HVAC Valve Opening Control Using Energy-Per-Flow Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems require storing fixed threshold temperatures or differential temperatures to control valve openings, which can lead to inefficient energy exchange due to the lack of dynamic adaptation to thermal energy exchanger characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the energy-per-flow gradient to control the valve opening, allowing for dynamic calculation of slope threshold values based on the specific thermal energy exchanger characteristics, eliminating the need for stored fixed threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed threshold temperatures or differential temperatures are stored and used for control, then the control system is simple to implement, but the energy exchange efficiency deteriorates due to lack of dynamic adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed threshold values to dynamic gradient-based control. The energy-per-flow gradient is calculated in real-time based on actual system conditions, allowing the control system to adapt dynamically to changing thermal energy exchanger characteristics and operating conditions, thereby optimizing energy exchange efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed temperature thresholds to a dynamically calculated energy-per-flow gradient. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and thermal energy exchanger characteristics, improving energy exchange efficiency while maintaining reasonable control complexity through gradient-based optimization
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed threshold values are used for valve control, then the initial setup is simple, but the system lacks adaptability to different thermal energy exchanger characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control system to automatically determine optimal operating points through gradient calculation based on actual system performance. The system self-adjusts to different thermal energy exchanger characteristics without requiring manual reconfiguration or extensive setup, improving adaptability while maintaining ease of initial deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring energy exchange and flow conditions to calculate the energy-per-flow gradient. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to different thermal energy exchanger characteristics by using actual performance data to guide valve control decisions, enhancing versatility without complicating the initial setup
3Ease of operation
If the valve opening is controlled based on fixed temperature thresholds, then the control logic is straightforward, but the energy exchange efficiency deteriorates at varying flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static temperature threshold control with dynamic gradient-based control that adapts to varying flow rates. The energy-per-flow gradient is continuously calculated to determine optimal valve openings, maintaining energy exchange efficiency across different operating conditions while keeping the control logic relatively simple through gradient optimization
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 optimizes energy exchange efficiency by dynamically adjusting valve openings based on the energy-per-flow gradient, ensuring efficient energy transfer without the need for predefined temperature thresholds, thereby improving the overall performance of HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of energy delivered by a heat exchanger to heat or cool a room in a building
Implementation Method 2
the fluid transport through the fluid circuit of the HVAC system is driven by one or more pumps
Implementation Method 3
the flow is typically regulated by varying the opening or position of valves
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the opening of a valve (10) in an HVAC system (100) to regulate the flow φ of a fluid through a thermal energy exchanger (2) of the HVAC system (100) and adjust the amount of energy E exchanged by the thermal energy exchanger (2). According to the method, an energy-per-flow gradientⅆEⅆφis determined, and the opening of the valve (10) is controlled depending on the energy-per-flow gradientⅆEⅆφ.The energy-per-flow gradientⅆEⅆφis determined by measuring at consecutive points in time the flow φ1, φ2, through the valve (10), by determining the amounts of energy E1, E2 exchanged by the thermal energy exchanger (2) at these points in time, and by calculating the energy-per-flow gradientⅆEⅆφ=E2-E1φ2-φ1from the flow φ1, φ2, and exchanged energy E1, E2.