Fluid distribution system for optimising consumption of energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fluid distribution systems in hot climates lead to excessive energy consumption due to inefficient heating and cooling processes, where external tanks are exposed to high temperatures and internal tanks require frequent heating and cooling, resulting in high energy usage from non-renewable sources.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution system that utilizes a thermal controller, valve, and calculator to optimize energy consumption by determining the most energy-efficient source of water (solar-heated external or electrically-heated internal tanks) and mixing water to achieve user-desired temperatures, with the option to use a buffer tank for efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If water is stored in external tanks exposed to solar radiation, then solar energy heating is achieved, but water temperature becomes too high for comfortable use in hot climates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water storage into two separate tanks: an external tank for solar heating and an internal tank for distribution. This segmentation allows the solar-heated water to be stored separately from the distribution system, enabling temperature management through selective mixing and avoiding direct exposure of the distribution tank to solar radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mixing mechanism where solar-heated water from the external tank is mixed with cooler water from the internal tank or fresh water supply. This intermediary mixing process moderates the temperature of water delivered to users, making it comfortable while still utilizing solar energy.
2Temperature
If internal tanks are used with thermostats and heating activators, then water temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to frequent heating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in the external tank using solar energy before it is needed for distribution. This preliminary heating action using renewable energy reduces the need for frequent activation of electric or gas heaters in the internal tank, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of water by mixing solar-heated water with cooler water in varying proportions. This parameter change approach allows flexible temperature control without relying solely on high-energy heating cycles, optimizing the balance between temperature control and energy consumption.
3Temperature
If cooling systems are used for water from external tanks in hot climates, then water temperature is reduced for comfort, but energy consumption increases enormously
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using energy-intensive cooling systems to reduce the temperature of solar-heated water, the system converts the excess heat into a beneficial resource by mixing it with cooler water or fresh water supplies. This approach transforms what would be a harmful overheating condition into a useful pre-heating step, eliminating the need for cooling energy.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than cooling down solar-heated water to make it usable, the system inverts the approach by using the hot water to heat cooler water or fresh water supplies. This inversion eliminates the need for cooling systems and maximizes the utility of solar-heated water.
4Device complexity
If traditional separate heating and distribution systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the solar heating function with the water storage and distribution system by integrating an external solar-heated tank with the internal distribution tank. This combination allows solar energy to be captured and stored while maintaining the distribution infrastructure, improving energy efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity.
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
This system reduces energy consumption by selectively using solar-heated external water and electrically-heated internal water, optimizing heating processes to minimize the use of non-renewable energy and ensuring water is delivered at the desired temperature efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
an external fluid tank containing external fluid having an external fluid temperature adapted to be heated by solar energy
Implementation Method 2
an internal fluid tank containing an internal fluid having an internal fluid temperature and a heater adapted to be heated by a non-renewable energy
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distribution system for optimizing consumption of energy is provided comprising: a thermal controller configured to be connected to an external fluid tank containing external fluid having an external fluid temperature adapted to be heated by solar energy, and to an internal fluid tank containing an internal fluid having an internal fluid temperature and a heater adapted to be heated by a non-renewable energy, the thermal controller being configured to be connected to thermostats located at the internal and external tanks for determining the internal fluid temperature and the external fluid temperature; a valve in fluid communication with the internal and external tanks; a fluid controller connected to the thermal controller and to the valve, the fluid controller being configured to operate the valve based on the internal and external fluid temperatures in such a manner to optimize consumption of the non-renewable energy for heating the internal fluid.