Retrofit Temperature Sensor Circuit for Hydronic System Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermostats in fluid transfer systems for building thermal energy management operate uninformedly, disregarding the heating or cooling capacity of the fluid, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in diagnosing malfunctions, especially in hydronic systems where existing solutions like building management systems are costly or impractical to implement.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit system with a return line temperature sensor and a circuit that modifies valve control signals based on measured fluid temperatures, allowing for informed decisions on valve operation and enabling ad-hoc network communication for diagnostics and problem detection, thereby enhancing system efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermostat is used to regulate temperature in a fluid transfer system, then temperature control is achieved, but the system operates uninformedly by disregarding the heating or cooling capacity of the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism by adding temperature sensors that measure the actual temperature of the fluid returning from the terminal. This feedback information about fluid thermal energy is fed back to the control system, allowing the thermostat to make informed decisions about valve operation based on both room temperature and fluid thermal capacity, thereby resolving the information loss problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary circuit or control system that receives signals from both the thermostat and temperature sensors. This intermediary processes the information and generates modified control signals, acting as a mediator that combines temperature control with fluid thermal energy awareness without requiring complete system replacement
2Device complexity
If existing fluid transfer systems are used without additional sensors, then system simplicity is maintained, but malfunctions are difficult to diagnose and system efficiency cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service diagnostic capability where the added temperature sensors and circuit continuously monitor system parameters and can automatically detect inefficiencies or malfunctions. The system serves itself by providing diagnostic information about its own operation, making repair and optimization easier without requiring external diagnostic equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary circuit serves as a mediator that not only controls valve operation but also provides diagnostic information about system performance. This single added component performs multiple functions including control and diagnostics, minimizing the increase in device complexity while significantly improving ease of repair
3Productivity
If building management systems are implemented to monitor fluid thermal energy, then system efficiency improves, but implementation costs become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functionality needed for informed temperature control from complex building management systems. By isolating and implementing just the temperature sensing and basic control logic in a separate, simple circuit, the system achieves improved efficiency without the prohibitive costs of full building management system implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function from the existing thermostat by adding a separate, simple circuit that handles the additional temperature sensing and signal modification. This segmentation allows the complex function of informed control to be added as a modular component rather than requiring a complete expensive system replacement
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a retrofit for a system using a fluid to transfer thermal energy in a system that utilizes a thermostat to regulate a temperature associated with a terminal is provided. The retrofit includes a return line temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid leaving a terminal; and a circuit. The circuit is configured to: receive a signal from a thermostat, the signal commanding a modulated valve to open or close; receive a temperature from the return line temperature sensor; determine whether the temperature is either greater than a maximum set point or less than a minimum set point; and modify the signal from the thermostat if the temperature is either greater than the set point or less than set point.