External Temperature Sensing for Demand-Based Water Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric water heaters operate independently of consumer demand, continuously heating the entire tank to a set point temperature, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, even when demand is lower than the heater's capacity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes temperature sensors and a control module to monitor and adjust the set point temperature based on actual hot water usage, optimizing the effective capacity of the water heater to match consumer demand and reduce energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water heater continuously heats the entire tank to a set point temperature, then a constant supply of hot water is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by allowing different zones within the water tank to be maintained at different temperatures. The system dynamically adjusts heating based on actual demand patterns, transitioning from static uniform heating to dynamic zoned heating, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable hot water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tank is divided into multiple zones with independent temperature control. Each zone can be heated to different temperatures based on its specific usage requirements, allowing the system to segment the heating task and avoid unnecessary energy expenditure on zones that don't require high temperatures.
2Quantity of substance
If the water heater maintains the entire tank at set point temperature, then adequate hot water capacity is ensured, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones within the water tank are assigned different temperature qualities based on their specific functional requirements. Zones closer to draw-off points are maintained at higher temperatures, while distant zones are maintained at lower temperatures, optimizing the balance between hot water capacity and energy efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are used inside the tank, then water temperature is monitored, but the sensors cannot detect external temperature factors affecting heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external temperature sensors that act as intermediaries to detect ambient temperature conditions. These sensors provide the control system with environmental temperature information, enabling it to adapt heating operations to external conditions and improve overall heating efficiency.
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 minimizes energy consumption while maintaining adequate hot water supply by adjusting the set point temperature, optimizing the water heater's capacity to meet specific consumer needs, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and compliance with energy standards.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensor, mounted on at least one of a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve of the water heater and a hot water line of the water heater, generates a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of the at least one of the T&P valve and the hot water line
Implementation Method 2
The control module determines a temperature of water within the water heater based on the temperature signal
Implementation Method 3
A switching module mounted on the water heater receives the voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The control module selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater
Implementation Method 4
The lower and upper heating elements raise the temperature of the water disposed within the water heater tank to the set point temperature by converting current from a building power supply into radiant heat
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a water heater that operates according to a voltage supply includes a temperature sensor, mounted on at least one of a temperature and pressure (T&P) valve of the water heater and a hot water line of the water heater, that generates a temperature signal corresponding to a first temperature of the at least one of the T&P valve and the hot water line. A control module mounted on the water heater includes a switching module that receives the voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines a second temperature of water within the water heater based on the temperature signal and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater based on the second temperature.