Heat Transfer Supply Flow Control for Hydraulic Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and air-conditioning systems face challenges in achieving optimal hydraulic balancing between multiple heating circuits, leading to increased energy consumption and requiring complex, expensive differential pressure valves for manual setting, which is inefficient and only optimal at a single design point.
Innovation Solution
A method for closed-loop control of the supply flow in a heat transfer system, where the supply flow is regulated based on detected temperatures in the load circuit, allowing for adaptive hydraulic balancing without the need for additional mechanical components like balancing valves, by using existing control elements such as pumps and valves to limit the supply flow to a maximum value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If balancing valves with fixedly preset opening degree are used to limit supply flow in each heating circuit, then the hydraulic balancing is simplified, but the setting is only optimal for one design point and leads to increased energy consumption in operational conditions deviating from the design point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static balancing valves with fixed settings with a dynamic control system that continuously adjusts the supply flow based on real-time temperature measurements. The supply flow is closed-loop controlled in dependence on at least one temperature detected in the load circuit, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain optimal energy efficiency across different design points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring temperatures in the load circuit and using this information to continuously adjust the supply flow. The control unit limits the supply flow to a maximal flow in dependence on the detected temperature, creating a closed-loop system that automatically responds to changing conditions and eliminates the need for manual balancing valve settings.
2Ease of operation
If balancing valves are manually set to achieve hydraulic balancing, then the hydraulic balancing can be achieved, but the setting of such balancing valves requires quite some effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform hydraulic balancing without manual intervention. The control unit autonomously limits the supply flow based on temperature measurements from the load circuit, eliminating the need for technicians to manually adjust balancing valves and significantly reducing the time and effort required for system setup and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical balancing valve adjustment process with an electronic control system. Instead of manually setting mechanical valves, the system uses electronic sensors to detect temperatures and electronic actuators to control the supply flow, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control.
3Reliability
If differential pressure controlled valves are used instead of manually set balancing valves, then the hydraulic balancing can be maintained, but these valves are mechanically complicated and thus expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical differential pressure controlled valves with a simpler electronic control system. The supply flow is controlled electronically based on temperature measurements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical valve mechanisms while maintaining reliable hydraulic balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from differential pressure (mechanical measurement) to temperature (thermal measurement). This parameter change simplifies the system by using temperature sensors and electronic control instead of complex mechanical differential pressure valves, reducing both mechanical complexity and cost while maintaining hydraulic balancing reliability.
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 enables simplified and improved hydraulic balancing, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for complex valves, as the supply flow is adjusted dynamically to match varying operating conditions, ensuring thermal and hydraulic balance across multiple load circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The supply flow has a supply entry temperature in the supply conduit. The load entry temperature according to the invention is set by way of changing the supply flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a heat transfer system for limiting a supply flow (qS) in a heat transfer system which includes a supply conduit (10) with a supply flow (qS) and with a supply entry temperature (TS), and at least one load circuit (2) with a load pump (20) which provides a load flow (qL) with a load entry temperature (TL) and a load exit temperature (TR). The load entry temperature (TL) is set by way of changing the supply flow (qS), wherein the supply flow (qS) is limited to a maximal flow (qS, max), taking into account at least one temperature detected in the load circuit (2).