Method and devices for equalizing a group of consumers in a fluid transport system

Abstract

For the purpose of balancing (S3) a group of consumers in a fluid transport system in which each consumer is configured with a motorized regulating valve for the purpose of regulating the flow through the consumer, characteristic data for the consumer is saved (S2) which determines a valve position of the corresponding regulating valve for the target throughput through each consumer. A momentary total throughput through the group of consumers is determined (S32) by means of a common throughput sensor, and based on the momentary total throughput and a sum of the desired target throughputs through the consumers, a balancing factor is determined (S34). By setting (S31) the valve positions of the corresponding regulating valves based on the characteristic data and the balancing factor, a dynamic balancing of the consumers is carried out.

Claims

1. A method for balancing a group of consumers in a fluid transport system in which each consumer is configured with a motorized regulating valve for a purpose of regulating fluid flow through the consumer wherein the method comprises: obtaining characteristic data for a respective regulating valve of each consumer in said group of consumers by one of (1) flowing fluid through each regulating valve and measuring flow volume at each of plural valve positions of each regulating valve using a common flow sensor, such that separate sensors are not required for a purpose of measuring the flow, and (2) retrieving known data of the respective regulating valve of each consumer; storing for each consumer, the characteristic data which assigns valve positions of the respective regulating valve of the consumer to target throughputs for the respective consumer, determining a momentary total throughput through the group of consumers by means of the common flow sensor, determining a balancing factor based on the momentary total throughput and a sum of desired specified target throughputs through the consumers, and executing a dynamic balancing of the consumers by setting the valve positions of the corresponding regulating valves based on the characteristic data and the balancing factor.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized by repeated determinations of the momentary total throughput and the balancing factor, and execution of the dynamic balancing until the momentary total throughput is within a defined threshold range around the sum of the desired target throughputs.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized by detection of the characteristic data for the consumers of the group by setting the regulating valves for a first part of the consumers in a closed position, and measuring a flow through a second part of the consumers in different valve positions by means of the common flow sensor.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized by detection of the characteristic data for each consumer of the group by setting the regulating valves for the other consumers of the group in a closed position, and measuring a flow through the one consumer in different valve positions by means of the common flow sensor.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized by execution of a one-time actuation of the consumers when a maximum position is reached in at least one of the regulating valves.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized by saving of priority data for each of the consumers, and throttling of the flow through consumers with low priority, when a maximum position is reached in one of the regulating valves of a consumer with high priority.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized by reduction of the output of a fan and/or pump when a defined minimum position is reached in at least one of the regulating valves, for a purpose of preventing flow noise by a fluid.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized by the setting of the valve position of the corresponding regulating valves based on the characteristic data, the balancing factor, and when pump output is reduced and the sum of the desired target throughputs through the consumers is kept constant, with an increased degree of opening of the corresponding regulating valve up to a defined maximum position in at least one of the regulating valves.

9. A device for balancing a group of consumers in a fluid transport system, the fluid transport system having a motorized regulating valve for each consumer for a purpose of regulating fluid flow through the consumer, and the fluid transport system having a common flow sensor for a purpose of measuring a total throughput through the group of consumers such that separate sensors for each consumer for a purpose of determining the flow are not required, wherein the device comprises: a characteristic data module which is designed for obtaining characteristic data for a respective regulating valve of each consumer in said group of consumers by one of (1) flowing fluid through each regulating valve and measuring flow volume at each of plural valve positions of each regulating valve using the common flow sensor and (2) retrieving known data of the respective regulating valve of each consumer, and saving characteristic data for each of the consumers, said characteristic data determining a valve position of a respective regulating valve for each of target throughputs for each of the consumers, and a balancing module which is designed to determine the momentary total throughput through the group of consumers by means of the common flow sensor, wherein the device is operative to determine a balancing factor based on the momentary total throughput and a sum of the desired target throughputs through the consumers, and wherein the device carries out a dynamic balancing of the consumers by setting the valve positions of the corresponding regulating valves based on the characteristic data and the balancing factor.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the balancing module is designed: to make repeated determinations of the momentary total throughput and the balancing factor, and to execute the dynamic balancing until the momentary total throughput is within a defined threshold range around the sum of the desired target throughputs.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the characteristic data module is designed: to detect the characteristic data for the consumers of the group by setting the regulating valve for a first part of the consumers in a closed position, and to measure fluid flow (F) through a second part of the consumers in different valve positions by means of the common flow sensor.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the characteristic data module is designed: to detect the characteristic data for each of the consumers by setting the regulating valve for the other consumers of the group in a closed position, and to measure fluid flow (F) through the specific one of the consumers in different valve positions by means of the common flow sensor.

