Single-Socket Water Heater Valve Assembly for Low-Energy Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water heater systems require multiple components and high-energy circulation pumps due to separate systems for internal heating and external heat sources, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with integrated functions, including a shut-off valve, check valve, temperature reduction valve, relief valve, and expansion vessel, is installed with only one or two connectors on the tank, utilizing the tank's internal pressure for circulation and eliminating the need for separate relief and expansion vessels by connecting supply and return pipes directly to the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate relief valve and expansion vessel are used for internal heating, then safety and pressure control are ensured, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the relief valve and expansion vessel functions into the existing pressure system. The relief valve is integrated into the valve assembly, and the expansion vessel utilizes the existing cold water supply connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety and pressure control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs multiple functions including shut-off, check valve, temperature reduction, and relief valve functions. The expansion vessel is connected to the cold water supply system which serves dual purposes for both filling and expansion compensation, making the system more versatile and reducing component count.
2Speed
If a circulation pump with high power is used to lift water to roof-level solar panels, then water circulation is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the water heater tank at a high location, utilizing gravitational potential energy to naturally circulate water to solar panels at lower levels. This eliminates the need for high-power circulation pumps by leveraging the height difference, converting potential energy into kinetic energy for water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tank's internal pressure and gravitational force to drive water circulation automatically without requiring external energy input for pumping. The circulation is self-sustaining through the pressure differential created by the height difference between the tank and the solar panel location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are provided on the tank for separate systems, then all functions are available, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly integrates multiple functions including shut-off valve, check valve, temperature reduction valve, and relief valve into a single multi-functional component. This consolidated design provides all necessary functions while requiring only one or two connectors on the tank, significantly simplifying installation compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the supply and return pipe connections along with all valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly that connects to the tank with minimal connectors. This consolidation reduces the number of installation points and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 configuration reduces energy consumption by using a low-power circulation pump and eliminates the need for additional components, providing efficient and cost-effective heating and temperature control while ensuring safety and immediate hot water delivery without scalding risks.
Implementation Method 1
consumption water with a pressure of approx. 3 bar, can be used for circulation between the tank and the external heat source
Implementation Method 2
internal heat exchanger 4 for heating from an external heat source
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (16) for installation on a water heater comprising a tank (19) with one single welded socket (17), and where cold-water by discharge is led into a connection for a supply pipe (1), through a check valve (4) and down through a cold-water pipe (5a) to the bottom of the tank (19). The hot water in the top of the tank (19) is forced out through a cavity (7) and out of the valve through a connection for a hot water delivery pipe (9). The valve (16) has a connection for a suction pipe (10) for connection to a circulation pump (24) sucking cold water from the bottom of the tank (19) to external heating, wherein the circulation pump (24) leads the consumption water of the tank (19) back to the valve (16) through a connection for a return pipe (11) and to the middle of the tank (19). The return pipe (11) is arranged to be used for return from the circulation pipe between the tank (19) and a hot water cabinet (28).