User-Activated Hot Water Recirculation for Stable Shower Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water heating systems fail to provide instantaneous and safe hot water delivery, particularly in real-time scenarios like showering or washing hands, due to temperature fluctuations and delays, and do not adequately address user safety concerns for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Innovation Solution
A user-activated hot water heater and control system with internal and external recirculation loops that detect user physical attributes to pre-heat water to a tailored maximum temperature, reducing delivery delays and fluctuations, and incorporating temperature-based water flow detection to ensure continuous low flow levels and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hot water heating systems are used to provide instantaneous hot water, then hot water delivery is achieved, but temperature fluctuations and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in the circulation loop before it is needed, storing hot water in the lines leading to the outlet. When hot water is demanded, pre-heated water is already available in the circulation loop, eliminating delays and temperature fluctuations during delivery.
2Stability of the object's composition
If recirculation systems are activated to reduce temperature fluctuations, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the hot water demand signal itself to trigger the recirculation activation. The recirculation pump is activated only when hot water is actually needed, using the demand signal to self-regulate its operation. This eliminates continuous energy consumption while maintaining temperature stability when required.
3Productivity
If high temperature hot water is delivered to meet instantaneous demand, then hot water availability is improved, but user safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers high temperature hot water directly to the outlet where it is needed, while maintaining lower temperature water in the storage tank and circulation loop. This localized high temperature delivery meets instantaneous demand efficiently while preventing widespread high temperature water that could cause burns to users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If physical attribute sensors are added to detect user characteristics, then user safety and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the water temperature parameter based on detected user physical attributes. Sensors detect user characteristics and the control system automatically adjusts the delivered water temperature to appropriate levels, providing customization without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple separate 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
The system provides instantaneous hot water delivery, enhances user safety by adjusting temperature based on user preferences, and offers energy savings through smart activation of recirculation systems, ensuring safe and efficient hot water supply.
Implementation Method 1
a hot water heating system that thermally conditions the water
Implementation Method 2
both an internal and an external circulation loops
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a user activated hot water heater and control system for processing hot water to hot water output locations, e.g. faucet, shower, or the like, such that temperature fluctuations and delays in hot water delivery are reduced. Additionally, the temperature of the hot water delivered is adjusted to a predetermined value determined by a user signature constructed from a potential user physical attributes such as height, weight, and the like. The user activated feature of the present invention will provide an energy savings resulting from the smart, upon demand, activation of internal and/or external recirculation systems. Additionally, in preferred embodiments incorporating tank-less water heaters, the hot water maximum temperature, T(maximum) is dependent on the preference setting or default value of the detected general category user or unique individual user. The user dictated control of hot water heater T(maximum) value will not only further increase energy savings, but additionally provide a safety feature that helps protects heat sensitive people such as children, the elderly and the like from potential water burns.