Multi-Fan System Control for Dynamic Efficiency Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation systems with multiple fans face challenges in optimizing total energy requirement and overall efficiency, as individual fans have different energy needs and efficiencies under varying operating conditions, making it difficult to operate the system with minimal energy consumption and maximum efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control method that determines the operating status and energy optimization potential of each fan, adjusts the distribution of air volumes and pressure to bring fans into an energetically optimized state, thereby increasing system efficiency by optimizing the operating points of individual fans without additional structural measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple fans are operated to meet ventilation requirements, then the system can achieve the required volume flow and pressure, but the total energy consumption increases and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of fan operating points by continuously monitoring system pressure and volume flow requirements. The control system dynamically determines which fans should operate and at what operating points, allowing the system to adapt to changing ventilation demands and maintain optimal efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to use multiple fans only when necessary and to operate them at dynamically optimized points rather than fixed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (volume flow and pressure increase) of individual fans based on real-time system conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the control system ensures that each operating fan operates at its most efficient point while meeting the overall system requirements. This allows the system to maintain required power output while minimizing total energy consumption through optimized parameter selection.
2Power
If multiple fans are operated to meet ventilation requirements, then the system can achieve the required volume flow and pressure, but the overall system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the operating parameters (volume flow and pressure increase) of individual fans based on real-time system conditions. By changing these parameters optimally, the system ensures each fan operates at its most efficient point while meeting overall ventilation requirements, thereby maintaining high overall system efficiency even when multiple fans are in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors system pressure and volume flow and uses this feedback to adjust fan operating points. This closed-loop control ensures that the system responds to changing conditions by optimizing fan operation in real-time, preventing efficiency degradation that would occur with fixed operating points or simple on/off control of multiple fans.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual fans operate at different operating conditions, then each fan can be adjusted independently, but determining the optimal configuration for minimum energy consumption becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines the optimal operating configuration of multiple fans without requiring manual intervention or complex external optimization algorithms. It uses the measured system pressure and volume flow requirements to self-determine which fans should operate and at what operating points, effectively making the system self-optimizing. This reduces control complexity while maintaining the ability to independently adjust each fan based on system needs.
4Use of energy by moving object
If fans are switched off to reduce energy consumption, then total power consumption decreases, but the ability to meet variable ventilation demands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether to switch fans on or off based on real-time ventilation demands and system pressure conditions. Rather than using fixed switch-on/switch-off thresholds, the control system continuously evaluates whether the energy savings from switching off a fan would compromise the ability to meet ventilation requirements, allowing flexible adaptation to varying demands while minimizing energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device and a method for controlling a system made up of a number of at least two fans (1) and/or fan groups for generating a defined setpoint value VG,Soll, ΔpG,soll, wherein, by changing the operating point of at least one fan (1) depending on which setpoint value is fixedly predefined, at least one of the fans (1) is brought to an optimum operating point and thereby the efficiency r\G of the system is increased.