Method for operating a valve, associated electronic control unit and valve drive

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a valve (100) having an electronically controlled drive unit (102), the method comprising the steps of: - determining or predetermining a nonlinear characteristic curve function (230), the characteristic curve function describing the required relationship between a valve opening position (H) and a flow rate of a fluid passing through the valve, - storing the characteristic curve function (230) in an electronic control unit (104), - using the characteristic curve function to set the valve opening position of the valve as a function of a control signal (105) for a rated flow rate of the valve, wherein the characteristic curve function is automatically calculated with the aid of a parameter value (a), an analytical function or by interpolation using predetermined support values, the support values ​​being predetermined by a user of the valve. The method is characterized in that the characteristic curve function is an inverse function determined based on a characteristic curve (220) for the heat exchanger (110) and a target function (210), the characteristic curve (220) describes the relationship between the heating or cooling power and the flow rate of liquid or gas through the heat exchanger, the target function describes the relationship between the heating power or cooling power in the heat exchanger depending on the valve opening position of the valve, the target function is preferably linear, and preferably, the characteristic curve for the heat exchanger can be calculated using the same parameter values ​​as the predetermined or determined characteristic curve function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a valve having an electronically controlled drive unit, in which a nonlinear characteristic curve function is predefined, which describes the required relationship between the valve opening position and the flow rate of a fluid through the valve. In addition, the characteristic curve function is stored in the electronic control unit of the valve or in a central or higher-level control unit. The stored characteristic curve function is used to set the valve opening position of the valve as a function of a control signal, which describes the setpoint flow rate through the valve. In addition, the invention relates to an electronic control unit according to the preamble of claim 8 and a valve drive according to claim 9. Background Art

[0002] The electronic control unit may be, for example, a microcontroller or a microprocessor.

[0003] A system for controlling flow characteristics is known from US 2009 / 0240376 A1, which enables a user to selectively change the inherent flow characteristics of a fluid delivery system, which comprises a flow sequence regulator (Strömungsablaufregler) and a position regulator for regulating a valve. The system comprises a programmable flow control device, which has an input end, which is adapted to receive an input signal from a flow process control device. The programmable flow regulating device selectively modifies the input signal generated by the flow process control device according to a user-definable flow parameter. An output end is connected to the programmable flow regulator, wherein the output end is adapted to transmit the output signal to a position regulator of a control valve (and a valve connected to the position regulator). A user interface is provided for inputting user-defined flow parameters into the programmable flow regulator so as to adapt the input signal to the user-defined flow parameters.

[0004] A method for regulating a flow-dependent manipulated variable is known from EP 0 264 032 A1. In this method, a flow-dependent manipulated variable, such as pressure, is regulated by means of a control valve, the throttle body of which is varied in its stroke position by a control cylinder connected to a hydraulic control circuit by supplying or discharging hydraulic fluid. A specific characteristic curve is created for the stroke of the throttle body from the control deviation, its time integral and time differential, and is stored electronically in the form of points of the characteristic curve or as coefficients of an analytical function.

[0005] A method for hydraulic balancing and regulation of a heating or cooling system and a balancing and regulating valve therefor are known from the international patent application WO 2010 / 010092 A2.

[0006] German publication DE 40 19 503 A1 discloses a device for controlling a regulating valve of a central heating system, the device comprising an electrically controllable regulating device for operating the regulating valve and an electrical control device for controlling the regulating device. The control device comprises a memory in which a valve stroke / flow rate correction characteristic curve is stored. The control device controls the regulating device so that the regulating device sets the valve stroke of the valve according to a predetermined flow rate. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to specify a simple method for using a valve having a particularly simply designed valve tappet and having a preferably selectable characteristic curve. In particular, it should be possible to take into account parameters which have an influence on the entire course of the characteristic curve, such as is the case, for example, in the case of thermal loads, in particular in a heating / cooling temperature control circuit or such a temperature control section.

[0008] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for operating a valve having an electronically controlled drive unit having the features of independent claim 1. In addition, the object is achieved by an electronic control unit having the features of the parallel claim 8. Further features and details are derived from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Here, the features and details described in connection with the method naturally also apply in connection with the electronic control unit and vice versa, respectively, so that the disclosures for the various aspects are always referred to or can be referred to one another.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a method for operating a valve, in particular having an electronically controlled drive unit, is specified, the method comprising the steps of:

[0010] - predefining a nonlinear characteristic function which describes the required relationship between the valve opening position and the flow rate of the fluid through the valve,

[0011] - storing the characteristic function in an electronic control unit, for example in a control unit of a valve or in a central or superordinate control unit / regulator of such a control unit,

[0012] - Using the stored characteristic curve function to set the valve opening position of the valve as a function of a control signal which describes a setpoint flow through the valve.

