HVAC Flow-Temperature Mapping for Adaptive Energy Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems lack the ability to adaptively adjust control processes to the specific properties of energy consumers, leading to inefficiencies and the need for predetermined limit values that do not account for changes over time, such as degradation, resulting in suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves empirically determining the dependence of energy flow and temperature differential on volumetric flow rate for each energy consumer, allowing for adaptive adjustment of control parameters and continuous monitoring to ensure optimal operation, even after prolonged use, by using existing sensors and data logging to establish and maintain optimal energy transfer limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large volumetric flow rate is used in the primary circuit, then the pumping capacity increases, but the temperature differential decreases significantly, reducing energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adapting the control process to changing system conditions. The system dynamically determines the relationship between volumetric flow rate and temperature differential through repeated measurements and updates control parameters accordingly, allowing the system to operate optimally despite degradation over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by empirically determining the actual relationship between flow rate and temperature differential through measurements, then using this data to adjust control settings. This involves measuring temperature differentials at various flow rates and using this information to optimize system operation
2Ease of operation
If predetermined limit values are used for control, then the control process is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changes over time such as degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by repeatedly measuring temperature differentials and volumetric flow rates, comparing actual performance against expected performance, and using this information to update control parameters. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to degradation while maintaining relatively simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining its own performance characteristics through measurements and adjusting its own control parameters without external intervention. The HVAC system monitors itself and adapts to changes in its components over time
3Ease of operation
If the system operates without empirical determination of flow-energy relationships, then operation is straightforward, but energy waste occurs due to suboptimal control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing empirical determination of the relationship between volumetric flow rate and temperature differential before using this information for control optimization. The system first characterizes its own performance through measurements, then uses this pre-determined relationship to guide subsequent control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical or fixed control systems with a data-driven approach. Instead of relying on predetermined settings or simple mechanical controls, the system uses empirical measurements and calculated relationships to optimize energy transfer, reducing energy waste while maintaining ease of operation
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 HVAC systems to operate efficiently and adapt to changes, reducing energy waste, extending system lifespan, and facilitating maintenance by providing real-time data for diagnostic and corrective actions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (11), by means of which the medium releases the heat or cold energy to a secondary circuit (27)
Implementation Method 2
The flow of energy E delivered to the respective secondary circuit (energy per unit of time or power) is obtained in accordance with the equation E=k·φ·ΔT
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating and/or monitoring an HVAC system (10), in which medium circulating in a primary circuit (26) flows through at least one energy consumer (11, 12, 13), the medium entering with a volume flow (φ) through a supply line (14) into the energy consumer (11, 12, 13) at a supply temperature (TV) and leaving the energy consumer (11, 12, 13) at a return temperature (TR) via a return line (15), and transferring heat or cooling energy to the energy consumer (11, 12, 13) in an energy flow (E). A considerable improvement in the operating behavior of the system is achieved by empirically determining the dependence of the energy flow (E) and/or the temperature difference (AT) between supply temperature (TV) and return temperature (TR) on the volume flow (φ) for the energy consumers (11, 12, 13) in a first step, and by operating and/or monitoring the HVAC system (10) according to the determined dependency or dependencies in a second step.