Method and system for tempering components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature control systems for heating or cooling components, such as floors and walls, suffer from uneven heat distribution and insufficient energy efficiency due to static flow rate adjustments and reliance on mechanical flow control elements, which are influenced by pipe diameter and pressure, leading to inaccurate energy release and consumption.

Innovation Solution

A complex temperature control system with multiple temperature control arrangements connected via a common supply and return line, featuring valves with actuators controlled by a controller that adjusts valve openings based on temperature differences between the flow and return temperatures to maintain a predetermined average temperature difference, reducing the system's dependence on flow temperature and minimizing disturbances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static mechanical flow control elements are used to adjust flow rate, then the system structure is simple, but the heat distribution becomes uneven and energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidheat distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static mechanical flow control elements with dynamic electronic flow control elements that can actively adjust the flow rate of temperature control fluid. This allows the system to adapt flow distribution to actual thermal conditions, ensuring uniform heat distribution across different zones while maintaining system simplicity through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a control unit that receives temperature signals from temperature sensors and adjusts the flow control elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for variations in thermal conditions, maintaining uniform heat distribution and energy efficiency without complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by stationary object

If complex hydraulic adjustment of TOP meters is performed, then energy release can be set, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy release controlVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical hydraulic adjustment systems with electronic flow control elements and a control unit. This substitution eliminates the need for manual hydraulic adjustments, enabling rapid and precise energy release control through electronic signals, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining or improving control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically adjusts the flow control elements based on temperature sensor signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates energy release according to actual thermal conditions, saving time and ensuring precise control without requiring operator expertise in hydraulic adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If iterative hydraulic adjustment is performed on site, then flow rate can be optimized, but the number of moving parts increases and system reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate optimizationVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces iterative mechanical hydraulic adjustment with electronic flow control elements actuated by electronic signals. This eliminates the need for multiple moving parts associated with mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining the ability to optimize flow rates through electronic control based on temperature feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If room thermostats with simple on/off function are used, then the control system is simple, but temperature control precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control unit that continuously receives temperature signals from temperature sensors and dynamically adjusts the flow control elements. This feedback-based continuous control replaces simple on/off thermostat control, achieving precise temperature control while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through electronic rather than mechanical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach results in more uniform energy release and absorption, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency, while reducing the need for iterative hydraulic adjustments and minimizing moving parts, thus increasing system reliability and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature control device (3) designed for heating or cooling a temperature control fluid (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature control device (3) designed for heating or cooling a temperature control fluid (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

2 to n valves (9, 9'), each with an actuator (10, 10') equipped, which are designed to set a degree of opening of the respective valve (9, 9')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectActuation:

Implementation Method 4

The controller (8, 13) detects the respective individual temperature differences between the common flow temperature detected by the flow temperature sensor (11) and the 2 to n individual return temperatures of the tempering fluid detected by the return temperature sensor (12, 12')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2653789B1Method and system for tempering components
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 OBLAMATIK AG
  • EP2653789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2653789B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4D
  • EP2653789B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6

AI summary

The method involves registering supply temperature of temperature control fluid (2) e.g. liquid and gas, and return temperature of the temperature control fluid. An actuator (10) of a valve (9) is caused to set a degree of opening of the valve such that a mean temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature control fluid is in a predetermined value range by a regulator (13) of a controller (8) of a temperature control system (1') using the temperature difference between the supply and return temperatures of the fluid. An independent claim is also included for a temperature-control system.