Connected Water Heater Control for Off-Peak Load Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Utility companies face challenges in regulating water heater loads to avoid peak energy draws, requiring innovative methods to manage water temperature and user satisfaction while shifting energy usage to off-peak hours.
Innovation Solution
A smart water heater system with multiple heating elements and temperature sensors, controlled by an external controller, which receives commands to adjust heating based on temperature set points and ratios, implementing strategies like slot time periods and random number assignments to distribute energy usage effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements are controlled to shift energy usage to off-peak hours, then peak energy demands are reduced, but water temperature maintenance becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating actions during off-peak hours to preheat water in the tank, so that during peak demand periods the heating elements can be reduced or shut off while still maintaining adequate water temperature. This anticipatory approach allows energy usage to be shifted away from peak hours while preserving temperature maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic heating cycles where heating elements are activated during specific time periods (off-peak hours) and deactivated during other periods (peak hours). This periodic on/off operation based on time-of-use pricing signals enables energy load shifting while maintaining water temperature within acceptable ranges through strategic timing of heating cycles.
2Productivity
If multiple heating elements are controlled independently, then energy distribution is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater system divides the heating function into multiple independent heating elements (first heating element and second heating element), each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the control system to selectively activate specific heating elements based on energy pricing signals and temperature requirements, optimizing energy distribution by using only the necessary heating capacity rather than operating all elements continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements partial action by selectively activating only one heating element when a single heating command is received, rather than operating both heating elements simultaneously. This partial operation reduces energy consumption and simplifies control during periods when full heating capacity is not required, while still meeting temperature maintenance needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If load is shifted to off-peak hours, then peak demand is reduced, but relay wear increases due to more frequent switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action with extended heating cycles during off-peak hours, where heating elements are activated for longer continuous periods rather than frequent short cycles. This approach shifts load to off-peak times while minimizing the number of on/off transitions, thereby reducing relay switching frequency and extending relay lifespan despite the load shifting objective.
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 allows for efficient load management, reducing peak energy demands, maintaining user satisfaction, and prolonging relay life by spreading energy usage across off-peak hours, thereby optimizing energy distribution and consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating element extending into the tank, a second heating element extending into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A water heater that includes a tank for holding water, a heat source, a temperature sensor, a communication module operable to communicate with an external controller remote from the water heater, and a controller including a processor and a computer readable memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to operate the water heater. The communication module receives commands from the external controller for further operating the water heater.