Method for adjusting the setpoint temperature of a heat transfer medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems, particularly heat pumps, face inefficiencies due to the need for manual adjustment of the heat curve based on varying heating demands and insulation factors, leading to uneven temperature distribution across a building, as they rely on single-point temperature feedback, which can result in water temperatures that are either too cold or too hot for different areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically adjust the setpoint temperature of a heat transfer medium by determining the time-dependent sum opening degree of temperature-controlled valves across the heating system, using feedback from flow and head estimations to maintain optimal conditions throughout the building, eliminating the need for manual heat curve adjustments and ensuring consistent room temperatures across all areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single temperature sensor is used to provide feedback for adjusting water temperature, then the comfort in the area surrounding the sensor location is improved, but the water temperature becomes too cold for heating areas with less free heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into multiple heating zones, each equipped with its own temperature sensor. This segmentation allows independent temperature monitoring and control for different areas, enabling the system to account for varying free heat conditions in each zone and adjust water temperature accordingly to prevent it from being too cold in areas with less free heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point temperature feedback to multi-point spatial distribution of temperature sensors. By adding the spatial dimension of temperature monitoring across multiple locations, the system gains comprehensive information about thermal conditions throughout the building, enabling more accurate water temperature control that satisfies all heating zones simultaneously.
2Temperature
If the heat curve is manually adjusted to each system, then the desired room temperature can be achieved, but the user intervention and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where multiple temperature sensors continuously monitor room temperatures in different zones. This feedback information is used by the control unit to automatically adjust the heat curve and water temperature setpoints, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining desired room temperatures. The system learns and adapts based on actual thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system performs self-adjustment of the heat curve based on feedback from multiple temperature sensors. The control unit automatically modifies system parameters without requiring user intervention, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal performance autonomously.
3Loss of energy
If water temperature is set to maximize heat pump COP, then energy efficiency is improved, but the heating demand of different areas may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic water temperature control that continuously adapts to changing heating demands of different zones. Instead of using a fixed low temperature to maximize COP, the system dynamically adjusts water temperature based on real-time feedback from multiple sensors, ensuring that each area receives the appropriate temperature while maintaining overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different water temperatures to be delivered to different heating zones based on their specific thermal requirements. Areas with more free heat receive cooler water to maintain high COP, while areas with less free heat receive warmer water to meet their heating demand, allowing localized optimization of both efficiency and comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the setpoint temperature of a heat transfer medium circulating in a heating or cooling system (9) inside a building or at least inside a surrounding part of a building, the heating or cooling circuit comprising a plurality of heat transferring units each being equipped with a temperature controlled valve, characterised in that the sum opening degree OD of all temperature controlled valves is determined in a time dependent manner and the setpoint temperature Tw, ref of heat transferring medium is controlled according to a predetermined sum opening degree OD of all temperature controlled valves. The invention further relates to a heating system (9) for supplying heat to a building or a part of the building by means of a liquid heat transfer medium circulated in a circuit, the heating system (9) comprising a plurality of heat transferring units each being equipped with a temperature controlled valve characterised in that the system is controllable according to the method for adjusting the setpoint temperature.