Method and system for keeping fluid flow constant in a radiator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator systems face challenges in maintaining constant fluid flow due to changes in differential pressure, which can lead to inefficient energy consumption and increased costs, particularly when adjustments to one radiator affect the entire central heating system, and current solutions either require additional costly components or result in slow regulation.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a temperature sensor to measure fluid temperatures at intervals, calculates temperature differences, and adjusts the fluid flow through the electronic thermostat to maintain stability, compensating for changes in differential pressure without additional pressure measuring devices, by verifying if user-set changes or schedule adjustments have occurred.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If additional features like dynamic valve or flow measuring means are added to solve differential pressure changes, then regulation speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing temperature sensor and electronic thermostat to automatically detect temperature deviations caused by differential pressure changes and adjust the valve accordingly. The radiator system serves itself by using its own temperature sensing capability to identify and correct flow imbalances without external intervention or additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the radiator temperature and uses this feedback to detect when differential pressure changes have occurred. When the temperature deviates from the expected value, the system adjusts the valve to restore proper flow conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic compensation for pressure changes using existing components.
2Device complexity
If waiting for room temperature sensor to register higher temperature before adjusting valve, then device complexity is reduced, but regulation speed and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring the radiator temperature, which directly reflects flow conditions. When the temperature indicates a deviation caused by differential pressure changes, the system takes immediate corrective action by adjusting the valve. This preliminary detection and action prevents the need to wait for slower room temperature changes to manifest.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adjusting valve to compensate for differential pressure changes, then fluid flow stability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial adjustments to the valve based on the magnitude of temperature deviation. Small fluctuations in temperature that indicate minor pressure changes result in proportionally small valve adjustments, while larger deviations trigger more significant corrections. This proportional response avoids excessive energy consumption from unnecessary frequent adjustments while maintaining adequate flow stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a method for keeping fluid flow constant in a radiator, said radiator comprising an inlet and an outlet conduit for fluidly connecting the radiator with a fluid source and an electronic thermostat for controlling the fluid flow in the radiator. The invention also pertains to a system for keeping fluid flow constant in a radiator by means of a corresponding method, said system comprising an electronic thermostat and a temperature sensor, wherein the electronic thermostat and the temperature sensor are wirelessly connected to each other.