Heat Cost Allocator Surface Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat cost allocators face challenges in accurately measuring heat output from radiators, especially with small heat transfer medium flows and varied radiator designs, leading to measurement errors and visual disturbance issues due to their installation on radiators.
Innovation Solution
A heat cost allocator device that determines the surface temperature, logarithmic excess temperature, and radiator exponent using flow and return temperatures, along with room temperature, to calculate heat emission values, allowing for accurate heat output measurement without being visually intrusive on the radiator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heat cost allocators are installed on radiators to measure heat output, then measurement capability is provided, but visual disturbance and measurement errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The heat cost allocation function is extracted from the radiator itself and implemented in a separate control unit that receives temperature data from sensors. This separates the measurement function from the heating element, eliminating visual disturbance on the radiator while maintaining measurement capability through digital signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors act as intermediaries between the radiator and the heat cost allocation calculation. Instead of directly measuring heat output from the radiator surface, the system uses temperature differences of the heat transfer medium as an intermediary parameter to calculate heat emission, reducing measurement errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional heat cost allocators are used with small heat transfer medium flows, then device compatibility is maintained, but measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its measurement and calculation parameters based on the detected heat transfer medium flow conditions. For small flows, the system adjusts its temperature measurement intervals and calculation algorithms to maintain accuracy, while remaining compatible with various radiator types and flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat cost allocation calculation uses multiple parameters including flow temperature, return temperature, and room temperature, with automatic adjustment of weighting factors based on operating conditions. This allows accurate measurement across different flow rates by changing the calculation parameters rather than requiring different hardware.
3Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are measured and calculated to determine heat emission, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single control unit performs multiple functions: it collects temperature data from sensors, calculates heat emission using multiple parameters, stores measurement data, communicates with other building automation systems, and provides user interfaces. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity despite the sophisticated measurements performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines temperature sensors, flow meters, calculation units, communication modules, and user interfaces into an integrated heat cost allocation system. By merging these components into a unified device or coordinated system, the complexity of handling multiple parameters is managed through integrated architecture rather than separate independent components.
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 enables precise heat output measurement, compliance with EN 834:2013 + AC:2015 standards, and reduces measurement errors by calculating consumption values based on temperature differences and radiator characteristics, suitable for both large and small heat transfer medium flows.
Implementation Method 1
a flow temperature sensor and in particular with a communication device
Implementation Method 2
a return assembly which can be arranged or is arranged on a return line of the radiator and has a return temperature sensor
Implementation Method 3
at least one room temperature sensor and at least one arithmetic unit
Implementation Method 4
a volume flow sensor of the heat cost allocator device
Implementation Method 5
a surface temperature To of the radiator at a predetermined relative height h% on the radiator, a logarithmic excess temperature ΔT ln of the radiator, a radiator exponent n of the radiator, a reference power Q R of the radiator, and at least one consumption value Q1, Q2 corresponding to the amount of heat emitted by the radiator
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a heat cost allocator (1), wherein a volume flow rate (m), a supply temperature (Tv), and a return temperature (TR) of a heat transfer medium flowing through the radiator (3), as well as a room temperature (TL), are determined as parameters of a first parameter group, and from at least one parameter of this first parameter group, the following parameters are derived as parameters of a second parameter group: a surface temperature (To) of the radiator (3) at a predetermined relative height (h%) on the radiator (3), a logarithmic excess temperature (ΔTln) of the radiator (3), a radiator exponent (n) of the radiator (3), a reference output (QR) of the radiator (3), and at least one consumption value (Q1, Q2, Q3) corresponding to a quantity of heat emitted by the radiator (3). The invention further relates to a heat cost allocator (1).