Hybrid heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool and spa heating systems require multiple energy source heaters and separate controllers, leading to increased space requirements and user complexity in managing energy efficiency across varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained tankless hybrid water heater system incorporating both a gas-fired heat exchanger and an electric heat pump, controlled by a single programmable controller that adjusts operation based on temperature conditions to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate energy source heaters are installed to handle varying environmental conditions, then heating flexibility and adaptability are improved, but installation space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy source heaters (gas heater and electric heater) into a single integrated housing unit. This merging allows the system to maintain heating flexibility by providing multiple energy sources while reducing the installation space required compared to separate heater installations. The unified housing consolidates what would otherwise be multiple discrete units into one compact system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heater housing is designed to accommodate multiple types of heaters (gas and electric) within a single unit, making the system universal and adaptable to different environmental conditions. This multi-functionality allows the same housing structure to support various heating technologies, providing versatility without requiring separate installations for each heater type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate energy source heaters with separate controllers are installed, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but user complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate controllers into a single integrated controller that manages both the gas heater and electric heater. This consolidation eliminates the need for users to manually switch between separate control systems, reducing operational complexity. The unified controller automatically selects and manages the appropriate heating source based on environmental conditions, making the system easier to operate while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller is designed to automatically determine and select the most efficient heating source based on monitored environmental conditions, without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to different conditions autonomously, eliminating the burden of manual decision-making for users while maintaining full adaptability to varying environments.
3Area of stationary object
If a single integrated heater housing containing multiple heaters is used, then installation space and device complexity are reduced, but the ability to provide rapid temperature response may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated heater system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities that allow it to rapidly transition between gas and electric heating sources based on real-time temperature requirements. The system can quickly activate the appropriate heater type to meet changing thermal demands, maintaining rapid response time despite the integrated housing design. This dynamic adaptability ensures that temperature response speed is not compromised by the consolidation of multiple heaters.
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 reduces installation space and user complexity by allowing flexible energy source utilization, improving energy consumption efficiency and response time through adaptive temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The first tankless heater is in the form of a gas fired heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
gas fired heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
the second tankless heater in the form of an electric heat pump
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a pool heater including a housing, a first tankless heater, a second tankless heater, and a controller. The controller is configured to activate only the first tankless heater when a first condition is met, activate only the second tankless heater when a second condition is met, and activate the first and the second tankless heaters simultaneously when a third condition is met.