Parallel Water Heater Control Using Dynamic Temperature Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the parallel operation of multi-water heaters are inefficient due to fixed operation and stop reference values, which do not account for varying temperature differences between set and direct water temperatures, leading to suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the direct water temperature, calculates the temperature difference with the set temperature, and dynamically adjusts the operation and stop reference values to control the parallel operation of multi-water heaters, allowing for efficient operation by adjusting the number of active heaters based on the calculated difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed operation reference value and stop reference value are used, then the control method is simple, but the operation efficiency deteriorates when temperature difference varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operation reference value and stop reference value variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts these reference values based on the detected temperature difference between inlet water and direct water, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain optimal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters (operation reference value and stop reference value) based on the temperature difference. When the temperature difference is large, the reference values are adjusted to trigger earlier operation or later stopping of water heaters, optimizing energy usage under different thermal conditions.
2Loss of energy
If operation reference value is set high (e.g., 80% capacity), then energy saving is improved under certain conditions, but the water heater cannot be additionally operated when temperature difference is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operation reference value parameter based on temperature difference. When temperature difference is large, the reference value is adjusted downward, allowing additional water heaters to operate. When temperature difference is small, the reference value remains high to maintain energy saving, thus adapting to different thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation reference value based on real-time temperature difference detection, transitioning from a static high threshold to a dynamic threshold that adapts to varying thermal conditions, enabling both energy saving and adaptability.
3Power
If multiple water heaters are operated in parallel, then hot water supply capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously detecting the temperature difference between inlet water and direct water, and using this information to control the operation of water heaters. The control unit adjusts the number of operating water heaters based on the temperature difference feedback, ensuring adequate hot water supply while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating water heaters based on temperature difference conditions. When temperature difference is large, more water heaters are operated to meet demand. When temperature difference is small, fewer water heaters operate to reduce energy consumption, achieving dynamic optimization of both capacity and energy usage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a parallel operation of a multi-water heater in which a plurality of water heaters are connected to each other in parallel, according to the present invention, comprises: measuring the temperature of direct water that flows into the multi-water heater; sensing a set temperature set by a user; calculating a temperature difference between the set temperature and the direct water temperature; and changing a reference value to additionally operate or stop each water heater according to the calculated temperature difference, thereby efficiently operate the multi-water heater even though the circumstance and conditions of use are changed.