A smart circulating cooling method and system for large-volume concrete construction

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligent circulating cooling method and system for large-volume concrete construction. The method includes: pre-embedding a biodegradable material tube inside the concrete, with both ends connected to form a continuous loop; circulating a cooling medium into the tube during the temperature rise phase after concrete pouring; acquiring real-time concrete temperature field data through a pre-embedded temperature sensor network; dynamically adjusting the temperature or flow rate of the cooling medium based on the temperature data to ensure the highest internal temperature of the concrete does not exceed 60℃ and the maximum temperature difference is less than 25℃; stopping cooling after the temperature rise ends and triggering the degradation of the biodegradable material tube to form a permanent cavity. The system includes a cooling circulation unit, a sensing and monitoring unit, and an intelligent control unit. This invention achieves precise closed-loop control of the cooling process, effectively suppressing temperature cracks, and the cooling channel is biodegradable and reusable, reserving a natural channel for subsequent structural inspection and repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of large-volume concrete construction technology, and more specifically, to an intelligent circulating cooling method and system for large-volume concrete construction. Background Technology

[0002] After large-volume concrete (such as bridge piers, dams, and high-rise building foundations) is poured, the cement hydration reaction releases a large amount of heat, causing a rapid increase in the internal temperature of the structure, while the surface dissipates heat more quickly. This temperature difference between the inside and outside of the concrete generates tensile stress within the concrete. When the tensile stress exceeds the early tensile strength of the concrete, temperature cracks occur, seriously affecting the durability and safety of the structure.

[0003] Traditional temperature control methods mainly rely on pre-embedded cooling water pipes for cooling. However, this method has the following shortcomings: (1) the cooling water pipes are densely arranged and the construction is complicated; (2) the cooling effect is uneven and the local temperature difference is difficult to control accurately; (3) the water pipes are discarded after cooling is completed, resulting in material waste and cannot be combined with the subsequent health monitoring needs of the structure.

[0004] Currently, there is a lack of an integrated solution that can achieve precise and intelligent temperature control and allow the cooling facilities to be reused. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Purpose of the invention

[0006] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide an intelligent circulating cooling method and system. Its core objective is to achieve precise control of the concrete temperature rise process by using pre-embedded biodegradable material pipes as cooling channels, combined with real-time temperature monitoring and closed-loop control. Upon completion of the cooling process, the pipes degrade, forming a cavity channel that can be used for subsequent inspection and repair.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an intelligent circulating cooling method for the construction of large-volume concrete. The method includes the following steps:

[0010] Step S1: Pre-embed a biodegradable material tube inside the concrete structure. The biodegradable material tube is configured to have dual characteristics that vary depending on conditions: it maintains structural stability when a cooling medium that meets the first parameter condition is introduced, and it degrades when the medium parameter reaches the second trigger condition.

[0011] Step S2: During the temperature rise stage after concrete pouring, the cooling medium is circulated through the biodegradable material pipe.

[0012] Step S3: Acquire real-time temperature field data of the concrete through a sensor network embedded inside the concrete;

[0013] Step S4: Based on the temperature field data, dynamically adjust at least one parameter of the cooling medium through the control system so that the temperature field of the concrete meets the preset temperature control target.

[0014] Step S5: After the temperature rise phase ends and the concrete temperature field stabilizes, the cooling cycle is stopped, and the degradation of the biodegradable material tube is triggered by changing the medium parameters, thereby converting the cooling channel into a permanent cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling medium is cooling water with a temperature between 5°C and 15°C.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the preset temperature control target is: the highest temperature inside the concrete structure does not exceed 60°C, and the maximum temperature difference between adjacent measuring points inside the concrete structure does not exceed 25°C.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, step S4 specifically includes: the control system calculating the cooling rate inside the concrete structure based on real-time acquired temperature field data; comparing the cooling rate with a preset safe cooling rate range; adjusting the cooling medium parameters to slow down cooling when the cooling rate is higher than the upper limit of the range; and adjusting the cooling medium parameters to accelerate cooling when the cooling rate is lower than the lower limit of the range.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in step S5, the degradation is triggered by introducing a medium that meets the degradation triggering conditions into the biodegradable material tube, wherein the triggering conditions are a temperature reaching a specific threshold and / or a change in the chemical properties of the medium.

