Stackable water heater apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design an energy-efficient, economical residential electrical water heating system that effectively utilizes available building floor space, particularly in compliance with the U.S. Department of Energy's energy conservation standards requiring a heat pump for water heaters with capacities over 55 gallons, while ensuring practical and cost-effective installation.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed stackable electric water heater apparatus comprising vertically stacked upper and lower water heaters, each with a capacity not exceeding 55 gallons, sharing a single electrical branch circuit and featuring non-simultaneous control of their heating elements to adhere to energy efficiency standards, reducing the overall footprint and meeting hot water demands efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large water heater over 55 gallons is installed, then hot water capacity is sufficient, but a heat pump must be incorporated which increases installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large water heater system into multiple smaller water heater units (first and second water heaters), each with 55 gallons or less capacity. This segmentation allows the system to meet the DOE energy conservation standards without requiring heat pump incorporation, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining sufficient hot water capacity through the combined output of multiple units.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple water heaters are installed to avoid heat pump requirement, then installation cost is reduced, but available floor space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to arrange multiple water heater units in the vertical dimension rather than spreading them horizontally. The first water heater is positioned at a first location and the second water heater is positioned at a second location such that their horizontal projections overlap or are substantially aligned, thereby minimizing the horizontal footprint and effectively using vertical space to reduce the overall floor space requirement.
3Area of stationary object
If water heaters are vertically stacked to save floor space, then floor space utilization is improved, but electrical circuit requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single electrical branch circuit that serves multiple water heater units through a multi-pole switch. This universal electrical configuration allows the same circuit to control and power multiple stacked water heaters, thereby managing electrical complexity efficiently while maintaining the space-saving vertical stacking arrangement.
4Productivity
If heating elements are controlled simultaneously for maximum heating capacity, then hot water production is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of heating elements through a multi-pole switch that selectively energizes heating elements in different water heater units based on operational conditions. Rather than simultaneously activating all heating elements, the system dynamically switches between them, allowing maximum hot water production when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation by activating only the necessary number of heating elements.
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 solution allows for efficient use of space by stacking water heaters, ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards without the need for a heat pump, while maintaining the ability to meet hot water requirements effectively and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
The electric heating elements of the two water heaters are non-simultaneously controlled so that at no time do the two water heaters heat water at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
An electric water heating apparatus includes a first electric water heater having a first tank adapted to hold a quantity of water and a first electric heating structure disposed within the first tank. The electric water heating apparatus further includes a second electric water heater having a second tank adapted to hold a quantity of water; and a second electric heating structure disposed within the second tank. The electric water heating apparatus further includes a control unit that is in electrical communication with the first electric heating structure and second electric heating structure, the control unit configured to prevent both the first electric heating structure and the second electric heating structure from being simultaneously operable.