Battery-Assisted Water Heating With Thermal Storage Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric water heating systems face limitations in heating capacity, space requirements, and efficiency due to the need for separate water tanks and complex setups, which are not adequately addressed by prior solutions.
Innovation Solution
A water heating system that incorporates an electrical heating device, a battery, a battery management system, a heat sink arrangement, and a thermally insulating shell, where the heat sink arrangement stores and releases thermal energy to preheat water without a separate tank, reducing temperature fluctuations and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate water tank is used to store heated water, then the available supply of hot water is increased, but the space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water storage function and heating function into a single integrated unit. The battery-powered heating element is placed directly within the water tank, eliminating the need for separate heating devices and complex piping systems. This merging of functions increases hot water availability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the heating element, acts as a thermal mass to store heat, and functions as a control element for on-demand heating. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Quantity of substance
If a well-insulated hot water tank is used to store heated water, then the available supply of hot water is increased, but the space occupied and insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system heats water on-demand only when hot water is consumed faster than it can be heated by the battery-powered element. This preliminary heating action avoids the need for large pre-filled insulated tanks, reducing the space required while still providing adequate hot water supply.
3Ease of manufacture
If electric boilers are used to heat water, then installation is simplified, but the heating capacity is limited by available electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter by using a battery-powered heating element instead of mains electricity. This allows the system to achieve higher heating capacity comparable to gas boilers while maintaining the installation simplicity of electric systems. The battery provides the necessary power surge capability that standard electrical outlets cannot deliver.
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
The system achieves efficient water heating by utilizing stored thermal energy from the battery, reducing space requirements, and minimizing temperature fluctuations, thereby improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the water heating system.
Implementation Method 1
The heat sink arrangement is thermally coupled to the battery and is configured to store and release thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
The thermally insulating shell encloses the battery and the heat sink arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a water heating system comprising an electrical heating device for heating water, a battery, a battery management system, a heat sink arrangement, and a thermally insulating shell. The battery is electrically coupled to the electrical heating device for powering the electrical heating device. The battery management system is electrically coupled to the battery for charging the battery. The heat sink arrangement is thermally coupled to the battery and is configured to store and release thermal energy. The thermally insulating shell encloses the battery and the heat sink arrangement.