Dual-function water heating and cooling system and method thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water heating and cooling appliances fail to provide a continuous, pressure-maintained supply of both hot and cold water on demand, are inefficient, and lack intelligent control to adapt to seasonal temperature variations, leading to user confusion and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function water conditioning system with an intelligent electronic controller that integrates heating and cooling mechanisms, allowing precise temperature control and pipeline compatibility, featuring adaptive learning, safety monitoring, and modular accessories for enhanced versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electric geysers are used for water heating, then hot water supply is reliable, but cooling function is completely absent and summer discomfort persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reversible heat pump system that can operate in both heating mode (during winter) and cooling mode (during summer). The same heat pump mechanism serves dual purposes by reversing its operation, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling appliances while providing year-round water temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system reverses its operational cycle between heating and cooling modes. In heating mode, it extracts heat from ambient air to heat water; in cooling mode, it reverses the cycle to remove heat from water for cooling. This inversion principle allows a single device to perform both functions efficiently.
2Temperature
If drinking water dispensers are used for both hot and cold water, then temperature control is provided, but water pressure loss and limited flow rate occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from a closed dispenser system and integrates it into the existing household plumbing system. The heat pump unit is connected to the main water supply line, allowing it to condition water at the point of entry before distribution, thereby maintaining full pipeline pressure while providing temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system acts as an intermediary device installed in the water supply line. It conditions the water flowing through it without creating flow restrictions, serving as a mediator between the water supply and the household fixtures while maintaining pressure integrity.
3Temperature
If ice-based shower attachments are used for cooling, then temporary cooling effect is achieved, but water pressure reduction and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated temperature control through the reversible heat pump, eliminating the need for manual ice insertion. The intelligent controller automatically manages heating and cooling operations based on seasonal conditions and user preferences, making the system self-regulating and removing safety hazards associated with manual ice handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the ice-based cooling mechanism entirely and replaces it with a heat pump-based cooling system. This extraction of the harmful ice element eliminates safety hazards while maintaining the desired cooling function through a safer, automated thermal management system.
4Quantity of substance
If rooftop water storage tanks are used, then water supply is maintained, but excessive heat accumulation occurs in summer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat accumulation in stored water into a beneficial resource. The heat pump system in cooling mode extracts excess heat from the stored water, and this removed heat can be utilized for other purposes or dissipated. This transforms the problem of heat accumulation into an opportunity for heat recovery and efficient cooling.
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
Ensures year-round comfort by providing temperature-controlled water without pressure loss, improving energy efficiency, and reducing user confusion through intelligent adaptation to seasonal changes.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump mechanism operatively coupled to the water storage tank and configured to heat water within the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
a cooling mechanism operatively coupled to the water storage tank and configured to cool water within the storage tank
Implementation Method 3
a mixing tap fluidly coupled to the water storage tank and configured to blend hot and cold water and deliver water at a controlled temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-function water conditioning system and method thereof are disclosed that heat or cool water on demand to overcome seasonal discomfort. The system includes a thermally insulated water conditioning chamber coupled to a heating mechanism and a refrigeration-based cooling mechanism, governed by an electronic controller. A user interface or remote application allows selection of a target temperature, and the controller regulates conditioning to deliver water through outlet while being integrable with existing pipelines without loss of pressure. The invention further relates to intelligent water mixing and control systems that adapt faucet operation to seasonal variations in supply temperature, thereby preventing user confusion and ensuring year-round comfort. Additional features include a detachable phase change material (PCM) cooling attachment (130), IoT connectivity, adaptive learning, and safety measures such as thermostatic mixing, leak detection, and pressure/vacuum relief for efficient and hygienic operation.