Hydronic Source-Load Control for Solar Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydronic heating and cooling systems are not optimized to efficiently utilize and store energy from on-demand, semi-on-demand, and intermittent sources, leading to inefficiencies and wasted energy, particularly when coupled with solar heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that communicates with multiple sources and load sensors to monitor and rank energy sources and loads in real-time, generating control signals to fluidly or thermally couple or decouple sources and loads based on measured properties and preselected values, optimizing energy distribution and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional hydronic systems use on-demand sources to thermally adjust fluids, then the system can provide heating and cooling, but the system cannot optimize or store energy from solar and intermittent sources
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to work with multiple types of energy sources (boilers, solar heating systems, intermittent sources) and multiple load types (radiant floor heating, baseboard radiators, domestic hot water), enabling a single system to perform multiple functions and adapt to different energy source combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores energy in advance by directing excess heat from solar or intermittent sources to preheat domestic hot water or preheat the boiler feed water, preparing energy storage before it is needed, thus optimizing energy utilization and reducing waste
2Productivity
If the system couples multiple sources and loads with real-time monitoring, then energy distribution is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into distinct functional modules: a monitoring module that receives sensor data from multiple sources and loads, a ranking module that prioritizes energy sources and loads, and an actuator module that executes control decisions. This segmentation allows complex multi-source energy optimization through manageable, independent functional blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature, flow rate, and energy production from multiple sources and loads, using this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust valve positions and pump operations, optimizing energy distribution based on actual system conditions
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 enhances energy efficiency by optimizing energy distribution, reducing waste, and enabling the efficient use of various energy sources, including solar and renewable energy, while providing real-time monitoring and diagnostics for improved system performance.
Implementation Method 1
generates a control signal to fluidly or thermally couple selected ones of the plurality of sources to selected ones of the plurality of loads
Implementation Method 2
generates a control signal to fluidly or thermally couple selected ones of the plurality of sources to selected ones of the plurality of loads
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of sources, including at least one of an on-demand source, a semi-on-demand source, and an intermittent source that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.