On-Demand Hot Water Recirculation With Remote Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plumbing systems face inefficiencies in water and energy usage due to thermal radiation losses and continuous recirculation of hot water, leading to wasteful energy consumption and increased costs, especially in commercial settings where hot water is continuously circulated without demand-based control.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled 'on command' hot water system utilizing a microprocessor-based controller component that can be wirelessly or via power line networking connected to the plumbing system, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of hot water delivery, circulation, and energy usage, optimizing water and energy efficiency by activating the pump only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If continuous hot water recirculation is implemented, then water loss at fixtures is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to thermal radiation losses and continuous pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous recirculation to periodic, on-demand operation. The controller activates the recirculation pump only when hot water is actually needed at fixtures, using sensors to detect demand signals and trigger pump operation at specific intervals rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through temperature sensors and flow detectors that monitor conditions in real-time. When hot water is drawn at a fixture, the sensor detects this demand and sends a signal to the controller, which then activates the pump to recirculate hot water to that location.
2Loss of energy
If insulation is added to hot water lines, then thermal radiation losses are reduced, but heat dissipation still occurs over extended periods due to temperature equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water in the recirculation lines by activating the pump and heater before actual hot water demand occurs. This ensures that hot water is already present in the lines when needed, eliminating the need for prolonged heat retention and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote controller component is implemented, then system control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The controller component is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors temperature, detects flow demand, controls pump operation, and communicates with remote devices. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system reduces overall complexity despite enabling remote control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing electrical wiring infrastructure as an intermediary communication channel between the controller and remote devices. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication wiring, reducing system complexity while maintaining remote control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.