Method and an apparatus for determining a deviation in a thermal energy circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined district heating and cooling systems face challenges in efficiently identifying deviations, such as leaks or unauthorized connections, leading to increased downtime and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing flow sensors to measure fluid flows in a thermal energy circuit, generating deviation signals based on flow comparisons, and determining the location of deviations through sensor positioning, enabling quick identification and resolution of issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple flow sensors are deployed throughout the thermal energy circuit, then the precision of deviation detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy circuit is segmented into multiple monitoring zones, each equipped with flow sensors at strategic locations (upstream and downstream of thermal devices). This segmentation allows precise localization of deviations while keeping each sensor's function simple and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary that receives flow measurements from multiple sensors, performs comparative analysis, and generates deviation signals. This intermediary consolidates the complexity of multi-sensor data processing into a centralized location, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Speed
If flow sensors are positioned upstream and downstream of thermal devices, then the speed of deviation localization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flow sensors are pre-positioned upstream and downstream of thermal devices before any deviation occurs. This preliminary placement ensures that when a deviation happens, the sensors are already in optimal positions to detect and localize it immediately, eliminating the need for reactive sensor deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are strategically positioned at specific locations (upstream and downstream of each thermal device) rather than uniformly distributed. This local quality approach places monitoring capacity exactly where deviations are most likely to occur and where localization is most critical.
3Reliability
If deviation signals are generated based on flow measurement comparisons, then the reliability of deviation detection is improved, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server continuously receives flow measurements, compares them against expected values, and generates deviation signals when anomalies are detected. This feedback loop ensures reliable deviation detection while maintaining information integrity through systematic comparison and signal generation protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a deviation in a thermal energy circuit is presented. The method comprising: receiving (302) a first hot fluid flow measurement (f1) from a first hot fluid flow sensor (208) arranged in a hot fluid conduit (102); receiving (304) a first cold fluid flow measurement (r1) from a first cold fluid flow sensor (204) arranged in a cold fluid conduit (104); receiving (306) a second hot fluid flow measurement (f2) from a second hot fluid flow sensor (210) arranged in the hot fluid conduit (102) upstream the first hot fluid flow meter (208); receiving (308) a second cold fluid flow measurement (r2) from a second cold fluid flow sensor (206) arranged in the cold fluid conduit (104) downstream the first cold fluid flow sensor (204); receiving (310) a thermal device flow measurement (g) from a thermal device flow sensor (202) configured to measure a thermal device flow of a thermal device (106a) connected to the hot fluid conduit (102) downstream the first hot fluid flow sensor (208) and upstream the second hot fluid flow sensor (210), and to the cold fluid conduit (104) upstream the first cold fluid flow sensor (204) and downstream the second cold fluid flow sensor (206). The method further comprising upon (312) the first hot fluid flow measurement (f1) is different from the second hot fluid flow measurement (f2) and the thermal device flow measurement (g) in combination, generating (314) a first deviation signal indicating a deviation in the hot fluid conduit (102), or upon (316) the first cold fluid flow measurement (r1) is different from the second cold fluid flow measurement (r2) and the thermal device flow measurement (g) in combination, generating (318) a second deviation signal indicating a deviation in the cold fluid conduit (104).