Method for controlling at least one electric water heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric water heaters lack efficient and grid-friendly control mechanisms to adjust power consumption based on grid conditions, leading to potential energy demand peaks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for controlling electric water heaters with at least two operating modes: a first mode at maximum power and a second mode at reduced power, responsive to grid-oriented control information, allowing the heaters to adjust their output based on grid demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electric water heaters operate at maximum power output, then hot water heating performance is improved, but electrical power consumption increases and grid stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater system dynamically switches between first operating mode (maximum power) and second operating mode (reduced power) based on real-time grid condition signals. The control unit receives grid status information and automatically adjusts the heating element output, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption to grid availability while maintaining adequate hot water supply when grid conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heating element by switching between full power mode and reduced power mode. This parameter change is controlled based on external grid condition signals, allowing the water heater to modify its electrical power consumption level without permanent structural changes, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining heating performance and reducing power demand during grid stress.
2Productivity
If electric water heaters operate at maximum power output, then hot water supply capability is improved, but grid stability worsens during peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback signals from the energy management system regarding grid condition status. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts its power consumption level - operating at full capacity when grid conditions are good and reducing power when grid stability is compromised, thus contributing to overall grid stability while maintaining hot water supply capability when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The water heater dynamically adjusts its operational state between first mode (full productivity) and second mode (reduced productivity) in response to real-time grid condition feedback. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to prioritize grid stability during critical periods while maintaining hot water supply capability during normal operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If electric water heaters lack grid-oriented control mechanisms, then operational simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and grid compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater system performs self-service by automatically receiving and processing grid condition information, then autonomously adjusting its power consumption without requiring user intervention. The control unit handles the entire process of receiving grid status signals and switching between operating modes, maintaining ease of operation for the user while achieving improved energy efficiency through automated grid-responsive control.
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 electric water heaters to actively support the energy grid by reducing power consumption during peak demand, enhancing grid stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electric water heater (240) has at least one electric direct heating unit (241) for directly heating water
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Method for controlling at least one electric water heater (240) having at least one electric direct heating unit (241) for directly heating water, wherein the water heater (240) has at least a first and a second operating mode (B1, B2), wherein the first operating mode (B1) represents a normal operating mode in which the water heater (240) can be operated up to the maximum power, wherein the second operating mode (B2) represents an operating mode in which the water heater (240) can be operated down to a reduced power that is less than the maximum power, comprising the steps of: - controlling the at least one electric direct heating unit (241) in the first operating mode (B1) based on a hot water request, - receiving network-oriented control information (121),and - controlling the at least one electric direct heating unit (241) in the second operating mode (B2) based on a hot water request and a reduced electrical power if the received network-oriented control information (121) includes a request to reduce the electrical power.