Patent Application
20230324067
The present invention relates to a flow control device for an HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Cooling) fluid transportation system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a flow control device comprising a sensor module comprising a flow measurement system configured to measure a volumetric flow of fluid through a flowtube, and a logic module connected to the sensor module.
For HVAC heating and cooling applications, flow sensors or flow meters are used in connection so with monitoring and controlling the hydronic performance of an HVAC system, e.g. for measuring and controlling the volumetric flow of fluid through heat exchangers or cooling devices. The applicant manufactures and offers ultrasonic flow meters which comprise a flow tube and an ultrasonic flow measurement system integrated with the flow tube. Specifically, the flow measurement system comprises a pair of acoustic transceivers (emitters/receivers) and acoustic mirrors which are integrated with the flow tube and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound to and from a measurement path arranged inside the flow tube. The ultrasonic flow measurement system further comprises an electronic circuit connected to the acoustic transceivers and configured to calculate the flow rate of the volumetric flow of fluid through the flow tube from ultrasonic transit times on the measurement path. The electronic circuit generates an electronic signal indicating to external devices the measured flow of fluid via a wire connection. Typically, in existing installations and configurations of HVAC systems, the output signal from a flow sensor is feed to a building control system which generates setpoint values for adjustable control valves, based on the measured flow of fluid and further measurement values, e.g. room temperature, provided to the building control system by respective sensors.
It is an object of this invention to provide a flow control device for an HVAC fluid transportation system, which flow control device does not have at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flow control device which makes it possible to provide HVAC installations efficiently and flexibly with flow-dependent control of actuated valves.
According to the present invention, these objects are achieved through the features of the independent claims. In addition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description.
A flow control device for an HVAC fluid transportation system comprises a sensor module comprising a flow measurement system configured to be coupled with a flow tube (pipe), and configured to measure a volumetric flow of fluid through the flow tube, the sensor module further comprising a first electronic circuit connected electrically to the flow measurement system.
According to the present invention, the above-mentioned objects are particularly achieved in that the flow control device further comprises a logic module connected to the sensor module, the logic module comprising a control signal output terminal and a second electronic circuit connected to the first electronic circuit of the sensor module. The second electronic circuit is configured to generate and apply on the control signal output terminal an actuator control signal, using the volumetric flow of fluid measured by the flow measurement system, for an actuator, arranged outside the flow tube of the flow control device, to actuate a valve of the HVAC fluid transportation system. Providing the flow measurement system with a control signal output terminal and an electronic circuit (first and second electronic circuit forming in combination the electronic circuit of the flow control device) for generating and applying on the control signal output terminal an actuator control signal makes it possible for the flow control device to autonomously control a valve of the HVAC fluid transportation system, without having to rely on control functions of a separate building control system. Moreover, existing installations of HVAC systems may be conveniently and efficiently retrofit with autonomous control functions by simply inserting the flow control device fluidically into the HVAC fluid transportation system and connecting the control signal output terminal to the actuator of a valve present in the existing installation of an HVAC system. The flow measurement system is in particular configured to measure the volumetric flow of fluid independently from potentially occurring pressure fluctuations or pressure variations over time during operation. With the pressure independent measured volumetric flow of fluid it is therefore possible to generate and apply the actuator control signal pressure independent.
Providing a flow control device with a control signal output terminal and applying on the control signal output terminal an actuator control signal, has the advantage that the flow control device can be connected flexibly to any type of controllable actuator for controlling performance of the actuator, without any significant delay between the time of flow measurement and the time of actual control of an external actuator.
In an embodiment, the logic module is releasably connected to the sensor module. Releasably means that the logic module can be detached from the sensor module and vice versa. In particular, a housing of the logic module is releasably connected to a housing of the sensor module and vice versa. Further, the sensor module and the logic module may comprise each an electrical interface enabling the releasable electrical connection of the first electronic circuit of the sensor module to the second electronic circuit of the logic module.
In a further embodiment, the logic module is releasably connected to the sensor module via a releasable form fit connection, which preferably comprises a protrusion on the sensor module and a corresponding depression arranged on the logic module or vice versa wherein the protrusion is releasably engageable with the depression for attaching the logic module on the sensor module. The form fit connection may be integrally formed with the housing of the sensor module and the logic module respectively. The form fit connection provides an advantageous fast and precise connection between the sensor module and the logic module. The protrusion of the form fit connection may have an undercut or an excess with respect to the depression, for an advantageous simple connection.
