Water Heater Thermal Quantity Estimation Using Stratified Tank Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating thermal quantities in water heaters are invasive and only applicable to new systems, requiring physical modifications and multiple sensors, which limits their use in existing equipment and accuracy due to the assumption of uniform temperature in storage tanks.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates thermal quantities in water heaters by determining the final volumes and temperatures of tank parts based on operating regimes, energy consumption, and flow measurements, allowing for precise control without substantial modifications to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors and capillary tubes are installed in the tank to measure thermal quantities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate due to invasive modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical consumption data as a proxy copy for thermal energy input, avoiding direct thermal measurement. Instead of installing temperature sensors throughout the tank, the system copies the thermal state information from electrical consumption records, combined with a simplified thermal model, to estimate thermal quantities non-invasively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system with an electrical/data-based estimation system. Instead of physically measuring temperature at multiple points, the system uses electrical consumption data processed through algorithms to infer thermal quantities, substituting physical measurement with computational estimation
2Ease of operation
If a simplified single-temperature model is used for the tank, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature stratification assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water tank into multiple vertical zones (upper, middle, lower portions) that can have different temperature characteristics. This segmentation allows the model to account for temperature stratification without requiring complex multi-sensor systems, balancing simplicity with accuracy by creating discrete thermal regions
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing water heaters are used without modification, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of direct thermal measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing water heaters to self-report their thermal state through their existing electrical consumption data and basic sensors. The system uses data already generated by the heater's operation (electrical consumption, basic temperature readings) to estimate thermal quantities, allowing the existing system to serve the measurement function without external modification
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 method provides a non-invasive, accurate estimation of thermal quantities, enabling better energy optimization and adaptation to renewable energy variability while maintaining user comfort, and can be applied to existing water heaters without physical modifications.
Implementation Method 1
An intermediate part in thermal exchange with a device for heating the water in the tank, the device comprising heating means supplied by an electrical network
Implementation Method 2
The water inlet and/or the water outlet being equipped with a flow sensor measuring a flow rate of withdrawn water
Implementation Method 3
An intermediate part in thermal exchange with a device for heating the water in the tank
Implementation Method 4
water heater type system
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for estimating a thermal quantity of a water tank (10), the water tank (10) extending along a substantially vertical axis and having: - an intermediate part (P2 ) in heat exchange with a device (11) for heating the water in the tank (10); - A lower part (P1) having a water inlet (E); - An upper part (P3) having a water outlet (S); The water inlet (E) and/or the water outlet (S) being equipped with a flow sensor (21, 22) measuring a flow rate of withdrawn water; The method being characterized in that it comprises the implementation by data processing means (30) connected to said flow sensor (21, 22), of steps of: (a) Determination of an operating regime ; (b) From an initial volume (V2i) of the intermediate part (P2) and initial temperatures (T1i, T2i, T3i) of the parts (P1, P2, P3) of the reservoir (10), determination of a final volume (V2f) of the intermediate part (P2) and final temperatures (T1f, T2f, T3f) of the parts (P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10); (c) Estimation of said thermal quantity of the water tank (10) as a function of the final temperatures and volumes (T1f, T2f, T3f, V1f, V2f, V3f) of the parts (P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10) .