WIFI and cloud enabled temperature control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage water heaters consume high energy due to fixed temperature settings, which are difficult for homeowners to adjust without professional help, leading to increased costs and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A WIFI and cloud-enabled temperature control system that includes a controller, temperature probe, and relay, allowing users to monitor and control water temperature remotely through a user device and server, enabling adjustable temperature settings and energy usage tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed temperature setting is used in storage water heaters, then the device is simple to operate, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by allowing the thermostat setting to change automatically based on time of day, day of week, and predicted user presence. The system transitions from a static fixed setting to a dynamic adaptive setting that adjusts temperature profiles to match actual usage patterns, reducing energy consumption during periods when no hot water is needed while maintaining comfort during usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring actual temperature, comparing it with target temperatures based on schedules and predictions, and automatically adjusting the heating element accordingly. The system also uses feedback from user interactions through the mobile application to refine temperature preferences and optimize energy consumption over time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the thermostat setting is made adjustable by homeowners, then energy consumption can be reduced, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between the user and the water heater system. This intermediary provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies temperature adjustment and monitoring, while the complex control logic and optimization algorithms are handled automatically by the system backend. Users can set preferences and view energy savings without dealing with the underlying complexity of the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating optimized temperature schedules based on user presence predictions and historical usage patterns. The AI/ML components autonomously adjust temperature settings without requiring manual user intervention, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for users while achieving energy conservation goals.
3Reliability
If professional help is required to adjust the thermostat, then the device is reliable, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical thermostat adjustment mechanism with an electronic/digital control system accessible via mobile application. Instead of requiring physical access to the water heater and manual adjustment of mechanical components, users can remotely adjust temperature settings, view system status, and receive notifications through the mobile app, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining system reliability through automated controls.
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 system allows for efficient energy use by allowing users to set optimal temperature ranges, reducing energy consumption, and providing real-time and historical energy usage data, thereby minimizing costs and enhancing user control over water heater operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first means for reading a measurement captured by a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid in a container
Implementation Method 2
a second means for operating a relay to determine and control a state of a heating source configured to affect the temperature of the fluid in the container
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are WIFI and could enabled temperature control systems. The temperature control systems are configured to receive user temperature settings and preferences, and control a water heater based on the user temperature settings and preferences. The temperature control systems include two or more sampling rates for enabling a higher efficiency of operation compared to conventional water heaters.