Smart Water Heater Control for Demand-Based Temperature Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric water heaters operate independently of consumer demand, continuously heating the entire volume of water to a set point temperature, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, even when lower temperatures are sufficient for user needs.
Innovation Solution
A smart energy control module that monitors and adjusts the set point temperature of the water heater based on consumer usage patterns, selectively energizing heating elements to optimize the effective capacity and reduce energy consumption while maintaining adequate hot water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water heater continuously heats the entire volume of water to the set point temperature, then a consistent supply of hot water is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the water heater system by continuously monitoring hot water demand and adjusting the set point temperature and heating element operation accordingly. The controller modifies heating parameters in real-time based on actual usage patterns, transitioning from static continuous heating to dynamic demand-responsive heating, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable hot water supply and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and controllers that monitor water temperature, heating element status, and demand conditions. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust heating operations based on actual system state and demand, optimizing energy usage while maintaining consistent hot water availability, thus addressing the technical contradiction
2Quantity of substance
If the set point temperature is maintained at a high level, then adequate hot water capacity is available, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the set point temperature based on monitored hot water demand rather than maintaining a fixed high temperature. When demand is low, the set point is reduced to minimize energy loss; when demand increases, the set point is raised to ensure adequate hot water capacity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining hot water capacity and improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter (set point) based on demand conditions. By varying the set point temperature parameter dynamically rather than keeping it constant at a high level, the system optimizes the balance between hot water capacity availability and energy efficiency, reducing unnecessary energy loss while maintaining adequate capacity when needed
3Stability of the object's composition
If the heating elements are continuously energized, then the water temperature is maintained at the set point, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent heating action rather than continuous energization of heating elements. The controller energizes heating elements only when and for as long as needed to maintain water temperature at the dynamically adjusted set point, based on demand monitoring. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while eliminating continuous energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors and controllers to automatically monitor and adjust heating operations based on actual temperature conditions and demand. This self-regulating mechanism ensures temperature stability is maintained only when necessary, allowing the system to turn off heating elements when temperature requirements are met, thereby reducing energy waste while preserving temperature stability
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 solution enables the water heater to adjust its capacity according to actual demand, minimizing energy usage and ensuring a consistent supply of hot water by optimizing the set point temperature, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and compliance with energy standards.
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 upper temperature sensor and lower temperature sensor each provide information regarding the water temperature near the respective elements
Data Source
AI summary
A smart energy control module for a water heater includes a switching module that receives a voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. 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. The control module is mounted on the water heater. The voltage supply passes at least one of through and adjacent to the control module. The control module determines at least one 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 information received from the at least one of the energy meter and the energy network.