[0013] The characteristic curve function is automatically calculated using parameter values ​​which are predefined by the user of the valve. Alternatively, the user can predefined an analysis function or supporting values ​​from which the analysis function can be determined by interpolation.

[0014] The user thus only predetermines parameter values ​​and does not need to have knowledge of the mathematical relationships for determining the characteristic curve. Instead, the user predetermines an analysis function or a supporting value. Simple mathematical knowledge is sufficient for this. By predetermining parameters, analysis functions or supporting values, new degrees of freedom are obtained for the user to specify a valve characteristic curve that can be selected at will.

[0015] When the analysis function is predetermined by the user of the valve, for example via a corresponding user interface, preferably a user interface implemented on an electronic display unit by means of software, the user can, for example, preferably successively input or predetermine the individual function terms of the analysis function. The function terms can in particular contain one of the basic mathematical operations, namely addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. The user can then enter at least one of the following symbols: +, -, * or / . The function terms can be entered explicitly and correctly by means of brackets. In this way, parentheses "(" and ")" or square brackets "[", "]" can be entered or predetermined by the user.

[0016] When pre-specifying support values, the support values ​​can be entered by the user individually, for example in sequence, wherein only the corresponding y value or function value is entered. Alternatively, a support value pair can also be pre-specified, which consists of a first value, for example an x ​​value or a definition value, and a second value, for example a y value or a function value. For inputting the function values, a user interface can be provided, preferably a user interface implemented on the electronic display unit by means of software.

[0017] The presetting of the nonlinear characteristic curve function enables the valve to be constructed in a simple manner and to have, for example, a linear or approximately linear characteristic curve. Nevertheless, in the case of a nonlinear characteristic curve of a load, in particular a thermal load, the overall characteristic curve of the system consisting of load and valve can be linearized by suitable presetting of the nonlinear characteristic curve function, which is explained in more detail below using a heat exchanger as an example.

[0018] The characteristic curve function can be present as a calculation rule or as a value sequence or value table, a so-called "lookup table". The entire course of the characteristic curve is influenced by parameters predefined by the user. Alternatively, all values ​​of the characteristic curve function to be stored are calculated using the parameters. Intermediate values ​​can be calculated later via spline functions or similar functions, in the simplest case also by linear approximation.

[0019] The method can be performed for a branch of a regulating system or control system, in which valves and loads are connected in series. If there are multiple branches, the method can be implemented specifically for each relevant branch.

[0020] The fluid is preferably a liquid, such as water in a heating circuit. However, the fluid may also be a gas.

[0021] The parameter values ​​or parameter values ​​of the analysis function or the parameter values ​​used to calculate the support values ​​can be characteristic values ​​for the mathematical modeling of a characteristic curve, which is calculated taking into account the characteristic curve for the heat exchanger, wherein the characteristic curve of the heat exchanger can preferably be calculated using the same parameter values. The characteristic curve can specify for the heat exchanger the relationship between the heating function or cooling power and the flow rate of the liquid or gas through the heat exchanger.

[0022] Heat exchangers are often designed specifically according to the characteristic parameters desired by the customer. The parameter values ​​can be calculated, for example, according to the characteristic parameters of the heat exchanger, for example according to the maximum power, the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature. For example, the heat exchanger can operate according to the counterflow principle or according to the parallel flow principle, which leads to different characteristic curves and therefore to different parameter values.

[0023] Consideration of the characteristic curve of the thermal load, ie, for example, a heat exchanger, enables very good control characteristics to be set in the control loop for temperature control. In particular, this can be done by linearizing the overall characteristic curve and / or by obtaining a constant loop gain.

[0024] The characteristic curve function may be an inverse function, which is determined based on the characteristic curve for the heat exchanger and the target function. The characteristic curve for the heat exchanger may describe the relationship between the heating power or cooling power and the flow rate of the liquid or gas through the heat exchanger. The target function may describe the relationship between the heating power or cooling power of the heat exchanger and the valve opening position of the valve. In this way, the target function may preferably be a linear function. The characteristic curve for the heat exchanger may be calculated using the same parameter values ​​as the predetermined or determined characteristic curve function. If necessary, the calculation of the characteristic curve for the heat exchanger may be omitted within the scope of the execution of the method, because when the inverse function is specified, the characteristic curve is implicitly realized by the heat exchanger and only needs to be known once.

[0025] The inverse function is therefore the desired valve characteristic function which is implemented by mapping the manipulated variable value for the valve by means of an electronic control unit for the valve or by means of a central control unit. A linear target function enables a simple linear control with, for example, a constant control gain that remains constant.

[0026] The valve can have a linear mechanical characteristic curve, wherein the valve is in particular a lift valve or a sliding valve with a valve tappet of simple geometrical design. Preferably, the valve is a simply designed lift valve with a valve tappet in the form of a cylindrical closing disk, a closing cylinder, or a cylinder with an added truncated cone-shaped closing section. A mechanical characteristic curve results, for example, if the electronic control unit does not take into account a stored characteristic curve that differs from the characteristic curve predefined by the mechanical design of the valve.

