Systems and Methods for Water Heaters with Dip Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dip tubes in water heaters allow cold water to leak from the anti-siphon hole, mixing with hot water and reducing the uniform energy factor (UEF) performance and first hour rating (FHR).
Innovation Solution
The dip tube is designed with a diverting diffuser at the bottom to prevent cold water from exiting in the direction of the water input axis, instead diverting it perpendicular to the axis and diffusing it to reduce disturbances in the water tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional dip tube with anti-siphon hole is used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but cold water leaks from the anti-siphon hole and mixes with hot water, reducing UEF performance and FHR
Solution Approach 1:
A flow diverter is introduced as an intermediary component within the dip tube. This flow diverter intercepts the leaking cold water and redirects it along the inner wall of the dip tube, preventing it from mixing with hot water in the tank. The flow diverter thus mediates between the anti-siphon hole's backflow prevention function and the need to maintain hot water temperature and UEF performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dip tube is designed with non-uniform flow characteristics at different locations. The flow diverter creates a localized flow pattern where cold water adheres to the inner wall and moves downward without mixing with the bulk hot water. This local modification of flow quality allows the anti-siphon hole to remain open for backflow prevention while eliminating its harmful thermal mixing effect.
2Quantity of substance
If cold water enters the water tank through the dip tube, then the tank is filled with cold water for heating, but the cold water mixes with hot water, reducing overall water temperature and hot water availability
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter acts as an intermediary that separates the cold water supply function from the hot water storage environment. It provides a dedicated pathway for cold water to enter and travel down the dip tube without intruding into the hot water zone, thus maintaining temperature separation while ensuring adequate cold water delivery for heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The dip tube interior is effectively segmented into two zones: an inner region where cold water flows along the wall, and an outer region containing hot water. The flow diverter creates this segmentation, allowing cold water to occupy a restricted pathway that prevents thermal mixing while still delivering the required quantity of cold water to the tank.
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 configuration enhances the UEF performance and FHR of the water heater by minimizing cold water leakage and mixing, thereby maintaining higher water temperatures and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A helix insert is disposed within the dip tube 106 to slow the output of cold water into the water tank 102
Implementation Method 2
When hot water is drawn from the water tank 102, the pressure in the water tank 102 drops and creates a vacuum inside the dip tube 106
Implementation Method 3
The anti-siphon hole 206 allows air to enter the dip tube 106, breaking the vacuum and preventing backflow of hot water into the cold-water supply
Implementation Method 4
The heating mechanism 108 heats the water in the water tank 102
Implementation Method 5
there is mixing of the different temperatures of water throughout the water tank 102 as a result of conduction and convection of the water
Implementation Method 6
there is mixing of the different temperatures of water throughout the water tank 102 as a result of conduction and convection of the water
Data Source
AI summary
A dip tube for use with a water heater having a water tank and a water input. The dip tube includes a top portion configured to be at least partially position in the water tank along a water input axis and connected to the water input to receive water. The dip tube also includes a bottom portion being configured to output the water into the water tank along an axis substantially perpendicular to the water input axis.