طراحی یک دستگاه صرفه‌جویی در مصرف آب، برای تنظیم بهینۀ دمای شیرهای آب

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان

1 کارشناسی طراحی صنعتی، دانشگاه غیرانتفاعی کمال‌الملک، مازندران، ایران.

2 کارشناسی ارشد بیوتکنولوژی صنعت و محیط‌زیست، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.

3 مربی مهندسی عمران ـ سازه، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد چالوس، مازندران، ایران.

چکیده

این پژوهش نظری به معرفی و طراحی مفهومی یک سامانه مکانیکی و مقرون‌به‌صرفه برای کاهش مصرف آب و انرژی در شیرآلات می‌پردازد. سازوکار پیشنهادی مبتنی بر یک شیر ترموستاتیک تمام‌مکانیکی است که با بهره‌گیری از عناصر حساس به دما نظیر بی‌متال یا موم گرمایی، جریان آب را تا رسیدن به دمای مطلوب متوقف می‌سازد. این ویژگی باعث می‌شود که در زمان انتظار برای خروج آب با دمای مناسب، از هدررفت قابل توجه آب و انرژی جلوگیری گردد. براساس برآوردها، این سامانه قادر است حدود ۶۵ درصد از آب مصرفی بیهوده و نزدیک به ۴۰ درصد از انرژی مورد نیاز برای گرمایش آب را کاهش دهد. مزیت کلیدی این طرح در سادگی ساختار، عدم نیاز به برق یا تجهیزات الکترونیکی پیچیده و هزینه پایین تولید نهفته است؛ عواملی که امکان استفاده گسترده آن را در ساختمان‌های مسکونی، هتل‌ها، مراکز عمومی و حتی مناطق محروم فراهم می‌کند. نتایج حاصل نشان می‌دهد که این فناوری علاوه بر بهبود بهره‌وری منابع، می‌تواند به‌عنوان راهکاری عملی و پایدار در مدیریت آب و انرژی مورد استفاده قرار گیرد و گامی مؤثر در راستای تحقق اهداف توسعه پایدار محسوب شود.

کلیدواژه‌ها

عنوان مقاله [English]

Designing a Water-Saving Device for Optimal Tap Temperature Adjustment

نویسندگان [English]

  • Saleh Karimi Douna 1
  • Bahareh Karimi Douna 2
  • Mohsen Ghomi 3
1 Bachelor of Industrial Design, Kamal Al-Molk University, Mazandaran, Iran.
2 Master of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Instructor, Structural Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Chalous Branch, Mazandaran, Iran.
چکیده [English]

Abstract
Introduction
Water and energy conservation represent two of the most critical challenges of our time. In conventional plumbing systems, substantial amounts of water and energy are wasted daily as users wait for tap water to reach the desired temperature. This theoretical research introduces a conceptual design for an intelligent, purely mechanical, and cost-effective system that can be integrated into faucets to eliminate such waste. The proposed device seeks to address this global issue by preventing water from flowing until it reaches a pre-set temperature, thus contributing to sustainable development goals through improved resource efficiency.
Methodology and Conceptual Design
This study is grounded in a theoretical and conceptual design approach. At the core of the proposed system is a mechanical thermostatic valve that operates entirely without electricity or electronic circuitry, relying instead on temperature-sensitive components such as bimetallic strips or thermal wax.
Operating Principle
The valve automatically blocks water flow when the water temperature deviates from the user-defined setting (adjustable between 15 °C and 60 °C). Once the water in the pipes reaches the desired temperature, the thermal actuator opens the valve, allowing water to flow. This “intelligent waiting” mechanism ensures that no water is wasted during the temperature-adjustment phase.
 
 
Dual-Mode Functionality
A key innovation is the inclusion of a mechanical mode selector for “Hot Water” or “Cold Water” demand. In cold mode, a secondary mechanism diverts the initial warm water present in the pipes into a storage tank for non-potable reuse (e.g., plant irrigation), providing users with immediate access to cold water from the main supply and effectively eliminating waste.
Key Technical Specification
The design incorporates ±1.5 °C temperature accuracy, a durable brass body with chrome plating, and standard dimensions to allow seamless installation and compatibility with conventional faucet systems.
Results and Conclusion
The conceptual analysis and theoretical estimates indicate that the system offers a highly effective solution for integrated water and energy management.
Efficiency
The device is projected to save up to 65% of the water typically wasted while waiting for temperature adjustment and approximately 40% of the energy consumed in heating water.
Economic Viability
Cost-benefit analysis reveals a low initial investment, a payback period of fewer than eight months, and an impressive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 158% for household users, making the design an economically compelling solution.
Advantages and Impact
The main strengths of the system lie in its structural simplicity, low production cost, durability, and complete independence from electrical power. These features make it suitable for widespread deployment in residential buildings, hotels, public facilities, and underserved communities.
Conclusion
In summary, this mechanical thermostatic valve presents a practical, sustainable, and economically viable technology for significant water and energy conservation, offering meaningful contributions toward achieving global sustainable development objectives.
 

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • Keywords: Thermostatic valve
  • water conservation
  • energy management
  • consumption optimization
  • sustainable development

مراجع

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فصلنامه اقتصاد محیط زیست و منابع طبیعی
دوره 5، شماره 11
فروردین 1404
صفحه 157-190

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  • تاریخ دریافت: 23 شهریور 1404
  • تاریخ بازنگری: 29 مهر 1404
  • تاریخ پذیرش: 29 مهر 1404

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