Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning HVAC field device, system, and computer program product for regulating fluid flow in fluid delivery circuit
By integrating the adjustment equipment, sensor equipment and controller in the field equipment of the HVAC system, and adjusting the fluid flow rate according to the measured operating parameters, the problem of inefficiency of the HVAC system when regulating the flow rate of the fluid conveying circuit is solved, and efficient and appropriate operation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380071124.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-11
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-13
AI Technical Summary
When HVAC systems regulate the fluid flow rate in the fluid delivery circuit, it is difficult to effectively adapt to system efficiency factors and operation constraints, resulting in inefficiency and inappropriate operation.
Accurate adjustment of fluid flow is achieved by integrating the regulation device, sensor device and controller in the HVAC field device to operate the regulation device according to the measured operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuit (such as flow rate, temperature and pressure). The system defines the first and second energy transfer modes, adjusting the fluid flow through a control valve or damper, ensuring that the flow rate adapts to actual conditions.
The efficient and appropriate operation of the HVAC system under different operating conditions is achieved. By defining specific set points and modes, the optimal operating conditions of the fluid delivery circuit are ensured, and the overall efficiency and comfort of the system are improved.
Smart Images
Figure CN120153213A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) field devices, HVAC systems, methods of operating HVAC field devices, and computer program products for regulating fluid flow in a fluid delivery circuit. Background Art
[0002] Since people spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have become very important for daily life and have a great impact on people's health and comfort. In the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HVAC systems typically include a fluid delivery system that includes one or more fluid delivery circuits, each fluid delivery circuit being connected to a heat exchanger that is arranged to transfer thermal energy to / from the environment to be controlled by means of the fluid circulating in the fluid delivery system. In order to be able to regulate the flow rate of the fluid entering / leaving the heat exchanger and thus be able to regulate the amount of thermal energy transferred, the heat exchanger is connected to the fluid delivery system via one or more regulating devices (such as valves and dampers). The regulating devices are mechanically controlled by an HVAC field device (in particular an actuator), which includes a motorized HVAC actuator coupled to the (multiple) regulating devices. In the HVAC field, HVAC actuators typically include a motor drivingly coupled (by gears and / or other mechanical couplings) to the actuated component (i.e., the regulating device). The HVAC actuator is electrically controlled by an HVAC controller (in particular the electronic circuitry of the (multiple) HVAC controllers). In addition, various HVAC sensors are used to measure environmental variables such as humidity, temperature, CO 2 or dust particle levels. In addition, HVAC sensors are used to determine the operating parameters of various elements of the HVAC system, such as the actuation position of the actuated component, the operating state of the HVAC actuator (e.g., online / standby / offline), the operating temperature, the error state, etc.
[0003] By regulating the flow rate of the fluid through the heat exchanger of the HVAC system, it is possible to adjust the amount of energy transferred by the heat exchanger (correspondingly the amount of energy per unit time (power)). For example, by regulating the amount of energy delivered to / extracted from the heat exchanger to heat or cool a room in a building, or by regulating the amount of energy delivered to a chiller for cooling purposes, thereby correspondingly adjusting the energy exchange or power transfer. Although the fluid delivery through the fluid delivery circuit of the HVAC system is driven by one or more pumps or fans, the flow rate is typically regulated by changing the orifice (opening) or position of a valve.
[0004] The number, efficiency, and / or operating constraints of an HVAC system (such as the transfer efficiency of thermal energy through a heat exchanger, the efficiency of a heat source and / or flow regulation device) typically depend on the (multiple) operating parameters of a fluid delivery loop, such as flow rate; pressure; supply temperature and / or return temperature of the fluid passing through the fluid delivery loop. For example, compared to the case of absorbing thermal energy, thermal energy dissipates at different rates and efficiencies and is subject to different constraints regarding the (multiple) supply temperature and return temperature, respectively. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field device (10) for regulating the flow rate of a fluid (such as a liquid (such as water and / or refrigerant), or a gas (such as air)) in a fluid delivery loop (H, C) taking into account the dependence of the efficiency factor and / or operating constraints of the HVAC system on the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery loop.
[0006] According to the present disclosure, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are derived from the dependent claims and the description. In particular, this object is solved by an HVAC field device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid in a fluid delivery loop (particularly including a heat exchanger and / or a fluid delivery loop fluidly connectable to a heat exchanger), the HVAC field device including: a regulating device; a sensor device; and a controller configured to operate the regulating device based on the (multiple) operating parameters measured by the sensor device. The regulating device is arranged to regulate the flow rate of the fluid passing through the fluid delivery loop, particularly by means of a control valve or a control damper. The sensor device is configured and arranged to measure the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery loop, such as the flow rate, temperature, and / or pressure of the fluid passing through the fluid delivery loop.
