Decentralised water supply station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating drinking water in decentralized systems incur high energy costs due to the use of electric reheaters and require high supply line temperatures, leading to inefficient heat transfer and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized water supply station incorporating a pressurized hot water or steam storage tank, connected to a heat exchanger, where heated water or steam is mixed with water from the heat exchanger to achieve the desired temperature, using a thermostatic mixing valve or control valve to regulate flow rates, reducing energy consumption and maintaining efficient temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric reheaters are used to heat drinking water to the desired temperature, then the desired hot water temperature is achieved, but energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system preheats drinking water using a heat exchanger that utilizes thermal energy from heating water or district heating networks before the water reaches the consumer unit. This preliminary heating action reduces the energy required by electric reheaters to achieve the final desired temperature, directly addressing the high energy cost problem.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary device between the heating water source and the drinking water. This intermediary transfers thermal energy efficiently without direct contact between the heating water and drinking water, enabling preheating while maintaining water quality standards and reducing the energy burden on electric reheaters.
2Use of energy by moving object
If auxiliary heaters are omitted, then energy costs are reduced, but the supply line temperature must be considerably higher to achieve the desired final temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the supply line by utilizing preheated water at moderate temperatures (e.g., 40-60°C) from the heat exchanger, rather than requiring very high temperatures. This parameter change enables the omission of auxiliary heaters while maintaining energy efficiency and achieving the desired final temperature through controlled mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the temperature of preheated water and adjust the mixing ratio with cold drinking water accordingly. This feedback control ensures that the final temperature is precisely achieved without requiring excessive supply line temperatures or auxiliary heating.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high supply line temperatures are used to achieve desired final temperature without auxiliary heaters, then auxiliary heating is eliminated, but heat transfer in supply lines increases leading to higher energy costs
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger performs preliminary heating of drinking water at the point of use or near the consumer, rather than relying on high-temperature water being transported through long supply lines. This preliminary action minimizes the temperature gradient in supply lines, reducing heat loss to the environment and eliminating the need for high supply line temperatures.
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 cost-effective heating of drinking water by minimizing energy use and ensuring precise temperature regulation, reducing heat transfer in supply lines, and preventing overheating, thus optimizing energy efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (2) connected on the primary side to a flow and return of heating water for supplying the heat energy
Implementation Method 2
a pressurized hot water storage tank (5) having an outlet (6) connected to the hot water outlet (4) on the secondary side of the heat exchanger (2)
Implementation Method 3
the heated drinking water from the heat exchanger is mixed with the hot water or steam and supplied to the consumers
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Decentralized water supply station for heating and providing drinking water, comprising a heat exchanger connected on the primary side to a flow and return of the heating water, a drinking water connection for connecting the secondary side of the heat exchanger to a drinking water supply line, and a hot water outlet for the heated drinking water arranged on the secondary side of the heat exchanger, wherein the decentralized water supply station includes a pressurized hot water storage tank or a steam storage tank, on which a hot water or steam outlet is arranged, which is connected to the hot water outlet arranged on the secondary side of the heat exchanger, and the heated drinking water from the heat exchanger is mixed with the hot water or steam and supplied to the consumers via a hot water line.