Hot Water Usage Detection Using Temperature Gap Without Flow Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that determine hot water usage in heating systems often rely on flow switches, which are prone to bubble generation and clogging, making it difficult to accurately assess hot water usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize temperature sensors to calculate the temperature difference between influent and effluent in a water heater and air handler system, determining hot water usage without a flow switch by comparing the temperature difference to a predetermined value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow switch is used to determine hot water usage, then hot water usage can be detected, but bubbles are generated and the flow switch becomes clogged with foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flow switch from the system entirely and replaces it with a temperature difference-based detection method. The flow switch is extracted from the water pipe system and its function is transferred to the controller that calculates temperature differences between influent and effluent water
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical flow switch is replaced with a thermal measurement system using temperature sensors and computational logic. Instead of mechanically detecting flow, the system uses temperature difference measurements and compares them against reference values to determine hot water usage status
2Measurement precision
If a flow switch is installed in the water pipe, then hot water usage can be determined, but installation complexity and potential clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow switch component is completely removed from the system. The patent extracts the flow detection function from the mechanical domain and implements it through temperature measurement and calculation, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components in the water pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor water temperature for comfort control and simultaneously enable hot water usage detection through temperature difference calculation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flow detection devices
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 approach allows for accurate determination of hot water usage, preventing errors and reducing installation costs associated with flow switches, while ensuring efficient heating and hot water supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of influent flowing into the water heater
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the effluent
Implementation Method 3
the controller calculates a temperature difference between the sensed temperature of the influent and the sensed temperature of the effluent
Implementation Method 4
a water heater; a first temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of influent flowing into the water heater
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a method of determining the use of hot water performed in a system including a water heater and an air handler. The method includes: sensing a temperature of influent flowing into the water heater; sensing a temperature of effluent flowing out of the air handler; calculating a temperature difference between the temperature of the influent and the temperature of the effluent; and determining whether hot water is used by calculating whether the temperature difference is greater than a predetermined value.