[0007] The controller is configured to operate the regulating device in a first energy transfer mode or in a second energy transfer mode based on the (multiple) operating parameters measured by the sensor device. The first energy transfer mode is characterized by a first set point, and the second energy transfer mode is characterized by a second set point, such as (multiple) first flow rate set points and second flow rate set points, respectively. The first set point and the second set point of the (first operating mode and / or second operating mode) may each include one or more ranges (such as a closed-end range, an open-end range, and / or a combination of one or more closed-end ranges), and / or (multiple) discrete set point values of one or more parameters.
[0008] Operating the regulating device in the first energy transfer mode or the second energy transfer mode includes controlling the regulating device according to the first setpoint or the second setpoint.
[0009] It is advantageous to operate the regulating device in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode according to the (plural) operating parameters measured by the sensor device, because it allows adapting the operation to the actual conditions of the fluid delivery circuit, thus enabling efficient and proper operation. By defining specific setpoints for the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuit, it is possible to define multiple sets of optimal operating conditions for multiple different usages of the same HVAC system.
[0010] As used herein, the term "HVAC field device" refers to a device that can be hydraulically and / or mechanically connected to at least a part of the (plural) fluid delivery circuits, which have fluid supply / return lines (such as pipes, ducts or ports of valves and / or dampers), such that it regulates and / or measures parameters of the (plural) fluids flowing through them, such as flow rate, temperature, humidity, pressure, viscosity and / or chemical composition. Alternatively or additionally, the HVAC field device can be connected to the (plural) other HVAC field devices, such that it controls and / or measures their parameters, such as valve position, and the speed, current and voltage of the (plural) actuator motors, and the position of flow regulating devices (such as valves and / or dampers), etc.
[0011] An HVAC field device for regulating the flow (parameter) of the (plural) fluids is called an HVAC actuator. An HVAC actuator typically includes a motor (such as an electric motor), and a mechanical driver for drivingly connecting the electric motor to the actuated component (such as a valve or a damper). An HVAC actuator typically further includes an interface for receiving electrical power, control and / or configuration signals.
[0012] An HVAC field device for measuring the parameters of the (plural) fluids is called an HVAC sensor. In addition, the term HVAC field device also encompasses an HVAC field device that combines sensor and actuator functions for both controlling and measuring the parameters of the (plural) fluids or the (plural) other HVAC field devices.
[0013] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, in the first energy transfer mode, since the temperature of the fluid decreases along the flow direction within the fluid delivery circuit, thermal energy is dissipated (for heating) by the fluid, while in the second energy transfer mode, since the temperature of the fluid increases along the flow direction within the fluid delivery circuit, thermal energy is absorbed (for cooling) by the fluid. The dissipation and absorption of thermal energy are respectively achieved particularly by using a heat exchanger that is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery circuit by the regulating device.
[0014] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, the sensor device includes a flow sensor, the regulating device includes a control valve or a control damper or is drivably connectable to a control valve or a control damper, and the first setpoint and the second setpoint include a first flow rate setpoint and a second flow rate setpoint. The flow sensor is configured and arranged to measure the flow rate of the fluid through the fluid delivery loop. The control valve or the control damper is configured and arranged to regulate the flow rate of the fluid through the fluid delivery loop. In particular, the flow rate of the fluid is regulated by adjusting the size of the orifice. As part of the control valve or the control damper, the HVAC field device further includes an actuator for actuating the control valve or the control damper, and the controller is configured to generate a control signal for driving the actuator. The control signal is generated according to the first setpoint and the second setpoint of the first energy transfer mode and the second energy transfer mode respectively, so as to bring and / or maintain the flow rate of the fluid in the fluid delivery loop measured by the sensor device at the first flow rate setpoint or the second flow rate setpoint. Alternatively, the control signal is generated so as to minimize the difference between the flow rate measured by the sensor device and the first flow rate setpoint or the second flow rate setpoint. According to an embodiment in which the setpoint defines a (plural) range, the control signal is generated so as to maintain the corresponding value within the (plural) range defined by the setpoint.
[0015] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, for use in an HVAC system including two or more fluid delivery loops, the control valve is a six-way valve that includes a first fluid input port, a second fluid input port, a fluid output port, a fluid return input port, a first fluid return output port, and a second fluid return output port. The first fluid input port and the first fluid return output port are respectively connectable to the supply line and the return line of the first fluid delivery loop, while the second fluid input port and the second fluid return output port are respectively connectable to the second supply line and the second return line of the second delivery loop. The fluid output port and the fluid return input port are respectively fluidly connectable to the fluid input side and the fluid output side of the heat exchanger.
