Integrated Circuit Water Heater Using Computational Heat Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric water heaters have single-purpose heating elements that waste energy, as they only transfer heat to water without utilizing the generated heat for other purposes, such as cooling integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electric integrated circuit water heater apparatus that incorporates integrated circuits within the storage tank to perform computational processes, generating heat which is transferred to the water through a heat exchanger, allowing the system to serve a dual purpose and minimize energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional heating elements are used for water heating, then water heating function is achieved, but energy waste occurs as heat cannot be utilized for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to serve dual purposes: heating water for domestic use and cooling integrated circuits through thermal conduction. The same heating element structure transfers heat to both water and IC components simultaneously, eliminating energy waste and providing versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the water heating function and IC cooling function into a single integrated system. The heating element is positioned to conduct heat to both the water in the tank and the integrated circuits mounted on the tank wall, merging two separate thermal management functions into one unified component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrated circuits are added to provide computational functions, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuits mounted on the water heater tank wall provide multiple functions: computational processing for controlling water heating operations and simultaneous cooling through heat conduction to the tank wall, reducing overall system complexity by combining control and thermal management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuits utilize the tank wall as both a mounting surface and a heat dissipation path, allowing them to cool themselves passively through conduction to the water-filled tank, eliminating the need for separate active cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements transfer heat only to water, then water heating efficiency is maintained, but energy utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted heat energy into a useful resource by directing it to cool integrated circuits. The heat that would have been lost to the environment is now utilized for thermal management of electronic components, transforming energy waste into a beneficial cooling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element simultaneously performs water heating and IC cooling functions, maximizing energy utilization by serving two purposes with a single heat source, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
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 achieves energy efficiency by utilizing the heat generated from computational processes to heat water, reducing energy consumption and providing a dual-purpose solution for both water heating and cooling integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
at least one integrated circuit disposed within the storage tank to transfer heat to the cold water in the storage tank and raise the temperature of the cold water wherein the integrated circuits perform computational processes to generate heat
Data Source
AI summary
An electric integrated circuit water heater apparatus includes: a cold water inlet for allowing input of cold water into a storage tank with heating elements comprised of integrated circuits configured to exchange heat from the heating elements to the water in the storage tank through a heat exchanger, in which heat produced by running the integrated circuits is recovered into the heat exchanger, thereby heating the stored water by using heat from the integrated circuits. A hot water outlet is provided in the upper portion of storage tank such that the water will have passed all of the heating elements prior to exiting the hot water outlet.