Water Heater Controller with Time-of-Use Tariff Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water heater controllers fail to effectively manage energy consumption by not optimizing the operation of electric booster elements according to time-of-use tariffs and demand response signals, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A controller system for electric booster elements in water heaters that includes a control module, capacitive module, and communication capabilities to receive and respond to time-of-use data, demand response signals, and solar power, allowing for optimized power supply management during peak and off-peak periods, and ensuring continuous operation during power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the booster element operates continuously to ensure hot water supply, then the reliability of hot water supply is improved, but the energy consumption cost increases during peak tariff periods
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-heats water during off-peak tariff periods when energy costs are lower, storing hot water in the tank. This preliminary action allows the booster element to be restricted during peak tariff periods while maintaining hot water supply reliability from the pre-stored hot water.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operation of the booster element based on time-of-use tariff data, demand response signals, and hot water tank temperature. The system transitions between different operational states (continuous operation, restricted operation, or shutdown) to optimize the balance between reliability and energy cost.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the controller restricts booster element operation during peak tariff periods to reduce energy costs, then the energy consumption cost is reduced, but the reliability of hot water supply may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the temperature of hot water in the tank and uses this feedback to determine whether to restrict or allow booster operation. When the tank contains sufficient hot water, the controller restricts operation during peak periods; when hot water levels are low, the controller allows operation to maintain supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating during off-peak periods to build up hot water reserves in the tank before peak demand periods occur, ensuring that hot water supply reliability is maintained without requiring continuous booster operation during expensive peak periods.
3Reliability
If the controller uses a capacitive module to maintain operation during power outages, then the reliability of controller function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive module acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the mains power supply and the controller. It accumulates electrical energy during normal operation and releases it during power outages to maintain controller functionality, adding a single modular component rather than a complex backup power system.
4Loss of energy
If the controller monitors multiple parameters (tariff signals, demand response signals, hot water level, temperature) to optimize operation, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously processes time-of-use tariff data, demand response signals, hot water level monitoring, and temperature sensing. By integrating these multiple functions into a single controller unit, the system achieves high energy efficiency through comprehensive monitoring without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically makes operational decisions based on the monitored parameters without requiring external intervention. It self-adjusts the booster element operation by comparing multiple inputs (tariff period, demand response signals, hot water level, temperature) and autonomously determines the optimal operating state, reducing the need for additional control hardware or manual management.
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 controller system reduces energy consumption by optimizing the operation of electric booster elements based on time-of-use tariffs and demand response signals, ensuring efficient energy use and cost savings while maintaining functionality during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module
Implementation Method 2
The capacitive module can receive power from a photovoltaic module
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for an electric booster element in a water heater is described. The electric booster element is powered from mains power and the controller comprises a control module and a capacitive module adapted to store power and supply stored power to the control module. The control module produces a control signal for controlling a relay to supply or restrict mains power supply to said booster element, said control signal depending at least in part on time of use data.