In an embodiment, the logic module of flow control device further comprises a communication module attached to the flow tube and connected to the second electronic circuit, and the second electronic circuit is configured to generate the actuator control signal further using a control command received by the communication module via a communication network. In a further embodiment, the control command is received by the communication module via the communication network from a building control system. The communication module makes it possible for the flow control device to generate the actuator control signal using control commands from a building control system, for example.
In an embodiment, the communication module is configured to receive one or more control parameters via the communication network from a cloud-based computer system, and the second electronic circuit is configured to generate the actuator control signal further using the one or more control parameters received from the cloud-based computer system. Configuring the communication module to receive control parameters from a cloud-based computer system makes it possible for the flow control device to generate the actuator control signal using control parameters which are not available locally at the site of the respective HVAC system.
In an embodiment, the communication module is configured to receive with the one or more control parameters from the cloud-based computer system meteorological weather data, energy pricing information, room temperature information, and/or energy resource availability data; and the second electronic circuit is further configured to generate the actuator control signal further using respectively the meteorological weather data, the energy pricing information, the room temperature information, and/or the energy resource availability data received from the cloud-based computer system.
In an embodiment, the communication module is configured to transmit to the cloud-based computer system one or more operational HVAC data values, including the volumetric flow of fluid measured by the flow measurement system, an air temperature value, an air humidity value, a carbon dioxide value, a carbon monoxide value, a fluid temperature, motor activity data, and/or valve activity data. Configuring the communication module to transmit operational HVAC data values to the cloud-based computer system makes it possible for the flow control device to monitor and analyze the performance of a plurality of HVAC fluid transportation systems and/or actuators, enabling performance improvement based on analytic results.
In an embodiment, the sensor module and/or the logic module of the flow control device further comprises one or more sensor signal input terminals connected to the first or the second electronic circuit respectively, and the second electronic circuit is further configured to generate the actuator control signal further using one or more sensor values received on the one or more sensor signal input terminals. Providing the flow control device with sensor signal input terminals makes it possible for the flow control device to generate the actuator control signal using sensor values which are available locally at the site of the respective HVAC system. The sensors, which are for example connected to the sensor module and/or to the logic module via the sensor signal input terminal are for example arranged outside of the flow control device.
In an embodiment, the one or more sensor signal input terminals include an air temperature sensor input terminal, an air humidity sensor input terminal, a carbon dioxide sensor input terminal, a carbon monoxide sensor input terminal, and/or a fluid temperature sensor input terminal; and the second electronic circuit is further configured to generate the actuator control signal further using respectively an air temperature value, an air humidity value, a carbon dioxide value, a carbon monoxide value, and/or a fluid temperature received on the one or more sensor signal input terminals.
In an embodiment, the one or more sensor signal input terminals are configured to receive a first fluid temperature sensor value from the fluid flowing through the flow tube and a second fluid temperature sensor value from a fluid flowing through an external other flow tube, wherein the second electronic circuit is further configured to generate the actuator control signal further using the first fluid temperature sensor value and the second fluid temperature sensor received on the one or more sensor signal input terminals. The flow control device 1s for example configured to receive two temperatures sensor values from tow temperature sensors, whereof one of the temperature sensor is integrated in the flow tube and whereof the other temperature sensor is integrated in another flow tube of the HVAC system.
In an embodiment, the second electronic circuit is further configured to generate and apply on the control signal output terminal the actuator control signal further using received sensor signal data, for example two sensor signals from temperature sensors. The second electronic circuit is therefore for example configured to generate the actuator control signal using power control determined for example by the volumetric flow of fluid and the two temperature signal data, wherein the first of the temperature signals corresponds to a fluid temperature upstream a consumer and the second of the temperature signals corresponds to a fluid temperature downstream of the consumer. In an embodiment, the logic module of the flow control device further comprises an actuator data input terminal attached to the flow tube and connected to the second electronic circuit, and the second electronic circuit is further configured to generate the actuator control signal further using actuator data received on the actuator data input terminal.
In an embodiment, the second electronic circuit is configured to determine an actuator type from an actuator identifier received on the actuator data input terminal, and to generate the actuator control signal using the actuator type. Configuring the electronic circuit to generate the actuator control signal depending on the actuator type makes it possible to flexibly operate the flow control device with different types of controllable actuators which require different control signals.
