Multiple Tank Water Heater System With Tangential Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art beverage making systems face inefficiencies in producing consistent heated water for back-to-back brewing cycles due to the limitations of a single tank, which requires continuous refilling and energization, leading to energy wastage and temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A daisy-chain configuration of multiple heated water tanks with a tangential inlet system, where water is introduced at the lower portion and heated progressively through each tank, maintaining a consistent temperature and reducing energy consumption by optimizing the heating process and minimizing mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single tank is used for heating water, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot supply enough heated water for back-to-back brewing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The single tank is divided into multiple smaller tanks (first tank, second tank, third tank) connected in series. Each tank has its own heating element and can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to supply heated water continuously for back-to-back brewing cycles by drawing from multiple tanks sequentially or in parallel, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
2Productivity
If a large volume tank is used to store heated water, then the water supply capacity is increased, but the energy consumption for continuous heating and startup is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of one large tank requiring continuous heating, the system uses multiple smaller tanks that can be heated independently. Only the tanks needed for upcoming brewing cycles are heated, reducing energy consumption during idle periods and startup phases while maintaining adequate heated water supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements in each tank can be activated periodically or on-demand based on brewing schedule requirements, rather than continuously heating a large volume. This periodic heating approach reduces energy consumption while ensuring heated water is available when needed.
3Speed
If water inlet is positioned to refill the tank quickly, then the refill speed is increased, but the incoming water mixes with the entire tank contents causing temperature delay
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet is positioned and directed to introduce incoming water into a specific localized region of each tank rather than dispersing it throughout. This localized introduction minimizes mixing with the heated water in the tank, allowing quick refilling while maintaining temperature consistency in the dispensing region.
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 configuration ensures a steady flow of consistently heated water for multiple brewing cycles with reduced energy usage and faster temperature recovery, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
Water is introduced into the tank and contacts a heating element or is otherwise heated
Implementation Method 2
A daisy-chain configuration of multiple heated water tanks with a tangential inlet system, where water is introduced at the lower portion
Implementation Method 3
heated progressively through each tank, maintaining a consistent temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple tank heated water system and method for use with a beverage making apparatus. The system includes at least two individual water tanks for controllable heating water. A first tank of the multiple tanks including an inlet port receiving water from a water source for controllably heating water. A second tank communicating with the first tank to receive heated water from the first tank for controllably heating in the second tank. A control system operatively associated with the heated water system. A thermostat connected to each of the multiple tanks for detecting the temperature of the water within the tank, each thermostat communicating with the control system. A heating element associated with each tank, each heating element communicating with the control system.