[0016] The controller is configured to control the regulating device such that, in the first energy transfer mode, the first fluid input port is fluidly connected to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port is fluidly connected to the first fluid return output port. Thus, in the first energy transfer mode, heat exchangers connectable to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port are fluidly connected to the first supply line and the first return line of the fluid delivery circuit, respectively. Further, in the first energy transfer mode, the controller is configured to control the regulating device to bring and / or maintain the flow rate of the fluid measured by the sensor device at a first flow rate set point in the fluid delivery circuit.
[0017] The controller is further configured to control the regulating device such that, in the second energy transfer mode, the second fluid input port is fluidly connected to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port is fluidly connected to the second fluid return output port. Thus, in the second energy transfer mode, heat exchangers connectable to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port are fluidly connected to the second supply line and the second return line of the second fluid delivery circuit, respectively. Further, in the second energy transfer mode, the controller is configured to control the regulating device to bring and / or maintain the flow rate of the fluid measured by the sensor device at a second flow rate set point in the second fluid delivery circuit.
[0018] In one embodiment, a control valve for regulating the flow rate of the fluid is implemented as part of a six-way valve that implements two functions: the function of selectively connecting the fluid output port / fluid return input port to the fluid delivery circuit or the second fluid delivery circuit, and the function of regulating the flow rate therethrough. Alternatively, the regulating device includes a control valve dedicated to regulating the flow rate and a separate six-way valve dedicated to selectively connecting the fluid output port / fluid return input port to the fluid delivery circuit or the second fluid delivery circuit.
[0019] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the sensor device includes and / or is connectable to a fluid pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a fluid in the fluid delivery circuit. In particular, the fluid pressure sensor is configured and arranged to measure the differential pressure between two sections of the fluid delivery circuit, such as the pressure difference between the supply line and the return line of the fluid delivery circuit. Correspondingly, the first setpoint and the second setpoint include a first pressure setpoint and a second pressure setpoint. Based on the measurement of the pressure of the fluid in the fluid delivery circuit by the pressure sensor, the controller controls the regulating device such that the pressure of the fluid in the fluid delivery circuit measured by the sensor device is brought to / held at the first pressure setpoint or the second pressure setpoint, respectively. In particular, the pressure of the fluid is regulated by adjusting the opening of the orifice of the control valve or damper of the regulating device, thereby affecting the throughput and thus the pressure at the fluid delivery circuit.
[0020] Alternatively or additionally, according to embodiments disclosed herein, the sensor device includes a supply temperature sensor for measuring the supply temperature of the fluid at the supply line of the fluid delivery circuit. For automatically switching between a first energy transfer mode and a second energy transfer mode, the controller is configured to operate the regulating device in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode based on the supply temperature of the fluid measured by the sensor device, in particular by comparing the supply temperature of the fluid measured by the sensor device with a changeover temperature. For example, based on the supply temperature, the controller can automatically determine whether to operate the HVAC field device in a first energy transfer mode (e.g., for heating) or in a second energy transfer mode (e.g., for cooling).
[0021] According to embodiments disclosed herein, the controller is configured to introduce a delay period between the operation of the regulating device in the first energy transfer mode and the operation in the second energy transfer mode. In particular, the controller is configured to control the regulating device such that the fluid flow is shut off or reduced to below a lower threshold during the delay period between the operation in the first energy transfer mode and the operation in the second energy transfer mode. For example, the regulating device is controlled such that the fluid flow is cut off during a 2-minute delay period between the operation in a first energy transfer mode for dissipating heat energy (for heating) and the operation in a second energy transfer mode for absorbing heat energy (for cooling).
[0022] In addition to supplying the temperature sensor, according to a further embodiment disclosed herein, the sensor device includes a return temperature sensor for measuring the return temperature of the fluid at the return port of the fluid delivery loop. Correspondingly, the first set point and the second set point include a first temperature difference set point and a second temperature difference set point, and the controller is configured to operate the regulating device in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode to bring and / or maintain the difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature as measured by the sensor device at the first temperature difference set point and the second temperature difference set point, respectively.
[0023] In particular, the controller is configured to use the regulating device to control the flow rate of the fluid such that the temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature (as measured by the supply temperature sensor and the return temperature sensor, respectively) is brought and / or maintained at the first temperature difference set point and the second temperature difference set point, respectively. For example, the controller is configured to maximize the temperature difference (between the supply temperature and the return temperature) by adjusting the flow rate of the fluid. Alternatively, the controller is configured to maintain a target temperature difference (between the supply temperature and the return temperature) as a function of the supply temperature or the return temperature.
[0024] Alternatively or additionally, according to an embodiment including a flow sensor as well as both a supply temperature sensor and a return temperature sensor, the first set point and the second set point include a first power transfer range and a second power transfer range. The controller is configured to determine the current power transfer through the fluid based on the measured flow rate and the temperature difference (between the supply temperature and the return temperature) of the fluid, and to control the regulating device such that the current power transfer is brought and / or maintained within the first power transfer range and the second power transfer range, respectively.
