System and method for control of a fluid heating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid heating systems are limited in the range of achievable temperatures, as they either vary heat output or fluid flow rate but not both simultaneously, restricting the maximum and minimum possible fluid output temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid heating apparatus that simultaneously controls both the heat source output and fluid flow rate using a temperature control assembly, comprising a pump control and heater control, to adjust the fluid temperature at the outlet by varying the flow rate and heat output in response to temperature feedback from a sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only heat output or fluid flow rate is varied (not both simultaneously), then the control system is simple, but the range of achievable fluid output temperatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat output control and fluid flow rate control into a single integrated temperature control assembly. The controller receives a target temperature input and simultaneously adjusts both the heater power and pump speed to achieve the desired fluid outlet temperature, merging two separate control functions into one unified system that expands the achievable temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts both heat output and fluid flow rate in real-time based on the target temperature requirement. The controller continuously modifies the operating parameters of both the heater and pump to maintain optimal temperature control, enabling the system to adapt to a broader range of temperature demands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both heat source output and fluid flow rate are controlled simultaneously, then the range of achievable temperatures is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control assembly serves multiple functions: it controls heat output, controls fluid flow rate, and maintains temperature regulation. By designing a single control unit that performs all these functions, the patent achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the controller integrates multiple control algorithms into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the controller monitors the actual fluid outlet temperature and adjusts both heat output and fluid flow rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the complex dual-control system to self-regulate and maintain precise temperature control across an extended temperature range, managing the complexity through intelligent control logic.
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 extends the range of achievable fluid output temperatures, allowing for a broader range of temperature control by optimizing both heat source output and fluid flow rate, enabling precise temperature management between minimum and maximum limits.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid heater configured to heat fluid moving along the fluid path, the fluid heater comprising a heat generator
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to sense temperature of fluid on the fluid path and generate a temperature signal representative of the temperature of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid heating apparatus for heating fluid on a fluid path may comprise a fluid pump, a fluid heater, a temperature sensor to sense fluid temperature and generate a temperature signal, and a temperature control assembly configured to control the temperature of the fluid. The control assembly may comprise a target temperature input to receive a target temperature, a pump control to control operation of the fluid pump to control a flow rate of the fluid, and a heater control to control operation of the fluid heater to control a degree of heat output by the fluid heater. The temperature control assembly may be configured to increase and decrease fluid flow along the fluid path and to increase and decrease heat output of the fluid heater to control the temperature of the fluid at the fluid outlet.