Fluid recirculation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water recirculation systems for Domestic Hot Water Installations (DHWI) are aesthetically unappealing, costly to install, require a nearby outlet, and are inefficient when multiple taps are involved, often leading to unnecessary energy waste and operational complications.
Innovation Solution
A fluid recirculation system featuring a pumping module with a processing circuit, power source, and pump, along with activation modules at consumption points that include valves and drive means connected by communication cables, allowing for independent installation and precise control of water recirculation, enabling efficient temperature adjustment without the need for additional outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a water recirculation device is installed between the tap and water intake to recirculate water until desired temperature is reached, then water waste is reduced, but installation cost increases due to required nearby outlet and socket placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modular components: a control unit with processing circuitry, a pump, and communication modules that can be distributed throughout the installation. This segmentation allows flexible installation without requiring specific outlet locations, reducing installation costs while maintaining water recirculation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit can manage multiple taps and water recirculation points simultaneously through a centralized communication network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices at each tap, reducing overall installation costs while preventing water waste across the entire system.
2Loss of energy
If the device is placed on the faucet farthest from the boiler to avoid waste at intermediate faucets, then energy waste is reduced, but usability deteriorates if the faucet is a shower
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing a single device at one location, the system segments control functionality across multiple independent points of consumption. Each location can independently activate recirculation, allowing showers to be placed at optimal locations without compromising energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates communication cables and processing circuits that provide real-time feedback between control units and the central pump. This enables coordinated control where multiple taps can operate simultaneously without interference, allowing flexible placement including shower locations while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If similar devices are installed in each intermediate tap to prevent energy waste, then energy waste is eliminated, but installation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control units are merged into a single centralized control system that manages all taps through a communication network. This consolidation eliminates the need for duplicate standalone devices at each tap, significantly reducing installation costs while preventing energy waste across the entire system through coordinated pump control.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized control unit performs multiple functions: managing recirculation for multiple taps, coordinating pump operation, and preventing energy waste across the entire system. This single multi-functional device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing installation costs.
4Extent of automation
If pressure probes are used to detect pressure differential for water management, then automation is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates resulting in erratic operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical pressure probes with an electronic communication network consisting of communication cables and processing circuits. This substitution provides more precise and reliable detection of water demand conditions, eliminating erratic operation while maintaining full automation of the recirculation control.
5Loss of substance
If the system closes the general outlet to manage water flow, then water waste is prevented, but system reliability deteriorates due to vacuum effects causing failure in other elements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of closing the general outlet, the system segments control to individual taps and branches. Each branch can independently control its own water flow and recirculation, preventing vacuum effects that would occur with general outlet closure while still preventing water waste through localized 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
The system allows for efficient and cost-effective recirculation of water at multiple points without wasting energy, maintaining system integrity and user convenience, while being aesthetically and economically viable for various DHWI configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump... The pump (43) must be configured to drive the water downstream or, alternatively, in a branch where the pump must be configured to drive the water upstream
Implementation Method 2
A processing circuit (41), a power source (42)... A first aspect of the invention consists in that the system comprises at least one communication cable (7) that links at least one of the driving means (52) with the processing circuit (41) of the pumping module (4) for sending signals between them
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Fluid recirculation system comprising one or more by-pass lines, which communicate the outlet of a pipe at the points of consumption with another point of the installation, a pumping module configured to be installed on one of the branches, which comprises a processing circuit, a power source and a recirculation pump, an activation module configured to be installed at a point of consumption, which comprises a valve that regulates the passage of the fluid through said by-pass ducts and a means of drive configured to mechanically actuate the valve, and finally at least one communication cable that links one of the drive means to the processing circuit, the cable being configured to send signals through the corresponding pipes between the drive means and the processing circuit, and the latter being configured to contact each cable.