Hot Water Supply Control Using Previously Heated Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water units inefficiently utilize water by not considering water that has previously reached treatment temperature, leading to underutilization as they switch to a backup supply without accounting for previously heated water.
Innovation Solution
A control system for hot water units that uses temperature sensors and operational data to determine when water has reached set point temperatures, allowing previously heated water to be released as treated water even if the temperature drops, based on elapsed time and usage patterns, thereby optimizing water utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system switches to backup water supply when temperature drops below threshold, then water safety is ensured, but previously heated water is wasted and not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to a target temperature and then allows it to cool naturally within acceptable ranges. Instead of immediately switching to backup supply when temperature drops below the threshold, the system has already prepared the water in advance at the correct temperature, and permits its gradual cooling while still maintaining usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature threshold for switching water supplies. Rather than using a fixed threshold, it considers the temperature trajectory and allows water to be used as treated water even when temperature fluctuates below the nominal threshold, provided it was previously heated to the correct temperature and is within an acceptable cooling range.
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring is continuous to ensure treated water quality, then water quality control is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial monitoring by not requiring continuous temperature checking. Instead of monitoring every moment, it performs monitoring at key intervals - when heating occurs and when temperature might drop below thresholds - reducing the overall monitoring burden while still ensuring water quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic temperature monitoring rather than continuous monitoring. Temperature is checked at regular intervals or at specific trigger points (heating start, threshold crossings), which reduces system complexity and energy consumption while maintaining adequate water quality control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If water is heated to set point temperature and then cooled below threshold, then energy consumption is reduced, but water must be discarded and not reused
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the useful property of water (its heated state) for as long as possible by allowing it to cool naturally within acceptable temperature ranges. Instead of discarding cooled water and immediately heating new water, it continues to utilize the same water body, maintaining its useful thermal energy for extended periods through controlled cooling thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers the useful thermal energy in water by allowing it to cool gradually and still be used as treated water. Rather than discarding water once it drops below the threshold, it recovers its usability by permitting operation within a broader temperature range, effectively extending the life of heated water before it must be discarded.
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 ensures that previously heated water is utilized effectively, reducing the need for constant re-heating and improving the efficiency of hot water supply by allowing treated water to be released based on temperature stability over time, thus enhancing water management and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a heating system that is operable in a heating cycle to heat up water in at least a first region of the water unit
Implementation Method 2
a sensor arrangement for sensing a temperature of water of the hot water unit
Data Source
AI summary
A hot water unit fluid supply control system for a hot water unit is disclosed. The hot water unit has a heating system that is operable in a heating cycle to heat up water in at least a first region of the water unit, and a sensor arrangement for sensing a temperature of water of the hot water unit. The control system comprises a control unit configured to: receive operational data relating to an operation of the heating system; receive temperature data from the sensor arrangement; and allow for a volume of water from the first region to be released from the hot water unit as treated water or usable water based on: the operational data, and the temperature data from the sensor arrangement.