System and method for controlling a variable-speed appliance circulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydronic systems, single-speed circulators in secondary loops fail to match flow rates with variable-speed primary circulators, leading to recirculating flows, tempered returns, excessive pumping power consumption, and decreased efficiency due to mismatched circulator speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that use temperature sensors to algorithmically control the speed of appliance pumps, adjusting flow rates based on temperature differences between system and appliance return/supply sensors to minimize recirculation and optimize flow, implemented by a processor configured with machine-readable instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-speed circulator is used in a secondary loop with a variable-speed primary circulator, then the appliance flow remains constant, but recirculating flows occur and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static single-speed circulator to a variable-speed circulator in the secondary loop. The circulator speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature differential measurements between supply and return lines, allowing the system to adapt flow rates to match primary loop conditions and eliminate recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature differential across the appliance and using this information to modulate the circulator speed. When the temperature differential exceeds a predetermined threshold, the circulator speed is reduced or reversed, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents recirculating flows.
2Device complexity
If a single-speed circulator is used in the secondary loop, then the circulator structure is simple, but pumping power is excessive and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static single-speed circulator to a variable-speed circulator in the secondary loop. The circulator speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature differential measurements between supply and return lines, allowing the system to adapt flow rates to match primary loop conditions and eliminate recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the circulator from fixed speed to variable speed. By modulating the circulator speed based on temperature differential feedback, the system optimizes pumping power consumption and matches flow rates to actual system demands, reducing energy waste.
3Device complexity
If a single-speed circulator is used in the secondary loop, then the circulator design is simple, but appliance efficiency is decreased due to tempered returns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature differential across the appliance and using this information to modulate the circulator speed. When the temperature differential exceeds a predetermined threshold, the circulator speed is reduced or reversed, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents recirculating flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static single-speed circulator to a variable-speed circulator in the secondary loop. The circulator speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature differential measurements between supply and return lines, allowing the system to adapt flow rates to match primary loop conditions and eliminate recirculation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to prepare and use prediction models for classifying images. Some embodiments may: obtain, via a system return temperature sensor, a system return temperature; obtain, via an appliance return temperature sensor, an appliance return temperature; and responsive to a determination that the appliance return temperature is greater than the system return temperature by at least a first threshold amount, decrease, via a hardware processor, a speed of the appliance pump.