Radiator Thermal Data Correction by Operating Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining heat characteristics of radiators rely on fixed, radiator-specific correction factors, which are complex to determine and not universally applicable, leading to inaccurate calculations of heat characteristics like logarithmic excess temperature and heat output.

Innovation Solution

A method using a correction variable that depends on the current operating point of the radiator, calculated from the radiator flow temperature, allows for accurate determination of heat characteristics without individual corrections for each variable, utilizing a polynomial function to represent the dependency on the operating point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fixed radiator-specific correction factors are used, then individual radiator characteristics can be accounted for, but the determination becomes complex and not universally applicable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of heat characteristic calculationsVSAvoidcomplexity of correction factor determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple radiator-specific correction factors (K_total, K_CW, K_CL) with a single universal correction variable K that applies to all radiators. This universal variable is determined solely from the flow temperature, eliminating the need for individual radiator characterization while maintaining calculation accuracy across different radiator types and operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter used for correction from fixed radiator-specific factors to a dynamic correction variable K that varies with the flow temperature. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions (different flow temperatures) without requiring radiator-specific calibration, thereby simplifying the determination process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple radiator-specific correction factors are used, then accurate heat characteristics can be determined, but the method cannot be universally applied to different radiators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of logarithmic excess temperature calculationVSAvoiduniversal applicability to different radiators
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal correction variable K that functions for all radiator types and operating conditions. Instead of requiring separate correction factors for each radiator (K_total, K_CW, K_CL), the single variable K universally corrects the temperature measurements based on flow temperature, making the method applicable to any radiator in the heating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The correction variable K acts as an intermediary that mediates between the flow temperature and the heat characteristic calculations. Rather than directly applying multiple radiator-specific factors, the system uses K as an intermediate parameter that translates flow temperature into the necessary correction, simplifying the interface between measurement and calculation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If empirical models are used for correction, then radiator-specific characteristics can be captured, but the determination process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of heat characteristic determinationVSAvoidtime for determining correction factors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the correction variable determination in advance based on flow temperature measurements that are already available during system operation. The correction variable K is calculated preliminarily from the flow temperature using established relationships, eliminating the need for time-consuming empirical model determination at the time of heat characteristic calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational data (flow temperature) to automatically determine the correction variable K without requiring external empirical models or additional measurement campaigns. The flow temperature measurement serves dual purposes: indicating operating conditions and providing the basis for correction, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating time loss associated with external calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1770469B1Method and system for determining characteristic thermal data of a radiator
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 TECHEM ENERGY SERVICES
  • EP1770469B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1770469B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP1770469B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

A method and a system for determining the thermal characteristics of a radiator (HK) are described, in which the radiator temperature (ϑ̂HKS) and the room temperature (ϑ̂RLS) are measured and converted into the desired thermal characteristics using a correction variable (KGES, Kcw, KCL). In order to obtain correction variables that can be used as universally as possible, the correction variable (KGES, KCW, KCL) depends on the current operating point of the radiator (HK), which is determined by the radiator flow temperature (ϑ̂VL), the radiator return temperature (ϑ̂RL), the radiator ambient temperature, the radiator mass flow and/or or the radiator valve position can be determined.