Temperature-Control Valve Feedback for Uniform Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-control systems for heating or cooling components, such as floors or walls, suffer from uneven heat distribution and insufficient energy efficiency due to static flow rate settings, which are influenced by pipe diameter and pressure, leading to imprecise control and high energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-control method and system that uses a controller with a valve actuator, supply, and return temperature sensors to regulate the flow of temperature-control fluid, maintaining a predetermined mean temperature difference between supply and return temperatures, thereby optimizing energy delivery and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static flow rate actuators (TOP meters) are used to set the flow rate of temperature-control fluid, then the system structure is simple, but the heat distribution becomes uneven and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mechanical flow rate actuators with dynamic electronic control valves that can adjust flow rates in real-time based on actual temperature measurements. The control unit continuously monitors supply and return temperatures and dynamically modifies valve positions to maintain optimal flow rates, thereby achieving uniform heat distribution while keeping the system structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors measure supply and return temperatures, the control unit processes these measurements to calculate actual flow rates, and control valves adjust flow rates accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate heat distribution control without requiring complex hydraulic equalization procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex hydraulic equalization of TOP meters is performed to set flow rates, then heat distribution uniformity improves slightly, but the setting process becomes extremely complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical hydraulic equalization process with an electronic control system. Instead of manually adjusting mechanical TOP meters based on characteristic variables and pressure calculations, the system uses electronic control valves actuated by electric motors or proportional valves, controlled through electronic circuitry and software algorithms that automatically optimize flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from static mechanical flow rate settings to dynamic electronic control based on actual temperature measurements. The control unit calculates optimal flow rates based on measured supply and return temperatures, enabling adaptive parameter adjustment without complex manual hydraulic equalization procedures.
3Measurement precision
If characteristic variables are used to set flow rates manually, then some control precision is achieved, but the influence of pipe diameter variations and pressure changes causes imprecise setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-adjust and self-optimize flow rates based on actual temperature measurements from supply and return lines. The control unit automatically calculates optimal flow rates and adjusts control valves without requiring manual intervention or pre-determined characteristic variables, allowing the system to adapt automatically to pipe diameter variations and pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary temperature measurements during system installation and operation to establish baseline data. The control unit uses these preliminary measurements to pre-calculate optimal flow rate settings, enabling the system to adapt quickly to specific installation conditions without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
4Device complexity
If simple on/off function is used by room thermostats, then the control system is simple, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple on/off thermostat control with dynamic proportional control. Instead of merely switching heating on or off based on temperature thresholds, the system continuously measures supply and return temperatures and dynamically adjusts control valve positions to maintain optimal temperature differences, achieving precise temperature control with relatively simple electronic control circuitry.
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 ensures more uniform energy delivery, reduces energy costs, and enhances comfort by minimizing the impact of external factors like open windows or sunny weather, while reducing system complexity and increasing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a supply temperature sensor and a return temperature sensor, wherein the controller is implemented to activate the actuator
Implementation Method 2
a valve having an actuator, which is implemented to set a degree of opening of the valve inserted in the supply line or the return line
Implementation Method 3
a temperature-control device which is implemented for heating or cooling a temperature-control fluid; a temperature-control arrangement which is implemented for conducting the temperature-control fluid through a component to be controlled in temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature-control system used for heating or cooling in a method for controlling temperature of a component includes connected temperature-control device, temperature-control arrangement, supply line, and return line. The system additionally has a controller having a valve, an actuator, a supply temperature sensor, and a return temperature sensor. A temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of a fluid circulating in the system is registered using the supply temperature sensor and the return temperature sensor and also a regulator. Proceeding from this temperature difference, the regulator causes the actuator to set a degree of opening of the valve so the temperature difference is in a selected value range. The valve always has a minimal degree of opening in the open state.