Device for controlling a system for heating and cooling, and corresponding method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for heating and cooling face challenges in maintaining optimal operation, particularly in ensuring a minimum flow in the return line when consumer devices are inactive, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a valve actuator and a flow measuring device, which directly connect to control the valve in the bypass line based on actual flow values from the combined return flow, eliminating the need for an external controller and optimizing flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flow sensor is attached to the bypass line with an external controller to determine valve position, then the flow control can be achieved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor and the valve actuator into a single integrated device. The actuator includes both the valve control mechanism and the flow sensor, eliminating the need for a separate external controller. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining flow control capability, as the integrated sensor directly provides feedback to the actuator's control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator device is self-sufficient, with the flow sensor providing direct feedback to its own control unit. The actuator determines the valve position autonomously based on flow measurements without requiring external controller intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If an external controller is used to process flow values and control the valve actuator, then accurate flow control is achieved, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated directly into the actuator device, combining flow measurement and valve control functions in one unit. This eliminates the need for a separate external controller, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate flow measurement and control capabilities through the integrated system.
3Reliability
If the flow sensor is placed on the bypass line to control bypass flow, then the system can maintain minimum flow, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is integrated into the actuator device itself, which is already positioned on the bypass line to control flow. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting and external controller connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of minimum flow guarantee through direct flow measurement and actuation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A device (10) for controlling a system (30) for heating and cooling is provided, the device (10) comprising at least one valve actuator (12) for a valve (14) of a bypass line (16) of the system (30), and a flow measuring device (20) for a return line (18) of the system (30), the return line (18) leading a combined flow from the bypass line (16) and a heating or cooling device return line (32) from at least one heating or cooling device (22) to at least one thermal energy source (24), the flow measuring device (20) being configured to determine and provide at least one actual flow value of the combined flow, wherein the valve actuator (12) is configured to receive the actual flow value and to control the valve (14) based on the actual flow value, the valve actuator and the flow measuring device comprising a direct signal connection between each other, wherein the valve actuator (12) comprises a motor (40) connected to the valve (14) and a processing unit (42) for receiving the actual flow value and for providing at least one motor position value for the motor (40) based on the actual flow value, wherein the processing unit (42) comprises a PID controller (38) to control the valve (14), the input of the PID controller being the difference between a minimum flow value and the actual flow value, the output of the PID controller being a calculated set point flow value. The device (30) to control a system for heating or cooling is easier to handle and has reduced costs.