Water heater system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water heater systems lack precise control over hot water temperature and are prone to freezing and bursting when not in use, as they rely on circulation to maintain system functionality.
Innovation Solution
A water heater system with a bypass valve and controller that allows for multiple circulation modes, enabling precise temperature control and preventing freezing by redirecting water flow between connection pipes, using sensors and valves to manage water flow and temperature, and incorporating a buffer tank for temperature stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water circulates continuously through the water heater to prevent freezing, then the system reliability is improved, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water circulation system into two separate pathways: an inner circulation path for temperature maintenance within the heat exchanger, and an outer circulation path for preventing freezing in pipes. The bypass valve segments the flow to direct water through different paths based on operational needs, allowing independent optimization of each circulation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different circulation modes (inner circulation, outer circulation, and mixed circulation) based on real-time temperature conditions and user needs. The controller adjusts the bypass valve position dynamically to transition between modes, enabling adaptive temperature control while maintaining freezing prevention capability.
2Measurement precision
If a bypass pipe is added to enable circulation modes, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass pipe and bypass valve are designed to serve multiple functions: enabling inner circulation for temperature control, enabling outer circulation for freezing prevention, and allowing mixed circulation modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each circulation mode, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing water flow and heat exchanger infrastructure to provide circulation functions. The bypass valve leverages the natural pressure differential and existing pipe layout to enable circulation modes without requiring additional pumps or complex control mechanisms, allowing the system to serve itself using available resources.
3Measurement precision
If the bypass valve controls water direction for temperature management, then the temperature control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors temperature conditions and automatically adjusts the bypass valve position to maintain the desired circulation mode. Temperature sensors provide feedback to the controller, which then actuates the bypass valve accordingly, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and simplifying operation while maintaining precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control of the bypass valve is replaced with an automated electro-mechanical actuation system controlled by a microcontroller. This substitution eliminates complex manual operation requirements and enables precise, automatic temperature-based control of the circulation modes.
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 system provides detailed temperature control of hot water and prevents freezing and bursting by circulating hot water within the system, ensuring immediate delivery of hot water at a constant temperature when needed, enhancing user convenience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
running water in a low temperature flows through a running water pipe and is supplied to a heat exchanger. Then, the supplied water is heated using a burner
Implementation Method 2
a bypass valve installed to the bypass pipe so as to control the direction of water flowing through the bypass pipe
Implementation Method 3
a first check valve installed in the third connection pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
A water heater system having a running water inlet through which running water flows in and a hot water outlet through which hot water heated in a heat exchanger is discharged is disclosed. The water heater system may include a first connection pipe connecting a gap between the running water inlet and an entry of the heat exchanger, a second connection pipe connecting a gap between an outlet of the heat exchanger and the hot water outlet; a bypass pipe connecting a gap between the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe, a bypass valve installed to the bypass pipe so as to control the direction of water flowing through the bypass pipe, and a controller, in a hot water usage mode, controlling the bypass valve so that the water moves from the first connection pipe to the second connection pipe through the bypass pipe, and in an inner circulation mode, controlling the bypass valve so that the water moves from the second connection pipe to the first connection pipe through the bypass pipe.