Electronic Heat Cost Allocator C-Value Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining c values and Kc values for electronic heat cost allocators are complex, unsuitable for field use, and fail to account for individual radiator differences and varying operating conditions, leading to inaccurate heating cost distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure average surface and room air temperatures externally to calculate c values and Kc values, allowing for precise determination at different operating points and connection variants, using a device with a thermometer and calculation device to transmit values to the electronic heat cost allocator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If c-values and Kc-values are determined using laboratory test benches with samples in a basic state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the complex setup and unsuitability for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing on-site determination of c-values and Kc-values using the existing heat cost allocator and radiator components themselves, rather than requiring external laboratory test benches. The heat cost allocator performs the measurements and calculations autonomously in the actual installation environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of taking radiator samples to a laboratory for testing, the approach is inverted by bringing the measurement capability to the field using the actual installed system. The determination is performed in reverse logistics - rather than sample→lab, it is installation→field measurement.
2Device complexity
If c-values are determined using similarity assumptions for unknown radiators, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for individual radiator differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by measuring actual temperatures from the installed heat cost allocator and radiator, then using these measurements to calculate and store individual c-values and Kc-values. This feedback loop eliminates the need for similarity assumptions by capturing real-world data from each specific installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and determination of c-values and Kc-values during the commissioning phase or initial operation, storing these values for future use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex determination processes later and accounts for individual radiator characteristics from the start.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing determination methods are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but adaptability worsens due to failure to account for varying operating conditions and connection variants
Solution Approach 1:
The system is dynamic by determining c-values and Kc-values at different operating points rather than assuming a single basic state. The heat cost allocator can perform measurements under varying flow rates, temperature differences, and connection configurations, adapting to the specific operating conditions of each installation.
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
Enables accurate and efficient determination of c values and Kc values for electronic heat cost allocators, suitable for field use, accounting for individual radiator differences and varying conditions, ensuring precise heating cost distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The temperatures mentioned above, i.e., the mean surface temperature, the flow temperature, the return temperature, and/or the room air temperature, are determined according to the invention not by the temperature sensors of the electronic heat cost allocator, but by at least one external thermometer and/or at least one external temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a determination method, at least for determining at least one c-value for an electronic heat cost allocator (2).According to the invention, the determination method comprises the following process steps: - Mounting the electronic heat cost allocator (2) on a radiator (1), - Commissioning the radiator (1), - Determining, in particular measuring, an average surface temperature of the radiator (1) and/or determining a flow temperature and a return temperature at the radiator (1), wherein the flow temperature is determined by determining, in particular measuring, a surface temperature on a flow pipe of the radiator (1) and the return temperature is determined by determining, in particular measuring, a surface temperature on a return pipe of the radiator (1), - Determining a room air temperature of a room in which the radiator (1) is arranged, - Querying a sensor temperature of at least one temperature sensor of the electronic heat cost allocator (2), - Calculating the at least one c-value.