Hot Water Circulation Pump Control for Terminal Opening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water supply systems struggle to accurately detect when a hot water supply terminal is opened during an immediate hot water supply operation, leading to continued pumping even after the terminal is open.
Innovation Solution
A hot water supply system that includes a water heater, an external hot water flow path, a separate pump for hot water circulation, a control part, and sensors to detect flow rate and temperature. The control part stops the pump if the hot water flow rate exceeds a predetermined reference flow rate for a specified duration or if the hot water temperature does not rise to a predetermined level during the immediate hot water supply operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the pump is driven continuously during immediate hot water supply operation, then hot water can be supplied immediately when the terminal is opened, but the pump continues to run unnecessarily after the terminal is opened causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flow sensor to detect the flow rate of hot water in the circulation path and provides feedback to the control unit. When the flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold for a specified duration, the control unit interprets this as the terminal being opened and automatically stops the pump, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining immediate hot water supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the terminal opening state through flow rate monitoring and self-regulates the pump operation without requiring manual intervention. The control unit independently determines when to stop the pump based on flow sensor data, making the system self-managing and energy-efficient
2Measurement precision
If the actual flow rate value is obtained through repeated execution of immediate hot water supply operation, then accurate detection of terminal opening state is possible, but the system cannot appropriately detect terminal opening in the initial stage of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a test operation before normal operation to pre-obtain the actual flow rate value. During this test operation, the pump is driven and the flow sensor measures the flow rate, which is then stored as the actual flow rate value. This preliminary action ensures that accurate detection parameters are ready before the user actually uses the system, enabling immediate accurate detection from the first real use
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the detection parameters in advance by executing a test operation that simulates the actual operating conditions. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the user first uses the system, the control unit already has the necessary flow rate reference value to accurately detect terminal opening, avoiding any detection delays during initial use
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pump is provided outside the water heater as a separate device, then flexibility in system construction is improved, but it becomes more difficult to distinguish between terminal opening and pump driving state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor provides continuous feedback on the flow rate in the circulation path, and the control unit analyzes this feedback data to distinguish between flow changes caused by terminal opening versus normal pump operation. By monitoring flow rate thresholds and duration, the system can reliably detect terminal opening even with the pump as a separate external device
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor acts as an intermediary device that objectively measures the flow rate and provides data to the control unit. This intermediary measurement mechanism enables the control unit to accurately interpret system state changes and distinguish between terminal opening and pump operation, resolving the detection difficulty created by the pump's external placement
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 accurately detects when the hot water supply terminal is opened and stops the pump accordingly, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and ensuring immediate hot water supply when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor, for detecting a hot water flow rate in the hot water circulation path during the immediate hot water supply operation
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor in the hot water circulation path, for detecting a hot water temperature
Implementation Method 3
a hot water heating section provided in the internal hot water flow path, and enabling hot water entered from the water inlet to be heated before reaching the hot water outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A control part of a hot water supply system is configured as follows. When a hot water flow rate in a hot water circulation path is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference flow rate when the pump is driven and an immediate hot water supply operation is being performed, and duration of this state is equal to or longer than a predetermined first time, the control part determines that a hot water supply terminal is in an opened state and stops driving of the pump. When the pump is driven during setting of a test operation mode of the hot water supply system, the hot water flow rate in the hot water circulation path at that time is detected, and the reference flow rate can be determined based on a detected value of the hot water flow rate.