Room Heating and Cooling System Control to Reduce ON/OFF Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems experience reduced energy efficiency and increased wear due to frequent ON/OFF cycle operations, especially when operating at minimum power levels, leading to comfort issues and shortened thermal generator lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the operating speed of the primary circulator and thermal generator power based on detected temperature differences and current power levels, switching to a secondary adjustment mode to increase power above minimum operating levels and reduce ON/OFF cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the thermal generator operates at minimum power to meet low heating/cooling demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system enters ON/OFF cycle operation which reduces energy efficiency and increases wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the primary circulator's operating speed variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the circulator speed based on the thermal generator's operating state, allowing the system to adapt to varying heating/cooling demands. This dynamic adjustment prevents the thermal generator from entering inefficient ON/OFF cycles while maintaining low energy consumption during partial load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the primary circulator (its speed) to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the circulator speed as a control parameter, the system can maintain continuous operation of the thermal generator at minimum power without causing temperature fluctuations that would trigger ON/OFF cycling, thereby preserving energy efficiency while meeting low demand requirements.
2Productivity
If the thermal generator operates at minimum power, then heating/cooling demand is met, but component wear increases and service life decreases due to frequent switching
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic speed adjustment of the primary circulator creates a buffer that allows the thermal generator to operate continuously at minimum power without entering ON/OFF cycles. This continuous operation at stable minimum power reduces mechanical stress and thermal cycling on components, thereby extending service life while still meeting heating/cooling demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous operation of the thermal generator by adjusting the primary circulator speed to match the generator's minimum output capacity with the actual heating/cooling demand. This continuity prevents frequent switching on and off, reducing wear on components and extending the reliability and service life of the system.
3Temperature
If the primary circulator operates at high speed to meet heating demand, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption of the circulator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the primary circulator's operating speed based on actual system conditions. Rather than running at constant high speed, the circulator operates at variable speeds matched to the thermal generator's output and the zone's heating/cooling demand, optimizing the balance between temperature control performance and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating speed parameter of the primary circulator is changed dynamically to optimize performance. The control system adjusts this parameter based on feedback from temperature sensors and knowledge of the thermal generator's operating state, achieving effective temperature control while minimizing circulator energy consumption by avoiding unnecessarily high speeds.
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
This approach enhances energy efficiency, reduces the occurrence of ON/OFF cycle operations, and prolongs the service life of thermal generators by maintaining higher power levels for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one primary circulator (8) for circulating a primary water flow in the primary water circuit (2) through the heat exchanger (5) of the thermal generator (4), and from the heat exchanger (5) in the zone circuit system (3) for supplying the thermal emitters (6) and/or accumulators (7)
Implementation Method 2
a thermal heat and/or cold generator (4), having a heat exchanger (5) connected in the primary water circuit (2)
Implementation Method 3
a thermal heat and/or cold generator (4)... for heating and/or cooling a room
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a heating and/or cooling system (1) comprises controlling a thermal generator (4) of the system (1) and controlling a primary circulator (8) of the system (1) in a first adjustment mode, determining a reduced efficiency condition when a thermal generator power (P_gen) is lower than a lower limit power (P_x) of a desired lower power range (Px < P_gen <= Px_u) and the current primary water delivery temperature (T_flow_out) of the system (1) is higher than a primary water delivery target temperature (T_flow_setpoint), if the reduced efficiency system has been determined and the operating speed (rpm_pump) of the primary circulator is lower than an upper speed limit value (rpm_pump_limit), switching the control of the primary circulator (8) from the first adjustment mode to a second adjustment mode, in which the operating speed (rpm_pump) of the primary circulator is increased so that a thermal generator power (P_gen) increases and returns to the desired lower power range (Px < P_gen <= Px_u).