Patent Grant
9267694
This patent application claims priority of the Swiss Patent Application No. CH 00266/12 of Feb. 29, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by explicit reference for any purpose.
The invention relates to a temperature-control method for temperature control, i.e., for heating or cooling a component. Such components are, for example, a floor, a wall, or a ceiling of a living or working space; they can also be freestanding heating or cooling walls, however. A temperature-control system capable of carrying out this temperature-control method typically comprises a temperature-control device, a temperature-control arrangement, a supply line, and a return line, which are all connected to one another. This temperature-control system additionally comprises a control and regulating unit having an actuator, a supply temperature sensor, and a return temperature sensor.
In the temperature-control systems known from the prior art, the flow rate of the temperature-control fluid is typically set statically by means of mechanical flow rate actuators. The thermal actuators are designed as a two-point regulation and the energy to be delivered of a temperature-control system designed as a heating system, for example, is substantially set by a complex hydraulic equalization of the TOP meters. These TOP meters are actuators which statically set the flow rate of the temperature-control fluid in the heating circuit consisting of supply, floor heater (=temperature-control arrangement), and return. However, the installer requires characteristic variables to set the flow rate to be achieved. The characteristic variables are influenced by the pipe diameter (mud blockage) and the flow pressure (e.g., by opening and closing multiple parallel strands) of the temperature-control fluid. The supply and return temperatures resulting therefrom are further influenced by the supply temperature and the temperature of the temperature-control arrangement. In spite of experience and the application of the greatest care, only imprecise setting of the individual strands or heating circuits is therefore possible, however. Uneven heat distribution, on the one hand, or insufficient energy efficiency, on the other hand, results therefrom. Furthermore, in the case of renovations, the theoretically ascertained manipulated variables are not available and can only be ascertained with great effort. A further problem is represented by inaccurate room thermostats, which often exert a simple on/off function on such a floor heater.
Although there are approaches for more precisely ascertaining the energy consumption of heating systems (cf., e.g., DE 44 17 941 A1), up to this point concepts which could successfully remedy the substantial disadvantages of the above-described prior art have been lacking.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a temperature-control method and a temperature-control system, which is capable of carrying out this method, for heating or cooling a component, which eliminate or at least minimize the substantial disadvantages known from the prior art. It is preferable in particular for this temperature-control method to allow significantly more uniform energy delivery to components or significantly more uniform energy absorption from components and therefore to increase the comfort and the energy efficiency.
For the purpose of better comprehensibility, heating methods or heating systems are predominantly referred to hereafter in conjunction with temperature-control methods or temperature-control systems; however, these embodiments also apply accordingly for cooling methods or cooling systems.
According to a first aspect, this object is achieved by a simpler temperature-control method, as herein disclosed and claimed. This method according to the invention for the temperature control of a component is carried out using a simpler temperature-control system, which comprises:
In the proposed method, a supply temperature of the temperature-control fluid is registered using the supply temperature sensor and a return temperature of the temperature-control fluid is registered using the return temperature sensor.
According to the invention, a temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid is registered using a regulator of the controller, wherein the regulator, proceeding from this temperature difference, causes the actuator of the valve to set the degree of opening of the valve in such a manner that the mean temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid is in a predetermined value range.
Alternatively or additionally, a more complex temperature-control method having the features as herein disclosed and claimed can also be applied. This method according to the invention for controlling the temperature of a component is carried out using a more complex temperature-control system, which comprises:
The regulator registers the respective temperature differences between the common supply temperature registered by the supply temperature sensor and the 2 to n individual return temperatures of the temperature-control fluid, which are registered by the return temperature sensors. An individual temperature difference between the supply temperature and each one of the 2 to n return temperatures of the temperature-control fluid is registered using the regulator of the controller in each case. Proceeding from these individual temperature differences, the regulator causes the actuators of the 2 to n valves to set the degree of opening of these valves in such a manner that the individual mean temperature differences between the supply temperature and the respective return temperature of the temperature-control fluid are each in a predetermined value range.