[0018] Secondly, the present invention provides an intelligent circulating cooling system for implementing the above-described method. The system includes:

[0019] The cooling circulation unit includes a refrigeration unit, a circulation pump, pipelines, and an interface connected to the biodegradable material pipe, for providing temperature-controlled cooling medium circulation;

[0020] The sensing and monitoring unit includes a network of temperature sensors distributed inside the concrete structure for real-time acquisition of the temperature field data.

[0021] The intelligent control unit, which is communicatively connected to the cooling circulation unit and the sensing and monitoring unit, is configured to execute the dynamic adjustment logic in step S4.

[0022] The system is configured to switch to a working mode that triggers the degradation of the biodegradable material tube after the cooling cycle phase ends.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent control unit is configured to execute closed-loop control logic based on a proportional-integral-derivative control algorithm.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, when multiple biodegradable material pipes are pre-embedded in the concrete structure, the cooling circulation unit and the intelligent control unit are configured to implement independent zoned cooling control for different pipes.

[0025] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following outstanding advantages:

[0027] 1. Precise temperature control to suppress cracks: Through real-time monitoring and closed-loop feedback control, the highest temperature and maximum temperature difference inside the concrete structure can be precisely controlled within a safe range, effectively suppressing the generation of temperature cracks from the source;

[0028] 2. Intelligent adjustment and strong adaptability: Based on the control logic of cooling rate feedback, the cooling intensity can be adaptively adjusted to avoid new temperature stress problems caused by excessively fast or slow cooling.

[0029] 3. Zoned control, wide applicability: For large or complex structures, independent cooling can be implemented in zones to meet the differentiated temperature control needs of different areas;

[0030] 4. Sequential integration and facility reuse: Through the dual characteristics of "stable during cooling and degradation after triggering", the same biodegradable material pipe serves as an efficient heat exchange channel during the cooling stage. After cooling, it actively triggers degradation to form a permanent cavity, realizing the sequential reuse of infrastructure. It also reserves a natural channel for subsequent inspection and repair of the structure, completing the seamless integration of cooling tasks and full life cycle health management. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a concrete structure with pre-embedded biodegradable material pipes in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection and working principle of the intelligent circulating cooling system of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control logic flow of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of the labels in the diagram

[0035] 1-Concrete structure; 2-Biodegradable material pipe; 3-Embedded pipe; 4-Interface; 5-Temperature acquisition point. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. This embodiment takes a large bridge pier as an application scenario.

[0037] Example 1: Structure Construction and Equipment Connection

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, before the concrete structure 1 is poured, biodegradable material pipes 2 are fixedly installed in the critical stress areas inside the structure according to design requirements. These pipes can be made of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite material, designed to achieve the dual characteristics of "stable during cooling and degradable after triggering": they maintain structural stability and good thermal conductivity in cooling water below 50°C for extended periods, meeting the structural and heat exchange requirements during the cooling phase; when the temperature of the medium introduced into the pipe reaches above 65°C, the material's molecular chains move rapidly or undergo hydrolysis, allowing for controlled degradation within a predetermined time, thus transforming the cooling channel into a permanent cavity.

[0039] The biodegradable material pipe 2 is connected to two independent pre-embedded pipes 3 at both ends. Both pipes extend to the concrete surface, forming a standardized interface 4, which constitutes a through loop that can be connected to the outside world at both ends. The outlet arrangement can be flexibly selected according to the structural design, with the core being the formation of a through loop.

[0040] The arrangement of the biodegradable material pipe 2 and the cavity formed thereafter in the concrete structure can be flexibly designed according to the size, shape, and cooling requirements of the structure. Regardless of the specific route, as long as both ends are connected to the outside through pre-embedded pipes to form a loop, the circulating cooling function can be achieved.

[0041] For large structures, multiple biodegradable material pipes can be pre-embedded in different areas to form a distributed cooling network. Independent zone control can be implemented for each circuit by switching valves. Different cooling parameters can be set according to the temperature rise characteristics of different areas to achieve precise and efficient temperature control management.

[0042] Temperature acquisition points (which can be achieved by pre-embedded temperature sensors) are set at key points around the pipe and inside the concrete to monitor changes in the temperature field inside the concrete in real time. These temperature acquisition points are implemented through pre-embedded temperature sensors, and multiple temperature acquisition points together form a temperature sensor network to monitor the temperature field distribution inside the concrete in real time.

