Method, controller and system of controlling thermal power transfer through a thermal energy exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems struggle to accurately control thermal power transfer in dynamic environmental conditions due to the reliance on multiple sensors for measuring temperature and flow, which is insufficient for transient events and processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that utilizes a flow sensor to measure fluid flow through a thermal energy exchanger, determining an estimated thermal power transfer based on a flow rate to delta-T mapping, and adjusts fluid flow using control signals to minimize the difference between a setpoint and estimated power transfer, without requiring supply or return temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors and flow sensors are used to measure environmental variables, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the temperature sensors from the measurement system, retaining only the flow sensor. The control method compensates for the removed temperature measurements by using flow-dependent model parameters and estimated temperature differentials, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model (flow-dependent model parameters) that replicates the function of direct temperature measurement. By using measurement data sets to define flow-dependent parameters, the system copies the essential thermal behavior information needed for control without requiring physical temperature sensors.
2Device complexity
If the basic power transfer calculation Q≈Φ·ΔT is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in transient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining flow-dependent model parameters using measurement data sets before actual control operation. This pre-characterization of thermal behavior at different flow rates enables accurate real-time control calculations without complex on-the-spot computations, bridging the gap between simple control and accurate transient measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by using flow-dependent model parameters that adapt to changing operating conditions. Instead of a static calculation method, the system dynamically selects appropriate parameters based on current flow rates, enabling accurate power transfer estimation across transient and stable operating conditions while maintaining computational simplicity.
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
Enables precise control of thermal power transfer in dynamic conditions with reduced sensor requirements, improving HVAC system efficiency by optimizing fluid flow and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor measures the flow of fluid through the thermal energy exchanger
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy exchanger of a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning HVAC system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
A method of controlling a thermal power transfer of a thermal energy exchanger (80) of an HVAC system (1), the method comprising: receiving, by a controller (10), a setpoint thermal power transfer (Power SP); measuring, by a flow sensor (52), a measured flow of fluid (Φact) through the thermal energy exchanger (80); determining, by the controller (10), an estimated thermal power transfer (Power EST), using the measured flow of fluid (Φact) and a defined flow rate to delta-T mapping; comparing, by the controller (10), the setpoint thermal power transfer (Power SP) and the estimated thermal power transfer (Power EST); and regulating, by the controller (10), the flow (Φact) of the fluid (W) through the thermal energy exchanger (80) based on the comparing.