Dynamic fluid pasteurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water systems waste energy by adhering to a set pasteurization schedule, leading to unnecessary heating and increased operational costs, as they fail to efficiently utilize renewable heat sources and adapt to changing water temperatures and usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that dynamically modifies the time-temperature profile for pasteurization cycles based on real-time temperature and flow data, allowing for earlier or later initiation of pasteurization cycles depending on predefined criteria, such as minimum temperature thresholds and power status, to optimize energy use and reduce bacterial growth risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a set schedule pasteurization cycle is used, then bacterial growth is controlled, but energy is wasted due to unnecessary heating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, predetermined pasteurization schedule to a dynamic system that continuously monitors water temperature and adjusts pasteurization timing based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies the time-temperature profile dynamically, initiating pasteurization only when actual temperature and time thresholds are satisfied, thereby eliminating unnecessary heating cycles while maintaining bacterial control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor water temperature and feed this information back to the controller. The controller compares actual temperature-time data against the required pasteurization profile and adjusts the heating schedule accordingly, triggering pasteurization only when the feedback indicates that temperature and time conditions are appropriate, thus avoiding energy waste.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar or biomass heat sources are used, then renewable energy is utilized, but pasteurization timing becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to the variable output of renewable heat sources by continuously monitoring actual water temperature and adjusting the pasteurization schedule in real-time. Rather than relying on fixed timing, the controller modifies the time-temperature profile based on when the water actually reaches the required temperature thresholds, making the system compatible with unpredictable renewable energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the pasteurization process by allowing the time-temperature profile to be modified based on actual heating performance. The controller adjusts timing parameters dynamically, changing when pasteurization is initiated based on real-time temperature data, thereby accommodating the variable nature of renewable heat sources while ensuring pasteurization requirements are met.
3Ease of operation
If on-demand heating sources are used for pasteurization, then heating flexibility is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to determine when pasteurization should be initiated, comparing actual temperature readings against the modified time-temperature profile. This feedback mechanism ensures that on-demand heating is triggered only when necessary, based on actual water temperature and time conditions, thereby maintaining heating flexibility while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial heating action by using renewable heat sources for the majority of the heating requirement and supplementing with on-demand heating only when necessary to reach the pasteurization threshold. This partial use of on-demand heating reduces operational costs while maintaining the flexibility advantage of on-demand systems.
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 energy consumption by leveraging renewable heat sources and adapting to changing conditions, ensuring effective pasteurization while minimizing unnecessary heating cycles, thus lowering operational costs and enhancing safety by ensuring consistent pasteurization without wasting resources.
Implementation Method 1
The hot water system includes a plurality of temperature sensors configured to measure temperatures of at least one fluid in the hot water system
Implementation Method 2
The processor is configured to modify the time-temperature profile for performing a next pasteurization cycle based at least in part on the determination that the fluid temperature data meets the predefined modification criteria
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing pasteurization cycles in a hot water system according to a time-temperature profile is provided. The hot water system includes a plurality of temperature sensors configured to measure temperatures of at least one fluid in the hot water system. The time-temperature profile is stored. A predefined modification criteria is stored. Fluid temperature data associated with the plurality of temperature sensors is determined. A determination is made whether the fluid temperature data meets a predefined modification criteria. The time-time temperature profile for performing a next pasteurization cycle is modified based at least in part on the determination that the fluid temperature data meets the predefined modification criteria. The next pasteurization cycle is performed in accordance with the modified time-temperature profile.