[0025] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, the controller is configured to retrieve the first set point or the second set point from the data storage device according to the first energy transfer mode or the second energy transfer mode. The data storage device may be inside the HVAC field device. Alternatively or additionally, the data storage device is communicatively connected to the HVAC field device.
[0026] According to a further embodiment disclosed herein, the HVAC field device further includes a communication interface configured to receive configuration commands, and the controller is configured to operate the regulating device in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode according to the configuration commands received via the communication interface. The communication interface includes one or more of the following:
[0027] - A wired communication interface (such as Ethernet, particularly Power over Ethernet (PoE), Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), a bus, particularly an MP bus, BACnet, KNX, or Modbus interface);
[0028] - A wide area network communication circuit (such as a GSM, LTE, 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile communication circuit);
[0029] - A low power wide area network (such as NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Remote LoRa / LoRaWAN, SigFox, or Long Term Evolution Category M1 (LTECatM1));
[0030] - A local area network communication circuit (such as a Wireless LAN);
[0031] - A short range wireless communication circuit (such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Thread, and / or Zigbee); and / or
[0032] - A near field wireless communication circuit (such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC)).
[0033] According to a further embodiment, the communication interface is further configured to receive the first setpoint or the second setpoint.
[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide an HVAC system for regulating the fluid flow rate in a fluid delivery loop taking into account the dependence of the efficiency factor and / or the operating constraints of the HVAC system on the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery loop. According to the present disclosure, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 12. Furthermore, further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description. In particular, this object is solved by an HVAC system comprising an HVAC field device fluidly connected to a first heat energy source and / or a second heat energy source according to one of the embodiments disclosed herein, and a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the HVAC field device.
[0035] To fluidly connect the HVAC field device to both the first heat energy source and / or the second heat energy source, according to a further embodiment of the HVAC system, a six-way valve is provided as part of the regulating device, the six-way valve including a first fluid input port, a second fluid input port, a fluid output port, a fluid return input port, a first fluid return output port, and a second fluid return output port. The first fluid input port and the first fluid return output port are respectively connected to the supply line and the return line of the fluid delivery loop connected to the first heat energy source, while the second fluid input port and the second fluid return output port are respectively connected to the second supply line and the second return line of the second delivery loop connected to the second heat energy source. The fluid output port and the fluid return input port are respectively fluidly connected to the fluid input side and the fluid output side of the heat exchanger.
[0036] The controller is configured to control the six-way valve such that, in the first energy transfer mode, the first fluid input port is fluidly connected to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port is fluidly connected to the first fluid return output port. Thus, in the first energy transfer mode, the heat exchanger is respectively fluidly connected to the first supply line and the first return line of the fluid delivery loop and is thus fluidly connected to the first heat energy source. Additionally, in the first energy transfer mode, the controller is configured to control the regulating device to bring and / or maintain the flow rate of the fluid measured by the sensor device at a first flow rate set point in the fluid delivery loop.
[0037] The controller is further configured to control the six-way valve such that, in the second energy transfer mode, the second fluid input port is fluidly connected to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port is fluidly connected to the second fluid return output port. Thus, in the second energy transfer mode, the heat exchanger connected to the fluid output port and the fluid return input port is respectively fluidly connected to the second supply line and the second return line of the second fluid delivery loop and is thus connected to the second heat energy source. Additionally, in the second energy transfer mode, the controller is configured to control the regulating device such that the flow rate of the fluid measured by the sensor device is brought and / or maintained at a second flow rate set point in the second fluid delivery loop.
[0038] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating an HVAC field device for regulating the fluid flow rate in a fluid delivery loop while taking into account the dependence of the efficiency factor and / or the operating constraints of the HVAC system on the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery loop.
[0039] According to the present disclosure, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 13. Additionally, further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description. In particular, this object is solved by a method of operating an HVAC field device, the method comprising: arranging a regulating device for regulating the fluid flow rate through a fluid conveyance loop; using a sensor device to measure the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid conveyance loop, and operating the regulating device by a controller in a first energy transfer mode or in a second energy transfer mode (as described above for the device in the previous paragraph).
[0040] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a computer program product for regulating the fluid flow rate in a fluid conveyance loop taking into account the dependence of the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid conveyance loop on the efficiency factor and / or operating constraints of an HVAC system.
