Heating System Hydraulic Balancing Using Multi-Position Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating systems for multiple rooms lack efficiency in distributing heat evenly and wasting energy due to binary valve control, which cannot adjust to varying temperature demands across rooms.
Innovation Solution
A heating system with adjustable valves and controllers that dynamically adjust opening gaps based on room temperature differences, using wireless communication and pre-defined temperature changing rules to distribute heat efficiently and reduce energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If binary valve control (fully closed or fully opened) is used, then device complexity is reduced, but heat distribution efficiency deteriorates and energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static binary valve control (fully closed or fully opened) to dynamic multi-position valve control. The valve can now be adjusted to multiple opening gaps (first, second, third opening gaps) based on real-time temperature feedback from thermostats, enabling continuous adaptation to varying heat demands across different rooms and resolving the contradiction between simple control and efficient heat distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the valve opening gap parameter according to temperature differences. When the temperature difference between actual and set temperature is large, the valve opens to a larger gap; when the difference is small, the valve closes to a smaller gap. This continuous parameter adjustment optimizes heat distribution efficiency while maintaining relatively simple control architecture.
2Ease of operation
If binary valve control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to varying temperature demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service through automatic valve control based on thermostat feedback. The valve controller automatically adjusts the valve opening gap according to temperature differences detected by thermostats in each room, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining ease of use. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and adjusting without human intervention, achieving both ease of operation and high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where thermostats in each room continuously monitor actual temperatures and send signals to valve controllers. The controllers adjust valve opening gaps based on this feedback and the calculated temperature differences, enabling the system to adapt to varying temperature demands across different rooms while maintaining simple automated operation.
3Reliability
If excessive heat output from boiler is provided, then temperature requirements are met, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling independent temperature control for each room through individual thermostats and valve controllers. Each room receives exactly the heat it needs based on its specific temperature requirements and actual conditions, rather than receiving uniform excessive heat. This localized control ensures all temperature requirements are met while minimizing energy waste by avoiding overheating in any room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system avoids excessive action by providing partial heat output to each room according to its specific needs. Instead of the boiler outputting maximum heat to all rooms uniformly, the system delivers precisely the amount of heat required by each room's temperature differential, eliminating energy waste from excessive heating while ensuring all rooms reach their set temperatures.
4Speed
If rapid temperature adjustment is implemented, then response time is reduced, but water flow fluctuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through staged valve adjustment. Instead of immediate full-opening, the valve controller adjusts the valve opening gap in stages (first, second, third opening gaps) over time. This periodic, progressive adjustment achieves temperature requirements while preventing sudden large fluctuations in water flow, maintaining system stability during the transition to target temperatures.
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
The system balances heat distribution across rooms, reduces energy consumption by adjusting boiler output, and stabilizes water flow, ensuring each room reaches its set temperature without excessive energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
information comprising a temperature of each room detected by its corresponding thermostat
Implementation Method 2
the opening gap of adjustable valve is capable of varying from the minimum opening gap when the adjustable valve is fully closed to the maximum opening gap when the adjustable valve is fully opened
Implementation Method 3
devices to radiate the heat of the hot water to keep room warm
Implementation Method 4
a boiler to provide hot water to the multiple rooms through water pipes
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A system for distributing heat to multiple rooms from a boiler is disclosed, wherein the system comprises a corresponding thermostat, a corresponding adjustable valve and a corresponding valve controller for controlling the temperature of each room, wherein the opening gap of each adjustable valve is capable of varying from the minimum opening gap when the adjustable valve is fully closed to the maximum opening gap when the adjustable valve is fully opened with a plurality of different opening gaps between said minimum opening gap and said maximum opening gap, wherein the opening gap of each adjustable valve is capable of being adjusted by its corresponding valve controller according to information comprising a temperature of each room detected by its corresponding thermostat and a set temperature of each room set by a user for distributing heat from the boiler to each room via its corresponding adjustable valve.