Water Heater Gas Control for Faster Stable Outlet Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water heaters are inefficient in controlling outlet water temperature, leading to prolonged time to reach the desired temperature and significant temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calculates total heat required to reach the desired temperature based on inlet water temperature and flow rate, dividing gas consumption into a constant supply per unit time to maintain steady temperature adjustment, with optional additional sensors for precise control and two-stage heating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the conventional water heater controls gas supply based on outlet temperature feedback alone, then the temperature control mechanism is simple, but the temperature fluctuates significantly and takes prolonged time to reach desired temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates the required gas consumption in advance based on the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water, the flow rate, and the desired temperature. This preliminary calculation allows the system to proactively adjust gas supply before temperature deviations occur, rather than reacting to temperature changes after they happen, thereby reducing both the time to reach desired temperature and the temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors outlet water temperature and flow rate, feeding this information back to the controller which adjusts gas supply accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that temperature deviations are detected and corrected promptly, improving both response time and temperature stability
2Speed
If the conventional water heater increases gas supply to raise temperature quickly, then the heating speed increases, but the temperature overshoots the desired level causing fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates the precise gas consumption needed based on the specific temperature difference and flow rate conditions, applying only the necessary amount of heat rather than excessive gas supply. This partial action approach prevents temperature overshoot while maintaining efficient heating speed by avoiding both under-heating and over-heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts gas supply based on real-time conditions including flow rate variations and temperature differences. The gas supply rate is not fixed but adapts continuously to changing operating conditions, allowing fast heating when needed while preventing temperature overshoot through dynamic control
3Measurement precision
If the conventional water heater uses simple temperature feedback control, then the control system is simple, but it cannot account for flow rate variations affecting temperature control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors both temperature and flow rate, calculates the required heat based on both parameters, and adjusts gas supply accordingly. This multi-functional approach integrates flow rate compensation into the existing temperature control system without requiring separate control mechanisms, thereby improving accuracy while limiting complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from simple temperature feedback to a calculated gas consumption value that incorporates both temperature difference and flow rate. By using the flow rate as an additional parameter in the calculation, the system achieves more accurate temperature control that accounts for varying water flow conditions
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 faster and more stable attainment of the desired water temperature with reduced temperature variations, improving upon the inefficiencies of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The gas pipe 520 provides gas to the burner 532 that the burner 532 may heat water in the water pipe 510
Implementation Method 2
the burner 532 may heat water in the water pipe 510
Implementation Method 3
The temperature sensor 533 is provided at the outlet 512 of the water pipe 510 to sense an outlet water temperature of the heated water
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlling device includes a setting controller, a gas valve, a burner, an inlet temperature sensor, a water meter, and an operational controller. User sets a desired temperature via the setting controller. The inlet temperature sensor senses an inlet temperature of water at an inlet of a pipe, and then operational controller calculates a difference between the inlet temperature and the desired temperature to get a total heat for heating water in a predetermined heating time and transfer the total heat into a total gas consumption, and controls the gas valve to supply gas to the burner with an amount of the total gas consumption in a predetermined heating time. After that, water should be heated to the desired temperature, and the operational controller controls the gas valve to decrease the gas supply for maintaining water temperature.