[0027] When specifying the inverse function, nonlinear mechanical characteristic curves of valves can be taken into account, wherein the valves are in particular ball valves, throttle valves or rotary lift valves. Thus, a linearization of the regulation or control can also be achieved for other valve types.

[0028] The characteristic curve function can be specified by the following calculation rule:

[0029] v = q / (q + (1-q) / a),

[0030] - where q is the normalized cooling power or heating power of the heat exchanger, preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and preferably unitless,

[0031] - where v is the normalized flow rate through the valve and through the heat exchanger, preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and preferably unitless, and

[0032] - wherein a specifies a characteristic value for modeling a characteristic curve for a heat exchanger or for said heat exchanger, which characteristic value is specified in particular by the inlet and outlet temperatures of two fluids, for example water and air, and optionally also water and air, flowing through the heat exchanger, wherein a is preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and is preferably unitless.

[0033] Other characteristic functions, in particular more complex or simpler functions, with different calculation rules can also be used. Instead of a heat exchanger, other thermal loads or other technical loads can be referenced.

[0034] The valve can preferably be connected upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger.

[0035] The valve can be a continuously adjustable regulating valve, especially in a temperature control loop or in a temperature control section. The valve can include a magnetic drive unit, an electromechanical drive unit, an electrohydraulic or hydraulic drive unit, an electropneumatic or pneumatic drive unit or other drive units. The electromechanical drive unit can include a regulating motor with a transmission unit. The electronic control device, especially the magnetic drive unit, can convert the regulating signal into a phase-cut power signal, which establishes a magnetic field in the magnetic coil of the magnetic drive unit, so that reliable control is generated. The stroke resolution of the regulating valve can be greater than 1:100, greater than 1:500 or greater than 1:900, which, for example, indicates that the cost of characteristic curve adaptation is reasonable through the very good regulation characteristics obtained. The stroke resolution is calculated, for example, in the case of a lift valve according to the ratio of the minimum stroke change to the total stroke of the valve. However, other valve types can also be used. The adjustment time of the valve can be less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.

[0036] The characteristic curve function can be stored in an electronic device, preferably in an electronic storage device, in particular as a calculation rule for a program for automatic implementation or as a value table, in which the valve opening position belonging to the flow value or the flow value belonging to the valve opening position, in particular the normalized valve opening position and the normalized valve opening position are stored.

[0037] The characteristic curve can also be scaled, wherein the externally predefined working range of the valve can be less than 100%, in particular less than 75% or less than 50%, of the possible valve opening positions of the valve. The actual control value can be calculated, for example, from the externally predefined control value by multiplying the percentage corresponding to the externally predefined control value with respect to the mechanically possible maximum valve opening position by the percentage corresponding to the externally predefined control value with respect to the predefined actual maximum valve opening position used. This is described below according to Figure 3 In this simple manner, the dynamic range of the valve and thus of the control or regulation can be increased.

[0038] In particular, when using an app that communicates with a server, the parameters can be predefined by the user of the valve. Preferably via a data transmission network, the parameters can be transmitted from the server to the control unit by downloading firmware for an electronic control unit, which is used to control the drive unit of the valve. The firmware is, for example, a program that has been programmed for the operation of a special technical device. The firmware usually controls the input and output devices directly, that is, without using an operating system, which will be suitable for controlling hardware from different manufacturers. Alternatively, other input options are used for the parameters.

[0039] The method can be performed at least twice a year or a day, in particular automatically, for the same valve using different parameter values. For example, cooling with a heat exchanger with parameter a1 in the summer and heating with parameter a2 in the winter can be considered. Full-load heating with parameter a1 in the winter and partial-load heating with parameter a2 during the transition period can also be considered. Seasonal adaptation and even daily adaptation of the characteristic curve of the valve are thus possible in a simple manner. An app can be used for the adaptation. Alternatively, the adaptation can be performed in another way, for example by programming.

[0040] The parameters can also be specified by a central or superordinate control unit which controls a plurality of valves. At least one of the valves controlled by the control unit can work according to the method explained above with automatic adaptation of the characteristic curve.

[0041] According to a second aspect, the task is solved by an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit has at least one storage unit in which a program with instructions for controlling at least one valve is stored. At least one processor is configured to load the program from the storage unit and execute the instructions of the program. The control unit is configured to control exactly one drive unit of the valve according to the control signal. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to control multiple valves as a central or superior control unit with the help of multiple control signals. The control unit can be suitable for executing the method according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and in particular the method according to claim 6 or 7. "Suitable" means that there is a unit that performs the relevant method steps.

[0042] According to a third aspect, this object is achieved by a valve drive having a drive unit, in particular a magnetic drive unit, an electromechanical drive unit, an electrohydraulic drive unit or a pneumatic drive unit.

