Air Temperature Control Using PID Power Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for liquid or gas flow face challenges in precise temperature control due to non-constant resistance characteristics of heating elements, leading to undesired fluctuations and electrical noise, and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system comprising a boost converter, PID controllers, and switching regulators that convert AC power to DC power, allowing for independent voltage management and reducing flicker noise, while using multiple channels and valves to control air flow and heating elements for precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a resistance-based heating element is used to heat liquid or gas, then heating function is achieved, but the non-constant resistance characteristic causes difficult precise temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control parameter from voltage-based to power-based control. By directly controlling the electrical power supplied to the heating element using a switching regulator and PID controller, the system compensates for the non-constant resistance characteristic. The power controller adjusts the duty cycle of the switching regulator to maintain precise power delivery despite resistance variations with temperature, thereby achieving accurate temperature control.
2Ease of operation
If fixed voltage AC or DC power is used to control the heater, then simple control is achieved, but undesired temperature fluctuations and electrical noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical control method (fixed voltage switching) with an electronic power control system. Instead of using fixed AC or DC voltage with simple on/off control, the system employs a switching regulator controlled by a PID controller that dynamically adjusts the power delivery. This electronic substitution eliminates the flicker noise and electrical interference associated with traditional voltage-based control while maintaining operational simplicity through automated feedback control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If AC to DC converter is used to distribute input voltage, then DC power for heating element is achieved, but power factor fluctuations and inefficient power management occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a power controller continuously monitors the actual power delivered to the heating element and compares it with the desired power setpoint. The PID controller processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts the switching regulator's duty cycle to maintain precise power control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures stable power factor and efficient power management by optimizing the conversion and delivery of electrical power in real-time based on actual system conditions.
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 system achieves improved power factor and reduced flicker noise, enabling accurate and efficient temperature control with reduced fluctuations and increased power management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is disposed downstream of the first channel and the second channel to heat at least one of the first air and the second air according to an input DC power
Implementation Method 2
The boost converter is configured to receive an AC power and provide a DC power
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control system and method are provided. The system includes a first channel, a second channel, a heating element, a DUT chamber, a converter, a first PID controller, and at least one switching regulator. The heating element is disposed downstream of the first and the second channels to heat the first air from the first channel or the second air from the second channel according to an input power so as to provide mixing air with a temperature into the DUT chamber. The converter converts an AC power to a DC power. The first PID controller provides a first input signal according to a first set point and an amount of power consumed by the heating element. The input power is adjusted by the switching regulator to drive the heating element according to the first input signal. Thus, the use of electrical power is more efficient.