Control unit and method for controlling a local distribution system's outtake of heat or cold from a thermal energy distribution grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy distribution grids face inefficiencies and high costs due to uneven heat or cold distribution among buildings, leading to potential overloading or insufficient supply, and existing control methods can cause wear on system components and user confusion.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that determine a temporary steering temperature based on the return temperature of the heat transfer fluid, allowing for gradual adjustments to the outtake of heat or cold from the thermal energy distribution grid, reducing wear on components and avoiding full valve closure, while minimizing user confusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a control signal reduces the steering temperature for heat outtake, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system may cause wear on components and user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering temperature in a stepwise manner rather than making abrupt changes. The control unit receives control signals and implements gradual temperature reductions through multiple adjustment steps, allowing the system to adapt flexibly while minimizing thermal shock and component stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the return temperature of the heat transfer fluid and uses this feedback to determine when to adjust the steering temperature. The control unit compares the return temperature with the current steering temperature and only reduces the steering temperature when appropriate, preventing excessive wear while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If the steering temperature is reduced below the return temperature, then heat outtake is optimized, but valve closure is caused leading to system wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by reducing the steering temperature in controlled steps rather than making full reductions. The control unit implements intermediate temperature adjustments that achieve heat outtake optimization without completely closing the valve, thereby maintaining partial flow and reducing mechanical wear on valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by ensuring the steering temperature remains above the return temperature at all times. This temperature buffer prevents the valve from fully closing, cushioning against the mechanical stress and wear that would result from complete closure while still achieving effective heat outtake optimization.
3Speed
If abrupt temperature changes are implemented, then system response time is improved, but user confusion and misinterpretation of malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by making stepwise temperature adjustments at scheduled intervals rather than abrupt changes. The control unit receives control signals and implements temperature reductions in multiple steps over time, allowing the system to respond efficiently while users can observe gradual changes and understand system operation without confusion.
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 wear on system components, and prevents user misinterpretation of system malfunctions, thereby optimizing thermal energy distribution and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
device for exchange of thermal energy between the local distribution system and the thermal energy distribution grid
Implementation Method 2
feed for feeding the one or more thermal energy distribution devices with thermal energy from the device for exchange of thermal energy by conducting a heat transfer fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a local distribution system's outtake of heat or cold from a thermal energy distribution grid, and a control unit. The method comprises determining a base steering temperature for the local distribution system's outtake of heat from the thermal energy distribution grid, receiving, at the local distribution system, a control signal indicative of reducing the steering temperature for the local distribution system's outtake of heat from the thermal energy distribution grid, and determining a reduced steering temperature for the local distribution system's outtake of heat from the thermal energy distribution grid based on the control signal and the base steering temperature. The method further comprises determining a return temperature of a heat transfer fluid in the return, and upon the determined reduced steering temperature being lower than the return temperature, determining a temporary steering temperature being higher than the return temperature and lower than the base steering temperature, and controlling the local distribution system's outtake of heat from the distribution grid based on the temporary steering temperature