Multi-Tank Water Heater Control for Peak Demand and Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water heaters with multiple tanks face inefficiencies in meeting high hot water demands due to their large size, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A water heater system comprising multiple tanks connected in series or parallel configurations, with a mixing valve system and a controller that adjusts temperature setpoints based on hot water usage and time of day, allowing for efficient distribution of hot water while maintaining desired temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a water heater is sized to service an expected peak hot water demand, then the hot water capacity is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater system is divided into multiple separate tanks (first water storage tank, second water storage tank) instead of using a single large tank. Each tank can be independently controlled and sized, allowing the system to meet peak hot water demands through combined capacity while maintaining smaller individual tank sizes that are more energy efficient.
2Quantity of substance
If a larger water heater is used to meet high hot water demands, then the hot water capacity is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the large hot water storage requirement into multiple smaller tanks, reducing the surface area to volume ratio for each individual tank and thereby reducing heat loss. The combined capacity of multiple smaller tanks meets the peak demand while each tank operates more efficiently with reduced standby heat loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the operation of multiple tanks based on hot water demand patterns, time of day, and temperature setpoints. The controller can selectively heat and maintain different tanks at different temperatures, optimizing energy usage by only heating the necessary amount of water to the required temperature.
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 effectively meets high hot water demands while reducing energy consumption by optimizing tank usage and temperature control, enhancing the overall efficiency and capacity of the water heater.
Implementation Method 1
A mixing valve may have a first inlet fluidly coupled to the second water outlet downstream of the second water storage tank and a cold water supply line in fluid communication with a second inlet of the mixing valve. A mixed water outlet may be fluidly coupled to an outlet of the mixing valve.
Implementation Method 2
A water line may fluidly connect the first water outlet to the second water inlet for transporting water from the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank.
Data Source
AI summary
A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature.