Device and method for controlling an orifice of a valve in an HVAC system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems face inefficiencies in thermal energy transfer due to unsuitable control of valve orifices, leading to suboptimal energy exchange at high fluid flow rates, which is not addressed by prior art methods that rely on predefined temperature thresholds or lack real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an efficiency control algorithm using electronic circuits that process current performance values and historical data to dynamically adjust the valve orifice, ensuring energy-efficient thermal energy transfer by avoiding saturation of the thermal energy exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the fluid flow rate through the thermal energy exchanger is increased, then the heat transfer coefficient improves, but the thermal energy exchanger becomes saturated and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve orifice is dynamically adjusted based on real-time performance data and historical patterns. The system continuously monitors thermal energy transfer efficiency and fluid flow rate, then automatically modifies the valve opening position to maintain optimal operating conditions, preventing both underutilization and saturation of the thermal energy exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously measure thermal energy transfer efficiency and fluid flow rate. This data is fed back to the control algorithm, which processes the information and adjusts the valve orifice accordingly. The feedback loop ensures the system maintains optimal efficiency by correcting deviations from target performance in real-time.
2Device complexity
If predefined temperature thresholds are used for valve control, then the control system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to changing system conditions and performance characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-optimization by automatically learning from historical performance data and adapting to changing conditions. The algorithm continuously analyzes past operational data to identify patterns and adjust valve control strategies without requiring manual reconfiguration or intervention. This self-service capability enables the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control parameters based on learned patterns from historical data. Instead of using fixed temperature thresholds, the algorithm adjusts valve opening positions, flow rates, and timing parameters adaptively. This parameter optimization allows the system to respond to changing conditions while maintaining a straightforward control structure that builds upon conventional thermostat-based approaches.
3Ease of operation
If the valve orifice is manually adjusted or controlled by simple actuators, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot optimize thermal energy transfer efficiency in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual valve adjustment and simple mechanical actuators with an automated electronic control system. Sensors, processors, and electronic actuators work together to dynamically control the valve orifice based on real-time performance data. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated control while dramatically improving thermal energy transfer efficiency through continuous optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
An intelligent control algorithm acts as an intermediary between the simple actuator and the thermal energy exchanger. This software mediator processes performance data, determines optimal valve positions, and translates these decisions into actuator commands. The intermediary layer enables sophisticated real-time optimization while keeping the physical actuator and user interface simple and easy to operate.
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 maintains energy-efficient thermal energy transfer by optimizing fluid flow through the thermal energy exchanger, preventing saturation and enhancing overall HVAC system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
adjust the thermal energy transfer by the thermal energy exchanger from the primary fluid to a secondary fluid
Implementation Method 2
regulate the flow of a primary fluid through a primary side of a thermal energy exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method of controlling an orifice of a valve (23) in an HVAC system (1 ) is proposed to regulate a flow of a primary fluid ( W ) through a primary side of a thermal energy exchanger (1 2) of the HVAC system (1 ) and thereby adjust a thermal energy transfer by the thermal energy exchanger ( 1 2) from the primary fluid (VK) to a secondary fluid (A), flowing through a secondary side of the thermal energy exchanger (1 2), the method comprising: adjusting the orifice of the valve (23) by applying an efficiency control algorithm to a control setpoint (S) for the valve (23), the efficiency control algorithm processing the control setpoint (S) for the valve (23) to maintain energy-efficient thermal energy transfer; wherein the method further comprises the one or more electronic circuits (221 ) determining the control setpoint for the valve (23), using current performance values and recorded historical data of the HVAC system (1 ).