Method for controlling the temperature in the rooms of a building
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building temperature control methods are sluggish in responding to changes and consume excessive energy due to reliance on temperature-dependent actuators that require continuous power to operate multiple valves simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The use of electric motor-driven actuators that only require power when adjusting valves, allowing for rapid temperature corrections by briefly switching on individual motors, reducing energy consumption and eliminating noticeable delays in temperature control across multiple rooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If temperature-dependent actuators with electric heating elements are used to operate valves, then the valves can be actuated based on temperature changes, but the system responds slowly and requires continuous high power supply to operate all valves simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-dependent thermal actuators with electric motor-driven actuators. The electric motors provide immediate mechanical action to open or close valves without the thermal lag inherent in heating-element-based actuators, thereby dramatically improving response speed while reducing overall energy consumption since motors only consume power during brief actuation periods rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic, on-demand actuation of valves rather than continuous operation. Electric motors are activated only when temperature correction is needed for specific heating circuits, maintaining system responsiveness while minimizing energy consumption by keeping motors idle during stable temperature conditions
2Productivity
If multiple valves are actuated simultaneously to correct temperature in all rooms, then all rooms receive temperature correction, but the power supply requirement becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve actuation process by controlling each electric motor independently through separate control circuits. The controller activates motors in a sequential or staggered manner rather than simultaneously, dividing the total power requirement into manageable time-separated pulses. This allows multiple rooms to receive temperature correction while keeping peak power consumption within available supply limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary assessment of temperature conditions in each room before actuating valves. The controller receives temperature data from sensors and determines which specific heating circuits require correction, activating only the necessary motors in advance of any potential simultaneous demand, thereby optimizing power usage while maintaining effective temperature control
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 approach enables rapid and efficient temperature regulation in buildings with reduced energy usage, as only one actuator needs to be powered at a time, and the system maintains stability without continuous energy input.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator (17) with an electric motor (9) which can be connected independently of the other actuators (17) to a voltage source (11) by the controller (7)
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for adjusting the operation of the corresponding heating circuit is provided in a supply pipe for the heating fluid or in a return pipe for the same
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method for tempering rooms (R1-R5) of a building (G) is specified, in which a heating circuit distributor (HK) is installed in the building, which has a controller (7) and a number corresponding to the number of heating circuits in the building of valves, one of which is installed in an inlet for a heating or cooling medium of a heating circuit. Each valve is equipped with an actuator, by means of which the position of the valve, which determines the flow of the heating or cooling medium, is set between an open position and a closed position as end positions. Each actuator is equipped with an electric motor and the actuators are connected individually and separately from one another for a predetermined period of time to actuate the valves by the controller (7), if necessary, with an electrical voltage source.