[0043] Furthermore, the valve drive has an actuation unit according to the invention which is connected to the drive unit in a signal or data technology manner. The components of the valve drive according to the invention can be accommodated in a common housing. At least a current or voltage supply for feeding the actuation unit according to the invention can be accommodated in the housing of the valve drive. Depending on the embodiment of the drive unit, a current or voltage supply, a hydraulic pump or a pneumatic pump can be accommodated in the housing of the valve drive.

[0044] All technical effects described in detail above with respect to the method according to the first aspect of the present invention can therefore also be provided by the control unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the method according to the first aspect of the present invention or its improved solution is implemented in the control unit. The same applies to the valve drive device according to the third aspect of the present invention, which includes the control unit according to the present invention.

[0045] In other words, the optimization of valve tappets using V-characteristics or flow characteristics that can be dynamically specified in the firmware (FW) is described. Currently, the lift valve characteristic curve is determined in the form of complex tappet configurations. The development of the tappets is difficult and the production is very complex. Since the valve characteristic curve is fixedly determined by assembling valve and tappet, there is no possibility of changing the valve characteristic curve later and without great complexity. The valve characteristic curve is determined by complex shapes or bores in the tappet.

[0046] Now the tappet may no longer be a complex configuration or need not be a complex configuration, but may be, for example, a flat cylindrical tappet that can be simply manufactured. This tappet can now be used in all valves independently of the desired valve characteristic curve and can be combined with a drive unit with a suitable stroke resolution.

[0047] Not only can considerable costs be saved in terms of the tappet, i.e., for development and / or production, for example, but the valve characteristic curve can also be adapted and dynamically changed as desired after installation. In addition, there is the possibility of scaling the characteristic curve in a working range of less than 100% of the valve stroke. The dynamic adaptation of the characteristic curve can be carried out via downloading of firmware or in another suitable manner.

[0048] Thus, a geometrically complex closing body can be replaced by a "simple" closing body. The desired flow characteristic can be generated via interpolation of supporting points or via mathematical functions in an actuation unit as part of a valve drive or regulating drive of the valve. The corresponding resolution of the regulating device can be suitable.

[0049] An additional feature may be the input of the a value to be compensated, i.e., a characteristic parameter for a heat exchanger characteristic curve, for example. The user then does not have to first derive a valve characteristic curve from a heat exchanger characteristic curve or other load characteristic curve and then input it. This work can be taken over by the valve drive or the regulating drive of the valve.

[0050] The mathematical approximation of the heat exchanger characteristic curve can be as follows:

[0051] q = v / (v+ (1-v) *a),

[0052] Where q: relative power (0...1),

[0053] v: relative flow rate, and

[0054] a: Characteristic value of the heat exchanger (definitely determined via the design temperature).

[0055] The mathematical approximation of the inverse function can be as follows:

[0056] v = q / (q + (1-q) / a) ,

[0057] Where q: relative power (0...1),

[0058] v: relative flow rate, and

[0059] a: Characteristic value of the heat exchanger (determined explicitly via the design temperature).

[0060] This can then be the basis for correcting an intrinsic internal characteristic of the regulation or control, which does not necessarily have to be known at all to the user.

[0061] The properties, in particular valve properties, can be changed, for example, using the BacNet (Building Automation and Control Networks) standard, for example using a mobile app. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Further advantages, technical effects, features and details of the invention and its developments emerge from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 Schematic illustration of construction engineering infrastructure,

[0064] Figure 2 schematically shows a load characteristic curve, a valve characteristic curve determined according to the load characteristic curve, and an overall characteristic curve,

[0065] Figure 3 Schematically shows the process of mapping the external valve adjustment variable to the internal valve adjustment variable and an example of scaling, and

[0066] Figure 4 The valve insert is shown schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 A construction engineering infrastructure 10 is shown, which includes the following elements:

[0068] - Valve 100,

[0069] - a drive unit 102 of the valve 100 , for example a magnetic drive unit, an electromechanical drive unit, for example a motor with a transmission unit, or an electrohydraulic drive unit,

[0070] - a control unit 104, which controls the drive unit 102, and

[0071] A heat exchanger 110 which is connected in series with the valve 100 via branch sections 112 to 116 , for example via a heating pipe.

[0072] Reference numeral 1000 denotes a valve drive, which can be mounted on the valve 100 as a component for setting the valve stroke. Such a valve drive 1000 can also be referred to as an adjusting drive. Such a valve drive 1000 preferably comprises a drive unit 102 accommodated in a housing and an actuation unit 104 connected to the drive unit 102 in a signal and / or data technology manner. In addition, a current or voltage supply device for energy feeding of the drive unit 102 can be accommodated in the housing of the valve drive 1000.

[0073] The control unit 104 generates the phase-cut power signal 103, for example in the case of the magnetic drive unit 102. Alternatively, different control signals may be generated.

