Small Hot Water Reservoir Control for Hygiene and Energy Saving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small hot water tanks face inefficiencies in operation, particularly in managing temperature settings and energy consumption, as they lack advanced control mechanisms to optimize heating and hygiene modes.
Innovation Solution
A small hot water storage tank equipped with an electronic control unit that activates multiple operating modes, including a hygiene mode for heating water to at least 70°C weekly, a dry cycle detection mode, and an eco mode for reduced energy consumption, along with adjustable timer and comfort temperature settings, to enhance operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water temperature is continuously maintained at high levels to ensure hygiene standards, then hygiene reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic temperature increases to at least 70°C on a weekly basis rather than continuous high-temperature maintenance. The control unit schedules these periodic hygiene cycles to activate the heating element only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while still achieving the hygiene objective of eliminating bacteria and légionella through regular high-temperature treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter based on operational mode and time. During normal operation, water is maintained at lower temperatures (below 70°C) to save energy, while periodically switching to high-temperature mode (at least 70°C) for hygiene purposes. This parameter variation allows the system to balance hygiene requirements with energy efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heating element operates continuously to maintain water temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors water temperature and activates the heating element only when temperature drops below the target threshold, maintaining temperature stability through periodic corrections rather than continuous heating, thereby reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own stored thermal energy to maintain temperature stability. The insulated storage tank retains heat, and the control unit utilizes this thermal inertia to maintain acceptable temperature ranges without continuous external energy input, allowing the system to self-regulate temperature with minimal energy consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple operating modes and control functions are added to optimize energy use, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors water temperature, controls the heating element, manages periodic hygiene cycles, detects dry running conditions, and provides user interface control. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves energy optimization through multiple operating modes without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically determines when hygiene heating is needed and executes the temperature increase without user intervention. It self-regulates the heating element based on temperature sensors and pre-programmed schedules, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining energy efficiency through automated decision-making.
4Volume of moving object
If the storage tank volume is reduced for compact design, then ease of installation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for small tank volume by implementing periodic high-temperature heating cycles that efficiently heat the limited water volume. The compact tank heats water faster due to lower thermal mass, and the periodic hygiene cycles ensure that when water is needed, it is quickly brought to the required temperature, maintaining productivity despite reduced storage capacity.
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 solution allows for optimized energy use by reducing energy consumption while ensuring hygiene standards are met, with the ability to maintain water at desired temperatures and detect dry cycles, thereby extending the time between water usage and heating.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit (120) for activating water in the storage tank (110)
Implementation Method 2
the small storage tank has an inlet (101), an outlet (102), an electrical heating element (121), a temperature control unit (131) for setting the target temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot water reservoir (100) which has an electronic control unit (130), by means of which it is possible to set various modes of operation of the reservoir. These modes of operation may be a normal mode of operation (with a setpoint temperature of between 30°C and 100°C), a frost-protection mode of operation (with a temperature of <10°C and >1°C), a time switch mode of operation (in which, by means of a settable time switch, it is possible to set periods of different setpoint temperatures), an ECO mode of operation (in which an electronic temperature limit of between 30°C and 55°C is set), a hygiene mode of operation (in which a periodic temperature elevation of >55°C is set) and/or a running-dry detection mode of operation (in which a temperature difference between a first temperature and a second temperature is determined after heating of the hot water reservoir).