Adaptive Valve Actuator Control for Stable HVAC Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controller settings for heating or cooling systems often differ significantly from optimal settings, leading to inadequate performance, self-oscillation, and reduced efficiency due to unfavorable factory parameter settings.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously monitors and adjusts the activity parameter associated with the control activity level, allowing for real-time updates based on system conditions, such as valve positioning and temperature changes, to improve parameter settings and balance speed and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If factory parameter settings are used for the controller, then the system can operate with predefined settings, but the performance is inadequate and self-oscillation occurs due to mismatch with actual system characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting controller parameters (gain factor, integral time, derivative time) based on detected system characteristics such as valve stroke time and system delay time. The controller automatically modifies these parameters to match actual system conditions, resolving the mismatch between factory settings and real-world performance while maintaining ease of initial deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring system responses (temperature changes, fluid flow) and using this information to adjust controller parameters. The controller detects actual system behavior and feeds this information back to modify its own settings, eliminating self-oscillation and improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Speed
If the controller activity level is increased to improve response speed, then the system responds faster to temperature deviations, but wear on valve and actuator components increases extensively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the controller activity level adaptive rather than static. The controller dynamically adjusts its activity based on system conditions, using higher activity when rapid response is needed and lower activity during stable conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains fast response capability while reducing unnecessary component wear during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes controller parameters (particularly the gain factor and activity level) based on detected system characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the controller achieves optimal response speed without excessive activity that would cause component wear, balancing performance and reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the controller activity level is decreased to reduce component wear, then the wear of valve and actuator is reduced, but the system stability improves and self-oscillation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to adjust controller activity based on real-time system conditions. The controller monitors system responses and adapts its activity level accordingly, maintaining low activity during stable conditions to preserve components while increasing activity when system changes require faster response, thus maintaining stability without sacrificing component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor system behavior and adjust controller parameters accordingly. This feedback ensures that the controller maintains appropriate activity levels to prevent self-oscillation and maintain stability while minimizing unnecessary adjustments that would increase component wear.
4Ease of operation
If factory parameter settings are used, then the controller can be deployed without calibration, but the energy efficiency is reduced and comfort issues occur due to poor parameter matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the controller to automatically calibrate and adjust its own parameters based on detected system characteristics. The controller performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment without requiring manual calibration, maintaining deployment simplicity while achieving optimal energy efficiency through adaptive parameter tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent automatically changes controller parameters based on detected system characteristics such as valve stroke time and system delay time. This automatic parameter adaptation maintains ease of deployment while significantly improving energy efficiency by optimizing controller activity to match actual system behavior.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method for finding beneficial parameter settings of a controller for controlling an actuator connected to a valve in a heating or cooling system is provided, comprising detecting a control activity level of the actuator of the heating or cooling system, and executing an activity-parameter adjustment of an activity parameter associated with the control activity level of the actuator, wherein a first type of activity-parameter adjustment is executed if the control activity level is above a threshold control activity level, and wherein a second type of activity-parameter adjustment is executed, provided absence of the first type of activity-parameter adjustment during a first period of time.