Tap liquid savings in a liquid distribution system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distribution systems face inefficiencies in retaining temperature and conserving energy, particularly in hot water systems, due to the need for separate piping and the risk of microorganism growth, which increases costs and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the evacuation of liquid from conduits by generating a backward pressure gradient, allowing gas to replace the liquid, and subsequent re-pressurization to refill the conduit, utilizing a single pipeline to reduce energy loss and prevent microorganism growth, while maintaining temperature and conserving water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a re-circulation piping system is used to save hot water, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cold water supply line and hot water return line into a single integrated piping system. The same pipe that delivers cold water to the heater also serves as the return path for hot water, eliminating the need for separate re-circulation piping while achieving water conservation through continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipe performs multiple functions: it serves as the cold water supply line from the source to the heater, and simultaneously as the hot water return line from the heater back to the source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated re-circulation piping.
2Loss of substance
If cold water is led directly from the source through long conduits, then water conservation is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to long wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous water flow through the system by creating a closed loop where water constantly circulates from the source through the heater and back. This continuous movement eliminates stagnant water and ensures immediate water availability at taps without requiring users to wait for water to clear the conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-fills the conduits with water by maintaining continuous circulation, so that when a tap is opened, water is already present in the conduits and flows immediately without requiring users to waste water to clear stagnant sections first.
3Loss of energy
If hot water is re-circulated through the same piping system, then energy conservation is improved, but reliability worsens due to microorganism growth risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the water by passing it through the heater, which heats the water to a temperature that prevents microorganism growth. This continuous heating process maintains the water in a sterile state while allowing re-circulation, thus preserving both energy and reliability.
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 reduces energy consumption, minimizes water wastage, and prevents microorganism growth by reusing heated water, ensuring faster refilling and maintaining temperature, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the liquid distribution system.
Implementation Method 1
generating a backward pressure gradient in said liquid conduit, causing the liquid to flow backwards toward the liquid source
Implementation Method 2
bringing an air-valve, located in the vicinity of said liquid tap, to open so as to permit ambient air to be sucked into said liquid conduit and to replace the liquid therein
Implementation Method 3
a pressure may be applied in said liquid conduit so as to bring about a flow of liquid into said liquid conduit towards said liquid tap
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid distribution system having at least one liquid conduit extending from a liquid source to a liquid tap and a method for substantially retaining the temperature of a liquid in the liquid distribution system. When a tapping operation is finished, the liquid is evacuated from the liquid conduit, and a gas is brought into the liquid conduit in order to replace the liquid therein and cause the liquid to flow backwards to the liquid source. When liquid is to be tapped from the liquid tap, the gas is evacuated from the liquid conduit.