Hot Water Supply Apparatus Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot water supply apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent water temperature due to temperature deviations caused by varying input water temperatures and environmental conditions, leading to user dissatisfaction and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a drainage mechanism and multi-stage flow control to adjust the flow rate and heating power based on dispensing type (first or recurring), ensuring the water in the flow passage is heated effectively and reducing heat exchange, thereby maintaining a consistent hot water temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heater is driven whenever hot water is needed, then hot water can be supplied on demand, but temperature deviation of the supplied hot water occurs depending on the time at which hot water is supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water in the flow passage before actual hot water demand occurs. By pre-heating the water and maintaining it at an appropriate temperature through controlled heating when no water is being dispensed, the system eliminates temperature deviations that would otherwise occur when heating starts from cold water each time hot water is requested.
2Temperature
If the heater is kept turned on even when the user does not need hot water, then temperature consistency is maintained, but energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous heating operation, the system employs periodic or on-demand heating cycles. The heater operates intermittently to maintain water temperature only when necessary, rather than running continuously. This periodic heating approach maintains temperature consistency while significantly reducing energy waste during periods when hot water is not needed.
3Loss of energy
If water in the flow passage is not drained, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature of the flow passage decreases over time causing heat exchange during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter of water in the flow passage by controlling heating power based on dispensing patterns. During recurring dispensing operations, the system adjusts heating parameters to maintain water temperature above freezing point, preventing heat exchange losses. This parameter adjustment allows the system to retain beneficial warm water in the flow passage without causing excessive energy waste.
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 solution ensures that hot water is provided at a consistent temperature, regardless of input water temperature or environmental conditions, enhancing user satisfaction and energy efficiency by optimizing heating power and flow rate adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a heating module configured to heat the water to a set temperature
Implementation Method 2
a flow rate control valve configured to adjust a flow rate of water supplied from outside
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a hot water supply apparatus, the method including: a first step of receiving a hot water exhalent signal; a second step of determining whether a cup is a first cup or a recurring cup; and a third step of, when the cup is the first cup, providing hot water to a user by using a first cup providing algorithm, and when the cup is the recurring cup, providing hot water to the user by using a recurring cup providing algorithm, wherein in the third step, the amount of water supplied to a heating module for heating water is adjusted in stages.