Control system and method for controlling a fluid distribution system
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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 hydraulic models that require regular updates to prevent starvation.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a saturation calculation module and a compensation module that automatically detects saturation in consumer branches, adjusts reference values, and redistributes fluid or thermal energy to prevent starvation without the need for regular hydraulic model updates, using sensors and regulating devices for continuous closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic model is established to distribute thermal energy among consumer branches, then flow distribution is improved, but the model requires regular updates to remain accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where saturation values from consumer branches are continuously monitored and fed back to the saturation compensation module. This feedback loop enables automatic detection of model inaccuracies and triggers real-time compensation without requiring manual model updates, thus maintaining reliability while eliminating time loss associated with periodic recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-correction through the saturation compensation module that automatically adjusts reference values based on detected saturation conditions. The system serves itself by detecting deviations from optimal operation and autonomously compensating for them, eliminating the need for external intervention or regular model updates while maintaining accurate flow distribution.
2Ease of operation
If consumer branch regulating devices control flow based on fixed reference values, then control simplicity is maintained, but saturation/starvation situations occur during peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed reference values into dynamic reference values that automatically adapt to changing system conditions. The saturation compensation module continuously adjusts reference values based on real-time saturation detection, enabling the control system to maintain simplicity of operation while dynamically responding to peak demand conditions and preventing saturation or starvation situations.
3Reliability
If the control system adjusts reference values dynamically to prevent saturation, then flow distribution reliability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into distinct modular components: saturation detection modules in each consumer branch, a saturation compensation module for reference value adjustment, and individual regulating devices. This segmentation allows the complex saturation prevention function to be implemented through simple, independent modules that communicate through standardized saturation values, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system controls a fluid distribution system that includes consumer branches arranged in parallel. Each consumer branch includes a consumer element (31) consuming fluid and/or thermal energy, a regulating device (9) receiving a control value regulating a flow of fluid and/or thermal energy through the consumer branch, and a sensor (11) providing a measured value of the consumer branch. The control system includes a saturation calculation module (21) providing a saturation value, for each operational consumer branch, indicative of the saturation degree of the associated consumer branch, and a saturation compensation module (23) receiving the saturation values and altering a reference value. The altered reference value is based on an initial reference value and the saturation values from all consumer branches. The consumer branch regulating device, of each operational consumer branch, is controllable based on the altered reference value and the measured value of the associated consumer branch.