Controlled hydronic distribution system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydronic distribution systems control pump speed based on high set-point pressure to handle worst-case conditions, leading to excessive energy use and loss of process fluid energy under normal operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-controlled system that networks self-regulating valves to share temperature and position information, processing this data to determine the optimal speed for variable speed pumps, ensuring efficient fluid flow and energy use by adjusting pump speed based on actual demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high set-point pressure control is used to handle worst-case conditions, then system reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump speed control that adjusts operating parameters in real-time based on actual system conditions. The microprocessor continuously monitors valve positions and fluid temperatures, then dynamically adjusts pump speed to match actual demand, replacing static high set-point pressure control with adaptive dynamic control that maintains reliability while reducing energy waste during normal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor valve positions and fluid temperatures, transmitting this information to the microprocessor. The microprocessor uses this feedback to continuously adjust pump speed, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual system conditions rather than maintaining fixed high pressure, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving system reliability
2Reliability
If high set-point pressure is maintained to ensure sufficient fluid flow, then fluid flow reliability is improved, but process fluid energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump speed based on real-time monitoring of valve positions and fluid temperatures. When valves are partially closed or fluid temperatures indicate lower demand, the pump speed is reduced accordingly, preventing excessive pressure and fluid energy loss while maintaining sufficient flow to meet actual system requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor changes operating parameters (pump speed) based on processed sensor information about valve positions and fluid temperatures. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize fluid flow and pressure conditions to match actual demand, reducing unnecessary process fluid energy loss while maintaining flow reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If variable speed pump control based on valve position and temperature is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it receives and processes signals from multiple sensors, determines optimal pump speed based on valve positions and temperatures, controls the variable speed pump, and monitors overall system operation. By consolidating these control functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves energy efficiency through intelligent control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A hydronic distribution system includes self-regulating valves networked together and operable to share valve temperature and valve position information with a microprocessor or other type of controller. The microprocessor runs one or more algorithms that process the temperatures and positions of the valves and then computes a desired speed for one or more variable speed pumps within the system. Controlling the pumps to operate at the desired speed and still maintain the correct amount of process fluid flow needed by the system reduces the overall energy use of the hydronic distribution system, saves on the operational lives of the pumps, and increases system efficiency.