Method for adjusting the setpoint temperature of a heat transfer medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems using heat pumps face inefficiencies due to the need for manual adjustment of the heat curve based on varying weather conditions and insulation factors, leading to uneven heating distribution as feedback is limited to a single location, resulting in potential overheating or underheating in areas away from the temperature sensor.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for adjusting the setpoint temperature of a heat transfer medium in a heating system by determining the time-dependent sum opening degree of temperature-controlled valves, using flow and head estimations to adapt the heat curve and maintain desired indoor temperatures across all areas, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and ensuring optimal operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single temperature sensor is used to provide feedback for adjusting water temperature setpoint, then the comfort in the area surrounding the sensor location is improved, but the heating distribution becomes uneven in areas away from the sensor location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating system into multiple control zones by introducing multiple temperature sensors at different locations (e.g., ground floor and upper floor). Each sensor monitors temperature in its specific zone, enabling localized feedback control. This segmentation allows the system to address temperature distribution uniformity across different areas rather than relying on a single sensor location.
2Manufacturing precision
If the heat curve is manually adjusted to achieve desired room temperature, then the heating performance at specific locations can be optimized, but the system requires continuous manual intervention and cannot adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor actual room temperatures and comparing them with target temperatures. The controller automatically adjusts the water temperature setpoint based on this feedback, eliminating the need for manual heat curve adjustments. The system adapts to changing conditions (weather, insulation, occupancy) through continuous automated feedback from multiple sensor locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying its own operating parameters (water temperature setpoint) based on temperature feedback from multiple sensors. The controller autonomously optimizes the heat curve without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to service itself in response to changing environmental conditions and thermal demands.
3Loss of energy
If the water temperature setpoint is lowered to maximize heat pump COP, then energy efficiency is improved, but the heating capacity may be insufficient to meet heating demand in cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the water temperature setpoint based on real-time feedback from multiple temperature sensors and outdoor temperature conditions. Rather than using a fixed low setpoint, the system dynamically optimizes the setpoint to balance COP and heating capacity. The controller adjusts the setpoint within an optimal range, lowering it when demand is low to maximize efficiency and raising it when demand is high to ensure sufficient heating capacity.
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 solution ensures consistent and comfortable temperature distribution throughout a building by automatically adjusting the water temperature setpoint based on the hydraulic system's feedback, maximizing the coefficient of performance (COP) and maintaining optimal heating conditions, regardless of outside temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer medium circulating in a heating or cooling system inside a building... heat transferring units each being equipped with a temperature controlled valve
Data Source
AI summary
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 includes a plurality of heat transferring units, each with a temperature controlled valve. A sum opening degree (OD) of all temperature controlled valves is determined in a time dependent manner and a setpoint temperature Tw,ref of heat transferring medium is controlled according to a predetermined sum opening degree (OD) of all temperature controlled valves. A heating system (9) is provided for supplying heat to a building or a part of the building via a liquid heat transfer medium circulated in a circuit. The heating system (9) includes heat transferring units, each being equipped with a temperature controlled valve. The system is controllable according to the method for adjusting the setpoint temperature.