System for communication, optimization and demand control for an appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water heaters lack efficient control mechanisms to optimize energy usage based on demand, leading to higher energy consumption and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for the selection of demand modes (Light, Medium, High, Very Hot) based on usage patterns or preprogrammed profiles, enabling bi-directional communication between a smart device and the water heater, and incorporating optimization software for energy savings, sediment buildup detection, and maintenance alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water heaters operate continuously to maintain hot water availability, then hot water availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater control system operates periodically based on learned usage patterns rather than continuously. The controller monitors hot water usage over time, identifies recurring patterns, and schedules heating operations to coincide with predicted demand periods. This periodic operation maintains hot water availability when needed while avoiding energy waste during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating actions before actual hot water demand occurs. By analyzing usage patterns, the controller anticipates when hot water will be needed and initiates heating in advance, ensuring hot water is available when demanded while avoiding the need for continuous operation. This predictive approach resolves the contradiction between availability and energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If demand control modes are added to the water heater, then energy optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater control system performs self-learning of usage patterns without requiring complex external programming or user intervention. The controller automatically monitors hot water usage, identifies patterns, and adjusts heating schedules autonomously. This self-service capability achieves energy optimization while minimizing the complexity burden on the user and the control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the controller continuously monitors actual hot water usage and compares it with predicted patterns. Based on this feedback, the controller refines its usage pattern model and adjusts future heating schedules. This feedback mechanism enables progressive energy optimization while using relatively simple control logic that adapts over time rather than requiring complex predetermined algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and approach for developing a periodic water usage profile and demand for controlling a water heater. A mode may be selected for demand for a certain amount of water of a particular temperature range to be available for use from the water heater. Data on hot water usage may be collected and the usage profile and demand may be calculated from the data. The water heater may be programmed to operate in a certain fashion based on the usage profile and demand. A control knob may be on the water heater control to select a particular demand. Control of the water heater may be operated from a remote device connected in a wireless or wired fashion. An optimization program may be implemented in the control of the water heater for achieving one or more beneficial goals related to water heater performance and hot water production.