Information system based on a heating system with local supply pumps and method for using the information system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating systems with local supply pumps primarily focus on operational control and energy management within the system, lacking comprehensive information on consumption behavior and room climate beyond basic operation.

Innovation Solution

An information system is integrated into the LVP heating system, utilizing existing infrastructure to collect and evaluate data from various sensors, including energy meters and climate sensors, to provide detailed energy consumption insights and smart metering functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If local supply pumps are used to regulate heating medium flow individually for each radiator, then energy saving potential is achieved through omission of throttle control, but the system lacks comprehensive information on consumption behavior and room climate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinformation on consumption behavior and room climate
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The existing LVP heating system infrastructure is extended to perform multiple functions: not only hydraulic optimization and temperature control, but also comprehensive data collection for consumption behavior analysis and room climate monitoring. Sensor units are integrated into the system to gather additional information beyond basic operation parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides data collection into separate functional modules: local supply pumps for hydraulic control, sensor units for environmental monitoring, and a central processing unit for data evaluation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while contributing to the overall information system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If sensor units are added to collect comprehensive data, then information on consumption behavior and room climate is obtained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple data collection functions are merged into a unified information system architecture. The central processing unit consolidates data from various sensor units (temperature, humidity, consumption meters) and evaluates it together with pump operation data, reducing the need for separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its existing infrastructure (network connections, central processing unit, data transmission interfaces) to handle the additional information collection and evaluation tasks, rather than requiring completely separate dedicated systems for monitoring and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive data evaluation is performed centrally, then precise energy consumption insights are provided, but data transmission and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption measurementVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Data evaluation is performed in a structured sequence: sensor units continuously collect raw data, which is then systematically processed by the central processing unit that evaluates sensor data in connection with setpoint/actual values of pump operating parameters. This preliminary organization of data reduces redundant information before final analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes feedback loops where evaluated data is used to optimize pump operation and heating system performance. The central processing unit continuously receives actual values from sensors and adjusts setpoint values accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves precision over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2392867B1Information system based on a heating system with local supply pumps and method for using the information system
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 METRONA WARMEMESSER UNION
  • EP2392867B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2392867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system has a CPU (18) calculating actual threshold valve of operational parameters of local supply pumps (16). The CPU receives actual value of the operational parameters of the supply pumps. Sensing units e.g. temperature sensor, are not in direct connection with basic operation of a heating system, and are directly or indirectly coupled to the central processing unit. A data transfer interface receives and/or transmits data of the sensor units, and is provided on the supply pumps. The sensor units are selected from a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, and window position sensor. An independent claim is also included for a method for utilizing an information system.