Methods and systems for modulating energy usage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing energy and water consumption in domestic and commercial settings are inefficient, as they rely on peak and off-peak tariffs that require user awareness and conscious effort, and existing systems for reducing water consumption are limited in impact and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that modulates energy consumption by switching between electrical heating elements and a heat pump, using a thermal energy storage medium, and implementing utility consumption reduction strategies based on energy demand patterns and tariffs, to optimize energy and water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If heat pump is used to transfer thermal energy from outside air to thermal reservoir, then energy efficiency is improved (coefficient of performance of 3 or 4), but response time worsens (requires more time compared to electrical resistance heaters to get water up to desired temperature)
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively monitors energy demand levels and pre-charges the thermal reservoir using the heat pump before peak demand periods begin. By anticipating high energy demand situations and storing thermal energy in advance, the system ensures hot water availability when needed without relying on slower heat pump response during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal reservoir acts as an intermediary between the heat pump and the water heating system. It stores thermal energy transferred by the heat pump and releases it on demand, decoupling the slow heat pump operation from the immediate hot water delivery requirement, thus resolving the response time issue while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Speed
If electrical heating elements are used to heat water, then response time is improved (faster heating), but energy efficiency worsens (lower coefficient of performance compared to heat pumps)
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal reservoir serves as a mediator that allows the system to use efficient heat pump heating during low-demand periods and then rapidly dispense stored hot water during high-demand periods, eliminating the need to use inefficient electrical heating elements during peak times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the thermal reservoir charged with hot water through proactive heat pump operation during off-peak hours, ensuring that hot water is always available without interruption or need for inefficient supplemental heating during peak demand.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy is stored in insulated tank for later use, then energy efficiency is improved (enables heat pump usage), but device complexity increases (adds thermal energy storage component)
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal reservoir is designed to serve multiple functions: storing hot water for domestic use, providing thermal mass for heat pump operation, and acting as a buffer between supply and demand. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the thermal reservoir dynamically, adjusting charge rates, discharge rates, and temperature setpoints based on energy demand conditions, tariff structures, and user requirements, optimizing performance while managing complexity through adaptive 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
Reduces energy demands during peak periods by efficiently switching to a more energy-efficient heat source and storing thermal energy for later use, thereby conserving energy and water while improving the usability of heat pumps as a practical alternative to electrical heaters.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy from outside the building to a thermal energy storage medium inside the building
Implementation Method 2
a thermal energy storage medium inside the building... controlling the water provision system to switch from using the one or more electrical heating elements to the thermal energy storage medium for provision of heated water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to modulating energy consumption by a water provision system installed in a building, including one or more electrical heating elements operable to heat water, a heat pump configured to transfer thermal energy from outside the building to a thermal energy storage medium inside the building and a control module configured to control operation of the water provision system, the water provision system being configured to provide water heated by the one or more electrical heating elements and/or the thermal energy storage medium to one or more water outlets, This can include: determining a level of energy demands of a geographical region comprising the building; and upon determining that the level of energy demands is high, controlling the water provision system to switch from using the one or more electrical heating elements to the thermal energy storage medium for provision of heated water.