Method and system for balancing a hydronic network
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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 increased installation complexity.
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 a separate sensor is included in each consumer for determining flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow measurement functions into a single shared flow sensor positioned in the main supply line. This sensor measures the total flow of the hydraulic network, and through mathematical relationships and recorded flow characteristics, the system determines individual zone flows without requiring separate sensors in each consumer, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shared flow sensor performs multiple functions: it measures total network flow, and through the use of recorded flow characteristics and correction factors, it enables determination of individual zone flows. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated sensors, simplifying the overall system
2Device complexity
If traditional balancing methods are used without considering inter-zone influences, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system records flow characteristics for each regulating valve at different valve positions while other valves are in specific states (open or closed). These recorded characteristics serve as feedback data that the control unit uses to calculate correction factors, which are then applied to determine accurate target valve positions that account for inter-zone hydraulic influences
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary recording of flow characteristics for each regulating valve in advance, under controlled conditions (with other valves open or closed). This preliminary data collection enables the subsequent calculation of correction factors that compensate for zone interactions, improving balancing accuracy without adding complexity to the actual balancing operation
Data Source
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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 (51) 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 (54) by setting the valve positions of the regulating valves using target flows and the correction factors.