Continuous flow heater, method and continuous flow heater arrangement for hot water production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instantaneous water heaters often lead to peak load power exceeding the maximum connected power available in electrical networks when multiple taps are used simultaneously, resulting in reduced water temperature to manage power consumption, which compromises user comfort.
Innovation Solution
An instantaneous water heater with a control device that adjusts water flow rate and heating output to maintain target water temperature while reducing power consumption, by communicating with other water heaters and load control centers to manage total power usage, thereby minimizing noticeable pressure fluctuations and maintaining comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple instantaneous water heaters are operated simultaneously to meet high water demand, then water supply capability is improved, but total power consumption exceeds the maximum connected load available on the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of instantaneous water heaters based on real-time power consumption monitoring. When total power consumption approaches the maximum connected load, the control device automatically reduces the heating output or shuts down specific heaters, creating a dynamic response to power availability conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives feedback signals from the grid operator or monitoring system indicating current power consumption levels and maximum available load. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust heater operation in real-time, reducing output when power limits are approached and maintaining full capacity when power availability is sufficient
2Power
If the heating output of instantaneous water heaters is reduced to manage peak load power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but water temperature drops which compromises user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing thermal energy in advance through pre-heating water in storage tanks or thermal storage units during periods of low demand. This stored thermal energy is then utilized during peak demand periods when heaters must be reduced or shut down, maintaining water temperature without requiring full heating capacity
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal storage medium or buffer tank acts as an intermediary between the heating system and the water distribution system. This intermediary stores excess thermal energy when heating capacity is available and releases it when heating output must be reduced, decoupling the heater operation from immediate water temperature requirements
3Power
If the water flow rate is reduced to lower power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but user comfort is affected due to noticeable pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water flow distribution across multiple heaters rather than uniformly reducing flow through single heaters. The control device modulates flow rates to individual heating units based on their operational status and thermal output, maintaining stable pressure at user outlets while optimizing total power consumption
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 solution effectively reduces electrical power consumption without lowering water temperature, maintaining user comfort by initially throttling water flow and only reducing temperature as a secondary measure, thus addressing the issue of peak load power management.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating device (13) designed for heating water flowing through the channel arrangement (10) in the flow direction (14)
Implementation Method 2
a motor valve (16) arranged in the water inlet (11) and designed for the controllable limitation of the water flow rate, controllable by means of the control device (15) and having a throttle element (17) designed for adjusting the volume flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an instantaneous water heater (18) for hot water preparation and is characterized in that a control device (15) is provided to determine the electrical power consumed by a heating device (13), and that the control device (15) comprises at least one interface provided for communication with further instantaneous water heaters (19) and/or a load control center (20) and is configured to determine the external electrical power consumed by the further instantaneous water heaters (19) and/or the external electrical power determined by means of the load control center (20), and the control device (15) comprises a total power determination unit which is configured to determine the total power from the electrical power consumed by the heating device (13) and the sum of the external powers, and the control device (15) comprises a limiting unit which is configured toIf the total power exceeds a predetermined maximum power, a motorized valve is activated to reduce the water flow rate, and the heating power of the heating device (13) is reduced via the control unit (15). The invention also relates to an arrangement with at least two of the instantaneous water heaters and a method for operating the instantaneous water heaters.