Recirculation system using wireless power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recirculation systems require significant wiring and additional communications hardware to operate smart recirculation systems at remote fixtures, often lacking a nearby power outlet, and battery-powered pumps necessitate frequent recharging and replacement, while the 'cold water sandwich' effect and signal loss in wireless power transmission pose additional challenges.
Innovation Solution
A DC recirculation pump powered by short-range wireless power transmission from a 120V outlet, combined with a temperature sensor proximal to the fixture for timely activation/deactivation, and communication with the water heater to ensure immediate hot water availability, eliminating the need for a battery and reducing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a recirculation pump is installed at a remote fixture far from the water heater, then hot water availability at the fixture is improved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The smart recirculation controller communicates with the water heater via wireless signals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols), eliminating the need for complex wiring between the remote fixture and water heater while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smart recirculation controller as an intermediary device that coordinates between the water heater and the remote fixture. This controller manages the recirculation process by receiving temperature/flow data and sending control signals to the water heater, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing wiring requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a recirculation pump is installed at a remote fixture without a nearby power outlet, then installation flexibility is improved, but power supply complexity increases due to battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the battery-powered electrical system with a wireless power transmission system. Power is transmitted wirelessly from a standard 120V outlet to the recirculation pump using electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for batteries, battery compartments, and associated power management hardware while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the recirculation pump to operate from any location within range of a standard 120V outlet by using wireless power transmission. This universal power supply approach allows the system to adapt to various installation locations without requiring specialized power infrastructure or battery systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless power transmission is used to power the recirculation pump, then installation flexibility is improved, but signal loss increases with distance from the power outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power adjustment where the system continuously monitors the received power level and adjusts transmission power accordingly. When signal loss is detected due to distance, the wireless power transmission system automatically increases its output power to maintain sufficient power delivery to the pump, enabling flexible installation at various distances from the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the recirculation pump monitors the power it receives and communicates this information back to the wireless power transmission system. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts transmission parameters to compensate for signal loss, ensuring reliable operation regardless of distance from the 120V outlet.
4Speed
If a temperature sensor is placed proximal to the fixture for timely activation, then hot water delivery speed is improved, but the cold water sandwich effect may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by having the smart recirculation controller continuously monitor temperature and flow conditions in advance. When the system detects conditions that precede cold water sandwich (such as temperature drops or flow interruptions), it proactively adjusts the recirculation timing and water heater operation to prevent the effect from occurring, rather than merely reacting after the problem arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements coordinated feedback between the temperature sensor, smart recirculation controller, and water heater. The system continuously monitors temperature and flow conditions and dynamically adjusts recirculation timing and water heater operation based on real-time feedback, optimizing the balance between rapid hot water delivery and prevention of cold water sandwich effect.
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 provides efficient, battery-free operation with reduced installation requirements, minimizes the 'cold water sandwich' effect, and ensures proactive hot water delivery by directly powering the pump with minimal signal loss, thus enhancing reliability and reducing freezing risks.
Implementation Method 1
A DC recirculation pump powered by short-range wireless power transmission from a 120V outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for controlling a wirelessly powered water pump apparatus include a water recirculation pump apparatus including: a pump; a first inlet connected to a hot water supply line; a second inlet connected to a cold water supply line; a first outlet supplying hot water from the hot water supply line to a plumbing fixture; a second outlet supplying cold water from the cold water supply line to the plumbing fixture; and processing circuitry configured to activate and deactivate the pump, wherein the processing circuitry receives power from an electrical receptacle via a wireless power receiver.