Method and system for implementing advanced operating modes in electric resistance water heaters and heat pump water heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water heater systems, including electric and hybrid models, lack the ability to optimize operation based on user preferences and external energy system information, leading to inefficiencies and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling water heaters that integrate with home energy systems, allowing users to input preferences and external data to activate various modes such as Distributed Generation, Back-Up Generation, GHG Minimization, Space Heating/Cooling System Integration, and Air Inlet/Outlet Control, using a controller that manages airflow and energy usage through multiple air sources and sinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat pump water heater operates in standard mode, then water heating function is provided, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and energy efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating modes (heat pump mode, electric resistance mode, hybrid mode) based on real-time conditions including ambient temperature, user preferences, and energy system status. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by selecting the most efficient heating source for current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies operational parameters such as temperature setpoints, heating element activation, and heat pump cycling based on ambient temperature thresholds and user-defined preferences. This parameter adjustment enables optimal energy efficiency across varying environmental conditions while minimizing carbon footprint.
2Use of energy by moving object
If water heater operates without integration to external energy systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy optimization and cost reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater system integrates multiple functions including heat pump operation, electric resistance heating, airflow control, and communication with external energy management systems. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive energy optimization and cost reduction while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor ambient temperature, energy system status, and operational performance. This feedback enables real-time optimization of energy usage and costs through adaptive control, while the centralized controller manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors and actuators.
3Temperature
If heat pump water heater draws air from conditioned space, then cooling effect is provided, but heating expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls airflow intake sources based on ambient temperature and operational mode. During cooling operations, it can draw air from conditioned spaces to provide cooling effect, while during heating operations, it switches to drawing air from unconditioned spaces or activates supplemental heating to avoid increasing heating expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides different operational characteristics for different locations and conditions. It can draw air from conditioned spaces when cooling is needed, from unconditioned spaces when heating is needed, or activate localized electric resistance heating elements to compensate for cooling effects, optimizing the balance between cooling provision and heating expense.
4Ease of operation
If water heater operates without user preference integration, then system simplicity is maintained, but customization and user comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a setup phase where user preferences, ambient temperature thresholds, and operational parameters are pre-configured before normal operation. This preliminary configuration enables customized operation and enhanced user comfort while the centralized controller manages the complexity of storing and applying these preferences during automated operation.
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 optimizes water heating operations to reduce energy costs, enhance efficiency, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and balance user preferences for comfort and energy usage, improving overall home energy management.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump system coupled to the tank for heating and/or maintaining a temperature of water in the tank
Implementation Method 2
at least one of an electric resistance heating element and/or a heat pump assembly for heating the water in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A water heating system including a tank at least one of an electric heating element and/or a heat pump assembly for heating the water in the tank and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one of an electric resistance heating element and/or a heat pump assembly configured to control operation of the water heating system is disclosed. The controller is configured to gather information comprising at least one of user preferences for the system, specifications for energy related systems of a home in which the water heating system is installed, specifications for how the water heating system is physically configured within the home, environmental parameters for a location in which the water heating system is installed, and is configured to process this information to control the water heater system to operate according to the information.