Water Heater Setpoint Control Using Forecasted Outdoor Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weather forecast-based control systems do not adapt to adjust the setpoint temperature of water heaters in response to current and forecasted outdoor temperatures, failing to provide comfort and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid heating control system that adjusts its setpoint temperature based on the difference between forecasted and current outdoor temperatures, using weather data such as temperature, wind chill factor, and heat index, to anticipate and meet user comfort needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If weather forecast data is integrated into building management systems for space heating and cooling, then comfort control and energy efficiency are improved, but water heating control remains unaddressed and lacks adaptive temperature adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The weather forecast-based control system is extended from space heating/cooling applications to water heating control. The same controller architecture and weather data processing mechanisms are utilized to adjust water heater setpoint temperatures, making the system multi-functional without requiring entirely separate control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses forecasted weather data to proactively adjust water heater setpoint temperatures before actual weather changes occur. By anticipating temperature drops or rises based on weather forecasts, the system pre-adjusts heating parameters to maintain comfort while optimizing energy consumption during upcoming weather events.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of water heater setpoint temperature is required to maintain comfort during weather changes, then user control is maintained, but user convenience decreases and energy efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The water heating system performs self-adjustment of setpoint temperatures based on forecasted weather data and actual temperature measurements. The controller automatically modifies heating parameters without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing both comfort and energy consumption during weather transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual water temperatures and compares them against target setpoints, using this feedback to adjust heater operation. Additionally, forecasted weather data provides forward-looking feedback that enables preemptive adjustments to setpoint temperatures, creating a multi-layered feedback mechanism that optimizes both comfort and energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If water heater setpoint temperature is adjusted in anticipation of weather changes, then user comfort is maintained and energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires integration of weather data acquisition and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires and processes weather forecast data in advance to determine upcoming temperature changes. Based on these forecasts, the controller proactively adjusts water heater setpoint temperatures before the actual weather events occur, ensuring comfort reliability is maintained while using readily available weather information.
Solution Approach 2:
The weather data acquisition, processing, and control adjustment functions are merged into an integrated control system. The controller combines forecasted weather data with actual temperature sensor readings to make unified decisions about setpoint adjustments, consolidating multiple functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
A weather forecast-based fluid heating control system having at least one hot fluid delivery point, the control system including a controller adapted to control a fluid supply to a setpoint temperature, a means for obtaining the forecasted air temperature at a future time of the location of the control system and a means for obtaining the current air temperature at a current time of the location of the control system. The setpoint temperature of the fluid supply is adjusted by an adjustment amount if the difference between the forecasted air temperature of the location of the control system and the current temperature at the current time of the location of the control system exceeds a pre-determined threshold.