Parallel Water Heater Control Without a Central Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water supply systems that connect multiple water heaters require a control device for operation, leading to increased costs and limited connectivity, with potential interruptions in hot water supply due to anomalies in individual water heaters.
Innovation Solution
A hot water supply system where one water heater acts as a priority device, managing and coordinating the operation of other connected water heaters through communication and sensor data, allowing for efficient hot water distribution without a dedicated control device, and dynamically adjusting the number of operating water heaters based on flow rate and operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting unit is provided to control multiple water heaters, then hot water supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water heaters perform self-management through internal control units that detect anomalies and autonomously switch operational roles. Each water heater monitors its own status and communicates with others to maintain continuous hot water supply without external intervention, eliminating the need for a separate connecting unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions previously separated in a dedicated connecting unit are merged into the water heaters themselves. The control unit within each water heater now performs both local control and system coordination functions, combining multiple roles into a single integrated component.
2Device complexity
If water heaters are connected directly without a connecting unit, then device complexity is reduced, but hot water supply reliability deteriorates due to anomaly interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where control units continuously monitor operational status and anomaly conditions. When anomalies are detected, the feedback loop triggers automatic role switching between water heaters, ensuring continuous hot water supply while maintaining simple direct connections without complex control infrastructure.
3Reliability
If one water heater operates continuously to ensure supply, then hot water supply reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational configuration based on real-time conditions. Control units monitor water temperature, flow rates, and energy consumption, automatically switching between single-unit and multi-unit operation modes. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable hot water supply while optimizing energy efficiency by activating additional water heaters only when necessary.
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 solution simplifies the control system, enhances operational efficiency, prevents interruptions, and allows for continuous hot water supply by dynamically managing the number of active water heaters and reallocating the priority device in case of anomalies, reducing the need for additional management devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger that heats flowing water by combustion of a burner
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger that heats flowing water by combustion of a burner
Data Source
AI summary
A hot water supply system including a water heater that includes a storage unit storing at least device information of another water heater, and performs hot water supply control by which the water heater cooperates with the other water heater, these water heaters being able to supply hot water according to a hot water supply request; one or a plurality of the other water heater that is connected to the water heater in parallel, and supplies hot water according to the hot water supply control by the water heater; communication connection means that communicably connects the water heater and the other water heater; water supply means that supplies water to the water heater and the other water heater; and hot water supply means that supplies hot water heated by the water heater and the other water heater to a hot water supply destination.