According to a second aspect, this object is achieved with a simpler temperature-control system, which has the features as herein disclosed and claimed. This temperature-control system, which is capable of carrying out the temperature-control method according to the invention, comprises at least:
According to the invention, the controller comprises a regulator, which is implemented to register a temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid. The regulator is implemented such that, proceeding from this temperature difference, it causes the actuator of the valve to set the degree of opening of the valve in such a manner that the mean temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid is in a predetermined value range.
Alternatively or additionally, a more complex temperature-control system having the features as herein disclosed and claimed can also be used. This temperature-control system, which is capable of carrying out the temperature-control method according to the invention, comprises:
Further preferred refinements and features according to the invention are herein disclosed and claimed.
Advantages of the temperature-control method according to the invention or the temperature-control system according to the invention comprise the following:
The temperature-control method according to the invention and the temperature-control system according to the invention will now be explained in greater detail on the basis of schematic drawings and preferred embodiments, which are not to limit the scope of the invention, and on the basis of measurement results. In the figures:
This simpler temperature-control system 1 additionally comprises a supply line 6, via which the temperature-control device 3 is connected to the temperature-control arrangement 5 to supply the temperature-control fluid 2, and a return line 7, via which the temperature-control arrangement 5 is connected to the temperature-control device 3 to return the temperature-control fluid 2. This simpler temperature-control system 1 additionally comprises a controller 8. This controller 8 comprises a valve 9 having an actuator 10, wherein this actuator 10 is implemented to set a degree of opening of the valve 9, which is inserted in the supply line 6 or in the return line 7 of the simpler temperature-control system 1.
In addition, the controller 8 comprises a supply temperature sensor 11 and a return temperature sensor 12. This controller 8 is implemented to activate the actuator 10. The supply temperature sensor 11 is implemented to register a supply temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 and the return temperature sensor 12 is implemented to register a return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2. The controller 8 of the simpler temperature-control system 1 according to the invention further comprises a regulator 13, which is implemented to register a temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2. The regulator 13 is implemented such that, proceeding from this temperature difference, it causes the actuator 10 of the valve 9 to set the degree of opening of the valve 9 in such a manner that the mean temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 is in a predetermined value range.
When the method according to the invention is carried out, a supply temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 is registered using the supply temperature sensor 11 and a return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 is registered using the return temperature sensor 12. A temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid (2) is registered using a regulator 13, which the controller 8 comprises. Proceeding from this temperature difference, the regulator 13 causes the actuator 10 of the valve 9 to set the degree of opening of this valve 9 in such a manner that the mean temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 is in a predetermined value range.
The supply temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 is preferably registered in the supply line 6 and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 is preferably registered in the return line 7. Both temperature sensors 11,12 are particularly preferably located outside the component 4 (i.e., at the “beginning” or “end” of the temperature-control arrangement 5) and are therefore accessible at any time for maintenance work, for example. The temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature can be constant (cf.
As a refinement of the above-described temperature-control method, it is preferable for the regulator 13, as soon as it establishes that the measured supply temperature has reached a predetermined value, to cause the actuator 10 to close the valve 9. This rule is advisable in particular if, for example, when heating a living room floor 4, the regulator establishes that the supply temperature exceeds the return temperature by an excessively large value. Overheating of the living room floor can be prevented using this preferably temporary closing of the valve 9. Damage to the floor covering (for example, parquet flooring) is thus prevented, for example.
As an additional refinement of the above-described temperature-control method, it is preferable for a temperature difference between a current room temperature and a selected target temperature to be registered from temperature data, which were registered and provided using a thermostat 14 of the simpler temperature-control system 1, and that a shutoff valve 24, which is arranged in the supply line 6 or in the return line 7, to be opened or closed in accordance with a specific value of this temperature difference. This rule is advisable in particular if a two-point regulation is to be used, in order to set a maximum temperature difference of 2° C., for example, between the target temperature and the actual temperature (room temperature).
