Water Heater Remote Temperature Control for Dynamic Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tank-type water heating systems operate on a fixed schedule, failing to adjust for changing daily needs of families or businesses, as they lack the ability to remotely adjust temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a communication module with the thermostat circuitry, allowing users to remotely control temperature settings via cell phones or computers, enabling the water heating system to heat water only when needed, using a temperature controller with a user interface and communication module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed schedule temperature control system is used, then the system operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing daily needs
Solution Approach 1:
A communication module is introduced as an intermediary between the thermostat circuitry and remote user devices. This module receives temperature control commands from remote devices and transmits them to the thermostat, enabling remote adjustment without requiring complex redesign of the core heating system. The intermediary handles the complexity of communication protocols and user interface management separately from the temperature control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature controller is designed to accept multiple types of input devices (cell phones, computers, tablets) through a standardized communication interface. The same controller hardware can serve both local and remote users, and can handle various communication protocols, making the system universally accessible without requiring multiple specialized control systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the water heater operates continuously to maintain temperature, then the temperature availability is ensured, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, continuous operation to dynamic, demand-responsive operation. The temperature controller continuously monitors temperature sensor data and dynamically adjusts the heater operation based on actual temperature conditions and predicted user needs. The system can dynamically adjust setpoint temperatures and timing based on usage patterns, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and temperature availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where temperature sensors continuously monitor water temperature and feed this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when heating is necessary, adjusting the heater operation in real-time. Remote users receive notifications about temperature status and can make informed decisions about when to request heating, creating a feedback-driven energy optimization system.
3Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added, then the user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module serves as an intermediary that handles all complexity related to remote communication, user interface management, and data transmission. This module acts as a buffer between the simple thermostat control logic and the complex remote communication requirements, allowing the core temperature control function to remain simple while adding remote capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical, mechanical control interfaces (buttons, dials on the thermostat) with electronic/digital communication through networked devices. Instead of requiring users to physically interact with the thermostat, the system uses electronic messages from smartphones or computers to control temperature, substituting mechanical interaction with digital communication that can be handled by standardized software protocols.
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 allows for dynamic adjustment of water temperature settings, optimizing energy usage by heating water only when required, enhancing user convenience and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature controller with a user interface and communication module
Implementation Method 2
the water temperature is regulated by the thermostat circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is related to a device, systems, and techniques for controlling a temperature of water contained by a water heater, the systems being add-ons to the thermostat circuitry, a controller includes a thermocouple interface, communication circuitry configured to receive one or more user inputs, from one or more members of a household or business, from multiple user devices, cell phones or computers or others, each device containing a water temperature control software application for communicating with the thermostat circuitry, an electronic signal, the controller includes processing circuitry configured to identify, from the electronic signal, one or more requests for changes in the water temperature within the water tank.