Water Heater Demand-Based Control for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water heaters lack efficient control mechanisms to optimize energy usage based on demand, leading to higher energy consumption and inefficiency, as they typically rely on fixed temperature settings and lack user-friendly communication features for homeowners.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a control knob with demand settings (Light Demand, Medium Demand, High Demand, Very Hot) and a communication module allowing remote operation via a smart device, enabling usage pattern-based control and optimization, along with features like automatic pilot relighting and energy storage for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional water heaters use fixed temperature settings, then the operation is simple, but energy consumption is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater control system transitions from fixed temperature settings to dynamic demand-based control. The control knob provides multiple demand settings (Light Demand, Medium Demand, High Demand, Very Hot) that allow the system to adapt its operation dynamically based on actual hot water needs, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining operational simplicity through user-friendly interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from fixed temperature to variable demand levels. By implementing demand-based control with selectable settings, the water heater can adjust its heating parameters dynamically, optimizing energy consumption based on the actual hot water requirements without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If water heaters lack communication features, then the device structure is simple, but user convenience and control capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A communication module is introduced as an intermediary between the water heater and the user's smart device. This module enables remote control and monitoring capabilities, allowing users to adjust demand settings and monitor water heater status from remote locations, thereby enhancing user convenience without significantly complicating the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If standing pilots are used, then the water heater is always ready to operate, but gas consumption increases continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous standing pilot operation with periodic ignition based on actual demand. When a demand setting is selected, the system periodically ignites the pilot, heats the water according to the selected demand level, and then shuts down the pilot when no longer needed. This periodic action maintains operational reliability while eliminating continuous gas consumption associated with standing pilots.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and approach for developing a periodic water usage profile and demand for controlling a water heater. A mode may be selected for demand for a certain amount of water of a particular temperature range to be available for use from the water heater. Data on hot water usage may be collected and the usage profile and demand may be calculated from the data. The water heater may be programmed to operate in a certain fashion based on the usage profile and demand. A control knob may be on the water heater control to select a particular demand. Control of the water heater may be operated from a remote device connected in a wireless or wired fashion. An optimization program may be implemented in the control of the water heater for achieving one or more beneficial goals related to water heater performance and hot water production.