Variable Power Water Heater Using PWM for Multi-Source Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water heaters with fixed hardware power requirements necessitate replacement when installed in facilities like aircraft or buildings with different power capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A variable power water heater system incorporating a power supply circuit, switch, and controller that uses pulse width modulation (PWM) to adjust the power signal's duty cycle based on detected identifiers or power source characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed power hardware is used in water heater, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different power sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power delivery system adjustable through PWM control. The controller dynamically changes the duty cycle of power delivered to the heating element based on detected power source characteristics, transforming a static fixed-power system into a dynamic adaptive system that can operate across multiple power budgets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power delivery parameter (duty cycle) based on detected power source characteristics. The controller adjusts the proportion of time the heating element receives power, effectively changing the average power consumption from a fixed value to a variable parameter that adapts to available power budgets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PWM control is added to vary power output, then adaptability to different power sources is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it detects power source characteristics, determines appropriate PWM schemes, generates control signals, and monitors operation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the power source and heating element. This intermediary detects power characteristics and mediates power delivery through PWM control, shielding the heating element from direct exposure to varying power conditions while enabling adaptive operation.
3Reliability
If hardware replacement is required for different power facilities, then power requirement matching is improved, but loss of time and increased costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary detection of power source characteristics during installation or initial operation. Based on this detection, it pre-configures the appropriate PWM scheme before actual heating operation begins, ensuring immediate compatibility without requiring subsequent hardware changes or adjustments.
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
Enables the water heater to efficiently operate within different power budgets by dynamically adjusting its power usage, reducing the need for hardware changes and improving flexibility in installation settings.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, a power supply circuit configured to generate a power signal for the heating element
Implementation Method 2
the controller may be configured to toggle the switch according to a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme to control a duty cycle of the power signal transmitted from the power supply circuit to the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A variable power water heater is disclosed. In embodiments, the variable power water heater includes a water tank, a heating element, a power supply circuit, a switch, and a controller. The heating element may be disposed within or coupled to the water tank. The power supply circuit may be configured to generate a power signal for the heating element. The switch may be configured to couple the power supply circuit to the heating element, and the controller may be configured to toggle the switch according to a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme to control a duty cycle of the power signal transmitted from the power supply circuit to the heating element.