Water Heater Control Module for Smart Grid Thermostat Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart grid appliances are costly, not easily compatible with many devices, and fail to account for factors beyond spot electricity prices, particularly for appliances like hot water heaters that operate independently with thermostats.
Innovation Solution
An advanced electric water heater control system that includes a control module connected to existing thermostats, allowing for communication and autonomous signal control to optimize energy consumption based on various factors such as time, demand, and renewable resource availability, using a hybrid relay and circuitry to manage switching and protect against high voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a smart grid device is used to control appliances, then energy consumption can be optimized and cost reduced, but the device cost increases and compatibility with existing appliances becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary component that enables existing water heaters to receive and process smart grid signals without requiring complete replacement of the appliance. This modular approach allows energy optimization functionality to be added through a relatively low-cost interface device rather than requiring expensive integrated smart grid controllers in each appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to be universally compatible with multiple existing water heater models and thermostat types. By creating a standardized interface that can work with various appliance configurations, the system avoids the need for appliance-specific smart grid devices, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining energy optimization capabilities across different device types.
2Ease of operation
If appliances operate independently with traditional thermostats, then ease of operation is maintained, but energy optimization opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The water heater system maintains its independent operation through the existing thermostat while the communication module autonomously processes smart grid signals and makes optimization decisions. The traditional thermostat continues to handle user interactions and basic temperature control without modification, preserving ease of operation, while the added module independently manages energy optimization based on external signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: the existing thermostat handles user interaction and basic control, while the newly added communication module handles smart grid signal processing and optimization decisions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without interfering with the other, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling energy optimization.
3Device complexity
If spot price of electricity is the only consideration, then control simplicity is maintained, but comprehensive energy optimization is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The control module dynamically adjusts water heater operation based on multiple varying factors including spot electricity prices, predicted price trends, renewable energy availability, and user preferences. Rather than relying on a single static criterion, the system continuously evaluates multiple dynamic parameters to make real-time optimization decisions, achieving comprehensive energy management while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple feedback loops that monitor various parameters such as electricity prices, renewable energy generation levels, and water heater operational status. This multi-parameter feedback mechanism enables the control module to make informed optimization decisions based on current grid conditions and predictions, achieving comprehensive energy optimization without requiring complex user input or configuration.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective retrofitting or integration of existing water heaters to optimize energy use, considering multiple factors, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending component longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The control module may further provide the switch as a hybrid relay. Preferably, but not meant to be limiting, the hybrid relay has an electromechanical relay and a semiconductor switch that are electrically in parallel.
Implementation Method 2
The upper regulating thermostat has an AC power input and AC power outputs controlling the current to at least one resistive element in the electric water heater.
Data Source
AI summary
An advanced electric water heater control system that interfaces with a high temperature cut-off thermostat and an upper regulating thermostat. The system includes a control module that is electrically connected to the high-temperature cut-off thermostat and the upper regulating thermostat. The control module includes a switch to open or close the high-temperature cut-off thermostat and the upper regulating thermostat. The control module further includes circuitry configured to control said switch in response to a signal selected from the group of an autonomous signal, a communicated signal, and combinations thereof.