Control system and method for controlling a fluid distribution system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems in HVAC systems face challenges in distributing thermal energy evenly among parallel consumer branches, leading to situations where some branches starve due to mismatched demand and supply, and existing solutions require regular updates of hydraulic models to prevent such starvation.
Innovation Solution
A control system that automatically detects saturation or starvation in consumer branches by calculating saturation values and adjusting reference values dynamically, ensuring no branch starves by redistributing thermal energy flow among open branches, using a saturation calculation module and compensation module integrated with sensors and regulating devices for continuous closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic model is established to prevent starvation of consumer branches, then flow distribution is improved, but the system requires regular model updates and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects saturation conditions in consumer branches and adjusts control values without requiring manual model updates. The system monitors measured values from sensors, compares them against reference values, and autonomously recalculates control values when saturation is detected, enabling the system to maintain itself without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors measured values from sensors in each consumer branch and uses this feedback to detect saturation conditions. When saturation is detected, the system adjusts control values and reference values based on the feedback information, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that automatically adapts to changing system conditions.
2Productivity
If thermal energy flow is increased to meet high demand, then consumer satisfaction is improved, but saturation and starvation situations occur in parallel branches
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control strategies to different consumer branches based on their individual saturation status. When one branch experiences saturation, the system selectively adjusts control values for that specific branch while maintaining normal operation in other branches, allowing localized adaptation without affecting overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts control values and reference values based on real-time saturation detection. When saturation is detected in a consumer branch, the system modifies the reference value for that branch and recalculates control values, enabling the system to adapt its thermal energy distribution dynamically to prevent both saturation and starvation conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a control system for controlling a fluid distribution system (1), wherein the fluid distribution system (1) comprises at least two consumer branches (7) being arranged in parallel to each other, wherein each of the at least two consumer branches (7) comprises - at least one consumer element (31) for consuming fluid and/or thermal energy, - at least one consumer branch regulating device (9) configured to receive a control value (u) for regulating a flow of fluid and/or thermal energy through the associated consumer branch (7), and - at least one sensor (11) for providing a measured value (y) of the associated consumer branch (7). The control system comprises • a saturation calculation module (21) being configured to provide a saturation value (si, vi) for each operational consumer branch (7), wherein the saturation value (si, vi) is indicative of the saturation degree of the associated consumer branch (7), and • a saturation compensation module (23) being configured to receive the saturation values (si, vi) and to alter a reference value, wherein the altered reference value (r*) is based on an initial reference value (r) and the saturation values (si, vi) from all consumer branches (7), so that the at least one consumer branch regulating device (9) of each operational consumer branch (7) is controllable based on the altered reference value (r*) and the measured value (y) of the associated consumer branch (7).