Fluid Circuit Flow Rate Control Based on Real-Time Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate control techniques in fluid circuit systems do not consider the influence of cooling or heating loads, leading to unnecessary electric energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control device that includes a load detection unit to detect the heat load of the fluid utilization apparatus and a flow rate control unit to adjust the fluid flow rate accordingly, ensuring energy savings by optimizing the flow rate based on detected loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flow rate control is performed based on pump feedback signal without considering cooling or heating load, then the flow rate can be maintained at a rated value, but unnecessary electric energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed flow rate control to dynamic flow rate adjustment. The flow rate control unit continuously adjusts the pump operation based on real-time load detection, making the system adaptive to changing heating or cooling demands rather than maintaining a constant rated flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual load (heating or cooling demand) and using this information to adjust the flow rate. The load detection unit provides continuous feedback about system demands, and the flow rate control unit responds by adjusting pump operation to match actual needs, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.
2Reliability
If flow rate is increased to ensure sufficient heat supply, then heating or cooling load can be met, but electric energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the flow rate parameter based on detected load conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed high flow rate to ensure sufficient heat supply, the system varies the flow rate parameter to match actual heating or cooling demands, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If flow rate control is performed without load detection, then the system structure remains simple, but energy saving cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary load detection unit that bridges the gap between simple system structure and energy-saving control. This intermediary component detects heating or cooling loads and provides information to the flow rate control unit, enabling intelligent energy management without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
Flow rate control that may achieve energy saving of a fluid circuit system. In a fluid circuit system 100 including an outdoor unit 10 used for heating or cooling a fluid, a hot water storage tank 40 that utilizes the fluid heated or cooled using the outdoor unit 10, and air conditioners 50a to 50c, a control device 35 detects a load being an amount of heat needed by the fluid circuit system 100, and controls a pump 23 according to the detected load, thereby controlling a flow rate of water that circulates in a water circuit 24.