Remote Hot Water Recirculation Using Usage-Pattern Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plumbing systems face inefficiencies in water and energy conservation due to thermal losses in hot water distribution, particularly in non-circulating systems, and the continuous operation of recirculation pumps leads to increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled 'on command' hot water system utilizing a microprocessor-based controller component that can be located away from the hot water source, allowing for wireless or wired communication to manage and monitor the system, optimizing water and energy usage by analyzing usage patterns and adjusting the recirculation pump and temperature settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If continuous hot water recirculation is implemented, then water loss at fixtures is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to thermal radiation from pipes and continuous pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous recirculation to periodic recirculation triggered by user commands or sensors. The recirculation pump operates only when hot water is actually needed at fixtures, eliminating continuous energy consumption while still preventing water loss through on-demand hot water delivery to multiple fixtures simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors detect hot water usage at fixtures and send feedback signals to the controller, which activates the recirculation pump and adjusts the water heater accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures recirculation occurs only when needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining water availability and reducing energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If insulation is added to hot water lines, then thermal loss is slowed, but heat dissipation eventually occurs as hot water cools to ambient temperature over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water in the recirculation loop before it reaches fixtures, and pre-activates recirculation upon detecting usage patterns. This ensures hot water is delivered before the user needs it, eliminating the need for prolonged temperature maintenance and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
3Ease of operation
If a remote controller component is used to monitor and control the hot water system, then system accessibility and monitoring capability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller component serves multiple functions: monitoring temperature, detecting usage patterns, controlling the recirculation pump, adjusting water heater settings, and providing user interface capabilities. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate devices into one universal controller, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.