[0074] The control unit 104 receives a control signal 105 from a higher-level control unit or a regulating unit, which predetermines a regulating value for the valve 100. The control signal 105 is, for example, a voltage signal in a range of, for example, 0 volts to 10 volts or a current signal in a range of, for example, 0 milliamperes to 20 milliamperes. The range may also start at a value different from 0 volts or 0 milliamperes, for example, at 2 volts or at 4 milliamperes. The control unit 104 may be implemented as pure hardware or circuits. Alternatively, the control unit 104 may include a data memory M1 for program data and for working data and a processor P1, which executes program instructions stored in the memory M1 when implementing the method steps explained below.

[0075] An embodiment is explained below in which the method with characteristic curve specification is primarily carried out in control unit 104. Alternatively, however, the method can also be carried out in the same or similar manner in a superordinate control unit or regulating unit.

[0076] In a broader sense, the construction engineering infrastructure 10 also includes a server 150, i.e. an electronic data processing device on which at least one service provider program is stored. The server 150 can include a data memory M2 for program data and for working data and a processor P2, which executes the program instructions stored in the memory M2 when carrying out the method steps explained below. Alternatively, the server 150 can also be implemented solely by means of hardware or circuit technology.

[0077] The control unit 104 and the server 150 can be connected via a data transmission network 160 , for example via the Internet or via an enterprise network which operates, for example, according to the Internet Protocol IP.

[0078] The method for operating the valve 100 is explained in more detail below. The inverse function is stored in the actuation unit 104 or alternatively in a higher-level control device, see Figure 2 , inverse function 230.

[0079] As indicated by arrow 170, the user or user of valve 100 can predetermine parameter a, which will be explained in more detail below. The predetermination can be carried out, for example, via a service application program, referred to as App, which works with a corresponding service provider on server 150. For example, parameter a can be transmitted to server 150 via data transmission network 160 or other data transmission networks. Alternatively, the user can also predetermine a plurality of parameters a1, a2, etc., and optionally also predetermine the time, for example months, days or even hours, at which the parameters should be used respectively.

[0080] Subsequently, parameter a is taken into account in the inverse function 230, for example by storing a calculation rule for characteristic curve 230 in the firmware or by storing a value calculated according to the calculation rule by a service provider or by another program using parameter a, wherein parameter a is transmitted from the service provider to the other program, and the user communicates with the service provider.

[0081] After the parameter a has been taken into account in the firmware, the firmware in the control unit is updated, for example, via downloading. Alternatively, the parameter a can also be directly input into the control unit 104 or a higher-level control unit. The firmware is then adapted accordingly and can itself take into account the variable parameter a. Alternatively, the higher-level control device can update the firmware.

[0082] Thereafter, the infrastructure 10 and in particular the valve 100 are operated using the inverse function 230 calculated with the parameter a, see Figure 2 In this way, a valve 100 of simple construction can be used, the valve tappet of which is arranged as follows: Figure 4 In addition, in the following text, Figure 2 The explained linearization of the overall characteristic curve of the system consisting of valve 100 and heat exchanger 110 can be realized in a simple manner.

[0083] Instead of predetermining the parameter a, the total load characteristic curve or the inverse function can also be predetermined by the user or user of the valve 100. Furthermore, alternatively, the support values ​​for the function or for these functions can be predetermined by the user or user of the valve 100, from which the required function or the required function value can then be calculated by interpolation.

[0084] Figure 2Coordinate system 200 shows a load characteristic 220 for heat exchanger 110 , a valve characteristic or inverse characteristic 230 for valve 100 determined as a function of load characteristic 220 , and an overall characteristic 210 (target function) for the overall system consisting of valve 100 and heat exchanger 110 .

[0085] Coordinate system 200 has an x-axis 202 on which the flow through heat exchanger 110 is shown normalized in a range of 0 to 1 for characteristic curve 220. The stroke for valve 100 is shown normalized in a range of 0 to 1 on x-axis 202. Normalization can be performed based on a maximum value of the stroke, flow or power.

[0086] On the y-axis 204 of the coordinate system 200, the heat exchange capacity, for example the heating capacity or the cooling capacity, is again normalized and in the range from 0 to 1 for the heat exchanger 110. On the y-axis 204, in particular, the flow rate is normalized and in the range from 0 to 1 for the valve. Since the valve 100 and the heat exchanger 110 are connected in series, the flow rate of the fluid, in particular water, through both units is the same, which makes the representation in the coordinate system 200 meaningful.

[0087] For the overall characteristic curve 210 of the overall system consisting of valve 100 and heat exchanger 110 , the x-axis represents the normalized flow through valve 100 or through heat exchanger 110 in the range of 0 to 1, and the y-axis represents the normalized power of heat exchanger 110 in the range of 0 to 1.

