Solar Heating Circuit Valve Control for Power Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems using solar energy struggle to maximize power transmission to consumers due to varying temperature and volume flow rates, leading to inefficient energy distribution and reduced output power.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a controller to direct the fluid energy carrier medium to the consumer with the smallest difference in input power to the maximum output power, ensuring that the energy is distributed efficiently by adjusting valve settings and pump operation to maintain optimal temperature and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the delivery temperature is increased to meet the highest temperature requirement of consumers, then the temperature requirement is satisfied, but the output power of the power source decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the consumer connection sequence adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically reconfigures which consumers are connected in series based on real-time conditions (power source output, consumer temperature requirements), allowing the system to adapt between temperature satisfaction and power maximization modes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between different operational configurations rather than being locked into a single static arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of consumer connection configuration (which consumers are connected in series) based on operating conditions. When power source output is high, consumers with higher temperature requirements can be connected in series to satisfy temperature demands. When power source output is low, the system reconfigures to connect consumers that maximize power utilization. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between temperature delivery and power transmission depending on current conditions.
2Power
If the volume flow through the power source is increased to improve power output, then the output power increases, but the temperature level of the energy carrier medium leaving the power source decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection configuration of consumers based on the temperature level of the energy carrier medium. When the temperature level is high, consumers with higher temperature requirements are connected in series to utilize the thermal energy effectively. When the temperature level is low, the system reconfigures to connect consumers that can operate with lower temperature inputs, thereby maximizing power output despite the lower temperature. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between temperature level and power output.
3Temperature
If consumers are connected in series according to decreasing temperature requirements, then the temperature distribution is optimized, but the power transmission to consumers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the consumer connection sequence dynamic rather than statically ordered. Instead of always connecting consumers in a fixed decreasing temperature order, the control unit continuously evaluates current power source output and consumer requirements to determine the optimal connection configuration. This allows the system to sometimes use decreasing temperature order for temperature optimization, and at other times use different configurations for power maximization, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature distribution and power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter (which consumers are connected in series and in what order) based on operating conditions. When power source output is sufficient, the system may maintain the decreasing temperature order for optimal temperature distribution. When power source output is limited, the system reconfigures the connection sequence to maximize power transmission to the most critical consumers. This parameter change enables the system to balance between temperature distribution and power transmission based on real-time conditions.
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 maximizes the transmission of power from the solar collector to consumers, maintaining consistent energy distribution and preventing excessive temperature drops, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the heating system.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer of energy from the sun to the fluid energy carrier medium can depend on many different factors
Implementation Method 2
Thermal energy from the energy carrier medium, which is not released to the consumer, can preferably be passed on with a partial flow from the bypass line to a downstream consumer with a lower temperature level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for regulation, which is carried out in a system that has a solar collector as a power source, a pump, a main line and at least one valve in a heating circuit and a number of consumers, the main line at least partially having a fluid energy carrier medium flowing through it, the power source being set up thereon is to transmit a specific, in particular the maximum available, instantaneous power (output power) to the energy carrier medium, and the consumers each have an instantaneous power requirement (power input), characterized in that a controller sets the at least one valve in such a way that at least a partial flow of the fluid energy carrier medium is directed to that (first) of the plurality of consumers whose input power is less than the output power, whose input power has the smallest difference in amount to the output power.