is a heat pump pool heater.

18. The fluid heating system of claim 16, wherein the second heating source is a solar heating device.

19. The fluid heating system of claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to obtain the plurality of inputs from (i) at least one of a plurality of sensors located in the fluid heating system and (ii) a server.

20. The fluid heating system of claim 16, further comprising:an inlet valve coupled to a first heating source inlet and a second heating source inlet; andan outlet valve coupled to a first heating source outlet and a second heating source outlet,wherein the control unit is configured to control the inlet valve and the outlet valve to heat the fluid using the first heating source or the second heating source.

21. The fluid heating system of claim 16, wherein the control unit is further configured to:determine a duration to heat the fluid using the first heating source or the second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs; andoutput the control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source based on the duration.

22. The fluid heating system of claim 16, further comprising a third heating source configured to heat the fluid in the fluid heating system.

23. The fluid heating system of claim 22, wherein the third heating source is at least one of a gas burner and an electric heater.

24. The fluid heating system of claim 22, wherein the control unit is further configured to determine whether to activate the first heating source, the second heating source, or the third heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs.

25. A method to control a fluid heating system having a first heating source and a second heating source, the method comprising:obtaining, by a first heating source controller, a desired fluid temperature;obtaining, by the first heating source controller, a plurality of inputs comprising a current fluid temperature and ambient conditions;determining, by the first heating source controller, whether to activate the first heating source or the second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs, and wherein the first heating source and the second heating source are configured to heat fluid in the fluid heating system; andoutputting, by the first heating source controller, a control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source to heat the fluid based on the determination.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first heating source is a heat pump pool heater.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the second heating source is a solar heating device.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the obtaining the plurality of inputs comprises obtaining the plurality of inputs from (i) at least one of a plurality of sensors located in the fluid heating system and (ii) a server.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising:controlling an inlet valve and an outlet valve to heat the fluid using the first heating source or the second heating source,wherein the inlet valve is coupled to a first heating source inlet and a second heating source inlet, andwherein the outlet valve is coupled to a first heating source outlet and a second heating source outlet.

30. The method of claim 25, further comprising:determining a duration to heat the fluid using the first heating source or the second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs; andoutputting the control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source based on the duration.

31. The method of claim 25, further comprising determining whether to activate the first heating source, the second heating source, or a third heating source based on the plurality of inputs.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the third heating source is at least one of: a gas burner and an electric heater.

33. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereupon which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:obtain a desired fluid temperature;obtain a plurality of inputs comprising a current fluid temperature and ambient conditions;determine whether to activate a first heating source or a second heating source based on the desired fluid temperature and the plurality of inputs, wherein the first heating source and the second heating source are configured to heat fluid in a fluid heating system; andoutput a control signal to the first heating source or the second heating source to heat the fluid based on the determination.

34. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 33, wherein the first heating source is a heat pump pool heater.

35. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 33, wherein the second heating source is a solar heating device.

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