Method for operating a continuous flow heater, continuous flow heater and computer program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instantaneous water heaters with high electrical output cause asymmetrical loads in three-phase power networks, leading to unbalanced loads, reduced energy efficiency, potential damage to power plant components, and electromagnetic compatibility issues, particularly due to flicker and harmonic harmonics, and pose risks from undersized electrical cables.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an instantaneous water heater that includes voltage measurements across three phases before initiating heating, allowing for symmetrical phase connection using power electronic components like TRIACs, and adaptive power distribution to maintain balanced loads, limiting or blocking heating if voltage differences exceed predetermined limits, and displaying alerts for overloaded lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high power output heating elements are used to achieve fast water heating, then heating performance is improved, but asymmetrical loads are generated in the three-phase power grid causing unbalanced loading and potential damage to power plant components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic load distribution by continuously monitoring voltage differences between phases and dynamically adjusting the switching of heating elements. The control device modulates the heating elements' operation based on real-time voltage measurements, switching between symmetric and asymmetric operation modes to maintain balanced load distribution while achieving required heating performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by measuring voltage differences and adjusting the switching patterns of TRIACs controlling heating elements. Based on the measured voltage asymmetry, the control algorithm modifies the duty cycle and switching sequence of individual heating elements to compensate for grid imbalances and maintain symmetric load distribution.
2Device complexity
If TRIACs are modulated with identical patterns on all phases to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but unbalanced load and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry in the control patterns of TRIACs across different phases. By detecting voltage differences between phases, the system applies different modulation strategies to each phase's heating elements, creating asymmetric control patterns that actively compensate for grid imbalances and reduce power losses.
3Loss of energy
If voltage measurements and adaptive control are implemented to balance loads, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-regulation by using its own operational data (voltage measurements from existing sensors) to automatically adjust its control strategy. The control device monitors voltage differences and autonomously modifies TRIAC switching patterns without requiring external intervention or complex additional measurement systems.
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 method detects and mitigates asymmetrical and unbalanced loads, reducing the risk of power plant damage, energy inefficiencies, and electromagnetic compatibility issues, while ensuring safe operation by adapting power distribution and providing real-time feedback on cable conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device with a heating coil or at least one heating element that converts electrical current into heat energy and transfers it to the water to be heated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method for operating an instantaneous water heater (1) designed for operation on a three-phase power grid (15), comprising at least the following steps: a) commissioning the instantaneous water heater (1), b) performing a voltage measurement to identify voltage differences with respect to the three phases (17, 18, 19), c) initiating the heating operation of the instantaneous water heater (1) when the voltage difference determined in step b) is below a predetermined limit value. Furthermore, an instantaneous water heater (1), a control and monitoring device (4), and a computer program are proposed.