Method for detecting the assembly location of an external temperature sensor of a heating system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Outside temperature sensors in heating systems are often incorrectly positioned, leading to inaccurate temperature readings due to solar radiation, resulting in inadequate heating output as the system adjusts based on incorrect temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method that connects the heating system's control to both an outside temperature sensor and a weather detection service to detect solar exposure by analyzing temperature differences between the sensor and weather station data, issuing warnings and correcting heating output accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outdoor temperature sensor is mounted on the wall closest to the heating unit for ease of installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to solar radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the temperature sensor readings and compares them against expected outdoor temperature ranges. When the sensor detects temperatures that are implausibly high (indicating solar radiation exposure), the system generates feedback signals to alert the user and automatically adjusts or disables the heating control based on these erroneous readings, preventing inadequate heating output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that acts as a mediator between the temperature sensor and the heating control. This intermediary layer checks the plausibility of sensor readings by comparing them with weather forecast data and historical temperature patterns, and only accepts readings that pass this validation, thereby filtering out solar radiation interference while maintaining the simple wall-mounted installation.
2Measurement precision
If the outdoor temperature sensor is mounted on the north-facing wall to eliminate solar radiation influence for measurement precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to more difficult installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting whether the sensor is exposed to solar radiation through plausibility checks of the temperature readings. When solar exposure is detected, the system self-corrects by adjusting the heating control or alerting the user, eliminating the need for precise manual installation on north-facing walls while maintaining accurate temperature-based heating control.
3Speed
If the heating system adjusts the heating curve based on incorrect temperature measurements from solar-exposed sensors, then the response speed is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient heating output
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary plausibility checks on temperature sensor readings before using them to adjust the heating curve. By pre-validating the readings against weather forecast data and expected temperature ranges, the system prevents incorrect solar-radiation-induced adjustments from being applied, thereby maintaining both rapid response to legitimate temperature changes and reliable heating output.
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
Accurately identifies and corrects for solar exposure of the temperature sensor, ensuring appropriate heating output by adjusting the heating curve based on weather data and sensor readings, thereby maintaining optimal building temperature.
Implementation Method 1
solar radiation can generate a reading that is significantly higher than the outside air temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a method for detecting the position of an outdoor temperature sensor in a heating system, including control and compensation for mispositioning, a weather service is integrated with the heating system's control unit. The control unit records and compares the temperature profiles of the outdoor temperature sensor and the weather service. Correction data is derived from this comparison, and the heating system is controlled based on the weather service data, which is adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, if the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature sensor and the weather service during the day exceeds the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature sensor and the weather service at night by at least a predefined threshold, a positioning warning message is issued.