Control system and method for controlling a control valve of a hydrodynamic system using an actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for hydrodynamic systems with heat exchangers face suboptimal control performance and energy efficiency due to predefined alpha values that do not adapt to varying operation conditions, often resulting in less than ideal fluid flow and energy transmission relationships.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines an inverse alpha value based on temperature differences between water inlet, water outlet, and air inlet temperatures to establish a linear relationship between fluid flow and energy transmission capacity, using sensors to continuously adjust the actuator and control valve settings for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a predefined alpha value is used in the control system, then the control valve characteristic is fixed and simple to implement, but the control performance and energy efficiency deteriorate under varying operation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, predefined alpha value to a dynamic alpha value that is continuously calculated based on real-time temperature measurements. The control system now determines alpha = 0.6 × (Tw,inlet - Tw,outlet) / (Tw,inlet - Ta,inlet), allowing the control characteristic to adapt automatically to varying operation conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between implementation simplicity and control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the alpha value parameter based on temperature measurements. Instead of using a fixed alpha value, the system continuously updates alpha according to the formula involving water inlet temperature, water outlet temperature, and air inlet temperature. This parameter adaptation enables optimal control performance across different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
2Productivity
If the alpha value is selected according to present conditions, then optimal control performance is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using temperature sensors that serve dual purposes: they monitor system temperatures for operational safety and simultaneously provide data for calculating the alpha value. This multi-functionality approach allows optimal control performance to be achieved without adding dedicated hardware solely for alpha calculation, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a computational approach. Instead of requiring manual adjustment of control valve characteristics or complex mechanical systems to adapt to different conditions, the system uses software-based calculation of alpha from temperature measurements. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving optimal control performance.
3Ease of operation
If the default alpha value is used without adjustment, then the control system remains simple to operate, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal fluid flow and energy transmission relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the control system to automatically determine and adjust the alpha value without requiring manual intervention or expert knowledge. The system uses readily available temperature measurements to calculate alpha = 0.6 × (Tw,inlet - Tw,outlet) / (Tw,inlet - Ta,inlet), automatically adapting to optimal operating conditions. This maintains ease of operation while eliminating energy efficiency losses associated with suboptimal default settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using temperature measurements from the system to continuously update the alpha value. The temperature differences between water inlet/outlet and air inlet are fed back into the calculation to determine the optimal alpha, creating a closed-loop system that automatically maintains energy efficiency without complicating operation. The feedback mechanism uses existing sensor data to drive continuous optimization.
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 ensures a linear and efficient energy transmission, improving control performance and energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting to changing conditions, while also providing a trigger signal for maintenance and monitoring heat transfer values.
Implementation Method 1
a water inlet temperature sensor that is configured to determine a water inlet temperature value, a water outlet temperature sensor that is configured to determine a water outlet temperature value, and an air inlet temperature sensor that is configured to determine an air inlet temperature value
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger exchanges an amount of thermal energy between the fluid and air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system (12) for controlling a control valve (16) of a hydrodynamic system (10) using an actuator (14), the hydrodynamic system (10) comprising a heat exchanger (24) with a water inlet (18), a water outlet (20), an air inlet (26), and an air outlet (28), the control system (12) comprising a water inlet temperature sensor (30) that is configured to determine a water inlet temperature value, a water outlet temperature sensor (32) that is configured to determine a water outlet temperature value, and an air inlet temperature sensor (34) that is configured to determine an air inlet temperature value, wherein the control system (12) is configured to determine an alpha value of a characteristic of the hydrodynamic system (10) from the water inlet temperature value, the water outlet temperature value, and the air inlet temperature value; to set an inverse of the alpha value of the characteristic of the hydrodynamic system (10) as an alpha value of a characteristic of the control valve (16) in combination with the actuator (14); and to control the control valve (16) with the actuator (14) using the set alpha value of the characteristic of the control valve (16) in combination with the actuator (14). The invention provides an improved control system (12) and a method for controlling a control valve (16) of a hydrodynamic system (10) using an actuator (14) having an optimal control performance and energy efficiency.