Hydronic Network Balancing Using Shared Flow Correction Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydronic network balancing methods are complex and do not effectively consider mutual influences between parallel zones, leading to inefficient fluid distribution and regulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer system that uses a shared flow sensor to measure total flow across multiple zones, recording individual and combined flow characteristics for each regulating valve, and calculates correction factors to dynamically balance the network by iteratively adjusting valve positions based on target flows and zone-specific dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure connection points are arranged for each compensating organ to measure flow and pressure differences, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single differential pressure transmitter. Instead of using separate pressure connection points for each compensating organ, the invention uses one differential pressure transmitter that measures the combined pressure difference across all compensating organs in series, thereby reducing the number of measurement devices while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single differential pressure transmitter serves multiple zones simultaneously by measuring the aggregate pressure difference across all compensating organs. This multi-functional approach allows one device to perform what previously required multiple dedicated devices, reducing system complexity
2Device complexity
If traditional balancing methods are used that do not consider inter-zone influences, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of flow distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an iterative balancing method where the measured total flow is compared against the sum of target flows for all zones. The balancing factor calculated from this comparison provides feedback that adjusts the setpoints for all compensating organs, enabling the system to converge on accurate flow distribution while accounting for inter-zone hydraulic interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary measurements of individual flow characteristics for each compensating organ before the actual balancing process. This preliminary characterization data is stored and used during the iterative balancing to predict and compensate for zone interactions, improving final flow distribution precision
3Measurement precision
If separate flow sensors are installed in each consumer to determine individual flows, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of individual zone flows into a single differential pressure measurement that captures the aggregate flow through all compensating organs. By combining the measurement function into one device, the system achieves adequate flow determination without the complexity of multiple separate flow sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The differential pressure transmitter acts as an intermediary that indirectly measures individual zone flows through the aggregate pressure difference. Instead of directly measuring each zone's flow with separate sensors, the system uses the pressure difference as a mediator to infer flow distribution when combined with the balancing algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
For balancing a hydronic network that comprises a plurality of parallel zones with a regulating valve in each zone, individual flow characteristics are determined (S1) for each of the regulating valves, by recording the total flow of fluid measured at different valve positions of a respective regulating valve, while the remaining other regulating valves are set to a closed valve position. Dependent flow characteristics are determined (S2) by recording the total flow of fluid measured at different valve positions of the respective regulating valve, while the remaining other regulating valves are set to an open valve position. Correction factors are determined (S3) for each of the regulating valves, using the individual flow characteristics and the dependent flow characteristics. The hydronic network is balanced (S4) by setting the valve positions of the regulating valves using target flows and the correction factors.