[0041] According to the present disclosure, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 18. Additionally, further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description. In particular, this object is solved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller of an HVAC field device, cause the HVAC field device to perform a method according to one of the embodiments disclosed herein. Description of the Drawings
[0042] The disclosure described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings show:
[0043] Figure 1 A highly schematic block diagram showing a first embodiment of an HVAC system 1, the HVAC system 1 comprising an HVAC field device 10 for regulating the fluid flow rate through a fluid conveyance loop H based on the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid conveyance loop H measured by a sensor device 30 fluidly connected to a heat exchanger 80;
[0044] Figure 2 A flow chart showing the steps of a first embodiment of a method of operating an HVAC field device 10 for regulating the fluid flow rate through a fluid conveyance loop H, C based on the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid conveyance loop H, C measured by a sensor device 30;
[0045] Figure 3A highly schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the HVAC system 1, the HVAC system 1 including an HVAC field device 10 for selectively adjusting the fluid flow rates in the first fluid delivery circuit H and the second fluid delivery circuit C according to the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuits H, C measured by the sensor device 30;
[0046] Figure 4 Another highly schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the HVAC system 1, the HVAC system 1 including an HVAC field device 10 for selectively adjusting the fluid flow rates in the first fluid delivery circuit H and the second fluid delivery circuit C according to the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuits H, C measured by the sensor device 30; and
[0047] Figure 5 A flowchart showing the steps of another embodiment of a method of operating an HVAC field device 10, the HVAC field device 10 for selectively adjusting the fluid flow rates in the first fluid delivery circuit H and the second fluid delivery circuit C according to the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuit measured by the sensor device 30. Detailed Description
[0048] Certain embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to their examples shown in the drawings, some but not all of the features being shown in the drawings. In fact, the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components or parts.
[0049] Figure 1An HVAC system 1 is shown having an HVAC field device 10 for regulating the fluid flow rate in a fluid delivery circuit H, which fluid delivery circuit H is fluidly connectable to a heat exchanger 80 having a fluid input side 82 and a fluid return side 84. The HVAC field device 10 includes a regulating device 12; a sensor device 30; and a controller 20 configured to operate the regulating device 12 based on the (plural) operating parameters measured by the sensor device 30. The regulating device 12 is arranged to regulate the fluid flow rate through the fluid delivery circuit H by means of a control valve 16. The sensor device 30 is configured and arranged to measure the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuit H using a flow sensor 32, a temperature sensor 34 (which may particularly include a supply temperature sensor 34S and a return temperature sensor 34R), and / or a fluid pressure sensor 36, such as the flow rate F, temperature, and / or pressure of the fluid passing through the fluid delivery circuit H. As part of the control valve 16, the HVAC field device 10 further includes an actuator A for actuating the control valve 16, and the controller 20 is configured to generate a control signal for driving the actuator A. The supply line LS and the return line LR of the fluid delivery circuit H are fluidly connected to a heat energy source 100, such as a pump or a fan.
[0050] According to an embodiment, as Figure 1 shown by the dashed line above, the HVAC field device 10 further includes a communication interface 14 configured to receive configuration commands, and the controller 20 is configured to operate the regulating device 12 in a first energy transfer mode or in a second energy transfer mode based on the configuration commands received via the communication interface 14. The communication interface 14 may be housed by the sensor device 30, the regulating device 12, or it may be separately positioned and communicatively connected to the controller 20.
[0051] Figure 2 A flowchart showing the steps of a first embodiment of a method of operating an HVAC field device 10 for regulating the fluid flow rate through fluid delivery circuits H, C is shown.
[0052] In a first preparation step S10, the regulating device 12 is arranged to regulate the fluid flow rate through the fluid delivery circuits H, C. The regulating device 12 may be arranged in the supply line LS, LS C , LS H and / or the return line LR, LR C , LR H of the fluid delivery circuits H, C and / or anywhere therebetween. Thereafter, in step S20, the (plural) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuits H, C are measured using the sensor device 30, which sensor device 30 includes or is connectable to the (plural) sensors, such as the flow sensor 32, the temperature sensor 34, and / or the fluid pressure sensor 36.
[0053] In step S30A, a first set point of a first energy transfer mode is retrieved from the data storage device, and in step S30B, a second set point of a second energy transfer mode is retrieved from the data storage device, wherein each set point (of the first operating mode and / or the second operating mode) may include one or more closed - end ranges, one or more open - end ranges, or discrete set - point values of one or more parameters, or a combination of one or more closed - end ranges and one or more open - end ranges of one or more parameters. The first set point and the second set point include one or more of the following: a flow rate set point; a pressure set point, particularly a differential pressure set point; a temperature set point; a temperature difference set point, and / or a power set point.
[0054] Thereafter, in steps S40A and S40B, the regulating device 12 operates in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode respectively, wherein operating the regulating device 12 in the first energy transfer mode or the second energy transfer mode includes controlling the regulating device 12 according to the first set point or the second set point.
