Systems and methods for pre-heating swimming pools or spas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional heating systems for swimming pools and spas are inefficient and costly, as they either require long preheating times or wasteful continuous operation to maintain water at a set temperature, especially for spontaneous user decisions.

Innovation Solution

A system with a controller that operates in a pre-heat mode to raise water to an intermediate temperature and then switches to a usage mode to reach the set temperature upon user input, reducing heating time and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional heating systems operate continuously to maintain water at set temperature, then the water temperature is maintained, but energy consumption and operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary heating action by raising the water temperature above the set temperature in advance. The controller monitors temperature and when it reaches the pre-heated temperature (set temperature plus differential), it shuts off the heater early, anticipating that temperature will drop to the set point during normal operation, thus avoiding unnecessary continuous operation and energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial heating action by only heating the water to a slightly elevated pre-heated temperature rather than continuously maintaining the exact set temperature. This excessive action (heating slightly above set point) is controlled and temporary, allowing the system to then rely on natural cooling and insulation to maintain acceptable temperature ranges, reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional heating systems shut off completely, then energy consumption is reduced, but the water temperature drops below desired levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwater temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary heating to raise the water temperature to a pre-heated temperature (set temperature plus differential) before the user arrives or needs the pool. This advance action ensures that when the heater shuts off, the temperature is still above the minimum desired level, and natural cooling will maintain it within the acceptable range until the next heating cycle is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Temperature

If heating systems run for long durations to heat water to set temperature, then desired temperature is achieved, but heating time and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidheating time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves the heating goal with partial action by heating the water only to a pre-heated temperature (set temperature plus differential) rather than continuously running until exact set temperature is reached and maintained for extended periods. This reduces heating time while still achieving the practical heating objective, as the temperature will naturally settle within the acceptable range during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Device complexity

If heating systems operate in binary on/off mode, then system complexity is low, but temperature control precision and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system improves energy efficiency by changing the temperature parameter control strategy from binary on/off at set temperature to on/off at pre-heated temperature (set temperature plus differential). This parameter change allows the heater to shut off earlier in the heating cycle, and the expanded temperature range (set temperature to pre-heated temperature) provides a buffer that reduces the frequency and duration of heating cycles, thereby reducing overall energy consumption without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for rapid heating to desired temperatures while improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs by using a stepped temperature profile, enabling quicker responses to user needs and optimizing the use of heating devices.

Implementation Method 1

heating the water from the pre-heat temperature to the set temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230280070A1Systems and methods for pre-heating swimming pools or spas

Publication Date: 2023.09.07 ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A heating system for a pool or spa includes at least one heating device and a controller. The controller may control and/or operate the at least one heating device in a pre-heat mode or a usage mode. The pre-heat mode may heat water of the pool or spa to a pre-heat temperature based on a first input received by the controller. The usage mode may heat the water to a set temperature greater than the pre-heat temperature based on a second input received by the controller after the first input.