Managed Water Heating Control With Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heating duration and cost of controlled bodies of water, such as swimming pools and spas, are prolonged and inefficient due to lack of optimization in heating systems and equipment usage.
Innovation Solution
A managed water system that includes sensors, a circulation system, and a controller using algorithms to optimize heating, chemical treatment, and equipment operation, allowing for real-time monitoring and control to minimize energy consumption and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating systems operate without optimization, then water temperature can be maintained, but heating duration and energy consumption are prolonged and excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water temperature, energy consumption, and environmental conditions using sensors, then feeds this data back to the controller which adjusts heating operations in real-time to optimize energy usage while maintaining required temperature levels
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from static, fixed-operation modes to dynamic, adaptive operation where heating intensity and duration are continuously adjusted based on real-time conditions including water temperature, ambient temperature, and energy consumption rates
2Temperature
If heating systems operate without optimization, then water temperature can be maintained, but heating duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments of heating requirements by analyzing current water temperature, target temperature, ambient conditions, and equipment efficiency before initiating heating operations, allowing for optimized heating duration from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time monitoring of temperature changes and heating rate provides continuous feedback that allows the controller to adjust heating duration dynamically, terminating heating operations as soon as target temperature is reached or when optimal heating conditions change
3Ease of operation
If equipment operates without optimization, then basic functions are performed, but system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-optimization by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters, detecting inefficiencies, and adjusting equipment operation without external intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as heating power, circulation flow rate, and chemical dosing rates based on real-time conditions to optimize system efficiency while maintaining simple automated operation through the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A managed water system can include a first body of water contained in a vessel. The managed water system can also include at least one sensor device that measures at least one parameter associated with the first body of water. The managed water system can further include a circulation system that circulates the body of water relative to the vessel. The managed water system can also include a controller communicably coupled to the at least one sensor device and the circulation system. The controller can control the circulation system, and receive measurements of the at least one parameter made by the at least one sensor device. The controller can also evaluate the measurements using multiple algorithms, and communicate a result of evaluating the measurements.