In an embodiment, the second electronic circuit is configured to generate the actuator control signal using the volumetric flow of fluid measured by the flow measurement system such as to maintain a set target value for the volumetric flow of fluid.
In an embodiment, the flow measurement system comprises one or more pairs of ultrasound transceivers integrated into a wall of the flow tube and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound to and from a measurement path inside the flow tube. The one or more pairs of ultrasound transceivers advantageously enable the measurement of the volumetric flow of fluid even with pressure variations.
In an embodiment, the flow control device further comprises a data communication bus connecting at least one terminal receiver to the first or second electronic circuit, the at least one terminal receiver being configured to receive and removably attach an auxiliary sensor signal input terminal to the flow control device and connecting the auxiliary sensor signal input terminal to the first or second electronic circuit respectively, and the second electronic circuit is configured to generate the actuator control signal further using one or more sensor values received on the an auxiliary sensor signal input terminal. Providing the flow control device with a terminal receiver makes it possible to flexibly connect and disconnect different sensor signal input terminals, as needed.
In an embodiment, the second electronic circuit is configured to generate the actuator control signal to indicate a motor position, a motor movement direction, a valve position, and/or a degree of opening of a valve orifice.
In an embodiment, the control signal output terminal comprises an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit the actuator control signal to the actuator, and a connector configured to set up a wired connection for applying the actuator control signal to the actuator.
In an embodiment, the flow control device further comprises an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic energy from an external mobile device for powering the first electronic circuit and/or the second electronic circuit and/or the flow measurement system. Having an antenna configured to power the electronic circuit and the flow measurement system with electromagnetic energy transmitted by an external mobile device, enables the flow control device to measure the volumetric flow of fluid through the flow tube, and to generate and apply on the control signal output terminal an actuator control signal, without requiring a wire connection to a power supply.
In an embodiment, the communication module is further configured to provide to the sensor module and/or the logic module electric energy for powering the flow measurement system, the first electronic circuit and/or the second electronic circuit. The communication module is for example configured to provide the electrical power over Ethernet (PoE) to the logic module, which further provides the electrical power to the sensor module, in particular to the first electronic circuit and/or the flow measurement system of the sensor module, for example via the electric connection interface. In a further embodiment, the communication module or another part or portion of the logic module may comprise a power interface, which is configured to provide to the sensor module and/or the logic module electric energy for powering the flow measurement system, the first electronic circuit and/or the second electronic circuit.
In a further embodiment, the flow control device 1s configured to provide electrical energy to the actuator for enabling the actuator to implement the received actuator control signal. The electrical energy for the actuator is, for example, provided from the logic module to the actuator, in particular from the control signal output terminal to the actuator, which reduced complexity.
In an embodiment, the sensor module comprises a memory configured to store received control parameters and the first electronic circuit is configured to process the measured volumetric flow of fluid using the one or more control parameters stored in the memory, wherein the control parameters are preferably received from the communication module. The control parameter may include calibration data, for example calibration tables, which may be used by the first electronic circuit for processing the measured volumetric flow of fluid. The processed flow of fluid is for example stored and collected in the memory and/or transmitted to the second electronic circuit for determining the actuator control signal. Processing the measured volumetric flow by the first electronic circuit enables to
In a further embodiment, the communication module of the logic module comprises a near filed communication interface, wherein the communication module is configured to receive via the near field communication interface control input data from a mobile communication device for controlling and/or commissioning the flow control device. The control input data may include the control parameter, which are transmitted to the memory of the sensor module. The logic module may further comprise a separate memory or has access to the memory of the sensor module. Controlling of the flow control device may comprise to amend or calibrate parameters of the flow control device. Commissioning of the flow control device may comprise to initiate or to set parameters of the flow control device, in particular of the first and/or second electronic control device.
In a further embodiment, the communication module of the logic module is further configured to transmit data of the flow control device to the mobile communication device via the near field communication interface. The mobile communication device can for example read control data and/or measured data of the flow control device to validate the proper functionality of the flow control device in advantageously fast and simple manner.
