Heating Sensor Characteristic Curve Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating systems lack precise control over flow temperature due to unknown sensor characteristic curves, leading to suboptimal energy savings and increased installation effort, as they rely on interpreting outside temperature changes without accurate prediction of heat requirement adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method that records resistance values from both an unknown flow or outside temperature sensor and a reference sensor with a known characteristic curve to determine the characteristic curve of the unknown sensor, allowing for precise correction of flow temperature through a simulated resistance value sent to the heating controller, enabling dynamic adaptation and energy savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If weather-compensated heating control is used to adapt heat supply to outside temperature, then energy savings are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the outside temperature sensor has an unknown characteristic curve that cannot be precisely interpreted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating energyVSAvoidtemperature measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A reference temperature sensor with a known characteristic curve is introduced as an intermediary element. This reference sensor provides accurate temperature measurements that serve as a mediator between the unknown outside temperature sensor and the heating controller, enabling precise interpretation of the unknown sensor's readings through characteristic curve determination and superposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If characteristic curves of unknown sensors are determined through advance measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional installation effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor characteristicVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-characterization by automatically determining the characteristic curve of the unknown temperature sensor during operation using the reference temperature sensor. This eliminates the need for advance manual measurements and complex installation procedures, as the system configures itself automatically through superposition of temperature values and characteristic curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If correction values for flow temperature are imposed on heating controllers without separate input, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to intervention in existing sensor connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction functionality is merged with the existing temperature sensor connection by superimposing the characteristic curve of the unknown sensor with the reference sensor's characteristic curve. This combining approach allows correction values to be imposed through the existing sensor input without requiring separate correction inputs or complex additional control system interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method allows for precise adjustment of flow temperature, improving energy efficiency and reducing installation complexity by determining and adapting the characteristic curve of unknown sensors, enabling optimal energy savings and dynamic control.

Implementation Method 1

a resistance value of a flow or outside temperature sensor (3) with an unknown characteristic curve and a resistance value of a reference temperature sensor (6) with a known characteristic curve are recorded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermistor effect: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP2093644B1Method and device for influencing a temperature measurement at the entry of a heating regulator
Publication Date: 2010.11.10 TECHEM ENERGY SERVICES
  • EP2093644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2093644B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2093644B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method involves determining a parameter resistance value (Rv1) by determination of a characteristic line, where the value corresponds to a parameter temperature value (Tv1). A measuring value pair is analyzed from a resistance value (Rv) of supply or outer temperature sensors (3) and a reference temperature value of reference temperature sensors (6) for determining the line. Estimation functions of different wave shape are adapted to the value pair by determination of a parameter, and adaptation for the selection of the estimation functions are increased than the line. An independent claim is also included for a device for manipulating a temperature measurement variable to an input of a heater regulator, comprising a measurement connection.