Gas Boiler Sensor-Adaptive Thermoregulation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing domestic heating systems are complex and difficult for users to operate effectively, leading to suboptimal comfort and energy efficiency, with the cost of advanced thermoregulation increasing the overall expense of the system.

Innovation Solution

A gas boiler with an automatic thermoregulation function that selects from multiple strategies based on the presence and type of external sensors, allowing for intelligent operation and manual override, using a microprocessor-controlled system with interfacing means for connecting room and outdoor temperature sensors to optimize boiler performance and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If advanced thermoregulation systems with multiple sensors and control strategies are implemented, then thermoregulation precision and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermoregulation precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the detected configuration of external sensors. It automatically selects from multiple predefined strategies (e.g., strategy 1 with no external sensors, strategy 2 with room thermostat, strategy 3 with outdoor sensor, strategy 4 with both sensors) to optimize thermoregulation precision while managing system complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed complex architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is divided into modular functional blocks: detection means for identifying external sensor presence, selection means for choosing the appropriate strategy, and execution means for implementing the selected thermoregulation approach. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision when needed while maintaining simplicity when external sensors are absent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If advanced thermoregulation systems with multiple sensors and control strategies are implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its control strategy based on available sensors to optimize energy efficiency. When external sensors are present, it employs advanced strategies that significantly reduce energy consumption through predictive and adaptive control. When sensors are absent, it automatically retreats to simpler control modes, avoiding the need for users to invest in complex expensive systems just to achieve basic energy efficiency improvements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes its operational parameters and control logic based on the detected sensor configuration. It selects from multiple predefined strategies that differ in their complexity and energy-saving potential, allowing the system to achieve optimal energy efficiency given the actual hardware configuration without requiring users to purchase unnecessarily complex systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automatic thermoregulation with multiple strategies is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting which external sensors are connected and autonomously selecting the most appropriate thermoregulation strategy. This eliminates the need for users to manually configure complex settings or understand multiple operational modes, greatly improving ease of operation while the underlying complexity is managed by the system's automatic detection and selection capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides easier operation, improved thermoregulation precision, and reduced energy consumption, while maintaining the ability to enhance performance with external sensors, offering increased comfort and efficiency without significant cost increases.

Implementation Method 1

a gas burner combined with a heat exchanger connected to the aforesaid circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

external sensors, conceived to supply the boiler control system with room temperature and climatic information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP2122261B1Boiler for a heating system, in particular for domestic use
Publication Date: 2012.12.19 ARISTON THERMO SPA
  • EP2122261B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2122261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2122261B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heating system gas boiler comprising at least one electronic control system (15) is adapted to be connected, through an interface means (23), to one or more predefined external temperature sensitive devices, such as one room thermostat (RT), one room temperature sensor (RS), one outdoor temperature sensor (OS). The manual control panel (22) includes a manual control means (24) allowing the user to enable a special operation mode on the boiler (10). In this special operation mode the control system (15) selects a water heating strategy from a plurality of water heating strategies stored in a memory means. The type of the heating strategy, selected and performed by the control system (15) depends on the connection or lack thereof to the interface (23) unit, of one or more external devices (RT, RS, OS) and the type of the connected external device or devices (RT, RS, OS), which may be or not be connected to the interface means (23).