Superimposed Data and Power Conveyance for Heat Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central heating systems often result in underdamped control, leading to thermal energy gradients within buildings, reducing comfort and wasting fuel, and existing communication protocols for heat generators are not optimized for efficient data and power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system for superimposed conveyance of data and electrical power using a switch, controller, voltage regulator, current measurement circuitry, and comparator, allowing for efficient modulation of heat generator components and improved communication between thermostats and heat generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operating state of the heat generator is merely changed between on and off, then the control system is simple, but thermal energy gradients are produced and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static on/off control to dynamic modulation of the heat generator's operating parameters. The system continuously adjusts the heat generator's output based on real-time temperature feedback from multiple sensors, enabling smooth transitions and eliminating thermal gradients while maintaining uniform temperature distribution throughout the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using temperature sensors positioned at multiple locations to continuously monitor the thermal state of the building. This feedback information is processed to dynamically adjust the heat generator's operation, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and preventing thermal gradients from forming.
2Device complexity
If the operating state of the heat generator is changed between on and off, then the control system is simple, but fuel is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically modulates the heat generator's output rather than using simple on/off cycling. By continuously adjusting the operating parameters based on real-time temperature feedback from multiple sensors, the system maintains optimal fuel consumption while preventing thermal gradients, thereby eliminating fuel waste associated with repeated heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system uses temperature measurements from multiple locations to intelligently regulate heat generator operation. This ensures fuel is only consumed when and where needed, preventing waste while maintaining uniform thermal conditions throughout the building.
3Device complexity
If a two-wire busbar is used for data transmission, then the communication interface is simplified, but efficient power transmission for modulation control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a communication interface that simultaneously handles both data transmission and power delivery. The system uses the existing two-wire busbar infrastructure to convey both control commands and power for modulation, eliminating the need for separate communication and power lines while maintaining full modulation capability for efficient heat generator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data communication and power transmission functions into a single integrated interface. By combining these functions, the system simplifies the overall architecture while providing sufficient power for precise modulation control of the heat generator components.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for superimposed conveyance of data and electrical power, a first switch can cycle to convey the electric power and data from a first device. Binary digits of the data from the first device can be represented by transitions, of a voltage at a node of a second device, between a first voltage and a second voltage. A second switch can cycle to convey data from the second device. Binary digits of the data from the second device can be represented by transitions, of a current through a component of the first device, between being less than a threshold and being greater than the threshold. A voltage regulator of the second device can provide, in response to the voltage at the node being within a range of voltages that includes the first voltage and the second voltage, the electrical power to one or more components.