Method for controlling an arrangement consisting of a heating pump and a three-way mixer valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heating systems with multiple load circuits connected to a common heat source, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently regulating flow temperature and reducing the number of components, particularly in systems where individual boiler control over load circuits is limited.
Innovation Solution
A method for sensorless determination of medium temperature using a three-way mixer valve with at least two switching positions, allowing calculation of flow and return temperatures based on available temperature values and mixing ratios, which can be controlled by the heating pump's controller, eliminating the need for additional sensors and separate control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a three-way mixer valve is used in each load circuit to regulate flow temperature, then individual temperature regulation for multiple load circuits is enabled, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pump is equipped with an integrated control system that performs multiple functions: it controls the pump speed, regulates the mixer valve position, determines temperature values, and calculates unknown temperatures. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and control units in each load circuit, reducing system complexity while maintaining individual temperature regulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for the mixer valve and temperature measurement are merged into the heating pump's control system. The pump controller integrates the mixer valve control, temperature value determination, and unknown temperature calculation into a single unified system, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture
2Measurement precision
If separate control systems and temperature sensors are installed in each load circuit, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the system becomes less compact and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pump's control system is designed to perform multiple measurement and control functions using a single integrated unit. It determines temperature values, controls mixer valve positions, and calculates unknown temperatures through mathematical models, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors in each load circuit while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pump's control system uses its own measurements and calculations to determine unknown temperatures in the system. By utilizing available temperature values and mixing ratios, the system self-determines temperatures at different points without requiring additional external sensors, thereby maintaining precision while reducing component count
3Productivity
If the heating pump controls both pump speed and mixer valve position, then system efficiency is optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for pump speed regulation and mixer valve position control are merged into a single integrated control system within the heating pump. This unified controller optimizes both parameters simultaneously to maximize system efficiency while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple independent control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pump controller is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs pump speed control, mixer valve position control, temperature determination, and temperature calculation. This universal control approach optimizes overall system efficiency while consolidating control functions into a single system, thereby managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an arrangement comprising a heating pump for circulating a heating medium in a closed heating circuit and a three-way mixer valve, of which the first inlet is connected to a boiler, the second inlet is connected to the return line of a load circuit and the outlet is connected the feed line of the load circuit, wherein the temperature of the delivery flow flowing through the pump is known by the heating pump, characterised in that a controller controls the mixer valve using at least two different switch positions and, taking into account the particular switch position and the delivery flow temperature determined by the pump in each case, the medium temperature is calculated at at least one of the valve ports that is not connected to the heating pump.