The near field communication interface may further enable the possibility to completely install and commission the flow control device without external power source. This includes for example parameter settings, configuration, bus addressing and other data processing for the installation protocol. The electrical power is for example provided to the flow control device during installation/commissioning via the near field communication interface or via a battery arranged in the flow control device, no external power source is, for example, needed. It is therefore possible to install/commission the flow control device prior of connecting the flow control device to an external power source, which provides electrical power during normal operation of the flow control device. In a further embodiment, parametrization of the sensor module is achieved for example by means of the mobile device via the NFC interface or by means of a computer device connected to the flow control device via an Ethernet interface, which forms for example part of the communication module of the logic module. Parameterization may include activation of the flow measurement system.
In a further embodiment, an external computer system and or a cloud based server system may be configured to control and distribute authorisation rights to an onsite computer or the onsite mobile communication device. The authorisation rights enable the onsite computer and/or the onsite mobile communication device to access the flow control device, for example via the near filed communication interface or the Ethernet interface, for parameterization/configuration/commissioning of the flow control device or for software updates of the flow control device. In a further embodiment, the flow control device 1s configured to be commissioned powerless by a NFC-based balancer which requires no memory and which reduces a sampling rate. Further, the flow control device may be configured to be parameterization/configuration/commissioning of the flow control device or for software updates of the flow control device via a proprietary bus connection. In a further embodiment, the sensor module comprises an energy storage (battery), which is connected to the first electronic circuit and/or the flow measurement system for at least temporary powering the first electronic circuit and/or the flow measurement system of the sensor module and/or wherein the logic module comprises an energy storage (battery), which is connected to the second electronic circuit for powering at least temporary the second electronic circuit of the logic module. The energy storages are preferably configured to provide electrical energy to the sensor module/logic module of the flow control device during commissioning of the flow control device.
In an embodiment, the sensor module is configured to be powered self-sufficient for a predefined time span, preferably via a non-rechargeable energy storage. In other words, the sensor module can only be powered by the battery (energy storage) comprising a predefined amount of electrical energy, thereby defining a lifespan of the sensor module. The predefined time span or life span is preferably in the range from 10 to 24 months, more preferably for 14 months.
The logic module may further be configured to receive electrical energy via a 24V AC/DC interface.
In an embodiment, the sensor module comprises a display, which is configured to display data of the flow control device and/or to function as control data input terminal for the flow control device, in particular for the first electronic circuit of the sensor module. The display is for example configured to display data only when the presence of a corresponding mobile communication device, having the right access rights, is detected.
In an embodiment, the sensor module is configured to be exchanged from the flow control device after a predefined time period, while keeping the logic module on the flow control device. The sensor module is for example configured to be removed from the flow control device after the predefined lifespan of the energy storage has ended. For removing the sensor module from the flow control device, the logic module may be detached from the sensor module, while all cables going into the logic module, for example, from the building management system, stay connected with the logic module, and while all cables going out of the logic module, for example to the actuator, stay connected with the logic module. In a next step, the sensor module is removed from the piping system, along which the fluid flows, and a new sensor module is installed in the piping system. In a next step, the logic module is attached to the new sensor module. No cable connection needs to be interrupted during the process of exchanging the sensor module.
In a further embodiment, the sensor module is configured to transmit, prior of being removed from the flow control device, data to the logic module, and wherein the logic module is configured to transmit, after being connected to the new sensor module, the received data from the removed sensor module to the new sensor module. Prior of removing the former sensor module, the data transfer is for example initiated via pressing a dedicated button or via transmitting a corresponding control signal from the logic module to the sensor module, for example received via the communication module from the mobile communication device or the communication network. The transferred data may include volumetric flow measurement data, control parameter data of the sensor module or other data collected or received by the sensor module during its operation. After the new sensor module has been installed and the logic module has been attached to the new sensor module, the data is at least partially transmitted, for example automatically, from the logic module to the new sensor module. It is therefore possible that, for example, the control parameter/the commissioning data of the former sensor module are transmitted automatically to the new sensor module, such that the new sensor module can use the same settings etc. as the former sensor module. A specific commissioning and calibration of the new sensor module is therefore advantageously not needed.
In an embodiment, the flow measurement system of the sensor module is configured to measure the volumetric flow of fluid through the flow tube, wherein the fluid comprises water, a water-glycol mixture and/or another heat-transporting fluid, for example gas, like air. Further, the second electronic circuit is configured to generate and apply on the control signal output terminal the actuator control signal for an actuator, enabling the actuator to control the flow of fluid through the flow tube, the fluid comprising water, a water-glycol mixture and/or another heat-transporting fluid, for example gas, like air.
