Response slope based hydronic control system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydronic heating systems face challenges in maintaining desired ambient air temperatures due to slow response times and inefficiencies in traditional setpoint control methods, which compromise comfort and energy efficiency, especially during dynamic conditions like thermostat setbacks.
Innovation Solution
A heating system that modulates the setpoint of heated water supply based on real-time ambient temperature data from thermostats, using a controller to analyze temperature slopes and adjust the water temperature to optimize response speed and accuracy, allowing for quick recovery from setbacks and maintaining desired temperatures while prioritizing comfort and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fixed setpoint for heated water supply is used, then the system operates simply and reliably, but the response speed to temperature changes is slow and the system cannot adapt to dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic setpoint adjustment by continuously modifying the heated water supply temperature based on real-time ambient temperature measurements and a predetermined response curve. Instead of using a fixed setpoint, the system dynamically adapts the water temperature to match changing thermal conditions, thereby improving response speed while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring ambient temperature via thermostats and using this information to adjust the heated water supply setpoint. The controller compares actual ambient temperature with desired temperature and modulates the water temperature accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves response speed and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional heat loss analysis modeling is used to determine setpoints, then the system can be configured without real-time data collection, but the accuracy is compromised due to inherent assumptions and potential modeling flaws
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining optimal setpoints through real-time empirical data collection and analysis. Instead of requiring manual heat loss analysis and technician intervention, the controller autonomously learns the system's thermal characteristics by monitoring ambient temperature responses to setpoint changes, thereby improving accuracy without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary learning phase where the system collects real-time temperature data and establishes empirical response curves before normal operation begins. This preliminary data collection and analysis enables the system to accurately predict thermal responses and optimize setpoints in advance, improving future temperature control accuracy without requiring ongoing configuration time.
3Ease of operation
If the system prioritizes fast response to maintain comfort during setbacks, then occupant comfort is improved, but energy efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the balance between comfort and energy efficiency by dynamically changing the heated water supply temperature parameter based on the specific thermal conditions and response curve analysis. Instead of always using high temperatures for fast response, the system adjusts the water temperature parameter to achieve the minimum necessary heating rate, thereby maintaining comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by modulating the heated water supply temperature to provide just enough heating capacity to achieve the desired response rate, rather than always applying maximum heating. The system calculates the optimal water temperature that provides sufficient heating power for the current conditions, avoiding excessive energy input while still meeting comfort requirements during setbacks and steady-state 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
The system effectively maintains desired ambient air temperatures with improved speed and accuracy, reducing energy waste and extending the effectiveness of setback functions, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting water temperature setpoints in response to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a water heating device configured to provide heated water for heating one or more conditioned zones
Implementation Method 2
one or more thermostats, each thermostat configured to measure a temperature of a respective conditioned zone of the one or more conditioned zones in real-time
Implementation Method 3
adaptively adjust the output temperature of the water heating device based on a deviation between the determined temperature rate change or slope and a desired temperature rate change or slope
Data Source
AI summary
A heating system is configured to optimize the speed and accuracy of the system in achieving various ambient air temperature setpoints, by modulating the heated water supply water setpoint to optimize the slope of the system's response curve. Optimized response curves are automatically determined by analyzing differences between ambient air temperatures over time in response to modulated supply water temperatures as they are reset upward or downward to achieve response times prioritized for improved occupant comfort. The controller of the heating system calculates a temperature slope, and adjusts the supply water setpoint to increase/decrease the speed of ambient temperature rise to achieve a desired slope.