Heat Exchanger System with Wireless Communication for Remote Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange systems require complex and expensive adjustments and servicing, especially when access is difficult, as they often need physical modification or remote expert intervention, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange system with a control unit and communication module that allows for remote adjustment and analysis via wireless communication, eliminating the need for direct hardware changes and enabling service personnel to access and manage the system from a distance using devices like smartphones or laptops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If physical adjustment or remote expert intervention is used for servicing heat exchange systems in hard-to-reach locations, then the system can be serviced and adjusted, but the cost and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical access to the control unit with wireless communication technology. Service personnel can adjust parameters and diagnose issues remotely using smartphones or laptops that communicate wirelessly with the control unit, eliminating the need for physical travel to hard-to-reach locations like rooftops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between service personnel and the control unit. This intermediary enables parameter adjustment and system diagnostics without direct physical contact, allowing remote servicing while maintaining full control over the heat exchange system.
2Ease of repair
If physical adjustment or remote expert intervention is used for servicing heat exchange systems in hard-to-reach locations, then the system can be serviced and adjusted, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical intervention with affordable wireless communication technology. Standard smartphones or laptops can serve as remote interfaces, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment or expert travel, thereby significantly reducing servicing costs while maintaining full system accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the control interface that can be accessed remotely through wireless communication. This digital replica allows service personnel to interact with the control unit from any location, eliminating the need for physical presence and associated costs while maintaining identical functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the control unit is wired to a building services management system, then actual values can be read and desired values can be adjusted, but the hardware complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical wiring with wireless communication technology. The control unit communicates with external devices through wireless signals, eliminating the need for extensive cable installation, connection points, and associated hardware, thereby simplifying both installation and operation while maintaining full bidirectional communication capability.
4Loss of information
If hardware or display is attached to the heat exchange system for reading actual values, then data can be accessed, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual interface through wireless communication that replicates the data display and input functions without adding physical hardware. Standard devices like smartphones serve as the display and input interface, eliminating the need for dedicated display hardware while maintaining full data accessibility and parameter adjustment capability.
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 solution simplifies and cost-reduces the operation of heat exchange systems by allowing remote servicing and adjustments, reducing the need for on-site technical expertise and minimizing downtime, especially for hard-to-reach locations like rooftops or remote sites.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger taking up or transferring heat
Implementation Method 2
the transport fluid outside the heat exchanger can take up thermal energy from the heat exchanger or transfer it to the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a fan which is configured and arranged such that the transport fluid is transported through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a heat exchange system includes a heat exchanger including an outer boundary formed by inflow and outflow surfaces, a fan configured and arranged such that a transport fluid is transported through the heat exchanger over the inflow surface to the outflow surface and a control unit that receives one or more actual values from the heat exchanger and/or fan in the operating state and that one or more predetermined values of the heat exchanger and/or of the fan are adjusted by the control unit. The heat exchange system further includes a communication module in signal communication with the control unit, the communication module receiving one or more actual values from the control unit and/or one or more predetermined values transmitted from the communication module to the control unit, with the communication module being in signal communication with a communication unit at least at times.