Device and method for controlling a heating and/or cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems face high energy consumption and inefficiency due to the use of linear regulators, leading to increased heat generation and distortion of temperature sensor readings, as well as errors in signal transmission from modulated input voltages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a DC-DC converter with increased input capacitance and a decoupling circuit to reduce the influence of capacitive effects on input voltage, combined with a current stabilization circuit to maintain constant current levels, addresses the inefficiencies and signal distortion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If linear regulators are used as voltage conversion means, then power consumption is largely independent of input voltage, but efficiency is very low (less than 20%) and large amounts of heat are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent switches from linear regulators to switching regulators (DC-DC converters), fundamentally changing the operating parameters and mechanism of voltage conversion. This enables efficiency to increase from less than 20% to typically 70-90%, dramatically reducing energy loss and heat generation while maintaining power supply functionality.
2Loss of energy
If switching regulators (DC-DC converters) are used to improve efficiency and reduce heat, then energy efficiency increases and heat generation decreases, but the input voltage is distorted and modulated signals cannot be read correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the power supply function from the signal transmission function by introducing a dedicated decoupling circuit between the DC-DC converter and the communication interface. This circuit isolates the modulated signal path from the capacitive loading effects of the switching regulator, allowing both functions to operate independently and effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling circuit acts as an intermediary element between the DC-DC converter and the communication interface. It mediates the interaction between these two components by preventing the capacitor's charging and discharging currents from distorting the modulated input voltage, thus preserving signal integrity while enabling efficient power conversion.
3Reliability
If a capacitor is connected to the input of the DC-DC converter to increase input capacitance, then the converter operates more efficiently, but the capacitor smooths the input voltage and distorts modulated signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful capacitive smoothing effect from the signal path by placing the capacitor exclusively on the power supply side of the decoupling circuit. This allows the capacitor to perform its function of stabilizing the DC-DC converter's input voltage without interfering with the modulated signal transmission through the communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling circuit serves as a mediator that separates the capacitor's voltage smoothing function from the signal transmission path. By positioning this circuit between the capacitor and the communication interface, the patent enables the capacitor to stabilize power while the decoupling circuit prevents it from distorting modulated signals.
4Power
If existing control devices are used with high energy consumption, then all electronic components can be powered, but large amounts of heat are generated that adversely affect temperature sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power conversion mechanism from linear regulation to switching regulation, fundamentally altering the thermal characteristics of the system. This parameter change reduces heat generation by 70-80% while maintaining adequate power supply capacity for all electronic components including temperature sensors.
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 solution achieves high efficiency in energy use, minimizes heat generation, and ensures error-free signal transmission from heating and cooling systems, maintaining accurate temperature sensor readings and reducing disruptive current variations.
Implementation Method 1
converting an input voltage present at a communication interface to a different DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
with at least one capacitor being connected to the input of the DC-DC converter to increase its input capacitance
Implementation Method 3
The device also includes a decoupling circuit, which is arranged between the communication interface and the DC-DC converter and is set up to reduce the influence of the capacitor on the input voltage at the communication interface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A device for controlling a heating and/or cooling system comprises: a communication interface to which a heating and/or cooling system can be connected for data transmission and power supply; voltage-converting means for converting an input voltage applied to the communication interface into a DC voltage that differs therefrom; electronic energy distribution means for supplying electric energy to electronic components of the device by means of the DC voltage output by the voltage-converting means; signal-evaluating means for evaluating electric signals transmitted by the heating and/or cooling system to the communication interface; and signal-outputting means for outputting a control command to the heating and/or cooling system and designed for generating a modulated electric signal for the communication interface. According to the invention, a DC-DC converter is provided as the voltage-converting means, and at least one capacitor is connected to the input of the DC-DC converter in order to increase the input capacity of the latter. The device further comprises a decoupling circuit arranged between the communication interface and the DC-DC converter and designed to reduce the influence of the capacitor on the input voltage at the communication interface. A corresponding method is also described.