Bathing System Control for Energy Savings Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathing system control systems do not provide a convenient method for users to reduce energy consumption while maintaining desired operational functionality, particularly during peak and off-peak energy usage hours, leading to higher energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system that allows users to select energy savings modes based on a power consumption profile, causing the heating module and filtration system to operate according to a usage profile that schedules actuated and non-actuated states during off-peak hours, optimizing energy usage and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating module and filtration system operate continuously to maintain desired functionality, then operational reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases during peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating water and pre-filtering during off-peak hours before the actual bathing period. The controller stores pre-heated water in an insulated tank and pre-filters water, so that during peak hours when bathing is needed, the system only needs to maintain temperature and provide already-filtered water, significantly reducing peak-hour energy consumption while ensuring operational reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic operation by alternating between intensive operation during off-peak hours and reduced operation during peak hours. The controller schedules heating and filtration to operate intensively during off-peak periods, then reduces or suspends operation during peak periods, creating a periodic pattern that shifts energy consumption away from expensive peak hours while maintaining system reliability through strategic timing.
2Ease of operation
If the heating module operates during peak hours to meet user needs, then user satisfaction is improved, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water during off-peak hours and stores it in an insulated tank, so that during peak hours when users need bathing, the hot water is already available without requiring intensive heating operation. This preliminary action ensures user satisfaction during peak hours while avoiding the high energy costs associated with operating the heater during expensive peak-rate periods.
3Reliability
If the filtration system operates continuously to maintain water quality, then water purity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtration during off-peak hours, filtering a large volume of water in advance and storing it in a clean water tank. During peak hours, the system only needs to maintain water quality through minimal filtration or by circulating already-filtered water, ensuring water purity is maintained while significantly reducing the energy consumption of the filtration system during expensive peak periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for use in connection with a bathing system that comprises a heating module and a filtration system. The bathing system is adapted to receive power from an energy provider that supplies power in accordance with a power consumption profile. The method comprises receiving an input from a user conveying a desire that at least one of the heating module and the filtration system is operated in accordance with an energy savings mode, and causing the heating module and the filtration system to acquire an actuated state and a non-actuated state on a basis of a usage profile associated with the energy savings mode. The usage profile causes the at least one of the heating module and the filtration system to acquire the actuated state according to a schedule established at least in part on a basis of the power consumption profile.