Water circulation module and hot water system using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water systems require significant waiting time for hot water output due to residual cold water in pipelines and safety protocols, leading to water waste and poor user experience, especially in multi-bathroom homes where individual preheating control is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A water circulation module installed between the hot and cold water pipelines, equipped with a temperature sensing device, water pump, and controller to establish a preheating circulation path, allowing for individual control and efficient heating of cold water in the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a preheating function is implemented using a water pump and water tank, then hot water can be supplied immediately improving user experience, but a return pipe must be preset between the hot faucet and the gas heating appliance which cannot be applied if decoration is already finished
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the preheating system into modular components: a circulation pump unit, a control unit, and a mixing valve unit. This segmentation allows the system to be installed in different configurations and locations, making it adaptable to finished decoration homes where return pipes cannot be preset.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a three-way mixing valve as an intermediary device that mixes preheated water with cold water to achieve the desired temperature. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to function without requiring a direct return pipe connection between the faucet and heating appliance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a return pipe section is connected in parallel with a water mixing valve to enable preheating circulation, then the system can be applied to finished decoration homes, but individual control over multiple water consuming subsystems is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention assigns a separate circulation pump unit to each water consuming subsystem (e.g., each bathroom). This segmentation enables independent control of preheating circulation in each subsystem, allowing users to preheat water only in the bathrooms where it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Each circulation pump unit is equipped with its own control unit that can independently detect water demand and control the preheating circulation for its associated subsystem. This self-service capability allows each bathroom to autonomously manage its own preheating without affecting other subsystems.
3Reliability
If cold water in pipelines is drained out before hot water output, then security protocols are followed and residual gas is exhausted, but a large volume of cold water is wasted causing resource loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preheating circulation before the user activates the hot water faucet. The circulation pump unit activates in advance to circulate water through the heating appliance, preheating the water in the pipelines. This preliminary action ensures that when the faucet is turned on, hot water is immediately available without wasting cold water during the warm-up period.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the temperature of water in the pipelines and the operational status of the heating appliance. Based on this feedback, the control unit intelligently activates or deactivates the circulation pump unit, ensuring that preheating occurs only when necessary and stopping when the desired temperature is reached, thereby preventing water waste while maintaining safety.
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 immediate hot water access at faucets by preheating the water circulation system, reducing waiting time and water waste, and allowing individual control over multiple water consuming subsystems.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump disposed in the main waterway for being started or stopped in accordance with the water temperature detected by the temperature sensing device
Implementation Method 2
a gas water heater, a gas boiler, or a solar water heater, or a heat pump, etc.
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensing device associated with the main waterway for detecting temperature of water within the main waterway
Implementation Method 4
a controller electrically connected with the temperature sensing device and the water pump for controlling the water pump to be started or stopped in accordance with the water temperature detected by the temperature sensing device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present invention discloses a water circulation module adapted to be installed in a hot water system including a water heating appliance having an water inlet and a water outlet, a cold water pipeline in communication with the water inlet, and a hot water pipeline in communication with the water outlet. The water circulation module is disposed outside the water heating appliance and connected between the hot water pipeline and the cold water pipeline, so as to selectively establish a water circulation path between itself and the water heating appliance and thereby heating cold water in the water circulation path. The water circulation module includes a main waterway, a temperature sensing device associated with the main waterway for detecting temperature of water within the main waterway, and a water pump disposed in the main waterway for being started or stopped in accordance with the water temperature detected by the temperature sensing device. In this way, the water circulation module is able to determine to start or stop the preheating circulation by itself and control the preheating circulation of the water consuming system where it locates individually.