[0088] Based on characteristic curve 220, inverse function 230 is defined in such a way that a linear or approximately linear overall characteristic curve 210 is obtained. This can be done graphically using calculation rules or formulas, as will be explained in more detail below, or in another suitable manner.

[0089] For example, the characteristic curve 220 for the heat exchanger is defined according to the following formula:

[0090] q = v / (v+ (1-v) *a)),

[0091] where q is the normalized cooling power or heating power of the heat exchanger 110 , preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and preferably unitless,

[0092] where v is the normalized flow rate through the valve 100 and through the heat exchanger 110, preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and preferably unitless, and

[0093] Therein, a specifies a characteristic value for modeling a characteristic curve for heat exchanger 110 , which characteristic value is specified in particular by an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of a fluid flowing through heat exchanger 110 , wherein a is preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and is preferably unitless.

[0094] An inverse function 230 is determined based on the characteristic curve 220 by performing a mirror image of the characteristic curve 220 with respect to a target characteristic curve 210 or a target function, for example graphically or by calculation using a mathematical program, in the case of a linear characteristic curve of the valve 100, i.e. a predetermined characteristic curve without a separate characteristic curve for the valve 100.

[0095] In this example, the course of the inverse function 230 or the characteristic curve or the characteristic curve function 230 is obtained by the following formula:

[0096] v = q / (q + (1-q) / a),

[0097] where q is the normalized cooling power or heating power of the heat exchanger 110 , preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and preferably unitless,

[0098] where v is the normalized flow rate through the valve 100 and through the heat exchanger 110, preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and preferably unitless, and

[0099] Therein, a specifies a characteristic value for modeling a characteristic curve for heat exchanger 110 , which characteristic value is specified in particular by an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of a fluid flowing through heat exchanger 110 , wherein a is preferably in the range of 0 to 1 and is preferably unitless.

[0100] The two characteristic curves 220 and 230 are therefore based on the same parameter a. The characteristic curve 230 can be stored or stored in the firmware of the control unit 104 for a specific parameter a or as a general calculation rule.

[0101] If specific values ​​are determined from the characteristic curves 230 and 220, the characteristic curve 210 is obtained. For example, a flow rate of approximately 0.3 on the y-axis through the valve 100 is associated with a stroke of 0.8 according to the characteristic curve 230. For a flow rate of 0.3 on the x-axis of the heat exchanger 110, a heat exchanger power of approximately 0.8 is obtained on the y-axis using the characteristic curve 220. Therefore, the power value of 0.8 of the overall characteristic curve 210 is associated with the stroke value of 0.8.

[0102] When specifying characteristic curve 230 , a linear characteristic curve is assumed for valve 100 . However, it is also possible to take into account a slightly nonlinear or strongly nonlinear characteristic curve deviating therefrom for a valve of a certain design.

[0103] Figure 3 An example of a process of mapping an external valve regulating variable of a valve 100 to an internal valve regulating variable and scaling is shown. A coordinate system 300 shows the inverse function 230. An x-axis 302 of the coordinate system 300 represents the normalized stroke of the valve 100 in the range of 0 to 1 for the inverse function 230. A y-axis 304 of the coordinate system 300 represents the normalized flow through the valve 100 in the range of 0 to 1. Normalization can be performed based on the maximum value of the stroke or flow.

[0104] To the left of coordinate system 300 is shown a coordinate system 350 which shows a linear valve characteristic curve 360 ​​of valve 100 which, due to its design, the valve has if the control unit and also the superordinate unit do not perform a correction of the characteristic curve. Valve characteristic curve 360 ​​of the valve is linear in this example. In other examples, the valve characteristic curve of valve 100 is nonlinear even without correction, see, for example, characteristic curve 370. Characteristic curve 370 is then taken into account instead of characteristic curve 360 ​​when specifying the inverse function, so that target function 210 (see Figure 2 ) is linear or has other desired or required change processes.

[0105] An x-axis 352 of coordinate system 350 represents the normalized stroke of valve 100 in the range of 0 to 1 for valve characteristic curve 360 ​​or 370. A y-axis 354 of coordinate system 350 represents the normalized flow through valve 100 in the range of 0 to 1. Normalization can be performed based on a maximum value of the stroke or flow.

[0106] The control unit 104 performs a mapping or mapping of the external control value (control signal 105) to the valve internal control value (control signal 104) in order to realize the characteristic curve 230, that is, the inverse function, which is explained below for the value. If, for example, the normalized external control value (control signal 105) for the stroke of the valve is 0.8, the control unit determines a flow value of about 0.3 with the help of the characteristic curve 230 stored in the control unit 104, see arrows 380 and 382. With this flow value of 0.3, the control unit 104 then determines the relevant stroke value of the valve 100 according to the characteristic curve 360. The characteristic curve 360 ​​can also be stored in the control unit. From the characteristic curve 360, the same stroke of 0.3 is obtained for a flow of 0.3, which is then used as the value to be set at the valve 100, that is, it must be implemented in the signal 103, see arrow 384. In the case of a linear characteristic curve 360, the control unit can also use the flow value on the x-axis 304 directly as the value of the stroke. Only in the case of a nonlinear valve characteristic curve 370 should the mapping function of the reference coordinate system 350 be implemented.

