Thermal energy usage metering system for steam-heated multiple unit building
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam heating systems in multi-tenant buildings face challenges in accurately measuring and allocating heating energy due to the complex mixture of steam, water, and air, and issues like air binding and imbalance, which are exacerbated by inefficient envelope construction in older buildings, leading to unequal heat distribution and cost allocation among tenants.
Innovation Solution
A computerized steam heating metering and control system that communicates with steam heating sources and uses sensors to monitor heat usage, adjust valve positions, and analyze data from temperature sensors, fans, and dampers to determine tenant heat use quantities and allocate costs fairly, while identifying and addressing localized issues affecting heat supply and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steam distribution piping is used to transfer heat from a central heat source to terminal units, then heating can be provided to multiple tenant spaces, but accurate measurement and allocation of heating energy to individual tenants becomes difficult due to the complex mixture of steam, water, and air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (tracer gas such as sulfur hexafluoride or perfluorocarbon) that mixes with the steam in the distribution system. This tracer gas serves as a mediator that can be detected and measured independently of the complex steam-water-air mixture, enabling precise measurement of steam flow and heat delivery to individual terminal units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods (such as flow meters in steam lines) with a chemical/detection-based approach. By using tracer gas detection technology, the system substitutes complex mechanical measurement systems with more reliable and accurate sensing methods that can operate effectively in the challenging steam environment.
2Ease of operation
If terminal units are installed throughout the building to provide local heating control, then each tenant space can receive heat, but air binding and imbalance issues arise that lead to unequal heat distribution among tenants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where tracer gas concentrations are continuously monitored at each terminal unit, and this information is fed back to the central control system. The system uses this feedback to automatically adjust terminal unit valve positions, ensuring balanced heat distribution across all tenant spaces and eliminating air binding issues through continuous correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the steam distribution system by introducing tracer gas concentration as a new control parameter. Instead of relying solely on traditional temperature and pressure controls, the system uses tracer gas concentration measurements to dynamically adjust steam flow parameters, achieving more reliable and uniform heat distribution.
3Device complexity
If traditional steam metering methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to detect and address localized issues affecting heat supply and loss is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tracer gas detection system multi-functional, enabling it to serve both as a measurement tool for heat allocation and as a diagnostic tool for detecting localized issues. The same tracer gas concentration data used for billing purposes also provides information about system performance, envelope leaks, and terminal unit problems, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
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
The system provides precise heat allocation to tenant spaces, detects and rectifies operational or envelope defects, and encourages rational energy behavior by providing actionable feedback, ensuring equitable heat cost allocation and improved system balance.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs the use of tracer gas (such as sulfur hexafluoride or perfluorocarbon) that mixes with the steam in the distribution system to measure steam flow and heat delivery to terminal units
Implementation Method 2
sensors to monitor heat usage, adjust valve positions, and analyze data from temperature sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining the relative space heating energy contribution of different tenant spaces in a multiple tenant building that is heated via a central steam piping distribution system. A steam piping distribution system is connected to a central heat source such as a steam boiler plant or a local utility district steam service. The steam distribution system includes terminal units located throughout the building which deliver heat to different spaces. Data collected at regular intervals from sensors located throughout the building are analyzed by a computer in order to calculate the fraction of the overall building's steam use that is delivered to particular tenant spaces over a given interval in time.