Wireless Hot Water Valve Control Without Retrofit Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking water systems with hot water circulation pipes face challenges in efficiently distributing hot water due to temperature-dependent valve adjustments, which require manual intervention and are difficult to maintain, especially in large buildings, and retrofitting with electronic circulation valves is cumbersome due to cable requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drinking water system with a control device featuring a temperature sensor, energy converter (turbine or thermoelectric element) generating electrical power, a communication device with a LoRa interface, and an electrical energy storage system, allowing for wireless temperature data transmission and automated valve control without the need for cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic circulation valves with cables are installed, then automated temperature control and monitoring are improved, but installation complexity and retrofitting effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication and power functions from a centralized system and places them locally at each valve using wireless communication modules and energy converters. This eliminates the need for complex cable installations while maintaining automated control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each circulation valve is equipped with its own energy converter that generates electrical energy from the hot water flow, and a wireless communication device that transmits temperature data autonomously. This self-sufficient design eliminates dependency on external power and communication infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If manual valve adjustments are made, then device complexity is reduced, but maintenance effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the hot water temperature in the circulation pipe and transmit this data wirelessly to a control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the circulation valves to maintain optimal temperature distribution without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve adjustment with an automated electromechanical system that uses wireless temperature data to automatically control valve positions, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment.
3Extent of automation
If thermostatic valves with expansion bodies are used, then automated temperature-dependent flow adjustment is improved, but reliability decreases due to temperature-induced expansion affecting flow limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical expansion body flow limitation system with an electromechanical valve actuated by a motor. This motorized valve is controlled by wireless temperature data, providing more reliable and precise flow control that is not affected by thermal expansion issues.
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
Enables easy installation, maintenance, and automatic adjustment of hot water distribution in existing buildings, reducing effort and complexity by using self-generated electrical power for sensors and communication, facilitating wireless communication through LoRa interfaces, and storing energy for later use.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor for determining the water temperature in the hot water pipe
Implementation Method 2
an energy converter for converting thermal energy or kinetic energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
transmitted wirelessly to an electronic data processing device by means of the communication device
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a drinking water system comprising a hot water line with at least one branch line and a control device with a temperature sensor for determining the water temperature in the hot water line, an energy converter for converting thermal or kinetic energy into electrical energy, a controllable valve and a communication device, wherein in the method the water temperature is measured by means of the temperature sensor and transmitted wirelessly to an electronic data processing device by means of the communication device, a control signal is transmitted to the communication device of the control device, the controllable valve is controlled depending on the transmitted control signal, wherein the electrical energy required for the temperature sensor and the communication device is generated by the energy converter.