Methods and systems for predictive heated water provision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for providing heated water, particularly using heat pumps, face challenges such as delays in heating water to the desired temperature, which can lead to increased energy consumption and water wastage.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a machine learning algorithm (MLA) to predictively prepare a water provision system by correlating cold water usage with subsequent heated water demand, allowing the system to pre-charge the thermal energy storage medium before heated water is needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a heat pump is used to provide heated water, then energy efficiency is improved, but the response time to heat water to desired temperature deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary heating actions by detecting cold water usage patterns and predicting subsequent heated water demand. The heat pump is activated in advance to heat the thermal storage medium before the user actually needs heated water, thus preparing the system beforehand to avoid delays when demand occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical timing or temperature-sensing systems with a machine learning algorithm that analyzes usage patterns. The MLA substitutes for conventional control mechanisms by predicting demand based on cold water usage correlations, enabling more intelligent and proactive system response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If the heat pump heats water on demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but water wastage due to waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwater wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors cold water usage at multiple outlets and feeds this information back to the MLA. The MLA analyzes this feedback to update predictions of heated water demand, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual usage patterns and improves prediction accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 delays in heated water provision, minimizes clean water wastage, and enables the efficient use of heat pumps by anticipating and preparing for expected heated water demands.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy from outside the building to a thermal energy storage medium inside the building

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pump: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4288711B1Methods and systems for predictive heated water provision

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 OCTOPUS ENERGY HEATING LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method of predictively preparing a water provision system installed in a building, the water provision system comprising a heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy from outside the building to a thermal energy storage medium inside the building and a control module configured to control operation of the heat pump, the control module having executing thereon a first machine learning algorithm, MLA, having previously been trained to determine a correlation between cold water usage and a subsequent heated water demand, the water provision system being configured to provide water heated by the thermal energy storage medium to an occupant of the building at one or more water outlets, the method being performed by the control module and comprising: receiving first sensor data indicating cold water usage at a first water outlet; determining whether the cold water usage at the first water outlet is correlated to a subsequent heated water demand at a second water outlet by inputting the first sensor data to the first MLA; and upon determining that the cold water usage at the first water outlet is correlated to a subsequent heated water demand at a second water outlet, preparing the water provision system for delivering heated water.