Method and controller to operate a hot water storage device heater and hot water storage device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water storage devices operate inefficiently by maintaining a constant water volume and temperature 24/7, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and carbon emissions when there is no actual hot water demand.
Innovation Solution
A method and controller for a hot water storage device that determine a water usage profile based on temperature measurements, adjusting the nominal temperature and volume of heated water for each time interval to match actual demand, and using a confidence factor to adapt these settings based on hot water usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the heating unit operates continuously to maintain a defined water volume at a defined hot water temperature 24 hours per day, then the water temperature stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static continuous heating operation to a dynamic operation that adapts to varying hot water demands. The controller adjusts the heating unit's operation based on learned usage patterns, time of day, and predicted demand, allowing the system to maintain temperature stability only when necessary rather than operating continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors actual hot water usage, compares it with learned patterns, and adjusts the heating operation accordingly. The system learns from historical data and uses this feedback to optimize future heating cycles, maintaining temperature stability while reducing unnecessary energy consumption during periods of low or no demand.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heating unit operates according to a daily ON/OFF schedule, then the energy consumption is reduced compared to continuous operation, but the water temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the controller to learn and predict hot water usage patterns in advance. The system analyzes historical usage data and prepares heating schedules proactively, initiating heating operations before predicted demand periods to ensure temperature stability is maintained when needed, rather than reacting to temperature drops after the fact.
3Reliability
If the controller keeps a defined water volume permanently at a defined hot water temperature, then the hot water availability is improved, but the carbon emissions increase due to unnecessary heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the water volume and temperature parameters based on predicted hot water demand. Instead of maintaining fixed parameters 24/7, the controller modifies these parameters according to learned usage patterns, time of day, and demand predictions, ensuring hot water availability when needed while minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions during low-demand periods.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the heating unit maintains heated water stratified above unheated water, then the energy efficiency is improved through natural convection, but the system complexity increases due to temperature sensor positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing natural convection currents to automatically maintain water stratification without requiring active mixing or complex mechanical systems. The heating unit creates temperature differences that naturally cause heated water to rise and stratify above cooler water, and the temperature sensors are positioned to monitor this self-organizing stratified structure, reducing the need for additional active control components.
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 enables energy-efficient operation of hot water storage devices with reduced carbon emissions by optimizing water temperature and volume according to actual usage patterns, thereby minimizing unnecessary heating.
Implementation Method 1
the heating unit is configured to heat the water stored within the tank, namely in such a manner that water heated by the heating unit rises up within the tank such that the heated water is stratified above unheated water within the tank
Data Source
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AI summary
Method to operate a hot water storage device (10), the hot water storage device (10) comprising a tank (11) configured to store water, a heating unit (15) positioned at a first distance from a bottom wall (12) of the tank (11), the heating unit (15) being configured to heat the water stored with-in the tank (11) such that heated water rises up within the tank (11) and is stratified above unheated water within the tank (11), at least one temperature sensor (19, 20) positioned at a distance from the bottom wall (12) of the tank (11) being greater than said first distance, a controller (21) configured to control the heating unit (15). The method comprises the following steps: Determine from a water temperature measurement signal provided by the at least one temperature sensor (19, 20) a water usage profile, said water usage profile providing for defined time intervals of a day and/or for defined days of a week a nominal temperature and a nominal volume of the heated water to be stored within the tank. Operate the heating unit (15) in such a manner that for each defined time interval of a day and/or for each defined day of a week the actual temperature and the actual volume of the heated water stored withing the tank corresponds automatically to the respective nominal value of the water usage profile