Method and system for operating a thermal energy exchanger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC thermal energy exchangers face inefficiencies at high flow rates and require predefined temperature thresholds, which are not adaptable to changing conditions, leading to potential saturation and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system that records and normalizes measurement data sets to determine a characteristic energy transfer curve, allowing for dynamic adjustment of flow rates and temperature settings to maintain efficient operation within defined boundaries, preventing saturation and optimizing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high flow rates are used in thermal energy exchangers, then fluid transport speed increases, but energy exchange efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow rate adjustment based on real-time monitoring of energy exchange effectiveness. The system continuously adapts the fluid flow rate to optimal values, preventing both excessive flow (which reduces efficiency) and insufficient flow (which limits energy transfer). This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making flow rate a variable parameter rather than a fixed high value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor temperature differences and energy exchange rates, and this information is used to adjust pump speeds and valve positions. The feedback loop ensures that flow rates are optimized based on actual thermal exchange performance, preventing the energy losses that occur at excessively high flow rates while maintaining sufficient transport speed.
2Ease of operation
If predefined temperature thresholds are used for control, then system operation is simplified, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static predefined temperature thresholds with dynamic threshold values that are continuously calculated based on current operating conditions, historical data, and environmental factors. The system adapts its control parameters in real-time, maintaining simplicity of operation while achieving high adaptability through automated dynamic adjustment of setpoints and control limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control parameters including temperature thresholds, flow rates, and timing intervals based on detected operating conditions. Rather than using fixed predefined values, the control algorithm continuously adjusts parameters to match current system state and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
3Power
If flow rates are increased to meet higher energy demands, then energy transfer capacity increases, but system efficiency decreases due to saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow rate optimization that adjusts fluid velocity based on real-time measurements of energy exchange effectiveness. The system identifies and maintains operation within the optimal efficiency range, preventing both the saturation losses at excessive flow rates and the insufficient transfer capacity at low flow rates. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching flow rate to actual thermal exchange needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and energy exchange measurements to continuously adjust flow rates. When approaching saturation conditions, the feedback mechanism reduces flow rate to maintain efficiency, while when demand increases, it increases flow rate appropriately. This feedback control ensures high energy transfer capacity is achieved without the efficiency penalties of excessive flow rates.
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 more efficient operation of thermal energy exchangers across a wider range of conditions by setting appropriate thresholds for flow and temperature, preventing saturation and enhancing energy transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
exchanging thermal energy between a thermal transfer fluid, flowing through the thermal energy exchanger in a fluid conduit, and air, being conducted through the thermal energy exchanger in an air duct
Implementation Method 2
exchanging thermal energy between a thermal transfer fluid, flowing through the thermal energy exchanger in a fluid conduit, and air, being conducted through the thermal energy exchanger in an air duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
For operating a thermal energy exchanger (1) for exchanging thermal energy between a thermal transfer fluid and air, a plurality of measurement data sets are recorded in a control system (40). The measurement data sets include for a different point in time data values which define a normalized energy transfer that represents the thermal energy transferred in the thermal energy exchanger (1) normalized by one or more normalization variables. The control system (40) calculates for each of the measurement data sets a normalized data point defined by the normalized energy transfer. The control system (40) further determines for the thermal energy exchanger (1) a characteristic energy transfer curve which fits the normalized data points. Normalizing the energy transfer makes it possible to operate the thermal energy exchanger (1) more efficiently over a wider range of changing conditions, as saturation can be prevented using more appropriate fixed or variable thresholds.