Supplemental Water Heater Element With Renewable Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water heaters rely heavily on fossil fuels and have limited efficiency in utilizing renewable energy sources, with most energy being consumed for heating water, which accounts for a significant portion of household energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a supplemental electrical heating element powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydro energy, into existing hot water heaters, along with a controller that manages the operation of both the renewable and utility-powered heating elements to optimize energy usage based on usage patterns and available renewable energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fossil fuel burners or electrical heating elements are used to heat water in storage tanks, then hot water can be continuously supplied, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to continuous heating and high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid) at specific temperatures to store and release thermal energy. When the PCM melts, it absorbs heat; when it solidifies, it releases heat. This enables the water heater to maintain hot water supply without continuous heating, significantly reducing energy waste while maintaining continuous hot water availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-heats water during off-peak hours or when excess renewable energy is available, storing thermal energy in advance. The PCM-based thermal storage system accumulates heat during periods of low demand or high renewable generation, then releases it during peak demand periods, eliminating the need for continuous heating operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are integrated into existing water heaters, then environmental sustainability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water heating system into distinct functional modules: the existing heating element, the PCM thermal storage module, and the control system. This modular segmentation allows the renewable energy integration to be added as discrete components rather than redesigning the entire system, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining sustainability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that manages the interaction between the renewable energy source, the heating element, and the PCM storage system. This intermediary coordinates operations to optimize renewable energy utilization while preventing direct complexity conflicts between components, simplifying the overall system integration.
3Loss of energy
If thermal energy is stored using phase change materials, then energy efficiency improves by reducing heating cycles, but device complexity increases due to additional storage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the PCM thermal storage system by nesting the PCM containers within the existing water heater tank structure. The PCM modules are positioned to utilize the available space around the central heating element and water storage area, effectively nesting the thermal storage function within the existing device geometry. This eliminates the need for separate external storage components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
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 enhances the efficiency of hot water generation by preferentially using renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy costs, while also allowing for the generation of renewable energy credits and improved thermal storage through phase change materials.
Implementation Method 1
Heating the water in the tank may be affected by way of electrical heating elements
Implementation Method 2
improved thermal storage through phase change materials
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a supplemental heating element that may be inserted into a tank of a residential or commercial hot water heater. A collar of the supplemental heating element engages a threaded inlet or outlet of the hot water heater and provides a flow path into or out of the hot water heater while the supplement element is suspended within a tank of the hot water heater.