[0055] Corresponding to the first set point of the first energy transfer mode illustrated as linked to the delivery circuit H, step S40A of operating the regulating device 12 in the first energy transfer mode includes one or more of the following:
[0056] - In an alternative or cumulative sub - step S42A, a control signal is generated according to the first set point of the first energy transfer mode so as to bring and / or maintain the flow rate Φ of the fluid in the fluid delivery circuit H measured by the flow sensor 32 of the sensor device 30 at the first flow rate set point.
[0057] - In an alternative or cumulative sub - step S44A, a control signal is generated according to the first set point of the first energy transfer mode so as to bring and / or maintain the differences between the supply temperature TS and the return temperature TR measured by the supply temperature sensor 34S and the return temperature sensor 34R of the sensor device 30 at the first temperature difference set point and the second temperature difference set point respectively.
[0058] - In an alternative or cumulative sub - step S46A, a control signal is generated according to the first set point of the first energy transfer mode so as to bring and / or maintain the fluid pressure in the fluid delivery circuit H measured by the pressure sensor 36 of the sensor device 30 at the first fluid pressure set point.
[0059] Corresponding to the second set point of the second energy transfer mode illustrated as linked to the delivery circuit C, step S40B of operating the regulating device 12 in the second energy transfer mode includes one or more of the following:
[0060] - In an alternative or cumulative sub-step S42B, a control signal is generated according to a second set point of a second energy transfer mode such that the flow rate Φ of the fluid in the fluid delivery loop C measured by the flow sensor 32 of the sensor device 30 is brought to and / or maintained at a second flow rate set point.
[0061] - In an alternative or cumulative sub-step S44B, a control signal is generated according to a second set point of a second energy transfer mode such that the difference between the supply temperature TS and the return temperature TR, as measured by the supply temperature sensor 34S and the return temperature sensor 34R of the sensor device 30 respectively, is brought to and / or maintained at a second temperature difference set point and a second temperature difference set point.
[0062] - In an alternative or cumulative sub-step S46B, a control signal is generated according to a second set point of a second energy transfer mode such that the fluid pressure of the fluid in the fluid delivery loop C measured by the pressure sensor 36 of the sensor device 30 is brought to and / or maintained at a second fluid pressure set point.
[0063] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A highly schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of an HVAC system 1 including an HVAC field device 10 for selectively regulating the fluid flow rates in a (first) fluid delivery loop H (for heating) and a second fluid delivery loop C (for cooling).
[0064] To fluidly connect the HVAC field device 10 to both a (first) heat source 100 and a second heat source 200, a six-way valve 16' is provided as part of the regulating device 12. The six-way valve 16' includes a first fluid input port I 1 , a second fluid input port I 2 , a fluid output port O, a fluid return input port RI, a first fluid return output port RO 1 and a second fluid return output port RO 2 . The first fluid input port I 1 and the first fluid return output port RO 1 are respectively connected to the supply line LS H and the return line LR H of the (first) fluid delivery loop H connected to the heat source 100, while the second fluid input port I 2 and the second fluid return output port RO 2 are respectively connected to the second supply line LS C and the second return line LR C。The fluid output port O and the fluid return input port RI are fluidly connected to the fluid input side 82 and the fluid output side 84 of the heat exchanger 80, respectively.
[0065] In Figure 4 , the (first) fluid delivery loop H is depicted by a continuous line, while the second fluid delivery loop C is depicted by a dashed line.
[0066] Figure 5 Shows a flowchart of the steps of a method for describing the operation Figure 3 or Figure 4 of the HVAC field device 10, which is used to selectively adjust the fluid flow rates in the (first) fluid delivery loop H and the second fluid delivery loop C according to the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery loops H, C measured by the sensor device 30.
[0067] As Figure 5 illustrated, in addition to the steps described in conjunction with Figure 2 , as part of the step S40A of operating the regulating device 12 in the first energy transfer mode, in the sub-step S41A, the controller 20 controls the six-way valve 16' so that the first fluid input port I 1 is fluidly connected to the fluid output port O, and the fluid return input port RI is fluidly connected to the first fluid return output port RO 1 fluidly, thereby fluidly connecting the heat exchanger 80 to the first supply line LS H and the first return line LR H of the (first) fluid delivery loop H, respectively. In the first energy transfer mode, since the temperature of the fluid decreases along the flow direction in the (first) fluid delivery loop H, heat energy is dissipated (for heating) by the fluid.
[0068] As part of the step S40B of operating the regulating device 12 in the second energy transfer mode, in the sub-step S41B, the controller 20 controls the six-way valve 16' so that the second fluid input port I 2 is fluidly connected to the fluid output port O, and the fluid return input port RI is fluidly connected to the second fluid return output port RO 2 fluidly, thereby fluidly connecting the heat exchanger 80 to the second supply line LS C and the second return line LR C of the second fluid delivery loop C, respectively. In the second energy transfer mode, since the temperature of the fluid increases along the flow direction in the second fluid delivery loop C, heat energy is absorbed (for cooling) by the fluid.
