Modular Heat Carrier Distributor With Decentralized Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems for buildings are complex, leading to high manufacturing and installation costs, susceptibility to defects, and undesirable hydraulic influences, with thermostatic valves adding to the complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact distributor device with integrated pumps, sensors, and modular design, where pumps are housed within the device, reducing the number of components and space requirements, and allowing for easy installation and expansion, with decentralized pumps ensuring optimal heat distribution and minimal line losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex installations with many individual components (pumps, fans, control valves, bypasses, mixers, non-return valves, control devices) are used to heat or cool rooms, then the heating and cooling function is achieved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase considerably and susceptibility to defects and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual components (pumps, control devices, flow distribution elements) into a single integrated distribution device. The housing contains internal flow spaces for supply and return, with pumps and control mechanisms integrated within, eliminating the need for numerous separate components and their associated connections, thereby reducing susceptibility to defects while maintaining heating and cooling functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it distributes heat carrier to multiple heating/cooling circuits, provides flow regulation, incorporates pumps for circulation, and includes control mechanisms. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall system complexity and component count while maintaining reliable operation
2Ease of operation
If thermostatic valves are attached to each radiator in a room, then individual room temperature control is achieved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase and incorrect operation is encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from individual thermostatic valves at each radiator and consolidates it into a central control device within the distribution unit. This central controller manages flow distribution to multiple circuits, providing individual room control capability while eliminating the need for numerous separate thermostatic valves, thereby reducing complexity and preventing incorrect operation
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution device incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor flow conditions and temperature requirements, providing automated feedback control. This allows the central control system to adjust flow distribution dynamically, achieving individual room temperature control without requiring manual thermostatic valves at each endpoint, thus reducing complexity and improving operational reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If pumps and pipe connections are arranged externally as shown in US Pat. No. 6,345,770 B1, then the heating and cooling function is achieved, but assembly work and space requirements increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pumps, pipe connections, and flow distribution elements into a single integrated housing structure. The internal flow spaces are formed within the housing itself, with pumps and connections positioned internally, eliminating the need for extensive external assembly work and reducing the overall space required for the distribution system
4Reliability
If a large number of line connections are used in complex installations, then heating and cooling circuits are connected, but manufacturing and installation costs increase and susceptibility to defects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device consolidates multiple line connections into a single integrated unit with internal flow distribution. The housing contains multiple internal passages for supply and return flows, eliminating the need for numerous external pipe connections. This integration reduces the number of connection points, thereby reducing susceptibility to leaks and defects while lowering manufacturing and installation costs
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
The solution significantly reduces installation effort, minimizes component count, and lowers energy consumption while ensuring precise thermotechnical control, eliminating the need for non-return valves and thermostatic valves, and allowing for flexible expansion and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a regulated decentralized pump is arranged in each case in the flow and/or returns of the heating and/or cooling bodies and/or surfaces
Implementation Method 2
heating and/or cooling water, which is supplied to heating and/or cooling bodies and/or surfaces in rooms
Implementation Method 3
an elongate housing which is separated in the longitudinal direction by a partition wall into a longitudinally arranged flow space and a return flow space arranged parallel thereto
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for distributing and controlling a heat carrier which originates from a heat and/or cold source, in particular hot and/or cold water, which is supplied to heating and/or cooling bodies and/or surfaces in rooms of a building, wherein the feed of the heat and/or cold source issues into a feed chamber from which the feeds of the heating and/or cooling bodies and/or surfaces branch off, wherein the returns of the heating and/or cooling bodies and/or surfaces issue into a return chamber of the apparatus, from which return chamber the return of the heat and/or cold source emanates, and wherein in particular a controlled decentralized pump is in each case arranged in the feeds and/or returns of the heating and/or cooling bodies and/or surfaces.