Hot-Water Line Circulation for Stable Tap Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
In domestic water installations, hot water cools down in the hot water line during non-withdrawal periods, leading to cooler water being available at tap connections after the desired temperature has been set, especially in areas like concrete floors and ceilings, resulting in inefficient water and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that maintain a quasi-stationary temperature profile in the hot water line by continuously transporting water during non-withdrawal times, using a circulation pump or valve to control the flow, ensuring a temperature profile that is temporally constant and spatially monotonically decreasing, thus preventing temperature discontinuities and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is circulated continuously through the hot water line, then hot water availability at tap connections is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates periodically rather than continuously, circulating water in cycles during non-withdrawal periods to maintain hot water availability while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous circulation
Solution Approach 2:
Water is circulated in advance during non-withdrawal periods to pre-maintain hot water temperature in the line, so that when withdrawal occurs, hot water is immediately available without needing continuous circulation
2Reliability
If water is circulated to maintain temperature, then hot water availability is improved, but water loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic circulation cycles during non-withdrawal periods rather than continuous circulation, reducing the total volume of water moved and thereby reducing water loss while still maintaining hot water availability when needed
3Stability of the object's composition
If circulation pump operates continuously, then temperature profile stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with control logic that activates circulation during non-withdrawal periods and deactivates during withdrawal periods, maintaining temperature stability while simplifying control compared to continuous operation systems
4Speed
If water is transported at high velocity, then hot water delivery speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-circulates water during non-withdrawal periods to maintain hot water temperature and availability in the line, so that when a tap is opened, hot water is immediately available at full flow velocity without needing high energy input to rapidly deliver hot water
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 ensures hot water of a consistent temperature is available at tap connections, reducing water and energy waste, and minimizing the need for high constructional resources, while maintaining a stable temperature profile without overshooting, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
transporting water from the source of hot water through the hot-water line during at least a portion of periods of non-withdrawal
Implementation Method 2
the water can cool down in the hot water line and cooled water is available immediately after opening a faucet
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and device for making hot water available in a water-supply system is disclosed. The water-supply system includes a source of hot water, a hot-water line and one or more tap connections for hot water connected to the hot-water line. The method includes transporting water from the source of hot water through the hot-water line during at least a portion of periods of non-withdrawal through the one or more tap connections such that a temperature profile of water in the hot water line is at least one of substantially temporally constant and varying spatially monotonically along the hot-water line.