Water heating apparatus and method for controlling the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water heating systems face issues with hot water quality degradation due to temperature gradients, inefficient fuel consumption, and soot generation from frequent burner switching, especially when heating is intermittent.
Innovation Solution
A water heating apparatus with a circulation system and control method that maintains heating water circulation and adjusts fuel delivery based on water flow rate, using a processor to manage burner operation and circulation valves to stabilize temperature and reduce burner on-off cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the burner is frequently switched on and off to produce hot water or heating water of proper temperature, then the temperature control is achieved, but soot generation increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates continuously to circulate heating water through the system, maintaining continuous heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the water. This continuous circulation allows the burner to operate more steadily without frequent on-off cycling, reducing soot generation while maintaining proper temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors water temperature and flow rate, and adjusts burner operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents excessive temperature fluctuations that would require frequent burner cycling, thereby reducing soot generation while maintaining precise temperature control.
2Temperature
If the burner is frequently switched on and off to produce hot water or heating water of proper temperature, then the temperature control is achieved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates continuously to maintain continuous heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the heating water. This continuous operation allows the burner to run steadily at optimal efficiency rather than cycling on and off, reducing fuel consumption while maintaining proper temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from temperature and flow rate sensors to optimize burner operation, preventing wasteful fuel consumption from frequent start-stop cycles and excessive burning to compensate for temperature fluctuations.
3Loss of energy
If heating water is stopped when heating is not used, then energy is saved, but temperature gradient increases according to location
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates periodically based on control unit decisions. When heating is not actively needed, the pump continues to circulate water at reduced intensity to maintain relatively uniform temperature distribution, preventing severe temperature gradients while consuming minimal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own circulation mechanism to maintain temperature uniformity during idle periods. The control unit automatically manages the circulation pump to prevent temperature stratification without requiring external intervention or significant energy input.
4Loss of energy
If hot water stays in the production part for a long time when heating is not used, then energy is saved, but temperature gradient of hot water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates periodically even when heating is not actively used, maintaining gentle circulation to prevent temperature stratification in the hot water storage. This periodic circulation minimizes temperature gradients while consuming minimal energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains temperature uniformity in the hot water storage using its own circulation pump, controlled by the control unit to operate at low intensity during idle periods, preventing temperature gradients without significant energy consumption.
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 high-quality hot water by minimizing temperature gradients and reducing fuel consumption and soot formation, ensuring consistent temperature and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hot water heat exchange part that transfers heat received from the water accommodated in the hollow to introduced direct water and discharge the direct water after making the direct water hot
Implementation Method 2
a burner coupled to the combustion chamber and the outer container to cause a combustion reaction in the combustion space
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of flues provided in the hollow of the outer container to guide a combustion gas generated through the combustion reaction from the combustion chamber to an outside of the pipe plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a water heating apparatus including an outer container having openings formed at opposite ends thereof with respect to a reference direction, an interior hollow communicated with the openings at the opposite ends, an outer container outlet formed at one end thereof to deliver heated water to a heating passage, and an outer container inlet provided at an opposite end thereof to retrieve the water from the heating passage, a combustion chamber covering the opening at one end of the outer container and defining a combustion space in an interior thereof, a burner coupled to the combustion chamber and the outer container to cause a combustion reaction in the combustion space, a pipe plate spaced apart from the combustion chamber along the reference direction, and covering the opening at an opposite end of the outer container, a plurality of flues provided in the hollow of the outer container to guide a combustion gas generated through the combustion reaction from the combustion chamber to an outside of the pipe plate, a hot water heat exchange part that transfers heat received from the water accommodated in the hollow to introduced direct water and discharge the direct water after making the direct water hot, and a circulation part coupled to the outer container inlet and the outer container outlet to circulate the water accommodated in the hollow from one end to an opposite end thereof.