Swimming pool or SPA with localized heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for heating swimming pools or spas consume excessive energy and time, as they heat the entire pool, while users often only occupy a portion of it.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for locally heating a sub-portion of a swimming pool or spa by decreasing water flow through a circulation system and increasing heater power in a spa mode, allowing for rapid heating of a specific area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heating equipment is used to heat the entire swimming pool, then the entire pool water temperature is increased, but excessive energy is consumed and heating time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized heating by directing heated water from the heater to specific pool areas through strategically positioned return jets. The system heats only the water in the desired zone rather than the entire pool, achieving temperature increase in targeted areas while minimizing overall energy consumption. This is accomplished by creating thermal zones where heated water is delivered precisely to occupied areas through controlled water circulation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the pool into multiple thermal zones by positioning return jets at different locations and controlling their individual flow rates. Each zone can be independently heated by directing heated water to specific areas, allowing selective heating of occupied zones while leaving unoccupied areas at lower temperatures. This segmentation enables energy-efficient heating by treating different pool regions as separate heating targets.
2Temperature
If traditional heating equipment is used to heat the entire swimming pool, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but heating time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system prioritizes rapid heating of occupied zones by directing heated water specifically to areas where users are present, rather than attempting to heat the entire pool volume uniformly. This localized approach reduces heating time significantly while maintaining comfortable temperatures in user areas. The return jets are positioned and controlled to deliver heated water quickly to specific zones, achieving fast thermal response in occupied areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water circulation patterns and return jet flow rates based on real-time detection of user presence and location. Sensors monitor which areas of the pool are occupied and the system adapts by directing heated water to those specific zones, optimizing heating speed and efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond quickly to changing usage patterns and minimize heating time for actively used areas.
3Reliability
If water flow through the circulation system is maintained at high rate, then water circulation and filtration efficiency is improved, but heating efficiency in localized areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump speed and return jet flow rates based on operational mode and detected user presence. In heating mode, the pump speed is reduced to allow water to absorb more heat from the heater, while in circulation mode, higher speeds maintain water quality. The return jets are controlled to deliver heated water to specific zones at optimized flow rates, balancing heating efficiency with circulation requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize for heating when users are present while maintaining circulation efficiency during other periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between different operational modes including heating mode, circulation mode, and standby mode. During heating periods, water flow is optimized for heat transfer by reducing circulation speed and directing flow through the heater. During circulation periods, higher flow rates maintain water quality and distribution. This periodic switching between modes allows the system to achieve both effective localized heating and adequate overall circulation over time.
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 approach reduces energy consumption and heating time by focusing on heating only the occupied area, providing energy and cost savings while maintaining user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
increasing a temperature of water flowing through the circulation system using a heater
Implementation Method 2
decreasing a flow of water through a circulation system using a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for locally heating a sub-portion of a swimming pool or spa. The method may include controlling operation of a pump and a heater of the circulation to be in a spa mode. Controlling operation of the pump may include decreasing a flow of water through a circulation system using the pump. Controlling operation of the heater may include increasing a temperature of water flowing through the circulation system using a heater.