Pool Temperature Control Using Solar Forecasts and Use Schedules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool temperature regulation systems are inefficient, leading to excessive energy consumption and costs, as they often heat or cool water beyond the desired temperature, and fail to optimize energy usage based on solar radiation, user schedules, and energy pricing.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation system that includes a processor to determine temperature thresholds, calculate solar radiation exposure, and activate heating or cooling elements based on desired use times and energy factors, such as pump power and energy rates, to minimize energy expenditure while maintaining optimal pool temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature regulation systems operate continuously to maintain pool temperature, then the pool temperature remains stable, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the time required to reach desired temperature thresholds and scheduling temperature regulation operations in advance based on forecasted solar radiation and user availability, rather than continuously operating or reacting to current conditions alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature regulation operations based on varying solar radiation forecasts, user availability, and energy pricing conditions, optimizing when heating or cooling occurs rather than maintaining static continuous operation
2Ease of operation
If temperature regulation systems heat or cool water beyond desired temperature to ensure readiness, then the pool is always ready for use, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the minimum time required to reach temperature thresholds and schedules operations to complete刚好 when users become available, avoiding premature heating or cooling that would waste energy while ensuring the pool is ready at the right moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses forecasted solar radiation data to determine when passive solar heating will naturally reach desired temperatures, allowing the pool to heat itself during sunny periods without active energy input, and only activating temperature regulation elements when necessary
3Productivity
If the system incorporates multiple factors (solar radiation, user schedules, energy pricing) for optimization, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it receives and processes solar radiation forecasts, retrieves user availability schedules, obtains energy pricing conditions, calculates temperature thresholds, and activates temperature regulation elements, consolidating what could be separate complex subsystems into one multi-functional unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily gathers and processes all necessary data (solar forecasts, user schedules, energy pricing) before making optimization decisions, so that when temperature regulation is needed, the optimal timing and method have already been determined through advance calculation
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 reduces energy consumption and costs by optimizing temperature regulation according to user schedules, solar radiation, and energy pricing, ensuring the pool water is warmed or cooled only when needed, thereby saving on utility bills and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature-regulation element configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository... an energy-transfer rate for the temperature-regulation element
Implementation Method 2
calculate an amount of solar radiation to which the volume of fluid is exposed... a solar heater
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a system including: at least one temperature-regulation element in fluidic communication with a fluid repository; and a processor in electronic communication with the at least one temperature-regulation element. The processor can: determine a temperature threshold value for a volume of fluid contained by the fluid repository; calculate an amount of solar radiation to which the volume of fluid is exposed; calculate, from the amount of solar radiation and a set of temperature-regulation factors, a time period for reaching the temperature threshold value for the volume of fluid; identify a desired use time for the volume of fluid; and activate the at least one temperature-regulation element according to the time period and the desired use time. The set of temperature-regulation factors includes at least a current temperature of the fluid volume and an energy-transfer rate for the temperature-regulation element.