Circuit including supercapacitor for supplying power to leak detection circuitry and controller in water heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank-type water heating systems with continuous pilot flames waste energy and reduce the longevity of the pre-charged power source due to continuous power draw, lacking efficient methods to extend the life of the power source and optimize energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a first power converter to generate a predetermined voltage from a supercapacitor or pre-charged power source and a second power converter to generate voltage from a thermoelectric device, allowing simultaneous charging of the supercapacitor and powering the controller, reducing reliance on the pre-charged power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a continuous pilot flame is used to heat water, then the water heating function is maintained, but energy is wasted and the pre-charged power source longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous pilot operation to periodic/intermittent pilot operation. The controller ignites the pilot flame only when heating is required, rather than maintaining continuous combustion. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption and extends battery life while maintaining water heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric device generates electrical energy from the pilot flame heat to power the controller and leak detection circuitry autonomously. This self-service mechanism reduces or eliminates the need for pre-charged power source intervention, allowing the system to sustain itself during operation and extend battery longevity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the thermoelectric device charges the supercapacitor while powering the controller, then the pre-charged power source longevity is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple power sources (pre-charged power source, supercapacitor, thermoelectric device) and power conversion paths into a unified power management architecture. The first and second power converters work together with the supercapacitor and thermoelectric device to create an integrated system that automatically manages power flow, extending battery life while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion circuitry serves multiple functions: converting supercapacitor voltage to controller operating voltage, converting thermoelectric device voltage to charge the supercapacitor, and managing power distribution to various system components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, optimizing the balance between capability and complexity.
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 approach extends the longevity of the pre-charged power source and optimizes energy usage by efficiently using the thermoelectric device to charge the supercapacitor, thereby reducing the power draw from the pre-charged source and enhancing system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second power converter to generate the predetermined voltage level from a thermoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
A water heater pilot control system includes a supercapacitor; a battery; a controller configured to control ignition of a flame; and voltage control circuitry. The voltage control circuitry includes a first power converter configured to convert a voltage from one or both of the supercapacilor and the battery to a predetermined voltage; a second power converter configured to convert a voltage from a thermoelectric device to the predetermined voltage; and charging circuitry configured to charge the supercapacitor using the predetermined voltage from one or both of the first power converter and the second power converter, wherein one or both of the first power converter and the second power converter are configured to supply the predetermined voltage to the controller.