Method for controlling a heating or cooling system and heating or cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems often require precise initial settings and are prone to inaccuracies, leading to over- or under-heating, especially if not properly matched to the room's needs or if components are not optimally configured, resulting in increased costs and reduced user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control unit stores and adjusts working points comprising valve opening degrees and expected temperatures, adapting these based on actual temperature measurements to ensure accurate heating or cooling, allowing the system to self-adjust to changes in room conditions and system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise initial settings are used, then control accuracy is improved, but the system requires complex presetting and is sensitive to component mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts working points by comparing expected temperatures with actual measurements and adapting valve opening degrees without requiring manual presetting or user intervention. The control unit autonomously learns optimal parameters through continuous operation and measurement feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature measurements from sensors to compare against expected temperatures from stored working points. Based on the deviation between expected and actual temperatures, the control unit adapts the working points by adjusting valve opening degrees, creating a closed-loop feedback system that continuously optimizes control accuracy.
2Reliability
If the system is properly presetted, then control accuracy is improved, but installation time and initial configuration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores multiple pre-configured working points with expected temperatures for different operating conditions. These working points are prepared in advance in the control unit's memory, allowing the system to quickly adapt to changing conditions without requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration during installation or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adapts working points after installation without requiring manual presetting or configuration by installers. Through continuous comparison of expected and actual temperatures, the system self-calibrates to the specific installation conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming initial setup while ensuring reliable control.
3Device complexity
If fixed working points are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms static, fixed working points into dynamic, adaptive parameters. The control unit continuously monitors temperature deviations and automatically adjusts valve opening degrees in the working points based on actual performance, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions, usage patterns, and component characteristics while maintaining a simple control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of working points (specifically valve opening degrees) based on measured temperature deviations from expected values. By dynamically adjusting these parameters without adding complex control logic, the system maintains simplicity while achieving high adaptability to changing conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment is used, then system cost is reduced, but control accuracy and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated feedback from temperature sensors to compare expected and actual temperatures, then adapts working points by adjusting valve opening degrees. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for expensive manual adjustment mechanisms while improving temperature control accuracy and user comfort through continuous optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control. The control unit electronically adjusts valve opening degrees based on temperature measurements, substituting complex manual adjustment mechanisms with a simpler electronic feedback system that improves accuracy while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 enhances the accuracy of temperature control, reduces unnecessary heating or cooling, lowers costs, and improves user comfort by allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and long-term changes in usage or season.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (3) arranged to heat or cool a room (2)
Implementation Method 2
a valve (4) arranged to control the flow of a heating or cooling fluid through the heat exchanger (3)
Implementation Method 3
at least one temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature response to a change in the opening degree of the valve (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a heating or cooling system (1) comprising a heat exchanger (3), a valve (4) arranged to control the flow of a heating or cooling fluid through the heat exchanger (3), at least one temperature sensor (5, 9) arranged to measure a temperature response to a change in the opening degree of the valve (4), a control unit (8) arranged to control the opening degree of the valve (4) as well as to receive temperature measurements from the at least one temperature sensor (5, 9). Task of the invention is to provide an improved control method for such a heating or cooling system (1). According to the invention the task is solved by a method comprising the steps: a) the control unit (8) stores at least one working point comprising an opening degree of the valve (4) and a corresponding expected temperature, b) the control unit (8) provides a chosen working point to the valve (4), c) after a working point has been used for a predetermined time period the at least one temperature sensor (5, 9) provides a temperature measurement to the control unit (8), d) if the measured temperature does not match the expected temperature derived from the working point, the control unit (8) adapts the currently used working point by changing the stored opening degree.