WIFI/cloud enabled temperature control system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 remotely monitor and control water temperature through a user device, optimizing energy usage by adjusting heating based on user-defined settings and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed temperature setting is used in storage water heaters, then the system is simple to operate and maintain, but energy consumption increases and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed temperature setting to a dynamic temperature control system that automatically adjusts the water heater temperature based on real-time environmental conditions (ambient temperature, humidity) and user-defined preferences. The controller continuously monitors these parameters and modifies the heating setpoint accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by incorporating sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback along with user preferences to dynamically adjust the temperature setpoint, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage while maintaining comfort.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the temperature setting is made adjustable by homeowners, then energy efficiency can be improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by enabling homeowners to programmatically set their temperature preferences and environmental thresholds without requiring professional assistance. The controller automatically processes these user-defined parameters and executes the temperature adjustments autonomously, empowening users to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining system simplicity through intuitive programming interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical temperature adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system featuring a microprocessor, digital sensors, and software-based temperature management. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustments and professional intervention, allowing users to programmatically control temperature settings through digital interfaces while the system automatically adapts to environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If professional assistance is required to adjust temperature settings, then system reliability is maintained, but loss of time and operational flexibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables homeowners to independently program and adjust temperature settings without requiring professional assistance. Users can modify temperature preferences, set environmental thresholds, and reprogram the controller at any time, providing immediate access to system adjustments and eliminating waiting times associated with scheduling professional service.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-programmed with default temperature settings and environmental parameters during manufacturing, allowing the system to operate reliably from installation. Users can further pre-program their specific temperature preferences and environmental thresholds in advance, enabling the system to automatically adapt to their needs without requiring on-site professional configuration or adjustment.
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 reduces energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the water heater temperature according to user preferences and environmental conditions, providing real-time energy monitoring and cost predictions, thus minimizing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature probe in communication with the controller and configured to measure the temperature of the fluid in the container
Implementation Method 2
a relay in communication with the controller and configured to 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 cloud 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.