HVAC Valve Automated Function Diagnosis Using Sensor Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inspection of HVAC systems is time-consuming and costly, leading to potential delays in detecting malfunctions and safety risks due to infrequent on-site testing by inspectors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automated functional diagnosis of fluid flow valves in HVAC systems, using control signals and sensor signals to evaluate the valve's operational status, allowing for frequent and inexpensive inspections, including the use of existing sensors and a control circuit to determine if the valve is functioning correctly or if there are mechanical or electrical issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site inspection by inspectors is performed regularly, then the functionality of HVAC system can be checked properly, but the inspection is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The HVAC system performs self-diagnosis through automated functional tests that monitor its own components. Sensors detect operational parameters and the system automatically identifies malfunctions without requiring external inspectors, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate time-consuming manual inspections
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical inspection by inspectors is replaced with an automated electronic monitoring system using sensors and control circuits. The mechanical action of inspectors physically checking components is substituted with electronic detection of operational parameters, dramatically reducing inspection time while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If on-site inspection by inspectors is performed regularly, then the functionality of HVAC system can be checked properly, but the inspection is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for external inspectors by implementing self-monitoring capabilities. The automated diagnostic system continuously tracks operational parameters and identifies issues, removing the costly requirement for human inspection services while maintaining comprehensive functionality checks
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection function is copied from external inspectors to the HVAC system itself through automated sensors and control circuits. This digital copy of the inspection process operates continuously without the costs associated with human labor, travel, and scheduling
3Ease of manufacture
If test intervals are extended to reduce costs, then inspection frequency is reduced, but malfunctions can only be detected after considerable time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The automated monitoring system operates continuously without interruption, constantly tracking operational parameters of HVAC components. This continuous monitoring eliminates detection delays by immediately identifying malfunctions as they occur, unlike periodic manual inspections that create time gaps where issues can go undetected
Solution Approach 2:
The discontinuous mechanical inspection process is replaced with continuous electronic monitoring. Sensors continuously measure operational parameters and the control circuit immediately processes this data, eliminating the time delays inherent in scheduled manual inspections while keeping costs low
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is based on an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system which comprises the following components: a) a fluid flow duct (1), b) a fluid flow valve (7) which is arranged therein and has a valve body (5) in the fluid flow duct (1) and a valve motor (15) which moves the valve body (5), c) a control circuit for activating the valve motor, d) a sensor (8) in the fluid flow duct (1) and e) an evaluation module for evaluating signals of the sensor. In order to produce an automated functional control, the following procedure is adopted: f) a first actuation signal is preset for the valve motor by the control circuit, and the actuation signal corresponds to a first setpoint position of the valve body (5), g) registration of a first signal of the sensor (8) by the evaluation module, and h) determination of a functional diagnosis of the fluid flow valve on the basis of the first signal of the sensor.