Heating Circuit Flow Temperature Control Using Room Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating control systems for heating circuits lack automated and efficient methods to optimize flow temperature regulation, especially in environments with changing conditions, relying on empirical approaches that are difficult to automate.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that automatically adjust flow temperature by linking easily detectable parameters, including outside and room temperatures, heat transfer coefficients, and actuator positions, using relationships to determine target flow temperatures and actuator positions for optimal heating control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If empirical approaches with standard curve clusters are used for heating control, then manual optimization is possible, but automation is limited and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the heating control from empirical curve selection to a mathematical model-based approach by changing the parameters from predefined heating curves to dynamically calculated flow temperatures based on room temperature, outside temperature, and heat loss coefficients. This enables full automation while simplifying the control logic through straightforward temperature differential calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual/empirical control mechanism with an automated computational system that calculates optimal flow temperatures in real-time based on measured parameters and heat loss models, eliminating the need for manual curve selection and enabling continuous optimization without increasing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed heating curves are used, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously measures room temperature and outside temperature, compares them with setpoint values, and adjusts the flow temperature accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on temperature differentials and heat loss coefficients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static fixed heating curves to dynamic flow temperature calculation that continuously adapts to changing conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the flow temperature based on real-time temperature measurements and calculated heat losses, enabling adaptability without requiring complex control algorithms since the adjustments follow straightforward thermal physics principles.
3Measurement precision
If room-specific parameters and heat transfer coefficients are incorporated, then control precision is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the heat loss coefficients and room parameters during the commissioning phase or through initial steady-state measurements. These pre-determined parameters are then stored and used for ongoing control calculations, eliminating the need for continuous complex measurements while maintaining high precision in the temperature control based on these calibrated parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically determining room-specific parameters through initial operation phases where steady-state conditions are measured. The control unit itself conducts the measurements and calculations needed to establish the heat loss coefficients and room thermal characteristics, eliminating the need for external complex measurement equipment or manual testing procedures.
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 and adaptive control of flow temperatures in heating circuits, improving comfort and efficiency by accounting for environmental changes and heat exchange dynamics, allowing for automated regulation of multiple rooms with minimal human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit has a sensor and/or is connected to a sensor that provides a value for an outside temperature, and wherein the control unit has a further sensor and/or is connected to a further sensor which provides a value for a room temperature
Implementation Method 2
A heat source is a heating device that can be used to heat a heating fluid to a specific flow temperature in a heating circuit. Typical heat sources can be gas or oil burners, heat pumps, solar systems, fuel cells, etc. A heat sink is a device in a heating circuit that emits heat, such as radiators, underfloor heating, towel warmers, etc.
Implementation Method 3
A heat sink is a device in a heating circuit that emits heat, such as radiators, underfloor heating, towel warmers, etc. Such a heat sink, in turn, represents a heat source for a room to be heated.
Implementation Method 4
the control unit controls or regulates a relative position of an actuator influencing a flow through a heat sink
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a control unit (18) for controlling a flow temperature (TVourlauf) in a heating circuit (22) which has at least one heat source (17) and at least one heat sink (24) arranged in at least one room (29), wherein the flow temperature (TVourlauf) is controlled or regulated depending on an outside temperature (TOutside). It is proposed that the room temperature (TRoom) in the room (29) is measured and that the flow temperature (TVourlauf) is controlled or regulated depending on the outside temperature (TOutside) and the room temperature (TRoom).