Method and installation for the multizonal hot and/or cold thermal regulation of a building via an air network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal regulation methods for buildings, such as 'TOR' and 'PID' types, face issues of imprecision, excessive stress on equipment, high energy consumption, and rapid wear, failing to provide optimal thermal comfort and efficiency in multi-zone environments.

Innovation Solution

A multi-zone thermal regulation method that applies a setpoint temperature to each room, calculates temperature differentials, determines heat requirements based on these differentials, and adjusts the air production unit's load rate to optimize energy consumption and comfort, including temporary disconnection of rooms at set temperature and reconnection based on temperature thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If TOR (on/off) thermal regulation is used, then the system is simple and inexpensive to implement, but it causes excessive stress on equipment, high energy consumption, and rapid wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidequipment durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the air production unit by continuously adjusting its operation based on real-time temperature differentials and heating requirements. Instead of static on/off control, the system dynamically modulates the air production unit's output to match the actual thermal needs of each zone, thereby reducing stress cycles and extending equipment life while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If TOR (on/off) thermal regulation is used, then the control system is simple, but it results in high energy consumption and imprecise temperature control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where temperature sensors continuously monitor each zone's actual temperature, calculate the differential from the setpoint, and feed this information back to the control system. This feedback loop enables precise energy management by adjusting the air production unit's operation based on actual thermal needs rather than binary on/off states, reducing energy waste while keeping the control system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent multi-zone thermal regulation is implemented, then each room can be controlled independently for optimal comfort, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent zone controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the building into multiple independent thermal zones, each with its own temperature sensor and control parameters. This segmentation allows each zone to be regulated independently based on its specific heating requirements and occupancy patterns, providing customized thermal comfort without requiring a completely separate air production unit for each zone, thus managing complexity through modular zoning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Duration of action of stationary object

If modulating control is used to extend equipment lifespan, then the air production unit operates more gently, but the system becomes more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment lifespanVSAvoidcontrol system cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic modulation of the air production unit's operation based on real-time heating requirements calculated from temperature differentials. This dynamic control allows the system to operate the equipment more gently by matching output to actual demand rather than using aggressive on/off cycles, thereby extending equipment lifespan. The control approach uses straightforward calculations and control logic to achieve this dynamic operation without requiring complex or expensive control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This method enables independent thermal regulation of multiple rooms, optimizing energy consumption, reducing stress on the air production unit, and enhancing thermal comfort by adjusting the air production according to the specific needs of each room.

Implementation Method 1

heating is generated by condensing the refrigerant gas, also in contact with the indoor unit's heat exchanger bank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

Cooling is achieved by evaporating a refrigerant in contact with the indoor unit's heat exchanger bank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

A fan blows air onto this exchanger bank, thus generating hot and/or cold air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3969820B1Method and installation for the multizonal hot and/or cold thermal regulation of a building via an air network
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 BAILLIND
  • EP3969820B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3969820B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3969820B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the multizonal hot and/or cold thermal regulation of a building (1). According to the invention, the method includes in particular a step of determining a calorific need Ct of the building (1) at a time t, the calorific need Ct of the building (1) being determined depending on a differential ΔTm of each regulated room (P1, P2, P3, P4). The differential ΔTm of a regulated room (P1, P2, P3, P4) corresponds to the differential between a temperature Tm measured at a time t and the setpoint temperature Tc of each regulated room (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the building (1). Thus, according to the invention, the method comprises a step of adjusting the level of demand of the air production unit (4) for the building (1) at least depending on the calorific need Ct. The invention also relates to a regulation installation (2) that is able to implement the regulation method according to the invention.