[0069] Reference list
[0070] HVAC system 1
[0071] HVAC field device 10
[0072] Regulating device 12
[0073] Communication interface 14
[0074] Control valve 16
[0075] Six-way valve 16'
[0076] Controller 20
[0077] Sensor device 30
[0078] Flow sensor 32 Temperature sensors 34, 34S, 34R Fluid pressure sensor 36
[0079] Heat exchanger 80
[0080] (Fluid input side of heat exchanger) 82
[0081] (Fluid return side of heat exchanger) 84
[0082] First heat energy source 100
[0083] Second heat energy source 200
[0084] Flow rate Φ
[0085] Supply temperature TS
[0086] Return temperature TR
[0087] Fluid delivery loop H, C (Supply pipeline of fluid delivery loop) LS, LS H , LS C (Return pipeline of fluid delivery loop) LR, LR H , LR C
[0088] First fluid input port I 1
[0089] Second fluid input port I 2
[0090] Fluid output port O
[0091] Fluid return input port RI
[0092] First fluid return output port RO 1
[0093] The second fluid returns to the output port RO 2
Claims
1. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field device (10) for regulating the fluid flow rate in a fluid delivery circuit (H, C), the HVAC field device (10) comprising: - a regulating device (12) for regulating the fluid flow rate through the fluid delivery circuit (H, C); - a sensor device (30) for measuring the (multiple) operating parameters of the fluid delivery circuit (H, C); - a controller (20) configured to operate the regulating device (12) according to the (multiple) operating parameters measured by the sensor device (30) as follows: - in a first energy transfer mode; or - in a second energy transfer mode, wherein the first energy transfer mode is characterized by a first setpoint and the second energy transfer mode is characterized by a second setpoint, wherein operating the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or the second energy transfer mode includes controlling the regulating device (12) according to the first setpoint or the second setpoint.
2. The HVAC field device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: - in the first energy transfer mode, thermal energy is dissipated by the fluid as the temperature of the fluid decreases along the flow direction within the fluid delivery circuit (H, C); and - in the second energy transfer mode, thermal energy is absorbed by the fluid as the temperature of the fluid increases along the flow direction within the fluid delivery circuit (H, C).
3. The HVAC field device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the sensor device (30) includes a flow sensor (32) for measuring the flow rate (Φ) of the fluid passing through the fluid delivery circuit (H, C); - the first setpoint and the second setpoint include a first flow rate setpoint and a second flow rate setpoint; - the regulating device (12) includes or is drivingly connectable to a control valve (16) or a control damper for regulating the flow rate (Φ) of the fluid passing through the delivery circuit (H, C); and - the controller (20) is configured to control the regulating device (12) such that the flow rate (Φ) of the fluid in the fluid delivery circuit (H, C) measured by the sensor device (30) is brought to and / or maintained at the first flow rate setpoint or the second flow rate setpoint, respectively.
4. The HVAC field device (10) according to claim 3, - wherein, the regulating device (12) is a six-way valve (16') or includes a six-way valve (16'), and the six-way valve (16') includes: - First fluid input port (I 1 ) and first fluid return output port (RO 1 ), the first fluid input port (I 1 ) and the first fluid return output port (RO 1 ) are respectively fluidly connectable to the fluid supply line (LS H ) and the fluid return line (LR H ) of the fluid delivery circuit (H); - Second fluid input port (I 2 ) and second fluid return output port (RO 2 ), the second fluid input port (I 2 ) and second fluid return output port (RO 2 ) are respectively fluidly connectable to the fluid supply line (LS C ) and the fluid return line (LR C ) of the second fluid delivery circuit (C); - a fluid output port (O) and a fluid return input port (RI) that are fluidly connectable to a heat exchanger (80), wherein the controller (20) is configured to control the regulating device (12) such that: - In the first energy transfer mode, the first fluid input port (I 1 ) is fluidly connected to the fluid output port (O), and the fluid return input port (RI) is fluidly connected to the first fluid return output port (RO 1 ), and the flow rate (Φ) of the fluid measured by the sensor device (30) is brought to and / or maintained at a first flow rate set point in the fluid delivery circuit (H); and - In the second energy transfer mode, the second fluid input port (I 2 ) is fluidly connected to the fluid output port (O), and the fluid return input port (RI) is fluidly connected to the second fluid return output port (RO 2 ), and the flow rate (Φ) of the fluid measured by the sensor device (30) is brought to and / or maintained at a second flow rate set point in the second fluid delivery circuit (C).
5. The HVAC field device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - The sensor device (30) includes and / or is connectable to a fluid pressure sensor (36) for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C); and - The first setpoint and the second setpoint include a first pressure setpoint and a second flow pressure setpoint, The controller (20) is configured to control the regulating device (12) such that the pressure of the fluid in the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C) measured by the sensor device (30) is at the first pressure setpoint or the second pressure setpoint, respectively.