[0043] Pour concrete and cure it until it reaches a certain strength.

[0044] Example 2: Intelligent Circulating Cooling Control

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, during the temperature rise period after concrete pouring (usually the first 7 days), the cooling circulation unit is connected to the interface of the pre-embedded pipe 3, and cooling water at about 10°C is pumped into the biodegradable material pipe 2 for circulation. Due to the formation of a loop, the cooling water flows in from one end, flows through the entire pipe, and flows out from the other end, achieving efficient forced convection heat transfer.

[0046] The intelligent control unit receives real-time data from each temperature acquisition point and executes actions such as... Figure 3 The control logic shown is as follows:

[0047] 1. Target setting: The preset temperature control target is that the highest internal temperature of the concrete does not exceed 60℃, and the maximum temperature difference between adjacent measuring points is less than 25℃.

[0048] 2. Feedback Calculation: Calculate the current cooling rate based on real-time temperature field data.

[0049] 3. Comparative Decision: Compare the cooling rate with the preset safety range. When the cooling rate is higher than the upper limit, increase the cooling water temperature or decrease the flow rate to slow down the cooling; when the cooling rate is lower than the lower limit, decrease the cooling water temperature or increase the flow rate to accelerate the cooling.

[0050] 4. Execution and regulation: Output commands to the actuators of the cooling circulation unit (such as variable frequency water pumps and refrigeration units) to achieve closed-loop control.

[0051] The above control strategies ensure that the temperature field of the concrete is stable and controllable during the cooling period, laying the foundation for the subsequent degradation of biodegradable materials under predetermined conditions.

[0052] Regarding the control algorithm: The closed-loop control logic in this embodiment can be implemented based on the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm. The control system calculates the adjustment amount of the cooling medium based on the temperature deviation and its integral and derivative values ​​to achieve a stable and precise temperature control effect.

[0053] In terms of flow regulation, the intelligent control unit changes the cooling medium flow rate by adjusting the speed of the circulating pump or the opening of pipeline valves. The circulating pump speed information (or data from flow sensors installed in the pipeline) is fed back to the intelligent control unit in real time, forming a closed-loop flow control to ensure that the actual flow rate matches the demand. Flow regulation and water temperature regulation work together: flow regulation has a fast response and is used for fine-tuning the cooling intensity; water temperature regulation has a wide range and is used for coarse adjustments. The combination of the two achieves precise control of the concrete temperature field.

[0054] Preferred solution for temperature difference control:

[0055] As another preferred control strategy, the temperature difference between the outlet water temperature of the cooling circulation unit and the highest temperature at the internal temperature monitoring point of the concrete can be directly controlled, ensuring that the temperature difference between the two does not exceed a preset threshold (such as 25℃). This avoids excessive temperature differences at the source and effectively suppresses the generation of temperature cracks. The internal temperature monitoring points of the concrete should be arranged according to the geometric characteristics of the structure and the heat distribution pattern. They should typically cover areas where heat accumulates (such as the center of the structure and the core of thick sections) as well as representative locations where large temperature differences may occur, to ensure that the monitoring data accurately reflects the highest temperature level inside the concrete.

[0056] Example 3: Cooling End and Degradation Triggering

[0057] Continuous water cooling is performed for approximately 14 days until the internal temperature field of the concrete stabilizes and drops to a safe range, ending the temperature rise phase. At this point, the cooling cycle is stopped, and the biodegradable material pipe 2, as described in Example 1, enters the degradation triggering phase. Hot water above 65°C is injected into the biodegradable material pipe 2 through interface 4, actively triggering the complete degradation of the pipe material within several hours to several days, thus transforming the cooling channel into a permanent cavity. This cavity can be used for subsequent defect detection and repair of the structure, seamlessly connecting the cooling task with subsequent health monitoring.

[0058] Explanation regarding degradation triggering:

[0059] Degradation triggering conditions can be preset according to the characteristics of the selected material. For example, for temperature-sensitive materials, it can be triggered by heating the medium to a specific temperature; for chemically sensitive materials, it can be triggered by injecting a solution with a specific pH value. After triggering, the degradation process can be completed within hours to days, and the specific time can be adjusted by the material formulation and degradation conditions.

