Inductive intelligent water heater
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank and tankless water heaters face issues such as high energy consumption, space requirements, risk of scalding, limited hot water supply, and increased carbon footprint due to fossil fuel usage, along with maintenance complexities and higher installation costs.
Innovation Solution
The Inductive Intelligent Water Heater (IIWH) system, which employs an Inductive Energy Transfer Unit (IETU) and a smart appliance with AI, provides instantaneous hot water production, reduces energy consumption, and integrates anti-scale components to maintain efficiency and safety, using electricity for heating and monitoring systems to manage water demand and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional tank water heaters are used to store and heat water, then hot water is readily available when demanded, but large space is required and energy is continuously consumed to maintain water temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the large storage tank from the system entirely, extracting the space-consuming component while maintaining hot water functionality through on-demand heating. The system heats water only when needed rather than continuously storing it, thereby eliminating the need for large physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from continuous heating (tank heaters maintaining constant temperature) to periodic action (on-demand heating only when fixtures are used). The heater activates intermittently based on actual demand signals, reducing both space requirements and continuous energy consumption.
2Power
If gas is used to heat water in conventional heaters, then heating capability is achieved, but carbon emissions and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas combustion system with an electric heating element. This substitution eliminates the mechanical/chemical combustion process that produces carbon emissions, while maintaining the heating capability through electrical energy conversion to thermal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from gas (fossil fuel) to electricity (cleaner energy). This parameter change transforms the heating process from a combustion-based system with harmful emissions to an electric resistance heating system without carbon emissions.
3Loss of energy
If electric heating elements are used to heat water, then efficiency improves compared to gas, but risk of scalding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor water temperature and provide feedback to the heating element. When the desired temperature is reached or exceeded, the system automatically adjusts or shuts off heating, preventing scalding while maintaining high heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static temperature control to dynamic control, where heating parameters continuously adjust based on real-time temperature measurements and demand conditions. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain efficiency while preventing dangerous temperature increases that could cause scalding.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If on-demand tankless water heaters are used, then space requirements are reduced and energy efficiency improves, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal water heating system that can be installed in various residential configurations and serves multiple fixtures simultaneously. The system's modular design and standard electrical requirements make it adaptable to different installations, reducing overall implementation costs compared to specialized tankless systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard, readily available electrical heating components rather than expensive specialized tankless heating technology. By employing conventional electrical elements and control systems that are widely manufactured and easily replaced, the system reduces installation and maintenance costs while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 IIWH offers efficient, continuous hot water production with reduced energy input, minimizing space requirements, eliminating risks of scalding and carbon emissions, and providing real-time monitoring and maintenance alerts, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various hot water demands.
Implementation Method 1
A separate electric-driven high-frequency generator excites the inductor to induce magnetic eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material
Implementation Method 2
an inductor external to a water containment unit composed of ferromagnetic material for the passage of water. A separate electric-driven high-frequency generator excites the inductor to induce magnetic eddy currents
Implementation Method 3
The ferromagnetic containment unit facilitates the passage of water within, around, and through its ferromagnetic surfaces to transfer and enhance the heat gain from the ferromagnetic material to the water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A system for heating a flow of water comprising a heating circuit fluidly coupled to a water source fluidly coupled to a plurality of water fixtures. The heating circuit may comprise an inlet, an outlet, and a water containment unit comprising a ferromagnetic material. The heating circuit may comprise an inductor operatively coupled to the water containment unit. Actuating the inductor may induce magnetic eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material to heat the flow of water. The heating circuit may further comprise an electric high-frequency generator operatively coupled to the inductor. The electric high-frequency generator may be configured to actuate the inductor. The system may further comprise a plurality of sensors comprising pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, or a combination thereof. The system may further comprise a Smart Appliance communicatively coupled to the heating circuit and the plurality of sensors.