Continuous Flow Heater for On-Demand Hot Water Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water dispensing devices on sinks lack the ability to adjust water temperature, requiring separate valves for hot water, which limits temperature control and increases energy consumption due to constant pre-heating of water.
Innovation Solution
A device with a continuous flow heater and measurement transducers that regulate water flow rate and heating power to set the hot water temperature between 70° C. and 98° C., using a controller to adjust pump power or valve opening to achieve desired temperatures, and an optional decalcification system to prevent calcification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a pressurized boiler is used to store pre-heated hot water, then hot water can be dispensed immediately, but energy consumption increases due to constant pre-heating and temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when hot water is requested. The controller detects water flow through the fixture and triggers the heating element to heat water on-demand, eliminating the need for continuous pre-heating and storage in a pressurized boiler.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating actions only when needed by detecting water flow requests. The controller monitors the fixture state and activates the heating element in advance of water dispensing, ensuring hot water is ready exactly when required without maintaining a constant hot water reserve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate hot water valve is used, then hot water can be dispensed, but temperature control is limited to fixed predefined temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating power of the heating element based on real-time water flow rate measurements. The controller continuously monitors flow conditions and modulates the heating element power to maintain the desired temperature, enabling flexible temperature control across a wide range without complex manual settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through flow sensors that detect water flow rate and temperature sensors that monitor water temperature. The controller uses this feedback information to continuously adjust the heating element power, maintaining precise temperature control while automatically adapting to changing flow conditions.
3Measurement precision
If a continuous flow heater is used with flow rate regulation, then temperature can be precisely controlled, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors fixture state, detects water flow through the fixture, controls the heating element power, and regulates the water valve. The heating element itself serves dual purposes as both a heating device and a flow restriction element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the heating function and flow control function into a single integrated setup. The heating element is positioned within the water flow path, and the controller combines temperature control and flow rate regulation into one control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise temperature control.
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
Enables precise temperature control of hot water, reduces energy consumption by heating water only when needed, and minimizes maintenance through automated decalcification, ensuring safe and efficient hot water dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous flow heater, and in that, in the water inflow of the water outflow fixture, there is also arranged at least one measurement transducer
Implementation Method 2
at least one measurement transducer, which determines a measurement variable with respect to water flowing through the continuous flow heater
Implementation Method 3
a controller, which is designed for regulating, in a manner dependent on measurement values of the measurement transducer, a rate of throughflow through the continuous flow heater in order to set the temperature of the hot water
Data Source
AI summary
Dispensing of hot water having an adjustable temperature by way of a water outlet fitting that can be installed on a sink. This is achieved by a continuous flow heater and a measured value sensor arranged in a water inlet of the water outlet fitting as the hot water heater. The measured value sensor detects a measurement variable with regard to water flowing through the continuous flow heater (10). The water dispensing device has a control unit, which is designed to regulate a flow rate through the continuous flow heater as a function of measured values of the measured value sensor in order to adjust the temperature of the hot water.