Gas Valve Operator Drive Circuit with Adaptive Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water heater systems relying on stored energy or thermoelectric devices face inefficiencies in maintaining control valves open, leading to excessive energy expenditure due to mechanical wear and environmental changes, as they typically apply uniform power levels throughout the valve's life without periodic evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A controller periodically determines and adjusts the electrical parameters required to maintain control valves in an open state, recognizing changes in power needs, and applies these parameters to reduce energy consumption, especially in systems with limited power availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform power levels are applied to maintain control valves open throughout the valve's life, then the valve remains reliably open, but excessive energy is expended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static uniform power levels to dynamic adaptive power levels. The controller periodically determines electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance) and adjusts power delivery accordingly. This allows the system to maintain reliable valve operation while reducing energy consumption as the valve wears or environmental conditions change, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by monitoring electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance) and adjusting the power delivery parameters based on detected changes. When the controller detects changes in electrical characteristics indicating valve wear or environmental changes, it modifies the voltage and current parameters to maintain optimal operation with reduced energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing energy expenditure.
2Reliability
If higher power levels are supplied to ensure valve operation, then valve reliability is improved, but the life of the energy storage system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing periodic determination of electrical parameters and periodic adjustment of power levels. The controller periodically measures voltage, current, and impedance, and adjusts power delivery in periodic cycles rather than continuously maintaining high power levels. This periodic adaptation allows the system to maintain valve reliability when needed while significantly reducing average power consumption, thereby extending energy storage system life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring its own electrical parameters and self-adjusting power delivery without external intervention. The controller periodically determines the actual electrical characteristics and autonomously adjusts the power levels to maintain optimal valve operation, enabling the system to serve itself and optimize the balance between reliability and energy storage system life.
3Loss of energy
If periodic determination of electrical parameters is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the controller to perform multiple functions: it serves as the power management unit, the parameter determination device, and the adjustment mechanism all in one component. The single controller periodically determines electrical parameters, adjusts power levels, and maintains valve operation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while enabling energy efficiency improvements through periodic parameter determination.
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 approach reduces energy wastage by adapting to decreased power requirements over time, extending the life of the energy storage system and ensuring efficient operation of water heater systems without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric device converts thermal energy into electrical energy and powers one or more components of the water heater
Data Source
AI summary
A water heater comprising a thermoelectric device to power components of the water heater, a valve configured to control gas flow, and a controller. The controller may be configured to periodically determine one or more electrical parameters for holding the valve in the open state. The controller may be configured to alter the one or more parameters with the valve in an open state until the valve deviates from the open state. The controller may cause a current to flow through the valve based on the determined one or more electrical parameters.