[0107] exist Figure 3 An example of scaling is shown in FIG. 2 . In the case of valve characteristic curve 230 , the maximum control value in branches 112 to 116 is, for example, only 75%, for which reference symbol S75 is used. A 60% control signal generated by an external control unit does not result in an opening of the valve at position A60 / 100, i.e. 60%, according to the characteristic curve, but rather a flow value at position A60 / 75, which results as 60% of the control range predefined by the maximum control value of 75%, i.e. in a position signal of 45% or 60% times 75% (0.45=0.6*0.75).

[0108] The mapping and scaling of the adjustment values ​​can also be performed in combination.

[0109] Figure 4 The valve insert 400 of the valve 100 is shown. The valve insert 400 comprises, from bottom to top, in the following order:

[0110] - a truncated cone-shaped tappet section 410,

[0111] - a cylindrical tappet section 420,

[0112] a journal 430 , the diameter of which has a smaller value than the diameter of the tappet segment 420 ,

[0113] a shaft 440 which is elongated compared to the journal 430 and also compared to the tappet segment 420 and has a smaller diameter than the journal 430 ,

[0114] a fastening section 450 which is short compared to the length of the shaft 440 , whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the shaft 440 and which serves, for example, to fasten a valve drive 1000 or an adjusting drive of the valve 100 , and

[0115] An end section 460 which is short compared to the length of the shaft 440 and has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the fixing section 450 .

[0116] The valve stroke H is located between the opening position of the bottom of the truncated cone-shaped tappet section 410 and the valve opening (not shown) of the valve 100. The valve insert 400 is therefore of simple design and can be manufactured at low cost. The valve insert 400 yields a linear characteristic curve 360 ​​without additional measures. However, if it is carried out as explained above, any characteristic curve can be achieved with the valve 100 using the valve insert 400, via the actuation unit 104 or via a higher-level control unit / regulating unit.

[0117] Reference numerals list

[0118] 10 Construction Engineering Infrastructure

[0119] 100 valves

[0120] 102 Drivers

[0121] 103 Control Signal

[0122] 104 Control Unit

[0123] 105 Control signal

[0124] 110 Heat exchanger

[0125] 112 to 116 branch section

[0126] 150 servers

[0127] 160 Data transmission network

[0128] 170 Parameter transmission

[0129] M1, M2 data memory

[0130] P1, P2 processors

[0131] a Thermal parameters

[0132] 200, 300, 350 coordinate system

[0133] 202, 302, 352 x-axis

[0134] 204, 304, 354 y-axis

[0135] 210 Overall characteristic curve

[0136] 220 Characteristic curves for heat exchangers

[0137] 230 Change process / characteristic curve of inverse function

[0138] 360 linear valve characteristic curve

[0139] 370 Nonlinear valve characteristic curve

[0140] 380 to 384 Arrows for value mapping

[0141] S75 Adjustment value

[0142] A60 / 100 External adjustment value

[0143] A75 / 100 Internal adjustment value

[0144] 400 Valve Insert

[0145] 410 Truncated cone-shaped tappet section

[0146] 420 Cylindrical tappet segment

[0147] 430 Journal

[0148] 440 Axis

[0149] 450 Fixed segment

[0150] 460 End section

[0151] 1000 Valve drives, regulating drives

[0152] H Valve travel.

Claims

1. A method for operating a valve (100), the method comprising the steps of: - determining or predetermining a nonlinear characteristic function which describes the required relationship between the valve opening position and the flow rate of the fluid through the valve (100), - storing the characteristic curve function in an electronic control unit (104), - using a stored characteristic curve function to set the valve opening position of the valve (100) as a function of a control signal (105), the control signal indicating a setpoint flow through the valve (100), wherein the characteristic curve function is automatically calculated with the aid of a parameter value (a), an analytical function or by interpolation using a predetermined support value, the parameter value or the analytical function or the support value being predetermined by a user of the valve (100), Features , - the characteristic curve function is an inverse function, which is determined based on the characteristic curve (220) for the heat exchanger (110) and the target function (210), the characteristic curve for the heat exchanger (110) describes the relationship between the heating power or cooling power and the flow rate of liquid or gas through the heat exchanger (110), the objective function (210) describes the relationship between the heating power or cooling power of the heat exchanger (110) as a function of the valve opening position of the valve (100), - the objective function (210) is linear, and The characteristic curve (220) for the heat exchanger (110) can be calculated using the same parameter values ​​(a) as the predefined or determined characteristic curve function.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a nonlinear mechanical characteristic curve of the valve (100) is taken into account when specifying the inverse function.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the valve (100) is a ball valve, a throttle valve or a rotary lift valve.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the characteristic function is predetermined by v=q / (q+(1-q) / a), - where q is the normalized cooling power or heating power of the heat exchanger (110), - where v is the normalized flow through the valve (100) and through the heat exchanger (110), and - wherein a specifies a characteristic value for modeling a characteristic curve for a heat exchanger or for the heat exchanger (110).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the characteristic value is specified by an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of a fluid flowing through the heat exchanger (110).

