Hot Water Pipe Temperature Calculation Using Two-Point Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water supply systems with external circulation preheating structures require multiple temperature sensors along the pipe, leading to installation challenges and maintenance issues, especially as pipe length increases, making it difficult to accurately control hot water temperature at specific locations.
Innovation Solution
A method to measure temperature at any location on a pipe in a hot water supply system by calculating the temperature at a specific point using temperatures measured upstream and downstream of an outlet, along with outdoor temperature and pipe length, using the equation TX=TA-(TA-TP1)*e^(C*x) where C=ln(TA-TP2)/(TA-TP1) and L, without the need for sensors at each desired location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed at multiple locations along the pipe to measure temperature at each point, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single temperature sensor to measure temperature at one location, then calculates/infers the temperature at other locations along the pipe based on heat transfer models and known pipe characteristics. This creates a virtual copy of the temperature measurement function without physically installing multiple sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy across multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calculation model or inference mechanism as an intermediary between the single temperature sensor and the multiple measurement points. This intermediary processes the single sensor reading along with pipe parameters (length, material, insulation, flow rate) to derive temperatures at various locations, eliminating the need for direct physical sensors at each point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe length is increased to extend the circulation system, then the coverage area is improved, but installation complexity and maintenance difficulty increase due to longer connection lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to effectively monitor temperatures at multiple virtual sensor locations along extended pipes using only one physical sensor. This allows the circulation system to cover larger areas with longer pipes without proportionally increasing the number of physical sensors and their connection lines, thereby maintaining installation convenience while expanding coverage.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed along the pipe, then temperature control at specific locations is improved, but maintenance requirements and repair frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using a single physical temperature sensor combined with calculation models, the patent creates virtual temperature monitoring at multiple locations without installing multiple physical sensors. This dramatically reduces the number of components that can fail or require maintenance, while still providing location-specific temperature control capability through the inferred temperature data.
4Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed at the end location of the closed circuit, then hot water temperature control is improved, but the connection line length increases making installation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the temperature sensor at a convenient location (not necessarily at the far end of the pipe) and uses a calculation model as an intermediary to determine temperatures at other critical points including the end of the circulation circuit. This eliminates the need to run long connection lines to distant sensor locations while maintaining accurate temperature control capability.
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
Enables accurate and easy temperature measurement at any point on the pipe, reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying maintenance, allowing for precise control of hot water temperature and efficient operation of the water heater.
Implementation Method 1
temperature of the hot water flowing inside the pipe varies within the length of the pipe connected. This is because there are differences such as in the heat loss due to heat radiation depending on the length of the pipe, and heat transfer rate to the outside air depending on the pipe material.
Implementation Method 2
heat loss due to heat radiation depending on the length of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for measuring the temperature at each location of a pipe in a hot water supply system comprising a water heater, a pipe, and outlets, the method comprising checking for a temperature of a first point (TP1), which is upstream of the outlet, a temperature of a second point (TP2), which is downstream of the outlet and an outdoor temperature (TA), and confirming a length (L) of the pipe from the first point to the second point, then measuring a temperature of the pipe located at a distance of x away from the first point.