Heating system and method for controlling and/or regulating a heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems with multiple heat generators face inefficiencies due to cycling of both heat sources, requiring temperature sensors at hydraulic separators, and struggle to fully utilize the capacity of the first heat generator.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a first heat generator operates continuously and a second heat generator activates intermittently based on temperature deviations, using existing sensors for control, allowing full utilization of the first generator's capacity and precise activation of the second generator only when needed, eliminating the need for additional temperature sensors at hydraulic separators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both heat generators are operated with intermittent cycling to meet heat demand, then system flexibility is improved, but both heat generators experience excessive cycling which reduces reliability and increases wear
Solution Approach 1:
The control method segments the operation of heat generators into distinct roles: the first heat generator operates continuously as the primary source, while the second heat generator operates intermittently as a supplemental source. This segmentation prevents both generators from cycling simultaneously, reducing wear and improving reliability while maintaining system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses preliminary action by monitoring temperatures upstream and downstream of the fluid coupling device in advance. Based on these temperature readings, the system proactively controls the operation of the second heat generator before excessive cycling conditions develop, thereby preventing reliability issues before they occur.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed at hydraulic separators to enable precise control, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor temperatures for both the first and second heat generators, detect flow conditions, and provide data for controlling the fluid coupling device. This multi-functionality achieves precise temperature control without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing temperature sensors in the heating system to self-determine the operational status of both heat generators. The sensors automatically provide temperature data that the control system uses to regulate heat generator operation, eliminating the need for additional specialized sensors at the hydraulic separator.
3Productivity
If the first heat generator operates at full capacity continuously, then productivity is improved, but energy efficiency decreases when full heat demand is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The first heat generator operates continuously to maintain stable heat production and avoid cycling losses, ensuring productivity. The fluid coupling device continuously regulates the proportion of heat from the first versus second heat generator, ensuring energy efficiency by directing excess heat appropriately even when full demand is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid coupling device acts as an intermediary between the first and second heat generators. It mediates the heat distribution by controlling fluid flow paths, allowing the first heat generator to operate at full capacity while efficiently managing heat distribution to prevent energy waste when complete heat demand is not present.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the second heat generator is activated frequently as a peak load source, then adaptability to varying heat demand is improved, but the second heat generator experiences excessive cycling which reduces its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The control method segments the operational burden between two heat generators, assigning the first generator as the primary continuous source and the second generator as the supplemental peak-load source. This segmentation allows the second generator to activate only when genuinely needed for peak loads, improving adaptability while preventing excessive cycling that would reduce its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from temperature sensors upstream and downstream of the fluid coupling device to determine when the second heat generator should activate. This feedback mechanism ensures the second generator operates only when temperature deviations indicate genuine peak load conditions, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing unnecessary activation cycles that would reduce its lifespan.
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 reduces cycling of both heat generators, maximizes the first generator's capacity, and ensures precise temperature control without additional sensors, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat generator (200) with a first heat exchanger (220) and a first subsystem (210) in which the first heat exchanger (220) is arranged for supplying at least one consumer (800) with heat via a heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
A fluid coupling device (270) is arranged between the two subsystems (210, 310) downstream of the first heat exchanger (220) in the first subsystem (210), comprising a branch (250) from the first subsystem (210), at which heat transfer fluid can be coupled into a supply line (322) to the second heat exchanger (320) in the second subsystem (310)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling and/or regulating a heating system (1000), wherein in bivalent operation a first heat generator (200) is operated continuously and a second heat generator (300) is operated at least intermittently as required. For operating the first heat generator (200), at least one temperature (28, 62) of a heat transfer fluid upstream of a fluid coupling device (270) between a first subsystem (210) of the first heat generator (200) and a second subsystem (310) of the second heat generator (300) is used as a control variable, and for operating the second heat generator (300), at least one temperature (21, 54) of the heat transfer fluid downstream of the fluid coupling device (270) is used as a control variable. Alternatively, in monovalent operation, only the first heat generator (200) is operated.To operate the first heat generator (200), at least one of the flow temperatures (21) of the heating system (1000) and/or a temperature (62) of a first buffer storage tank (600) and/or a temperature (72) of a second buffer storage tank (700) is used as a control variable. The invention also relates to a heating system (1000) for carrying out the method.