Method of operation of the installation of sanitary hot water and installation of sanitary hot water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot water installations require continuous water circulation or timer-based pump control to maintain desired water temperature, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A flow detection device is installed on the cold water branch to initiate and stop hot water circulation based on water consumption, eliminating temperature and time-dependent activations and using a control switch activated by water flow to manage the heating device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If continuous water circulation or timer-based pump control is used to maintain desired water temperature, then the water temperature stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater temperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using a flow detection device that triggers pump operation only when water consumption is detected. The control switch activates the circulation pump periodically based on actual demand signals from the flow detector, rather than maintaining continuous operation. This ensures temperature stability is maintained during periods when hot water is actually being used, while eliminating unnecessary energy consumption during periods of no usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If flow detection device is installed on cold water branch to initiate hot water circulation, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by installing the flow detection device on the cold water branch rather than directly in the hot water circulation system. This intermediary location allows the system to detect water consumption events indirectly through the cold water supply line, triggering the hot water circulation pump only when needed. This reduces complexity compared to installing sensors throughout the hot water system, while still achieving energy savings through demand-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If timer-based pump control is used, then the system operation is simplified, but the water delivery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidwater delivery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using a flow detection device that provides real-time information about water consumption to the control system. When the detector senses water flow indicating a tap is open, it immediately triggers the circulation pump to deliver hot water. This feedback mechanism eliminates the delays inherent in timer-based systems, providing rapid hot water delivery while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic demand-responsive control.

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 solution reduces energy consumption by optimizing hot water delivery time, prolonging the service life of components, and allowing the use of more eco-friendly materials, while preventing unwanted activations and residue deposition.

Implementation Method 1

a flow detection device is installed on the cold water branch to initiate and stop hot water circulation based on water consumption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater flow detection:

Implementation Method 2

The control switch has an element, that is activated mechanically by means of water flow, which is coupled by the water flow sensor with control system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical activation by water flow:

Data Source

PatentUS10429085B2Method of operation of the installation of sanitary hot water and installation of sanitary hot water
Publication Date: 2019.10.01 CZARKO ZBIGNIEW TADEUSZ
  • US10429085B2 patent drawing
  • US10429085B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention solves the problem of hot water flow in a domestic hot water installation. The subject of the installation according to the invention is that on a third cold water branch (13) that feeds the heating device (1) a control switch (4) is installed, said switch (4) is connected by control system (11) with hot water flow forcing device (3) set on a second hot water circulation branch (2).