[0060] The degradation triggering of this invention depends on the parameters of the medium introduced into the biodegradable material pipe, rather than the temperature of the concrete structure itself. During the cooling phase, the parameters of the introduced cooling medium meet a first condition (e.g., low temperature), and the material remains stable. After cooling, the parameters of the introduced medium are actively changed (e.g., switched to high-temperature hot water) to meet a second triggering condition, at which point the material degrades. Therefore, even if the heat of hydration of the concrete causes the structure temperature to rise, as long as the parameters of the medium inside the pipe do not meet the triggering condition, the biodegradable material pipe remains stable before and during cooling.

[0061] Regarding the application of this cavity in subsequent inspection and repair, please refer to the applicant's "Infrared Detection Method and System for Concrete Defects Excited by Internal Hot Air Pressure" and "Method and Device for Local Non-destructive Repair of Concrete Structures Based on Pre-embedded Cavities" filed on the same day.

[0062] Example 4: Independent Zone Control

[0063] For large structures (such as dam sections), multiple biodegradable material pipes can be pre-embedded in different areas to form a distributed cooling network. The intelligent circulating cooling system is configured to implement independent zone control for each loop through valve switching, and to set differentiated cooling parameters according to the temperature rise characteristics of different areas to achieve precise and efficient temperature control management.

[0064] Explanation of partition control:

[0065] Zoned control can be achieved by installing a valve matrix on the external piping, with each cooling loop equipped with an independent flow regulating valve and temperature sensor. The integrated control unit can independently adjust the cooling parameters of each loop based on real-time temperature data for each zone, achieving "on-demand cooling" and avoiding resource waste.

[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart circulating cooling method for large-volume concrete construction, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: Pre-embed a biodegradable material tube inside the concrete structure. The biodegradable material tube is configured to have dual characteristics that vary depending on conditions: it maintains structural stability when a cooling medium that meets the first parameter condition is introduced, and it degrades when the medium parameter reaches the second trigger condition. Step S2: During the temperature rise stage after concrete pouring, the cooling medium is circulated through the biodegradable material pipe. Step S3: Acquire real-time temperature field data of the concrete through a sensor network embedded inside the concrete; Step S4: Based on the temperature field data, dynamically adjust at least one parameter of the cooling medium through the control system so that the temperature field of the concrete meets the preset temperature control target. Step S5: After the temperature rise stage ends and the concrete temperature field stabilizes, stop the cooling cycle and trigger the degradation of the biodegradable material tube by changing the medium parameters, thereby converting the cooling channel into a permanent cavity.

2. The intelligent circulating cooling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the cooling medium is cooling water with a temperature between 5°C and 15°C.

3. The intelligent circulating cooling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the preset temperature control target is: the highest temperature inside the concrete does not exceed 60℃, and the maximum temperature difference between adjacent measuring points inside the concrete does not exceed 25℃.

4. The intelligent circulating cooling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step S4 specifically includes: The control system calculates the cooling rate inside the concrete based on the real-time temperature field data. The cooling rate is compared with a preset safe cooling rate range; When the cooling rate is higher than the upper limit of the range, the cooling medium parameters are adjusted to slow down the cooling; when the cooling rate is lower than the lower limit of the range, the cooling medium parameters are adjusted to accelerate the cooling.

5. The intelligent circulating cooling method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the second triggering condition is that the temperature reaches a specific threshold and / or the chemical properties of the medium change.

6. An intelligent circulating cooling system for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, include: The cooling circulation unit includes a refrigeration unit, a circulation pump, pipelines, and an interface connected to the biodegradable material pipe, for providing temperature-controlled cooling medium circulation; The sensing and monitoring unit includes a network of temperature sensors distributed inside the concrete for real-time acquisition of the temperature field data. The intelligent control unit, which is communicatively connected to the cooling circulation unit and the sensing and monitoring unit, is configured to execute the dynamic adjustment logic in step S4. The system is configured to switch to a working mode that triggers the degradation of the biodegradable material tube by changing the medium parameters after the cooling cycle phase ends.

7. The intelligent circulating cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The intelligent control unit is configured to execute closed-loop control logic based on a proportional-integral-derivative control algorithm.

8. The intelligent circulating cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that: When multiple biodegradable material pipes are pre-embedded in the concrete structure, the cooling circulation unit and the intelligent control unit are configured to implement independent zoned cooling control for different pipes.

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