Water Heater Demand-Responsive Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric water heaters operate independently of consumer demand, continuously heating the entire tank to a set point temperature, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, despite the actual demand for hot water being lower than the heater's capacity.
Innovation Solution
A smart energy control module that continuously monitors and adjusts the set point temperature of the water heater based on consumer demand, using sensors and communication with an energy network to optimize energy usage and adjust the effective capacity of the water heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water heater continuously heats the entire tank to set point temperature, then adequate hot water supply is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the water heater by continuously monitoring actual hot water demand and adjusting the set point temperature accordingly. The controller modifies the heating temperature based on real-time demand signals from fixtures, transitioning from static continuous heating to dynamic demand-responsive heating, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate hot water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by monitoring actual hot water usage through demand signals from fixtures and using this information to adjust the water heater's set point temperature. The controller receives feedback about actual demand and continuously adjusts heating parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage based on real-time conditions.
2Productivity
If the set point temperature is maintained high, then hot water demand is met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic temperature adjustment by varying the set point temperature based on actual hot water demand rather than maintaining a constantly high temperature. The controller dynamically lowers the set point temperature during periods of low or no demand, reducing energy consumption while ensuring adequate hot water delivery capability when demand occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter (set point temperature) based on actual demand conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed high temperature, the controller adjusts the temperature parameter dynamically, lowering it during low-demand periods and raising it when demand is detected, thereby optimizing the balance between hot water delivery capability and energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If the water heater operates independently of consumer demand, then simple control is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback control by having the controller monitor actual hot water demand signals from fixtures and use this information to adjust heating operations. This feedback mechanism enables demand-responsive temperature adjustment, improving energy efficiency while adding moderate complexity to the control system through the integration of demand sensing and adaptive control logic.
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 solution reduces energy consumption by tailoring the water heater's capacity to meet actual demand, ensuring adequate hot water supply while adhering to energy standards and minimizing unnecessary heating.
Implementation Method 1
The lower and upper heating elements raise the temperature of the water disposed within the water heater tank to the set point temperature by converting current from a building power supply into radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
The control system continuously monitors the temperature of the water within the tank via a temperature sensor and compares the sensed temperature to the set point temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A control module for a water heater includes a switching module that receives a voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives the voltage supply. A communication module communicates with at least one of an energy meter and an energy network external to the water heater and the control module, and receives information from the at least one of the energy meter and the energy network. The control module is mounted on the water heater and the voltage supply passes through or adjacent to the control module. The control module determines an operating characteristic of the water heater based on the voltage supply and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater in response to the operating characteristic and the information.