Radiator Heating Control Using Dual-Sensor Room Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostatic control devices for heating systems suffer from inaccurate temperature estimation due to heat bias from the heating device and valve, leading to suboptimal heating power control.
Innovation Solution
A control device with two ambient temperature sensors, positioned to exclude the heating device and pipe, and a mathematical model to estimate room temperature, enhancing accuracy and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a temperature sensor is located near the heating device or valve, then the temperature measurement is more readily accessible for control, but the measured temperature is biased higher due to heat radiation and conduction from the heating device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical model that processes the temperature sensor reading to compensate for the heat bias. The model uses the measured temperature, heating power level, and thermal characteristics to calculate the true room temperature, thereby mediating between the biased measurement and the accurate control requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/physical temperature measurement approach with a computational approach. Instead of relying solely on physical sensor placement, the system uses mathematical modeling and signal processing to correct the measurement error, substituting physical measurement limitations with computational compensation
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed remote from the heating device, then the measured temperature is more accurate, but the control response may be slower and less responsive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the thermal environment and heat bias during system setup or calibration phase. This pre-established thermal model is then used during operation to quickly compensate sensor readings without requiring the sensor to be physically distant from the heating device, thus maintaining both accuracy and response speed
3Device complexity
If heating power is controlled based on biased temperature measurements, then the control system operates simpler, but the heating power control becomes suboptimal with incorrect temperature differential calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated true room temperature is fed back into the control algorithm. This corrected temperature information continuously adjusts the heating power control decisions, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for the biased sensor measurements and maintains reliable control accuracy
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
Improves the estimation of room temperature, leading to more precise control of heating power and reduced sensitivity to device orientation and misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature that is measured is actually higher than the temperature in the room, because of the radiated, conducted, and convected heat output by the heating device and valve
Implementation Method 2
the radiated, conducted, and convected heat output by the heating device and valve
Implementation Method 3
the radiated, conducted, and convected heat output by the heating device and valve
Implementation Method 4
the radiated, conducted, and convected heat output by the heating device and valve
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention concerns the control of heating power of a heating device such as a radiator. The control may involve two temperature sensors arranged for sensing (401;402) first and second temperature values at different positions. A mathematical model is then applied (403) to the two sensed temperature values to calculate a room temperature value being representative of the temperature in a room where the heating device is located. The heating power of the heating device is then controlled (404) based on the estimated room temperature value.