Heating Control Sensor Correction via Phase Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Older heating systems lack a separate input for specifying correction signals for flow temperature, making it difficult to communicate a correction value to the heating controller, leading to inaccuracies in flow temperature control due to unknown sensor characteristics and non-stationary heating conditions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting or reconstructing the characteristic curve of the sensor by bringing measured value sequences from the sensor and a reference sensor into phase, using cross-covariance or cross-correlation functions to correct time offsets, and using the phase-corrected characteristic curve to determine a correction value for the heating control system, thereby improving the accuracy of flow temperature adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a reference sensor with known characteristic curve is used to determine sensor characteristics, then the accuracy of flow temperature control is improved, but time offset errors occur during non-stationary heating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime offset between sensor measurements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the characteristic curve based on the determined time offset. The control device modifies the temperature-resistance relationship parameters to compensate for the time delay between reference sensor and sensor measurements, thereby maintaining accuracy during non-stationary conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the reference sensor with known characteristic curve as a template to create a corrected characteristic curve for the unknown sensor. By copying the reference sensor's known characteristics and adjusting for time offset, the system determines the unknown sensor's characteristics without direct calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the characteristic curve of the sensor is unknown, then the heating system can operate with basic sensor, but accurate correction value determination is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidcorrection value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing the unknown sensor's measurements with the reference sensor's known characteristic curve. The control device uses this feedback to iteratively determine the unknown sensor's characteristic curve and calculate accurate correction values for flow temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The reference sensor acts as an intermediary with known characteristic curve, mediating between the unknown sensor and the control device. It provides a reference framework that enables the determination of the unknown sensor's characteristics without requiring direct calibration of the unknown sensor itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If correction value specification is implemented in older heating systems, then flow temperature control accuracy is improved, but the system lacks separate input for correction signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow temperature control accuracyVSAvoidheating control system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the existing sensor input serve multiple functions. The same sensor connection is used both for measuring flow temperature and for receiving correction value specifications, eliminating the need for separate correction signal inputs while maintaining improved control accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the correction value specification function with the existing sensor input. By combining these functions into a single input channel, the system achieves improved flow temperature control without increasing device complexity or requiring additional hardware inputs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2246679B1Method and device for determining a correction value within a heating control device
Publication Date: 2012.03.28 TECHEM ENERGY SERVICES
  • EP2246679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2246679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2246679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves detecting a characteristic of the sensor by comparing the measured values of the sensor with measured values of a reference sensor with known characteristics. The measured value sequences of the sensor and measured value sequences of the reference sensor are brought into phase with each other. An independent claim is also included for a device for determining a correction value.