HVAC Valve Control with Sensor Fault Detection and Fallback Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face reduced efficiency and increased risk of sensor faults due to high fluid flow rates and complex sensor systems, which affect the accuracy of energy exchange regulation in heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling the opening of a valve in an HVAC system that uses a default control mode based on a default sensor signal, with a fallback control mode activated when the default sensor signal is faulty, allowing the system to maintain operation independently of faulty sensor signals and dynamically switch back to the default mode when the sensors become valid again.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensors or sensor systems is increased to improve measurement precision, then the reliability of the HVAC system decreases due to increased risk of sensor faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fallback control mode that is prepared in advance to compensate for sensor faults. When a sensor fault is detected, the system automatically switches to the fallback control mode, which maintains HVAC operation using alternative control strategies. This beforehand cushioning ensures that sensor failures do not lead to system shutdown, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing the use of multiple sensors for improved measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems are used to improve measurement precision, then the difficulty of detecting and measuring sensor faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor fault detection mechanism that continuously monitors sensor signals and provides feedback on their validity. The control unit evaluates whether sensor signals are faulty and automatically switches between default and fallback control modes based on this feedback. This structured feedback approach simplifies the detection of sensor faults in complex sensor systems by providing clear criteria for fault identification and automatic response.
3Productivity
If the valve opening is controlled continuously to regulate fluid flow precisely, then the system complexity increases requiring more sophisticated sensor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mode switching mechanism that adapts the control strategy based on sensor availability. The system dynamically transitions between the default control mode (with precise continuous valve control) and the fallback control mode (with simplified control). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain precise energy exchange regulation when sensors are functional while reducing complexity automatically when sensor faults occur, avoiding the need for permanently complex control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed towards a method of controlling opening of a valve (10) in an HVAC system (100). The method includes controlling the opening of the valve (10) according to a default control mode in dependence of a default sensor signal. The method further includes determining, while controlling the opening of the valve (10) according to the default control mode, whether the default sensor signal is faulty and switching, in case of the default sensor signal being faulty, to controlling the opening of the valve (10) according to a fallback control mode, with the opening of the valve (10) being controlled independently of the faulty sensor signal in the fallback control mode. The present invention is further directed towards a corresponding control device opening of a valve (10) in an HVAC system as well as a corresponding computer program product.