Drinking Water System Thermally Controlled Regulating Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking and service water systems fail to maintain germ-free water with permanent exchange, as standing water can lead to germ formation, especially in the temperature range of 25° to 55°C, where bacterial multiplication is rapid.
Innovation Solution
A drinking and service water system with a connection to the public water supply network, featuring a circulation line and circulation pump for continuous water exchange, a thermally controlled regulating valve, and a non-return valve to ensure water is exchanged efficiently, especially at critical temperatures, along with a filtration system to remove germs and contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water circulates continuously at low flow rate through the circulation line, then temperature control is improved and energy loss is reduced, but water exchange efficiency deteriorates and germ-free water provision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the circulation flow rate based on operational conditions. The circulation pump operates at variable speeds, allowing low flow rates during normal operation to maintain temperature while enabling high flow rates when rapid water exchange is needed to ensure germ-free water provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of circulating water based on system state. During normal operation, a low flow rate maintains thermal conditions and energy efficiency. When water quality needs to be ensured, the flow rate is increased to achieve rapid water exchange and prevent bacterial growth.
2Reliability
If the circulation flow rate is increased to improve water exchange and prevent bacterial growth, then hygiene is improved, but energy loss increases and temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic high-flow flushing cycles instead of continuous high-flow circulation. During normal operation, low-flow circulation maintains temperature with minimal energy loss. Periodically, the system switches to high-flow mode to exchange water and ensure hygiene quality, then returns to low-flow mode to conserve energy.
3Quantity of substance
If a check valve is installed to allow bidirectional flow for high consumption supply, then water availability is improved, but unidirectional circulation flow control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as an intermediary element that automatically directs flow based on pressure conditions. It allows bidirectional flow capability without requiring complex active control mechanisms, maintaining simple thermostatic control while enabling both circulation mode and high-consumption supply mode.
4Loss of energy
If the circulation line has a smaller nominal diameter to match the lower circulation flow rate, then energy loss is reduced, but water exchange capacity during flushing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system uses variable flow rate operation rather than fixed diameter constraints. The pump delivers high flow rates during flushing operations despite the smaller pipe diameter, compensating for reduced cross-sectional area through increased velocity and pressure, while maintaining low energy loss during normal circulation.
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 effectively maintains germ-free water by continuously exchanging water, regulating temperature, and filtering out contaminants, ensuring consumers receive water at the desired temperature and quality, thereby preventing bacterial growth and ensuring hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump (26) located within the circulation line to return unused water
Implementation Method 2
The actuating element is generally a thermal expansion element
Implementation Method 3
The check valve is biased in the direction of the circulation flow
Implementation Method 4
A water heater, a cooling unit, or a heat exchanger is usually located in the circulation manifold or near the connection to the supply line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drinking and service water system with a connection (2) to the public water supply network, via which at least one supply line (4, 6) leading to at least one consumer (8) is supplied with fresh water, a flushing valve (34) downstream of the consumer (8) in the direction of flow for draining water from the drinking and service water system, a circulation line (14, 16), a circulation pump (26) arranged in the circulation line (14, 16) for returning unused water, and a regulating valve (30, 43) provided in the circulation line (14, 16), which is arranged between the consumer (8) and the flushing valve (34) and has an actuating element (58) controlled by the water temperature as an actuating element (68) for a valve body of the regulating valve (30, 43) which interacts with a valve seat (80).In order to meet the technical requirements for providing the most germ-free drinking and process water possible in the relevant supply facilities, a check valve (44) is provided to bridge the valve seat, which opens in the direction of a circulation flow (Z) initiated by the circulation pump (26).