The present invention will be explained in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:
In
As illustrated in
The flow control device 2 comprises a flow measurement system 11 integrated with the flow tube 10. In an embodiment, the flow measurement system 11 includes an ultrasonic flow sensor comprising one or more pairs of ultrasound transceivers 110, 111 and acoustic mirrors 113, 114. The ultrasound transceivers 110, 111 are integrated into the wall 100 of the flow tube 10. The ultrasound transceivers 110, 111 are configured to transmit and receive ultrasound to and from a measurement path 112 arranged inside the flow tube 10. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
According to the embodiment as shown in
The flow control device 2 comprises a control signal output terminal 13 attached to the flow tube 10 and connected to the electronic circuit 12. The electronic circuit 12 is configured to generate and apply on the control signal output terminal 13 an actuator control signal, using the volumetric flow of fluid ϕ determined by the flow measurement system 11. The actuator control signal is generated to control the actuator 23 actuating the valve 22 such as to regulate the flow of fluid ϕ in the HVAC fluid transportation system 2 depending on the measured flow of fluid ϕ. For example, the electronic circuit 12 generates the actuator control signal based on the measured flow ϕ such as to maintain a set target flow, e.g. stored in the electronic circuit 12, regardless of pressure variations. Depending on the configuration, the actuator control signal indicates and defines for the actuator 23 a motor position, a motor movement direction, a motor speed, a valve position for the valve 22, and/or a degree of opening of the valve orifice of the valve 22. The control signal output terminal 13 comprises an antenna for wirelessly transmitting the actuator control signal to the actuator 23 and/or an electrical or optical connector for setting up a wired connection to apply the actuator control signal to the actuator 23.
As illustrated in
As illustrated schematically in
The electronic circuit 12 is configured to generate the actuator control signal further using data received by the communication module 15 via the communication network 4 from the building control system 25 and/or the cloud-based computer system 3. Depending on the embodiment and/or application, the data includes control commands and/or control parameters from the building control system 25 and/or the cloud-based computer system 3. The control commands include a target room temperature, a maximum amount of energy to be used, a maximum power level to be used, and/or other command data for the electronic circuit 12 to generate the actuator control signal. The control parameters include meteorological weather data, energy pricing information, room temperature information, energy resource availability data, and/or other control data for the electronic circuit 12 to generate the actuator control signal.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The electronic circuit 12 is thus configured to generate and apply the actuator control signal based on the measured current flow of fluid ϕ, the command and control data received form the building control system 25 and/or the cloud-based computer system 3, and the sensor values received from one or more sensors connected to the sensor signal input terminals 14 and/or attached auxiliary sensor signal input terminals 14, for controlling the actuator 23 to actuate the valve 22 and regulate the flow of fluid ϕ in the HVAC fluid transportation system 2. For example, the electronic circuit 12 is configured to regulate the flow of fluid ϕ in the HVAC fluid transportation system 2 such as to reach a desired room temperature, defined in a setpoint from a user terminal, the building control system 25 or the cloud-based computer system 3, based on the current flow of fluid ϕ, measured by the flow measurement system 11, and the actual room temperature value, received at the sensor signal input terminal 14 and/or attached auxiliary sensor signal input terminal 14 from a room temperature sensor.
The electronic circuit 12 is further configured to use the communication module 15 to transmit via the communication network 4 to the building control system 25 and/or the cloud-based computer system 3 operational HVAC data, such as the current measurement values provided by sensors connected to the sensor signal input terminal 14, for example, an air humidity value measured by a temperature sensor connected to the air temperature sensor input terminal, an air humidity value measured by an air humidity sensor connected to the air humidity sensor input terminal, a carbon dioxide value measured by carbon dioxide sensor connected to the carbon dioxide sensor input terminal, a carbon monoxide value measured by carbon monoxide sensor connected to the carbon monoxide sensor input terminal, and a fluid temperature measured by a temperature sensor T1, T2 connected to the fluid temperature sensor input terminal; and actuator data as described above including motor activity data and valve activity data.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00525/18 | Apr 2018 | CH | national |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16968395 | Aug 2020 | US |
| Child | 18209662 | US |
