Integrated heat management for a building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy management systems in buildings lack real-time demand and consumption data at the distribution level, making it difficult to efficiently control energy supply and usage, particularly in multi-dwelling buildings.
Innovation Solution
A heat sharing system that includes a renewable heat collector, multiple usage zones, a reservoir, remote-controlled valves, and a processor for centralized control, allowing for individual zone management, predictive energy use forecasting, and efficient heat distribution using sensors and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a centralized heat management system is implemented in multi-dwelling buildings, then energy efficiency is improved through optimized heat distribution, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensors, actuators, and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into multiple usage zones with individual remote-controlled valves for each zone. This segmentation allows independent control of heat distribution to different areas, optimizing energy efficiency while keeping each control unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature and heat flow, providing real-time feedback to the processor. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of valve positions to maintain optimal heat distribution, improving energy efficiency through closed-loop control.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control is implemented at the distribution level, then energy management capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated control where the processor independently makes decisions about heat distribution based on sensor data and pre-programmed logic. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining sophisticated energy management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves multiple functions: it controls remote valves, processes sensor data, predicts future energy needs, and generates control signals. This multi-functionality consolidates complex energy management capabilities into a single control unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Loss of energy
If predictive energy use forecasting is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved through proactive heat management, but device complexity increases due to advanced processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs predictive energy use forecasting to anticipate future heating requirements before they occur. This allows the processor to proactively adjust valve positions and prepare heat distribution in advance, improving energy efficiency by avoiding reactive adjustments and thermal losses.
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
The system enhances energy efficiency by optimizing the use of renewable resources, reducing grid load, and lowering costs through dynamic heat path management and real-time adjustments based on predicted needs and user behavior.
Implementation Method 1
the renewable heat collector includes a solar thermal collector
Implementation Method 2
the renewable heat collector includes a heat exchanger in contact with waste water
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of remote-controlled valves allowing individual control of flow between the reservoir and each zone and the collector
Implementation Method 4
a processor controlling the plurality of valves
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to an integrated system for heat distribution among a plurality of users. In some embodiments, the system includes a separate automatic control of heat distribution to each user and/or separate billing to each user. For example, a system may supply hot fluid to a plurality of apartments in a building and/or in multiple buildings. Optionally, each apartment has separate remote controlled valves controlling flow of heated fluid to the apartment and/or a sensor sensing how much heat enters and leaves the apartment in the hot fluid. In some embodiments, a processor controls the valve and/or receives data from sensors. The processor optionally controls devices that generate and/or store and/or dissipate heat. Optionally the processor predicts energy availability, costs and needs controls valves and/or devices to provide for predicted and/or unexpected needs while reduce cost of the energy.