Adaptive Heat Block Control for Hot Water Comfort and Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household heating devices face inefficiencies in energy usage when in comfort mode, leading to wasted energy when no heated water is demanded, and in economic mode, users experience delays in obtaining hot water at desired temperatures, especially for instant demands like showering.
Innovation Solution
A household heating device with a control unit that adapts the set point of the heat block based on usage patterns learned from sensor signals, adjusting the temperature set point according to user demand, incorporating a time delay to balance energy efficiency and comfort by setting the temperature higher during high demand and lower during low demand periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the household heating device operates in comfort mode with continuous heating, then user comfort is improved, but energy waste increases when no heated water is demanded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heat block temperature setpoint based on learned usage patterns. Instead of maintaining a fixed high temperature for comfort, the setpoint varies over time according to predicted user demand, allowing the system to provide comfort when needed while reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor signals to continuously monitor actual heated water usage and compares it with predicted usage patterns. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from actual user behavior and continuously refine its predictions, improving both comfort and energy efficiency over time
2Loss of energy
If the household heating device operates in economic mode with reduced heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to delays in obtaining hot water
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating actions by maintaining the heat block at an optimal temperature based on predicted usage patterns. Before the user actually demands hot water, the system has already prepared the heat block to be ready, eliminating waiting time while avoiding unnecessary continuous heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating level based on predicted demand. When usage patterns indicate upcoming hot water demand, the system proactively increases heating to maintain comfort, while reducing heating during periods of predicted low demand, thus balancing energy efficiency and comfort dynamically
3Loss of energy
If the heat block temperature setpoint is adjusted frequently to match usage patterns, then energy efficiency is improved, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic updates to the usage pattern model at predetermined intervals rather than continuous adjustments. This periodic action allows the system to adapt to changing usage patterns over time while maintaining stability during each update cycle, avoiding excessive fluctuations in the heat block temperature setpoint
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances energy efficiency while maintaining user comfort by quickly providing heated water when needed and reducing energy consumption during periods of low demand, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat block for storing heat and providing heat to water
Implementation Method 2
providing heat to water
Implementation Method 3
a sensor configured for providing a sensor signal representative for the heat provided by the heat block
Implementation Method 4
a burner for heating the heat block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention concerns a household heating device comprising an heat block for storing heat and providing heat to water. The heating device comprises a sensor configured for providing a sensor signal representative for the heat provided by the heat block. The heating device comprises a memory unit configured for storing the sensor signal over time and providing a usage pattern as function of the sensor signal over time. The heating device comprises a burner for heating the heat block. The burner is configured for receiving control signals. The heating device comprises a control unit configured for setting a set point of the heat block as function of the usage pattern that is adapted over time as function of the sensor signal. The control unit is configured to provide the control signals to the burner for controlling the temperature of the heat block to the set point.