Hot and cold water dispensing system with temperature control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensing systems lack efficient temperature control and consistency, particularly in delivering heated water at high temperatures for domestic and commercial use, and often require large sizes and inefficient heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A compact water dispensing system combining a small boiler module with a cooler module, featuring a high-performance heating element, temperature sensor, and control system that ensures repeatable temperature consistency and efficient energy use, including features like soft start, heater load control, and sanitation modes, to provide heated water at 90°C with minimal size and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional water dispensing system is used, then water can be dispensed, but temperature control is inconsistent and heating efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors water temperature and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element operation based on this feedback, maintaining consistent temperature (90°C) while optimizing energy consumption by cycling the heater only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heating element based on real-time temperature measurements. By dynamically adjusting heating power and cycle timing according to actual temperature conditions, the system achieves both temperature consistency and energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If a high-power heating element is used to heat water quickly, then heating speed improves, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a high-power heater continuously, the system employs periodic heating cycles controlled by the controller based on temperature sensor feedback. The heating element operates in short bursts to maintain temperature, achieving fast response without requiring high continuous power, thus reducing boiler size and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous temperature control through periodic heating cycles rather than relying on a large heater that operates intermittently. This continuous monitoring and periodic heating approach ensures consistent temperature delivery while using a compact heating element and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If temperature control is added to ensure consistent heated water delivery, then temperature reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temperature sensor and controller to monitor and adjust heating element operation. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent temperature delivery (90°C) while automating the control process, reducing the need for complex manual control systems and maintaining simplicity in operation.
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 system achieves consistent and efficient dispensing of heated water at 90°C with reduced energy consumption and compact size, suitable for both domestic and commercial applications, while ensuring safety and maintenance features like descaling alerts and error detection.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to heat the water
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the water in the boiler module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A water dispensing system (1) is provided comprising a boiler module (60) configured to heat water. The system further comprises a dispensing head (14) having a nozzle (18) for dispensing the water heated by the boiler module and a user input device (16) configured to receive an input. The system also has a controller (114) in communication with the user input device and the boiler module. The controller is configured to control the dispensing of the water heated by the boiler module based on the input received by the user input device.