Water heater connection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing water heater connection systems, when some water heaters cannot communicate with the connection controller, the performance in supplying hot water deteriorates as they enter a disconnected operation mode, leading to reduced functionality and delayed hot water supply.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a configuration where water heaters in disconnected operation mode maintain a flow rate regulation valve opening degree between fully open and fully closed, allowing continuous water flow and immediate hot water supply when the system's flow rate increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow rate regulation valve is set to fully closed in disconnected operation mode, then the water heater can be isolated from the system, but water flow stops and hot water supply capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate regulation valve transitions from a static fully closed state to a dynamic partially open state in disconnected operation mode. This allows the valve to adapt between isolation (fully closed) and hot water supply (partially open) states, resolving the contradiction between system stability and hot water supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve opening degree parameter is changed from binary (fully open/closed) to a continuous range including partial opening states. By setting the valve to a specific partial opening degree in disconnected mode, the system maintains both stability and hot water supply functionality simultaneously.
2Productivity
If the flow rate regulation valve is set to fully open in disconnected operation mode, then water flow continues and hot water supply is maintained, but the intended operational water heater receives insufficient water flow
Solution Approach 1:
Each water heater is assigned a specific local valve opening degree appropriate to its operational status. The disconnected water heater receives a partial opening degree that allows some flow, while the operational water heater receives a larger opening degree to ensure sufficient flow rate, optimizing the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully opening the valve in disconnected mode (excessive action), the system applies partial opening action that provides just enough water flow to maintain hot water supply capability while preserving adequate flow for operational heaters. This balanced approach avoids the contradiction between maintaining supply and ensuring speed.
3Productivity
If the flow rate regulation valve is set to partially open in disconnected operation mode, then both water flow and hot water supply capability are maintained, but the valve opening control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures specific valve opening degrees for different operational modes (fully open for normal operation, specific partial opening for disconnected mode, fully closed for isolation). This preliminary configuration simplifies control logic by eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations, resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing control complexity.
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
Ensures that water heaters in disconnected mode can still supply hot water, maintaining overall system performance by increasing the flow rate to operational water heaters, thereby preventing bottlenecks and ensuring immediate hot water availability.
Implementation Method 1
a burner configured to heat water flowing from the water supply pipe to the water heater as required
Implementation Method 2
a flow rate regulation valve configured to regulate a flow rate of water flowing from the water supply pipe to the water heater
Implementation Method 3
a flow rate sensor configured to detect the flow rate of water flowing from the water supply pipe to the water heater
Data Source
AI summary
A water heater connection system may include: water heaters connected in parallel between a water supply pipe and a discharge pipe; and a connection controller which controls the heaters. Each heater may include: a burner which heats water flowing from the supply pipe to the heater as required; a valve which regulates a flow rate of the water flowing from the supply pipe to the heater; a sensor which detects the water flow rate flowing from the supply pipe to the heater; and an individual controller which communicates with the connection controller. The individual controller may operate in a disconnected mode when the individual controller cannot communicate with the connection controller. When the sensor does not detect water flow in the disconnected mode, the individual controller may stand by with the valve set to a first opening degree being smaller than fully open and larger than fully closed.