Method for controlling an electronic actuator for a radiator valve and electronic actuator for a radiator valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling electronic actuators for radiator valves use constant control intervals, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced battery life due to frequent, energy-consuming control activities even when adjustments are not needed.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the control interval based on the calculated temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set point temperature, allowing for longer intervals when adjustments are not necessary, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant control intervals are used for electronic actuator control, then the controlling is performed regularly and reliably, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs when adjustments are not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control interval is made dynamic by adjusting it based on the temperature difference. When the temperature difference is large, a shorter control interval is used for reliable control. When the temperature difference is small, a longer control interval is used to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable control and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interval parameter is changed based on the temperature difference condition. The system transitions between different control interval values (shorter or longer) depending on whether the temperature difference exceeds a threshold. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between reliable frequent control and energy-saving infrequent control.
2Measurement precision
If frequent control operations are performed, then the temperature control is maintained accurately, but battery life is reduced due to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The control frequency is made dynamic based on temperature conditions. When temperature accuracy is critical (large temperature difference), frequent control operations are performed. When temperature is stable (small temperature difference), control operations are reduced to conserve battery life. This dynamic approach balances temperature control accuracy with battery life extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interval parameter is adjusted based on temperature difference to optimize the balance between control accuracy and battery life. By changing the control frequency parameter dynamically, the system achieves accurate temperature control only when necessary, thereby extending battery life during stable conditions.
3Device complexity
If control operations are performed at fixed intervals, then the control logic is simple and reliable, but energy is wasted when the radiator valve does not need adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The control interval parameter is changed from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on the temperature difference. This simple parameter change allows the system to perform control operations only when necessary (when temperature difference exceeds threshold), reducing energy waste while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the temperature difference information itself to determine the appropriate control interval, making the control strategy adaptive without requiring complex external control logic. The temperature difference metric serves both as a control target and as a trigger for control operations, reducing the need for additional complex decision-making logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed at a method for controlling an electronic actuator for a radiator valve, the actuator being controlled by a controller using a control interval, the method comprising the steps of - measuring an actual set point temperature - measuring an actual temperature; - calculating a temperature difference between the actual temperature and the set point temperature; and - controlling the electronic actuator at the control interval, wherein the control interval is depending on the calculated temperature difference. The invention is also directed at an electronic actuator for a radiator valve performing the method.