Thermal Grid Outtake Control Using Temporary Steering Temperature
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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 and wear on system components, with current methods causing confusion among users and inducing wear on control valves.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit for local distribution systems that adjust the outtake of heat or cold by determining a temporary steering temperature based on the return temperature, allowing for gradual changes and minimizing valve wear, while avoiding full closure and user confusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the control valve is fully closed to stop heat or cold distribution, then the outtake from the grid is reduced, but the valve experiences increased wear and users may be confused by apparent system malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the control valve to a partially closed position rather than fully closing it. The control unit determines a temporary steering temperature that is higher than the return temperature, which corresponds to a partially closed valve position. This partial closure achieves the desired reduction in outtake while avoiding the wear and user confusion associated with full closure.
2Speed
If the steering temperature is adjusted rapidly to reduce outtake, then the response time is improved, but the valve experiences increased wear due to frequent full closures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by maintaining the valve in a partially closed position rather than repeatedly fully closing and opening it. The control unit continuously adjusts the control variable to maintain the temporary steering temperature above the return temperature, achieving rapid response to load changes without the mechanical stress of full valve closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the control variable in response to changing conditions. The control unit monitors the return temperature and dynamically adjusts the steering temperature and control valve position to maintain optimal operation, allowing rapid adaptation to load changes while avoiding excessive valve wear through smooth, continuous adjustment rather than abrupt full closures.
3Productivity
If the steering temperature is set below the return temperature, then the outtake is maximally reduced, but the valve must be fully closed causing wear and user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing the steering temperature from dropping below the return temperature. The control unit is configured to determine a temporary steering temperature that is always higher than the return temperature, thereby preemptively avoiding the conditions that would require full valve closure and subsequent user confusion or misinterpretation of system malfunctions.
4Loss of energy
If the control system uses complex algorithms to optimize temperature adjustment, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the return temperature as input to the control unit, which then adjusts the steering temperature based on this feedback. The control unit determines the temporary steering temperature considering the return temperature, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy efficiency through continuous monitoring and adjustment without requiring overly complex algorithms.
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 energy distribution and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The heated heat transfer fluid is delivered to the buildings via one or more feed conduits and is returned to the heating and pumping plant via one or more return conduits
Implementation Method 3
device for exchange of thermal energy between the local distribution system and the thermal energy distribution grid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a local distribution system's outtake of heat or cold from a thermal energy distribution grid. The method includes determining a base steering temperature for the local distribution system's outtake of heat from the thermal energy distribution grid, receiving a control signal indicative of reducing the steering temperature for the local distribution system's outtake of heat from the thermal energy distribution grid; 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; 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 higher than the return temperature and lower than the base steering temperature; and controlling the local distribution system's heat outtake based on the temporary steering temperature.