Chilled Beam Recirculation Control for Independent Zone Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chilled beam control systems are hindered by complex designs and high costs, limiting their adoption due to the inability to simultaneously provide heating and cooling to different zones and optimize cooling rates based on varying dew point temperatures across conditioned spaces.
Innovation Solution
A control system that independently regulates each chilled beam by recirculating and mixing water to achieve desired temperatures, using a recirculation pump and control valve adjusted by a control module based on sensors and user inputs to optimize cooling and heating operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single shared cold-water supply is used for multiple chilled beams, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to independently control temperature for different zones is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into independent zones, with each chilled beam having its own control valve and temperature sensor. This segmentation allows each zone to be controlled independently while sharing the common cold-water supply, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local temperature control by placing control valves and sensors at each chilled beam location. This allows local adjustment of water flow and temperature for each zone based on specific cooling demands, while the overall system structure remains relatively simple.
2Productivity
If cold water temperature is lowered to maximize cooling rate, then cooling efficiency improves, but condensation risk on the coil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the cold water temperature parameter based on the dew point of the ambient air. By changing the water temperature parameter to be a controlled amount above the dew point, the system maximizes cooling efficiency while preventing condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature sensors to monitor ambient conditions and feedback this information to the control system. The control module adjusts the cold water temperature in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring optimal cooling without condensation.
3Manufacturing precision
If recirculation pump and control valve are added to each chilled beam, then precise temperature control is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal components (recirculation pumps and control valves) that can be installed at each chilled beam location using standard connection methods. This multi-functional approach allows precise temperature control while keeping installation procedures standardized and costs manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If secondary piping is installed for independent zone control, then zonal temperature control is enabled, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the recirculation function into the existing primary piping system by adding recirculation pumps at each chilled beam. This eliminates the need for separate secondary piping systems while still enabling independent zonal control through the recirculation loop.
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 installation costs, enhances responsiveness to specific heating and cooling demands, and eliminates the need for secondary piping, allowing for efficient and simultaneous heating and cooling across different zones without condensation issues.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculation pump to pump a first portion of the water returning from the load
Implementation Method 2
a junction to combine the pumped portion of the returning water with a second portion of the water returning from the load and supply water
Implementation Method 3
a control valve to control an amount of the supply water entering into the junction
Implementation Method 4
Water is passed through a finned-tube coil of pipe which exchanges heat with the surrounding air through radiation and convection
Implementation Method 5
Water is passed through a finned-tube coil of pipe which exchanges heat with the surrounding air through radiation and convection
Implementation Method 6
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are a special type of DOAS, which make use of the energy recovery process by exchanging the energy contained in the exhausted building air and use it to condition the incoming, outdoor air
Implementation Method 7
This supply air is then forced through nozzles in order to create high velocity air streams which reduces the pressure, inducing room air up through the heating/cooling coil
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided for controlling heating and/or cooling with a conditioning load such as fan coils and chilled beams. Based on user input and ambient conditions, the control system determines a desired temperature for the liquid entering the load and combines fresh supply liquid (e.g., from a chiller or boiler) with a portion of the liquid that has passed through the load, to achieve the target load input temperature for the liquid. A recirculation pump may be used to return a portion of the liquid exiting the load for mixing with the fresh supply liquid and a control valve may be used to adjust the ratio of fresh supply liquid and recirculated liquid to achieve the targeted temperature. The control systems can be compatible with a variety of liquid supply systems such as two- and four-pipe systems.