Method and system for balancing a heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems face inaccuracies in balancing due to variations in hydraulic resistance over time, caused by wear or modifications, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measurements of flow rates and pressure differences across hydraulic lines, followed by the establishment of a hydraulic model to adjust balancing valves, ensuring precise flow settings and accommodating changes in system parameters, implemented using a handheld communication device app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional balancing methods are used, then the system can be balanced initially, but the balancing accuracy deteriorates over time due to wear and modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static balancing assumptions to dynamic adaptation. The system continuously updates the hydraulic model with new measurements, allowing the balancing parameters to change over time as the system wears or is modified. This enables the balancing accuracy to be maintained despite changes in system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring actual flow rates and pressure differences, comparing them with the hydraulic model predictions, and using this information to update the model and rebalance the system. This closed-loop approach ensures that balancing accuracy is restored after any system changes or wear occurs.
2Loss of energy
If hydraulic resistance variations are not accounted for, then the balancing setup remains simple, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously updating the hydraulic model with current system parameters through measurements. By tracking changes in hydraulic resistance and pump characteristics over time, the system adapts the balancing parameters to maintain optimal energy efficiency despite system variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a hydraulic model before actual operation, which serves as a baseline for comparisons. This preliminary model allows the system to predict optimal balancing settings and detect deviations caused by wear or modifications, enabling proactive energy efficiency maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static balancing assumptions are used, then the balancing process is straightforward, but the adaptability to system changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static balancing assumptions with a dynamic measurement and update process. The system continuously adapts to changes in hydraulic resistance and pump characteristics by performing new measurements and updating the hydraulic model, thereby maintaining adaptability while managing operational complexity through systematic procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of balancing a heating system with a flow system, including a supply flow line (60) and a return flow line (70), a heat source (55) and a pump (10) hydraulic lines (L1-Ln), some having a heating element (H1-Hn) with a balancing valve (V1-Vn). The method includes: carrying out one or more measurements by opening one hydraulic line only and determining a flow rate through the pump and a pressure difference across the pump, establishing a hydraulic model based on the determined flow rate and pressure difference from at least two measurements from step, and at least one additional measurement for at least two hydraulic lines, specifying a desired flow rate for each of the hydraulic lines, and adjusting one or more of the dedicated balancing valves in order to meet the desired flow rate for each of the hydraulic lines by using the hydraulic model.