Pool Heater Scheduling for Target Water Temperature Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners often struggle to efficiently control pool heaters to achieve desired water temperatures at specific times, leading to energy waste due to premature or late heater operation, and incorrect power settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize historical and current weather data, equipment performance data, and predictive models to determine optimal heater operation schedules, including start and stop times, and device settings, to achieve desired water temperatures while minimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If homeowners operate pool heaters prematurely or at higher power levels to ensure desired temperature is reached, then the water temperature reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the optimal heater start time and power level in advance, using weather forecasts and historical data to determine when heating should begin to achieve the desired temperature exactly at the target time, avoiding both premature and insufficient heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring current water temperature, comparing it with the desired temperature trajectory, and adjusting heater operation in real-time based on actual conditions versus predicted conditions, ensuring energy-efficient heating while maintaining temperature reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If homeowners operate pool heaters late or at lower power levels to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the water temperature reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the precise start time and power level needed in advance, using weather forecasts and historical data to determine the minimum heating duration and intensity required to reach the desired temperature by the target time, preventing both energy waste and temperature failure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heater operation based on real-time conditions, modifying the heating schedule as weather conditions change or as actual temperature measurements differ from predictions, ensuring optimal energy usage while maintaining temperature reliability under varying conditions
3Device complexity
If homeowners use guesswork to determine heater operation timing and power levels, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating optimal heater schedules, selecting appropriate power levels, and adjusting operation timing based on weather forecasts and historical data, eliminating the need for homeowner guesswork while achieving precise temperature control through algorithmic optimization
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 achieves desired water temperatures at specified times while reducing energy consumption by optimizing heater operation based on real-time and predictive data.
Implementation Method 1
control heaters or other equipment of the users' pools or spas so as to achieve the identified water temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
“Just in time” operational techniques allow equipment of swimming pools or spas to achieve identified water temperatures at specified times. A user may supply information such as a desired water temperature (i.e. a temperature set point) and a time at which the water is desired to be at the desired temperature. After receiving the user-supplied information, software may account as well for certain environmental conditions to devise a suitable schedule for controlling heating of the water of the swimming pool or spa. Adjustments may be made to the schedule based on then-current water temperatures or other changed conditions.