As a further refinement of the above-described temperature-control method, it is preferable for an actual temperature of a room in proximity to the component 4 to be additionally registered using the regulator 13 of the controller 8 and using a room thermometer, wherein the regulator 13, as soon as it establishes that the measured supply temperature has deviated from the actual temperature by a predetermined value range, causes the actuator 10 to close the valve 9. This rule is advisable in particular if, for example, the room temperature rises unexpectedly when heating a living room floor (for example, due to sunshine or the operation of an open fire). This value range can be adapted to the conditions and is, for example, 10° C., 5° C., or 2° C. This preferably temporary closing of the valve 9 can prevent heat from being unintentionally withdrawn from the living room floor by an excessively low supply temperature. In the case of heating, these value ranges are typically below the actual temperature; in the case of cooling, these value ranges are typically above the actual temperature.
Comparably thereto,
This more complex temperature-control system 1′ additionally comprises two return lines 7,7′ for returning the temperature-control fluid 2 from the two temperature-control arrangements 5,5′ to the temperature-control device 3.
This more complex temperature-control system 1′ further comprises two return temperature sensors 12,12′, wherein each return temperature sensor 12,12′ is arranged on or in one of the return lines 7,7′ and the supply temperature sensor 11 is arranged on or in the common supply line 6.
This more complex temperature-control system 1′ additionally comprises two valves 9,9′, which are each equipped with an actuator 10,10′ and are each inserted in a separate supply line 6,6″ after a supply manifold 23 or in one of the return lines 7,7′, preferably before an optional return manifold 23′. The actuators 10,10′ are implemented to set a degree of opening of the respective valve 9,9′ and the controller 8 is implemented to activate the actuators 10,10′.
This more complex temperature-control system 1′ can, as shown, have two temperature-control arrangements 5,5′, however, there may also be more than two (i.e., n) temperature-control arrangements. The number of return lines 7,7′, return temperature sensors 12,12′, valves 9,9′, and actuators 10,10′ consequently also rises in accordance with the number of the temperature-control arrangements, so that a number of 2 to n of all of these components can be expected in a more complex temperature-control system 1′. However, it is preferable in any case for the 2 to n temperature-control arrangements 5,5′ to be connected via a common supply line 6 to the temperature-control device 3.
If, as shown, it only has two temperature-control arrangements 5,5′, this more complex temperature-control system 1′ can comprise a supply manifold 23 or, alternatively thereto, a simple T-part for connecting the common supply line 6 to the separate supply lines 6,6″. If a more complex temperature-control system 1′ comprises more than two separate supply lines 6′,6″, a person skilled in the art will thus typically always provide a supply manifold 23. If it only has two temperature-control arrangements 5,5′, as shown, this more complex temperature-control system 1′ can have two separate return lines 7,7′; these two return lines 7, 7′ can, alternatively thereto, be connected via a return manifold 23′ or, alternatively thereto, via a simple T-part and then a common return line to the temperature-control device 3. If a more complex temperature-control system 1′ has more than two temperature-control arrangements 5,5′, a person skilled in the art will thus typically always provide a return manifold 23′.
According to the selected component configuration, the 2 to n valves 9,9′, which are each equipped with an actuator 10,10′, can each be inserted into a separate supply line 6′,6″ (shown by dotted lines in
In
For the sake of simplicity, the electrical connections between the actuators 10,10′ and the regulator 13 arranged in the temperature-control device 3 are not shown here. The regulator 13 is also electrically connected to the supply temperature sensor 11 and to the return temperature sensors 12,12′, which is illustrated here by dotted lines. The shutoff valve 24 is typically inserted into the return line 7. The controller 8 is therefore distributed onto the region outside the component 4 and a region at or inside the temperature-control device 3. In this example, a shutoff valve 24 was omitted.
