Methods and systems for tracking thermal profile of hot water storage tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water storage tanks lack accurate temperature profiling due to limited sensor placement, failing to account for water inflow and outflow, which leads to inefficiencies in energy usage and performance, resulting in excess energy consumption or underperformance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising temperature sensors, flowmeters, and a control unit that monitors water flow and temperature at multiple points within the tank, dynamically tracking the thermal profile by determining the current locations of water layers and generating a temperature profile based on flow data and sensor readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed throughout the tank to determine thermal profile, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that uses temperature transport equations to estimate temperatures at multiple locations based on measurements from a single sensor. This mediator translates limited sensor data into comprehensive thermal profile information without requiring multiple physical sensors throughout the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the thermal field by solving temperature transport equations that replicate the temperature distribution throughout the tank. This computational copy allows determination of thermal profile at all locations based on data from a single physical sensor location.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed at various points to measure thermal profile, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to static measurement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement system from static to dynamic by continuously solving temperature transport equations that account for changing boundary conditions, water flow rates, and tank operations. This allows the system to dynamically track thermal profile changes as water is added, removed, or heated throughout the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring operational parameters (flow rates, heating power, water levels) and using this information to update the temperature transport model in real-time. This feedback loop ensures the thermal profile determination remains accurate despite changing tank conditions.
3Device complexity
If flow meters are not used to support temperature measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for water inflow and outflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature measurement system multi-functional by using the single temperature sensor not only for temperature measurement but also for inferring water layer boundaries, estimating thermal profile throughout the tank, and tracking dynamic changes in thermal stratification. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate flow meters while achieving comprehensive thermal monitoring.
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 provides a more accurate thermal profile, optimizing energy usage by determining the operating time of heating units and ensuring sufficient hot water availability, thereby reducing energy wastage and improving system performance.
Implementation Method 1
receive a series of temperature values measured at a series of time instances from the at least one temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
The set of flowmeters is configured to measure flow of water at the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets
Implementation Method 3
water may be stored in a stratified manner (i.e., separate layers) with the warmest water at the top storage level of the tank, and the coldest water at the bottom of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for tracking temperature profile of water in a hot water storage tank. The method performed by a control unit includes monitoring flow of water at one or more inlets and one or more outlets included in the tank to determine current locations of a plurality of water layers within the tank. The plurality of water layers changes corresponding positions within the tank based on water entering within and exiting from the tank. The method includes receiving a series of temperature values measured at a series of time instances from at least one temperature sensor mounted to the tank. The method includes electronically generating a temperature profile of the tank based at least on the current locations of the plurality of water layers and the series of temperature values.