Heat Meter K-Factor Sensing for Water-Glycol Energy Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold or heat meter devices are imprecise in determining energy consumption in temperature control circuits using water-glycol mixtures due to inaccurate determination of the k-factor, which is influenced by the specific heat capacity and density of the mixture, requiring indirect measurement methods and frequent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A cold or heat meter device with integrated sensor means that directly measures relevant parameters within the mixture to determine the k-factor, using a calorimetric or anemometric sensor to record temperature differences and heating curves, allowing for precise calculation of energy consumption without the need for sampling or external density measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect measurement methods (sampling and density measurement) are used to determine the k-factor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement methods (sampling, refractometry, density measurement) with direct electrical/electronic measurement using integrated temperature sensors and computing devices. This substitution enables precise determination of the k-factor through direct temperature difference measurement in the mixture, eliminating the need for complex external measurement equipment and manual sampling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing device that processes temperature measurements from sensors and calculates the k-factor using stored reference data. This intermediary system bridges the gap between simple temperature sensing and precise energy consumption determination, enabling accurate k-factor derivation without direct physical intervention in the mixture.
2Device complexity
If the mixing ratio is permanently set on the calculator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanently set mixing ratio configuration into a dynamic system where the k-factor can be continuously determined and updated based on actual temperature measurements. The computing device stores multiple reference k-factors and selects the appropriate one based on measured temperature differences, allowing the system to adapt to different glycol types and mixing ratios without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature measurements from the sensors are continuously fed back to the computing device, which then determines the appropriate k-factor based on the measured values and stored reference data. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to changing mixture conditions, maintaining measurement precision even when glycol types or ratios change during maintenance or refilling operations.
3Measurement precision
If frequent sampling and density measurement are performed for recalibration, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous determination of the k-factor through integrated temperature sensors that continuously monitor the mixture temperature. The computing device continuously processes these measurements and maintains an up-to-date k-factor value, eliminating the need for periodic manual recalibration. This continuous measurement approach ensures measurement precision is maintained without requiring time-consuming sampling and density measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own temperature measurements to determine the appropriate k-factor from stored reference data. The computing device automatically selects and applies the correct k-factor based on measured temperature differences, eliminating the need for external calibration services or manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains measurement precision while eliminating time loss associated with external recalibration procedures.
4Device complexity
If the k-factor is determined approximately using temperature-dependent correction variables, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing accurate reference k-factor values in the computing device for different temperature ranges and glycol types. Instead of calculating complex correction variables during operation, the system has the necessary data prepared in advance and simply selects the appropriate reference value based on measured temperature differences. This preliminary preparation enables precise energy consumption determination without requiring complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by storing and utilizing only the specific portions of k-factor data that are relevant to the operating conditions. The computing device stores multiple reference k-factors for different temperature ranges and glycol types, and selectively applies the appropriate one based on current measurements. This selective use of data provides sufficient precision for energy consumption determination without the excessive complexity of storing and processing all possible correction variables for all conditions.
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 precise determination of energy consumption by directly measuring the k-factor within the mixture, improving accuracy and reducing the need for frequent recalibration, while also allowing for discontinuous measurement and power-saving battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor means is a calorimetric or anemometric working sensor means
Implementation Method 2
The sensor means is a calorimetric or anemometric working sensor means
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
Cold or heat meter device for determining the energy consumption in a temperature control circuit in which a mixture of at least two liquids, in particular a water-glycol mixture, circulates, with a measuring device for determining the mixture flow and a temperature difference between the flow and the return of the mixture, which Measuring device, taking into account the flow and the temperature difference, determines the energy consumption, the measuring device (2) taking into account at least one measurement parameter given by a sensor means (13) assigned to it and arranged in the circuit (7) for determining the k-factor of the mixture (8) and is designed to determine the energy consumption taking this into account.