Basic setting device for setting a heat transfer fluid flow of a heating or cooling installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating or cooling systems face limitations in accurately and quickly adjusting heat transfer fluid flow, especially under critical operating conditions, due to instability in control valve operations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a compact basic control device with additional control signal outputs to manage both the control valve and an additional actuator, such as a pump, using a process controller that receives multiple operating variables and implements cascade control algorithms to generate precise control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control valve is used to adjust heat transfer fluid flow, then the flow can be regulated, but under critical operating conditions the control becomes unstable and adjustment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into two independent parts: a control valve for primary flow regulation and an additional actuator (pump) for supplementary control. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal range, preventing the instability that occurs when a single control valve operates near its closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The process controller serves as an intermediary that receives operating variables and coordinates both the control valve and additional actuator. It processes the control signals and distributes them appropriately, enabling stable control under critical conditions by mediating between the control inputs and the two actuators.
2Device complexity
If a compact basic control device with integrated actuator and control electronics is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle critical operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The process controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to control the control valve and to control the additional actuator. It includes multiple control signal outputs that can independently manage different actuators, providing enhanced control capability while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adapts its behavior by switching between controlling only the valve and controlling both valve and additional actuator based on operating conditions. The process controller adjusts its control strategy in real-time, enabling it to handle critical operating conditions effectively while maintaining simplicity during normal operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the control valve is overridden into closed position to avoid instability, then control stability is improved, but flow adjustment accuracy and rapid adjustment capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The additional actuator is activated in advance or simultaneously with the control valve to prevent the valve from reaching critical positions. By preparing the additional actuator to take over or assist, the system avoids the instability that would otherwise require overriding the valve to a closed position, thereby maintaining both stability and adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters by introducing a second control pathway through the additional actuator. Instead of relying solely on valve opening/closing parameters, the system uses pump speed or other actuator parameters to adjust flow, enabling stable and rapid control without overriding the valve to extreme positions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a basic setting device for setting a heat transfer fluid flow of a heating or cooling installation, for example for building air conditioning or for in particular thermal food treatment, such as for pasteurizing milk. Said basic setting device comprises a setting valve, a setting drive attached to the setting valve for moving the setting valve, and a process controller attached to or installed in the setting valve or the setting drive, which process controller produces a valve setting signal on the basis of at least one heating or cooling installation operating quantity, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, or the like, by means of a control algorithm and has a setting control signal output for transferring the valve setting signal to the setting drive. According to the invention, the process controller has at least one additional control signal output, such as a setting control signal output, for transferring a control signal to at least one further actuator, in particular a pump or a further setting device, of the heating or cooling installation.