Load Based Hot Water Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water delivery systems lack the ability to independently control the maximum temperature of hot water delivered to individual loads, leading to potential scalding risks and inefficiencies, as they typically maintain all loads at a single water heater set point temperature, without allowing users to set different temperatures for each load.
Innovation Solution
A hot water delivery system that includes a load identification sensor, a mixing valve, and a controller, which monitors load demands and adjusts the temperature of hot water by mixing it with cold water to meet user-set temperature requirements for each load, allowing for independent temperature control of hot water delivered to different loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the water heater set point temperature is increased to provide hot water to all loads, then the hot water temperature availability is improved, but the scalding risk and safety for sensitive loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different loads to receive hot water at different temperatures tailored to their specific requirements. Each load can have its own maximum temperature setting, so that sensitive loads like showers receive lower temperature water while other loads can receive higher temperature water, eliminating the need to compromise the overall system temperature setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hot water delivery system by load, creating independent temperature control zones. The controller divides the single hot water source into multiple controlled streams, each with its own temperature limitations based on the specific load requirements, allowing simultaneous delivery of different temperatures to different loads.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the water heater set point temperature is decreased to ensure safety for sensitive loads, then the scalding risk is reduced, but the hot water temperature availability for other loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows each load to have customized temperature characteristics. Sensitive loads receive appropriately limited temperature water while other loads can access higher temperature water from the same heater, optimizing both safety and performance for different applications simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a single water heater set point temperature is used for all loads, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide customized temperatures for different loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single water heater that can simultaneously serve multiple loads with different temperature requirements. The controller and sensor system enable this one device to perform multiple temperature control functions, adapting to different load needs without requiring separate heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the single water heater source and multiple loads with different temperature requirements. It receives temperature sensor feedback and load type information, then modulates the hot water delivery to each load appropriately, enabling customized temperature control without increasing physical system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mixing cold water with hot water at the point of use is used to adjust temperature, then the temperature control flexibility is improved, but the safety against scalding when cold water control fails deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by limiting the maximum temperature of hot water delivered to each load before it reaches the point of use. The controller proactively restricts the hot water temperature based on the load type, so that even if cold water mixing fails or is not used, the hot water itself is already at a safe temperature for sensitive loads.
5Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated hot water distribution lines with mixers are provided for each load, then the temperature control flexibility is improved, but the system complexity and cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single shared hot water distribution line that the controller adapts to serve multiple loads with different temperature requirements. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated lines and mixers at each load, achieving temperature control flexibility through intelligent control rather than physical duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that enables temperature customization for each load through the shared distribution system. It modulates the hot water flow and temperature based on load requirements, replacing the need for physical mixers and dedicated lines while maintaining the ability to provide customized temperatures.
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
Enables safe and efficient delivery of hot water at user-defined temperatures for each load, reducing energy consumption and enhancing user safety by allowing different loads to receive hot water at customized temperatures, distinct from the water heater set point temperature.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the hot water from the water heater with the cold water from the cold water distribution line
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor is coupled to the hot water distribution pipe at the valve outlet of the mixing valve
Data Source
AI summary
A hot water delivery system includes a water heater, a mixing valve that is coupled to the output of the water heater, and a plurality of loads that are coupled to the output of the mixing valve. A load set point temperature of each load that is representative of a maximum temperature of the hot water that is to be delivered to the respective load is set by a user. Responsive to detecting the occurrence of an event associated with a load of the plurality of loads, a controller of the water heater controls the mixing valve to adjust the temperature of the hot water from the water heater to the load set point temperature associated with the load, provided the load set point temperature of the load is different from a water heater set point temperature at which the water heater maintains the hot water therein.