Door Operator Current Control for Energy and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door operators do not efficiently manage energy consumption while adhering to pedestrian protection regulations, such as EN16005, which define kinetic energy, closing force, and timing for door operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a door operator that includes a drive unit, user interface, and control unit, allowing for two setup modes: one based on time and another based on current values, to optimize energy efficiency and mechanical wear by controlling the current applied during acceleration and braking, with the option to set equal current values for both phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door operator is set up based on time parameters to meet safety regulations, then the door operation time is controlled within regulatory limits, but the energy consumption increases due to higher current values during acceleration and braking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from time-based control parameters to current-based control parameters. The control unit is configured to limit the current value during acceleration and braking phases, thereby reducing energy consumption while still achieving compliant door operation times through optimized current profiles rather than time-based constraints.
2Productivity
If higher current values are applied during acceleration and braking to reduce door operation time, then the door opens and closes faster meeting time requirements, but the energy consumption and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from time-based to current-based optimization. By limiting the current value during acceleration and braking, the system achieves an optimal balance between door operation speed and energy consumption, avoiding the energy-intensive approach of using maximum current to minimize operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using sufficient but not excessive current during acceleration and braking. Instead of applying maximum current to achieve the fastest possible door operation, the control unit limits the current to an optimal value that provides adequate door speed while significantly reducing energy consumption and mechanical stress.
3Reliability
If the current value during acceleration and braking is increased to ensure door safety and reliability, then the door meets regulatory requirements, but the mechanical wear of the door operator and door set increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the current value parameter during acceleration and braking phases. The control unit is configured to limit the current to an optimal value that provides sufficient force for safe and reliable door operation while reducing mechanical stress and wear on the door operator and door set components.
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 allows for energy-efficient door operation within desired time frames, reducing mechanical wear and energy consumption while meeting regulatory requirements for safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a door operator for employing a first speed trajectory when opening and/or closing a door leaf (2) connected to the door operator, comprising a drive unit (7), a user interface (8) and a control unit (9), wherein the control unit (9) is connected to the drive unit (7) and adapted to control the value of the current applied to the drive unit (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a door operator and a method for set up of a door operator (1) comprising a drive unit (7), a user interface (8) and a control unit (9), which control unit (9) controls the value of the current applied to the drive unit (7) such that the door operator (1) employs a first speed trajectory corresponding to the value of the current when opening and/or closing a door leaf (2) connected to the door operator (1), the method comprising the steps of: detecting a first or a second mode of set up of the control unit (9), and in the first mode, receiving a value of the time for opening and/or closing the door leaf (2) from the user interface (8), calculating a value of the current that should be applied to the drive unit (7) during acceleration and braking to obtain said value of the time for opening and/or closing the door leaf (2), and setting the calculated value of the current in the control unit (9), such that the door operator (1) employs the first speed trajectory when opening and/or closing a door leaf (2) connected to the door operator (1) corresponding to said set value of the time, in the second mode receiving a value of the current that should be applied to the drive unit (7) when opening and/or closing the door leaf (2) from the user interface (8), setting the value of the current in said control unit (9) that should be applied to the drive unit (7) during acceleration and braking such that the door operator (1) employs the first speed trajectory when opening and/or closing a door leaf (2) connected to the door operator (1) corresponding to said set value of the current.