The method according to the invention is carried out using such a more complex temperature-control system 1′, in that the regulator 13 registers the respective temperature differences between the common supply temperature, which is registered by the supply temperature sensor 11, and the two (in general 2 to n) individual return temperatures of the temperature-control fluid 2, which are registered by the return temperature sensors 12,12′. An individual temperature difference between the supply temperature and each one of the two (in general 2 to n) return temperatures of the temperature-control fluid 2 is registered in each case using the regulator 13 of the controller 8. Proceeding from these individual temperature differences, the regulator 13 causes the actuators 10,10′ of the two (in general 2 to n) valves 9,9′ to set the degree of opening of these valves 9,9′ in such a manner that the individual mean temperature differences between the supply temperature and the respective return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 are each in a predetermined value range.
When carrying out this temperature-control method, it can be provided that the value ranges, which are regulated by the regulator 13, of the temperature differences and flow rates in the two (in general 2 to n) temperature-control arrangements 5,5′ are different.
When carrying out this temperature-control method, it can also be provided that the predetermined value ranges of the temperature differences, which are regulated by the regulator 13, are 1° C. to 10° C., preferably 2° C. to 6° C. In addition, it can be provided that flow rates, which are regulated by the regulator 13, in the temperature-control arrangements 5,5′ are 0.2 l/min to 10 l/min.
In one exemplary embodiment of a temperature-control method according to the invention (cf.
In this example, a shutoff valve 24 was omitted. A room temperature sensor was used for measuring the room temperature, wherein this measurement result only displayed the effect of the temperature-control method, but did not influence the temperature-control method itself. An amount of 6° C. was set in the controller 8 as the temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2, whereby the regulator 13, proceeding from this temperature difference, caused the actuators 10,10′ of the valves 9,9′ of both heating circuits to set the degree of opening of the valves 9,9′ such that the mean temperature difference between the supply temperature and the return temperature of the temperature-control fluid 2 was in this predetermined value range. The flow rate of the temperature-control fluid 2 in the case of open valves 9,9′ was approximately 2.5 l/min.
The result of this temperature-control method, which was carried out on a living room floor having two heating circuits, is shown in
This example shows that the temperature of a living room can be very exactly regulated using this relatively simple temperature-control method in spite of different outside temperatures.
It is therefore obvious from
In the context of the present invention, the temperature-control fluid 2 is understood as any liquid, any gas, and any gas-liquid mixture which can be used for heating (supplying energy) and/or for cooling (dissipating energy) and therefore also for transporting energy or heat. In floor heaters, for example, a water-antifreeze mixture can be used, and in cooling circuits a liquid having a high vaporization heat capacity is often used. For example, a pellet, gas, or oil burner having a heating boiler or a cooling assembly having a coolant container come into consideration as the temperature-control devices 3.
In the context of the present invention, one floor or multiple floors, one or more walls, and/or one ceiling or multiple ceilings of living or working spaces can be considered as the component 4 to be controlled in temperature. These components can also be present in storage spaces or in exhibition spaces, for example. However, these components can also be implemented as freestanding, suspended, or horizontal heating or cooling walls.
Lines for conducting temperature-control fluids, such as pipes and the like, are considered to be the exemplary fluidic connection in the temperature-control systems 1,1′ here. Electrical cables for conducting electrical signals, but also wireless connections for transmitting electronic data or signals, are considered to be the exemplary electrical connections in the temperature-control systems 1,1′ here.
The valves 9,9′ are preferably implemented as flow rate regulating valves and preferably always have a minimal degree of opening in the open state, which causes a minimum flow rate of the temperature-control fluid 2 of 0.1 to 2 l/min. In addition, the actuators 10,10′ preferably comprise spring-loaded plungers. Actuators 10,10′ which each comprise an electrical heater and an actuator cartridge having temperature-dependent volume, which is closed per se, are especially preferred.
Identical reference signs refer to corresponding device features.
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