Modular Solar Liquid Heating Assembly for On-Demand Pool Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water heaters require constant energy input, regardless of usage, and solar covers for pools only heat water when in place, necessitating frequent covering and uncovering, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular liquid heating assembly comprising a series of liquid delivery modules and heating vessels that utilize solar radiation for heating, with a greenhouse-like housing to enhance energy retention, allowing for on-demand heating without electrical or fossil fuel input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional hot water heater is used to maintain water at a desired temperature, then the water temperature is maintained, but constant energy input is required even during periods of minimal use
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water during the day using solar energy before peak demand periods, storing thermal energy in the water itself. This preliminary heating action eliminates the need for constant energy input during low-demand periods while maintaining temperature readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar water heating system uses free solar radiation to heat the water, making the system self-sufficient for thermal energy. The water acts as both the medium to be heated and the storage medium, eliminating dependence on external energy sources during operation.
2Temperature
If a solar cover is used to heat pool water, then the water temperature is elevated, but the cover must be frequently placed and removed, which is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The solar heating system performs preliminary heating of the pool water during daytime hours when solar radiation is available. This advance heating eliminates the need for operational intervention (placing/removing covers) during actual pool use, as the water is pre-heated before demand occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of placing and removing solar covers is replaced by an automated solar thermal system that continuously or periodically heats the water without requiring user intervention. The system substitutes human mechanical action with automated solar-driven thermal processing.
3Power
If additional heating capacity is needed, then more heating vessels and liquid delivery modules can be added in series, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into modular liquid delivery units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled by adding or removing identical modular units in series, making complexity management easier while maintaining proportional heating capacity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Each liquid delivery module is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can operate independently or in combination with other identical modules. This universality allows scaling of heating capacity without increasing the complexity of individual components, as each module performs the same functions regardless of system size.
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 system provides efficient, renewable heating of liquids by prolonging residence time within the heating assembly, reducing energy consumption, and allowing simultaneous use and heating of liquids, such as in pools, without the need for frequent covering and uncovering.
Implementation Method 1
The modular liquid heating assembly is heated with, for instance, solar radiation. The radiative heating raises the temperature of the liquid within the system according to a residence time within the assembly.
Implementation Method 2
Energy is allowed in, but its escape is limited by insulation and a heat sink
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink (e.g., one or more of macerated rubber, asphalt, asphalt shingles, dark rocks or gravel, or the like)
Data Source
AI summary
A modular liquid heating assembly includes a plurality of liquid delivery modules in series. The liquid delivery modules each include a module body having an inlet fitting, an outlet fitting, and a plurality of vessel coupling ports. The vessel coupling ports each include inflow and outflow orifices. The inlet and outlet fittings and the plurality of vessel coupling ports are in serial communication with each other through respective inflow and outflow orifices of the plurality of vessel coupling ports. At least one of the liquid delivery modules are configured for coupling with an inflow liquid line coupled with a liquid reservoir. Similarly at least one of the liquid delivery modules are configured for coupling with an outflow liquid line coupled with the liquid reservoir.