Multi-Room Heating Valve Control for Lower Energy and Boiler Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central heating systems face challenges in efficiently heating multiple rooms with varying temperature demands while minimizing energy consumption and reducing wear on the heat source.
Innovation Solution
A heating system utilizing on/off valves controlled by a control means that opens each valve for a fraction of a predetermined time period, determined by heat demand sensors, and operates in modes such as pulse width modulation, where valves can be opened simultaneously, consecutively, or divided into fractions based on the type of heat source, optimizing flow and reducing on/off activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control valves are actuated independently based on individual room heat demand, then each room can be heated to its desired temperature, but the heat source experiences frequent on/off activity leading to increased wear and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple control valves under a single control means that coordinates their operation. Instead of independent control, the system merges the control functions and schedules valve openings in a coordinated manner (simultaneously or consecutively), reducing the heat source's on/off frequency while maintaining each room's temperature requirements through pooled heat demand management
2Loss of energy
If the heat source operates with high temperature for short periods, then energy efficiency is improved for boilers and burners, but uniform temperature distribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling valves to open simultaneously or consecutively for specific time periods, allowing the heat source to operate in high-temperature short-duration cycles that improve efficiency while the periodic nature and heat exchanger thermal mass maintain sufficient temperature uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the control strategy based on heat source type, selecting between simultaneous and consecutive valve opening modes, and adjusting the time periods to optimize the balance between energy efficiency and temperature uniformity for different operational conditions
3Loss of energy
If the heat source operates with uniform low temperature over time, then efficiency is improved for heat pumps, but energy efficiency is reduced for boilers and burners
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the control strategy based on heat source type, selecting between simultaneous and consecutive valve opening modes, and adjusting the time periods to optimize the balance between energy efficiency and temperature uniformity for different operational conditions
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 approach enables energy savings, reduced pollution, and improved efficiency by adapting to the heat source type, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and minimizing energy consumption and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger in each room, said heat exchanger being connected to said heat source
Implementation Method 2
flow of heating fluid through said heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
controlled by a control valve controlling a flow of heating fluid through said heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A heating system for heating a plurality of rooms is provided, comprising: a heat source (5), at least one heat exchanger (6-8) in each room (2-4), said heat exchanger (6-8) being connected to said heat source (5) and being controlled by a control valve (9-11) controlling a flow of heating fluid through said heat exchanger, a heat demand sensor (16-18) for each room (2-4), and a control means (12) controlling said control valves (9-11) depending on the heat demand detected by said heat demand sensors (16-18). The rooms should be heated in an energy saving manner. To this end the control means (12) controls each control valve (9-11) depending on the flow through at least one other control valve (9-11).