Adaptive Heating System Control Using Dual-Mode Temperature Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems for residential units face challenges in optimizing energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable and constant ambient temperature.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode control method for heating systems that combines continuous and on-off control modes, utilizing a mathematical model to estimate ambient temperature and adjust operating parameters, thereby reducing energy consumption and maintaining optimal comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous control mode is used to maintain target temperature, then ambient temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between continuous control mode and on-off control mode based on real-time temperature measurements and mathematical model predictions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain temperature stability when needed while reducing energy consumption during periods when the building's thermal mass can maintain temperature passively.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operating parameters of the heating system by adjusting the flow temperature of the vector fluid based on predictions from a mathematical model. This allows proactive temperature management, reducing the need for continuous high-energy heating while maintaining comfort standards.
2Use of energy by moving object
If on-off control mode is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy savings are improved, but ambient temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a mathematical model to predict future temperature trends and proactively adjusts the heating system before temperature deviations occur. This preliminary action allows the system to switch to on-off mode more aggressively while maintaining stability, as the model anticipates and compensates for temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual temperature measurements and compares them with model predictions, using this feedback to refine control decisions. This feedback mechanism ensures that on-off control transitions maintain temperature stability while achieving energy savings.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a mathematical model as an intermediary that predicts temperature based on limited sensor measurements and system state. This model acts as a virtual sensor, providing comprehensive temperature information without requiring physical sensors throughout the building, thus reducing hardware complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple physical temperature sensors, the system creates a virtual copy of the temperature field through mathematical modeling. This digital twin approach provides temperature information for multiple locations based on limited physical measurements, reducing sensor requirements while maintaining precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dual-mode control system achieves significant energy savings while ensuring a stable and comfortable ambient temperature, reducing the number of sensors required and simplifying system hardware and software.
Implementation Method 1
heating means configured to heat the vector fluid in response to a temperature command
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiating element being configured to receive the vector fluid and give heat to the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 3
at least one radiating element being configured to receive the vector fluid and give heat to the surrounding environment
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling the temperature of a vector fluid of a heating system (1) of at least a portion of a building, said heating system comprising: - heating means (10) configured to heat the vector fluid in response to a temperature command, - at least one heating element (106) arranged inside said at least a portion of the building, the at least one radiating element being configured to receive the vector fluid and give heat to the surrounding environment, - a temperature sensor (S1, S2, S3) configured to measure the ambient temperature inside said at least one portion of the building and transmits a value of the measured temperature, - a control unit (20) configured to receive the measured temperature value and to generate a command for controlling the heating means based on said measured temperature value. The method envisages that the control unit: - implements (401-404; 601-608) a continuous control mode which comprises generating a continuous control command to maintain a target temperature value in said at least one portion of the building, - implements (405; 607; 701-707; 801-804) an on-off control mode which comprises generating an off command control when the target temperature value is reached in said at least one portion of the building or when the continuous control command is kept at a minimum value for a predetermined period of time, and - provides said continuous control command or said off control command to the heating means. The method further advantageously comprises having the control unit: - implementing (300-320) a mathematical model of the integral or pseudo-integral type able to estimate the value of the ambient temperature as a function of the temperature of the vector fluid and a temperature outside the building, and - calculating (501-504) at least one operating parameter of the continuous mode on the basis of said mathematical model of the integral or pseudo-integral type.