Heating system with automatic adaptive hydraulic adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heating systems require mechanical hydraulic balancing, which is inefficient as it relies on planning data and does not account for real-world factors like room orientation, usage, and radiator size, leading to excessive energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An automatic adaptive hydraulic balancing system that continuously adjusts heating valve positions based on real-time temperature measurements and user-defined targets, using a control unit and actuator to optimize room temperature without initial mechanical settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional mechanical hydraulic balancing is performed during design, then target flow rates can be determined and set, but the settings do not reflect real-world conditions such as room orientation, usage, and radiator size, leading to excessive energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system performs self-balancing through automatic adjustment of heating valves based on real-time temperature measurements from detection devices. The control unit continuously monitors actual temperatures and autonomously adjusts valve positions without requiring manual hydraulic balancing or external intervention, allowing the system to adapt to real-world conditions automatically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by measuring actual room temperatures with detection devices, comparing them against target temperatures, and using this information to automatically adjust heating valve positions. This closed-loop control ensures the system responds dynamically to temperature deviations and optimizes energy consumption based on actual thermal conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If static throttle elements are used to limit flow rates, then hydraulic resistance is defined, but the system cannot adapt to changing operating conditions during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate control stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to operating conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces static throttle elements with dynamically adjustable heating valves controlled by actuators. These valves can continuously change their opening positions based on real-time temperature feedback, allowing the hydraulic resistance to adapt dynamically to changing operating conditions while maintaining reliable flow control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the opening parameter of heating valves dynamically based on measured temperature deviations. Instead of fixed throttle settings, the system continuously adjusts valve opening degrees to match actual thermal demands, enabling adaptation to varying operating conditions while maintaining stable flow control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If dynamic control devices are adjusted to pressure or flow target values, then flow rates can be controlled, but complicated settings on individual heating valves are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic balancing efficiencyVSAvoidvalve setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates the need for manual hydraulic balancing by enabling heating valves to self-adjust automatically. The control unit manages all valve settings centrally based on temperature feedback, removing the complexity of individual valve configuration and allowing rapid, efficient hydraulic balancing without complicated manual settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives temperature data from detection devices, calculates optimal valve positions, controls multiple heating valves simultaneously, and continuously monitors system performance. This centralized multi-functional control simplifies the overall system by replacing multiple individual adjustment mechanisms with a single intelligent control unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach ensures efficient energy use by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions, reducing energy consumption and improving temperature control across multiple rooms.

Implementation Method 1

a first actuator which is assigned to the first heating valve and is equipped with first control and feedback electronics for setting a valve position value for controlling a volume flow of the heating medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one first consumer, for example a radiator or underfloor heating, each with a local flow branch and a local return branch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a central circulation pump for conveying a heating medium from the heat source via a central flow line to the first consumer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

a central circulation pump for conveying a heating medium from the heat source via a central flow line to the first consumer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3936770B1Heating system with automatic adaptive hydraulic adjustment
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 BLOSSOM-IC-INTELLIGENT CONTROLS AG
  • EP3936770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936770B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating system with automatic adaptive hydraulic balancing, a method for carrying out automatic adaptive hydraulic balancing in a heating system, a method for training an artificial neural network (ANN), and an artificial neural network, ANN, trained with this method.