Controlling hot water recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water recirculating systems face issues with energy wastage, water wastage, and plumbing stress due to continuous or intermittent circulation, and require complex user interfaces or timers that are difficult to adjust.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating flow controller coupled to a flow switch and a recirculation pump, activated by detecting hot water flow through a faucet, operates the pump for a predetermined duration to deliver hot water on demand without continuous circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous or intermittent recirculation is used to ensure hot water availability, then hot water delivery reliability is improved, but energy consumption and water wastage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by circulating hot water in advance through the recirculation pump before the user actually needs it. When a faucet is opened, the flow switch detects the demand and triggers the recirculation pump to pre-circulate hot water through the pipelines, ensuring hot water arrives at the fixture quickly without continuous prior circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by using the user's own faucet operation to trigger the recirculation. When a user opens a faucet, the flow switch automatically detects the water flow and activates the recirculation pump, eliminating the need for external timers or manual control. The system serves itself by converting the user's normal water usage into the trigger signal for hot water recirculation.
2Reliability
If recirculation pump operates continuously to maintain hot water in pipelines, then hot water availability is improved, but water wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by operating the recirculation pump only in periodic intervals triggered by actual water demand rather than continuously. The pump activates when the flow switch detects faucet opening and operates for a predetermined duration, then stops. This periodic operation ensures hot water availability when needed while minimizing water wastage by avoiding continuous circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by circulating hot water in advance through the recirculation pump before the user actually needs it. When a faucet is opened, the flow switch detects the demand and triggers the recirculation pump to pre-circulate hot water through the pipelines, ensuring hot water arrives at the fixture quickly without continuous prior circulation.
3Speed
If recirculation pump operates at high speed to deliver hot water quickly, then hot water delivery speed is improved, but plumbing stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by operating the recirculation pump only in periodic intervals triggered by actual water demand rather than continuously. The pump activates when the flow switch detects faucet opening and operates for a predetermined duration, then stops. This periodic operation ensures hot water availability when needed while minimizing water wastage by avoiding continuous circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by adjusting the recirculation pump operation based on actual water demand conditions. The pump operates at high speed temporarily when demand is detected (via flow switch) to quickly deliver hot water, then reduces to idle state. This dynamic operation achieves fast hot water delivery when needed while minimizing plumbing stress during non-usage periods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex timers or user interfaces are added to control recirculation, then recirculation control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by using the user's own faucet operation to trigger the recirculation. When a user opens a faucet, the flow switch automatically detects the water flow and activates the recirculation pump, eliminating the need for external timers or manual control. The system serves itself by converting the user's normal water usage into the trigger signal for hot water recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary element - the flow switch - that mediates between the user's faucet operation and the recirculation pump control. The flow switch automatically detects water flow and triggers the recirculation sequence, providing control flexibility without requiring complex timers or user interfaces. This intermediary simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
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
Provides efficient, user-friendly, and energy-saving hot water delivery by activating the recirculation pump only when needed, reducing energy and water wastage, and minimizing plumbing stress.
Implementation Method 1
The flow switch can be configured to sense flow in a hot water line connected to a water heater. In some embodiments, the flow switch provides an open circuit responsive to no flow in the hot water line and a closed circuit responsive to non-zero flow in the hot water line.
Implementation Method 2
A recirculation pump is typically used in pumping hot water directly from a water heater through a hot-water pipeline. At the same time, it returns or recirculates water that has cooled back to the water heater for reheating.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a recirculating flow controller that is operably coupled to a flow switch and to a recirculation pump. The recirculating flow controller determines that hot water has begun to flow by way of the connection with the flow switch. In response, the recirculating flow controller activates the recirculation pump to circulate hot water from a water heater. The recirculating flow controller can activate the recirculation pump for a predetermined duration. The flow switch can be configured to sense flow in a hot water line connected to a water heater. The flow switch can be activated by turning on any hot water faucet connected to the water heater.