6. The method according to claim 4, - where q is in the range of 0 to 1 and has no unit, - where v is in the range of 0 to 1 and is unitless, and -wherein a is in the range of 0 to 1 and has no unit.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic curve function is stored in an electronic device.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic curve function is stored in an electronic memory device (M1).

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic curve function is stored as a calculation rule for an automatically executed program or as a value table in which valve opening positions associated with flow values ​​or flow values ​​associated with valve opening positions are stored.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a normalized valve opening position and a normalized valve opening position are stored in the value table.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - the characteristic curve is scaled, wherein an externally predetermined working range of the valve (100) is less than 100% of a possible valve opening position of the valve (100), - wherein the actual control value is calculated based on an externally predefined control value by multiplying the percentage of the externally predefined control value corresponding to the mechanically maximum possible valve opening position (S100) by the percentage of the externally predefined control value corresponding to the actually used maximum valve opening position (S75) with respect to the predefined one.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the externally predefined working range of the valve (100) is less than 75% or less than 50% of the possible valve opening positions of the valve (100).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - wherein the parameter value (a) is predetermined by a user of the valve (100), - wherein the parameter value (a) is transmitted from a server (150) to the electronic control unit (104) via downloading of firmware of the electronic control unit (104) for controlling the drive unit (102) of the valve (100).

14. The method according to claim 13, The parameter value (a) is predefined by a user of the valve (100) using an App that communicates with the server (150).

15. The method according to claim 13, - wherein the parameter value (a) is transmitted from the server (150) to the electronic control unit (104) via a data transmission network (160) via downloading of firmware of the electronic control unit (104) for controlling the drive unit (102) of the valve (100).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method is performed at least twice a year or daily for the same valve using different parameter values.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method is automatically performed at least twice a year or a day for the same valve using different parameter values.

18. An electronic control unit (104), comprising: at least one memory unit (M1) in which a program with instructions for actuating at least one valve (100) is stored, - at least one processor (P1) configured to load a program from said memory unit (M1) and to execute the instructions of said program, - the electronic actuation unit (104) is designed to actuate exactly one drive unit (102) of the valve (100) as a function of an actuation signal, or the electronic actuation unit (104) is designed to actuate a plurality of valves (100) as a central or superordinate electronic actuation unit (104) by means of a plurality of actuation signals, Features , The electronic control unit (104) is suitable for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 17.

19. A valve drive device (1000) for being mounted on a valve (100) and for setting a valve stroke (H), the valve drive device comprising: - a drive unit (102), and An electronic control unit (104) according to claim 18 which is connected to the drive unit (102) in a signal or data-related manner.

20. The valve drive device (1000) according to claim 19, wherein the drive unit (102) is a magnetic drive unit, an electromechanical drive unit, an electrohydraulic drive unit or a pneumatic drive unit.

21. The valve drive device (1000) according to claim 19, wherein the valve (100) has a linear mechanical characteristic curve.

22. The valve drive (1000) according to claim 21, wherein the valve (100) is a poppet valve (100) or a sliding valve having a valve tappet of geometrically simple design.

23. The valve drive device (1000) according to claim 22, wherein the valve (100) is a poppet valve (100) having a valve tappet in the form of a cylindrical closing disk, a closing cylinder or a cylinder with an added truncated cone-shaped closing section.

24. The valve drive device (1000) according to any one of claims 19 to 23, - wherein the valve (100) is a continuously adjustable regulating valve (100).

25. The valve drive (1000) according to claim 24, wherein the valve (100) is a continuously regulating regulating valve (100) in a temperature regulating circuit or in a temperature control section.

26. The valve drive device (1000) according to claim 24, wherein the valve (100) is a continuously adjustable regulating valve (100) having a magnetic drive unit (102), an electromechanical drive unit (102), an electrohydraulic drive unit (102), or a pneumatic drive unit (102).

27. A valve drive device (1000) according to claim 26, wherein in the case of a magnetic drive unit (102), an electronic control device converts a regulating signal into a phase-cut power signal (103), wherein the phase-cut power signal establishes a magnetic field in the magnetic coil of the drive unit (102).

28. The valve drive device (1000) according to claim 24, - wherein the stroke resolution of the regulating valve (100) is greater than 1:100, greater than 1:500 or greater than 1:900.

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