Storage Water Heater Adaptive Temperature Control for Lower Heat Loss

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water storage heaters face inefficiencies due to high thermal dispersions and the need for maintaining storage temperatures higher than usage temperatures, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and difficulty in accurately managing water flow rates based on uneven and repetitive usage patterns.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses two temperature sensors to monitor and learn the water heater's thermal inertia and usage patterns, allowing for automatic adjustment of storage temperatures to meet demand while minimizing thermal losses, without the need for manual settings or flow detectors, by calculating the optimal heating times and temperatures based on sensed data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage temperature is maintained at maximum value to meet largest drawing, then service reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary thermal dispersions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the storage temperature adaptive rather than static. The microprocessor continuously monitors usage patterns and automatically adjusts the storage temperature to match actual demand, raising it only when drawings are detected and lowering it during low-demand periods. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during off-peak times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the microprocessor that continuously monitors water usage patterns, heating element performance, and temperature changes. Based on this feedback, the system learns and adapts the drawing profile, adjusting the storage temperature accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliability is maintained while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from thermal dispersions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If storage temperature is maintained high to compensate for pipe cooling, then water delivery temperature is improved, but thermal losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater delivery temperatureVSAvoidthermal losses

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting drawing patterns in advance and pre-heating the storage temperature only when a drawing is anticipated. Rather than maintaining high temperature continuously, the system raises the storage temperature shortly before expected usage based on learned patterns, thus ensuring adequate delivery temperature while minimizing thermal losses during non-usage periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on actual usage conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed high storage temperature, the microprocessor adjusts the storage temperature parameter up or down according to detected drawing patterns and thermal dispersion conditions, optimizing the balance between delivery temperature and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If fixed temperature control is used to simplify management, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to varying usage patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of managementVSAvoidadaptability to usage patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the microprocessor to automatically learn and adapt to the user's drawing patterns without manual intervention. The system autonomously monitors usage, identifies patterns, and adjusts storage temperature accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually program or adjust settings while maintaining high adaptability to varying usage behaviors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical temperature control with an electronic learning system. Instead of requiring users to manually set and adjust temperature parameters, a microprocessor-based electronic system automatically adapts to usage patterns through intelligent algorithms, substituting complex manual operation with automated electronic control that provides both ease of use and high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If storage volume is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost is improved, but ability to meet largest drawing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidability to meet drawing demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the storage temperature adaptive rather than static. The microprocessor continuously monitors usage patterns and automatically adjusts the storage temperature to match actual demand, raising it only when drawings are detected and lowering it during low-demand periods. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during off-peak times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on actual usage conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed high storage temperature, the microprocessor adjusts the storage temperature parameter up or down according to detected drawing patterns and thermal dispersion conditions, optimizing the balance between delivery temperature and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 thermal dispersions by maintaining storage temperatures at the lowest possible values sufficient for meeting usage demands, ensuring efficient energy use and accurate water supply, while adapting to changes in usage patterns over time.

Implementation Method 1

two temperature sensors to monitor and learn the water heater's thermal inertia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the heating element by a clock so that the desired temperatures are only ensured within the time period when drawings are expected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2362931B1Method for minimizing energy consumption of a storage water heater through adaptative learning logic

Publication Date: 2016.02.17 ARISTON THERMO SPA

Figure 1~2

AI summary

Method for managing a storage water heater (1) comprising a first learning step during a first drawing cycle and a second step of management of said water heater (1) in subsequent cycles that repeat substantially unchanged relative to the first cycle. During said first step, information is acquired on the water heating speed (Iwh) and for each drawing (Pk), on the corresponding drawing start times (tik,) and temperature drops (?Tk) caused. During said second step, using the data learnt in the first step, for each drawing (Pk) the water heating is started with an advance time (?tadvance) relative to the drawing start time (tik) sufficient for bringing the temperature (Tm) to the drawing temperature value (Tset.k) required for ensuring said drawing (Pk). Said drawing temperature value (Tset.k) is given by formula Tset.k = ?Tk + Treq.max + 5 where term Treq.max has a predetermined value that depends on the type of water heater (1).