Heating Flow Temperature Control Without Stepwise Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating system control methods incur energy losses due to time delays in adjusting flow temperature, as they rely on gradual, sensor-based adjustments to achieve optimal heat output, leading to increased energy expenditure.

Innovation Solution

Determine the optimal flow temperature directly from physical parameters, allowing immediate adjustment of both flow temperature and mass flow to match desired heat output without intermediate checking cycles, thereby avoiding energy losses associated with gradual temperature adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If stepwise adjustment of flow temperature is used with sensor-based monitoring, then the heating output can be optimized to match heat demand, but time delays occur due to system inertia and intermediate check cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat output optimizationVSAvoidadjustment delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control method performs preliminary calculation of the optimal flow temperature using the heat demand forecast and system parameters before actual adjustment is needed. By pre-computing the target temperature based on predicted heat demand and current system state, the system eliminates waiting time for sensor feedback and intermediate check cycles, directly setting the flow temperature to the optimal value without stepwise adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If stepwise adjustment of flow temperature is used with intermediate check cycles, then the optimal temperature can be approached, but energy consumption increases due to losses during the adjustment period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal temperature achievementVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control method implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors actual heat demand and compares it with predicted demand. Based on this feedback and the calculated deviation, the system dynamically adjusts the flow temperature forecast and re-computes the optimal temperature. This closed-loop feedback ensures the system reaches the optimal temperature quickly and maintains it, minimizing energy losses during transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If mass flow rate is adjusted using valve opening to change heat output, then heat demand can be met, but flow temperature cannot be optimized independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat outputVSAvoidtemperature optimization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control method segments the heat output control into two independent functions: mass flow rate control through valve opening and flow temperature control through the heat generator. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently - the valve controls the quantity of heating medium while the flow temperature is separately optimized based on heat demand forecast and system parameters, providing versatile and flexible control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the heating system to operate with significantly less energy expenditure by immediately setting the optimal flow temperature and mass flow, ensuring precise heat output without unnecessary delays or losses.

Implementation Method 1

the flow temperature at which a heating medium is supplied to a heating appliance to the lowest possible level, while still allowing sufficient heat to be emitted by the heating appliance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2674683B1Heating control
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 KERMI SYSTEM GMBH
  • EP2674683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2674683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2674683B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a heating system, with a flow temperature being determined as a function of a requested heating output, taking into account a mass flow which should not be changed if possible.