6. The HVAC field device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The sensor device (30) includes a supply temperature sensor (34S) for measuring the supply temperature of the fluid at the supply line (LS) of the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C), and wherein the controller (20) is configured to operate the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode based on the supply temperature of the fluid measured by the sensor device (30), in particular by comparing the supply temperature of the fluid measured by the sensor device (30) with a transition temperature.
7. The HVAC field device (10) according to claim 6, wherein: - The sensor device (30) includes a return temperature sensor (34R) for measuring the return temperature of the fluid at the return line (LR) of the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C); - The first setpoint and the second setpoint include a first temperature difference setpoint and a second temperature difference setpoint, The controller (20) is configured to operate the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode based on the difference between the supply temperature (TS) and the return temperature (TR) and the first temperature difference setpoint and the second temperature difference setpoint, respectively.
8. The HVAC device (10) according to claim 3 and 7 or according to claim 4 and 7, wherein, - The first setpoint and the second setpoint include a first power transfer setpoint and a second power transfer setpoint; - The controller (20) is further configured to: - Determine the current power transfer based on the flow rate (Φ) of the fluid measured by the flow sensor (32) and the temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the fluid measured by the supply temperature sensor (34S) and the return temperature sensor (34R), respectively; and - Control the regulating device (12) such that the current power transfer is brought to and / or maintained within the (plural) first and second power transfer ranges, respectively.
9. The HVAC field device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The controller is configured to retrieve the first setpoint or the second setpoint from a data storage device that is internal to and / or communicatively coupled to the HVAC field device (10) according to the first energy transfer mode or the second energy transfer mode.
10. The HVAC field device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a communication interface (14) configured to receive a configuration command, wherein, the controller (20) is configured to operate the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode according to a configuration command received via the communication interface (14).
11. The HVAC field device (10) according to claim 10, wherein, the communication interface (14) is further configured to receive the first setpoint or the second setpoint.
12. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning HVAC system (1), comprising: - the HVAC field device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which is fluidly connected to a heat energy source (100) and / or a second heat energy source (200); and - a heat exchanger (80) fluidly connected to the HVAC field device (10).
13. A method of operating an HVAC field device (10), the method comprising: - arranging a regulating device (12) for regulating a fluid flow rate through a fluid delivery loop (H, C); - measuring (a plurality of) operating parameters of the fluid delivery loop (H, C) using a sensor device (30); and - operating the regulating device (12) by a controller (20) as follows: - in a first energy transfer mode; or - in a second energy transfer mode; wherein the first energy transfer mode is characterized by a first setpoint, and the second energy transfer mode is characterized by a second setpoint, wherein operating the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or the second energy transfer mode includes controlling the regulating device (12) according to the first setpoint or the second setpoint.
14. The method of operating an HVAC field device (10) according to claim 13, further comprising: - measuring a fluid flow rate (Φ) of the fluid through the fluid delivery loop (H, C); - regulating the fluid flow rate (Φ) of the fluid through the delivery loop (H, C), whereby the regulating device (12) includes or is drivably connectable to a control valve (16) or a control damper; and - controlling the regulating device (12) such that the fluid flow rate (Φ) of the fluid in the fluid delivery loop (H, C) measured by the sensor device (30) is brought to and / or maintained at a first flow rate setpoint or a second flow rate setpoint, respectively, in the first energy transfer mode and in the second energy transfer mode, the first setpoint and the second setpoint including the first flow rate setpoint and the second flow rate setpoint.
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: - Measuring the pressure of the fluid in the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C) using a fluid pressure sensor (36) included in and / or connected to the sensor device (30); - Controlling the regulating device (12) such that the pressure of the fluid in the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C) measured by the sensor device (30) is respectively at a first pressure setpoint or a second pressure setpoint of the first setpoint or the second setpoint.
16. The method according to claims 13 to 15, further comprising: - Measuring the supply temperature of the fluid at the supply line (LS) of the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C) using the supply temperature sensor (34S) of the sensor device (30); - Operating the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode according to the supply temperature of the fluid measured by the sensor device (30), in particular by comparing the supply temperature of the fluid measured by the sensor device (30) with a transition temperature.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: - Measuring the return temperature of the fluid at the return port of the fluid conveyance circuit (H, C) using the return temperature sensor (34R) of the sensor device (30); - Operating the regulating device (12) in the first energy transfer mode or in the second energy transfer mode according to the difference between the supply temperature (TS) and the return temperature (TR) and respectively the first temperature difference setpoint and the second temperature difference setpoint.
18. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller of an HVAC field device (10), cause the HVAC field device (10) to perform the method according to one of claims 13 to 17.