13. The device according to claim 9, wherein the balancing module is designed to execute a one-time actuation of the consumers when a maximum position is reached in at least one of the regulating valves.

14. The device according to claim 9, wherein the characteristic data module is designed to save priority data for each of the consumers, and the balancing module (12) is designed to throttle the flow through consumers with low priority when a maximum position is reached in one of the regulating valves of a consumer with high priority.

15. The device according to claim 9, wherein the balancing module is designed to prevent flow noise by a fluid by reducing the output of a fan and/or pump when a minimum position is reached in at least one of the regulating valves.

16. The device according to claim 9, wherein the balancing module is designed to set the valve position of corresponding regulating valves, based on the characteristic data, the balancing factor, and, when pump output is reduced and the sum of the desired target through the consumers are kept constant, with an increased degree of opening of the corresponding regulating valve up to a defined maximum position in at least one of the regulating valves.

17. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored computer program code for controlling one or more processors of a device in such a manner that the device executes a method according to one of the claims 1-8 for a purpose of balancing a group of consumers in a fluid transport system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) One embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to an example. The example of the embodiment is illustrated by the following attached figures, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1: shows a block diagram which schematically illustrates a fluid transport system having a group of consumers and a device for the dynamic balancing of the consumers,

(3) FIG. 2: shows a block diagram which schematically illustrates a fluid transport system for gaseous fluids, having a group of consumers and a device for the dynamic balancing of the consumers,

(4) FIG. 3: shows a flow chart which illustrates a sequence of steps for the dynamic balancing of a fluid transport system having a group of consumers,

(5) FIG. 4: shows a curve which illustrates the deviation of an actual flow volume of a valve from the desired flow volume.

(6) FIG. 5: shows a curve which illustrates the adjustment of a valve position utilizing the deviation of the actual flow volume from the desired flow volume, based on characteristic data of the valve.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

(7) In FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference numbers 5 and 5′ each indicate fluid transport systems having a group of multiple consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi), for example HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) fluid transport systems 5, 5′. As is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid transport systems 5, 5′ each have a machine 3 for conveying the fluids in the fluid transport system 5, 5′, particularly one or more pumps for the purpose of conveying fluids such as water, for example, or one or more fans for the purpose of conveying gaseous fluids such as air, for example.

(8) FIG. 1 illustrates the closed circulation of the fluid transport system 5, having a feed line 51 (in-flow) and an outlet line 52, for example pipe conduits. By way of example, the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) have one or multiple devices for the exchange of thermal energy, particularly heat exchangers for heating or cooling, for example heating elements, floor heaters or refrigeration units, or so-called chillers.

(9) As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) each have a regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) assigned to the same for the purpose of regulating the flow to and/or through the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) are each arranged at the in-flow (feed line 51) or the outlet flow (outlet line 52) of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) each have a controllable electric motor M which drives the respective regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii), and regulates the opening, and therefore the flow and/or flow volume, through the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) by the corresponding setting of a flow restrictor, for example a valve flap.

(10) The reference number 30 indicates a higher-level control system which generates, by way of example, individual target values for the flows Ft.sub.i (“target flow”) through the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii).

(11) As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid transport system 5, 5′ has a flow sensor 4 for the purpose of measuring the target throughput and/or total flow volume Fc.sub.total (“current total flow”) through the group of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The flow sensor 4 is preferably arranged in the outlet flow, but can be arranged in the in-flow.

(12) The fluid transport system 1′ illustrated in FIG. 2 is designed for the transport of gaseous fluids, wherein the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) are, by way of example, living spaces into which the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) feeds supply air, and/or from which the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) carry off outgoing air. A common motorized throttle valve V′ and a noise damper 7 are connected upstream of the fluid- and/or air openings regulated by the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii).

(13) Reference number 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicates a balancing device for the purpose of balancing the group of consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the fluid transport system 5, 5′. As is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the balancing device 1 has multiple functional modules, particularly one characteristic data module 11 and a balancing module 12. The functional modules are preferably programmable software modules for the purpose of controlling one or more processors of the balancing device 1. The functional modules are saved on a computer-readable medium which is permanently or removably connected to the balancing device 1. However, a person skilled in the art will understand that the functional module can be implemented in alternative embodiment variants wholly or partially by means of hardware components.

(14) The balancing device 1 is connected to the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) and/or the motors M thereof via control lines or a control bus 54 for the purpose of controlling the same. The dynamic balancing device 1 is connected to the flow sensor 4 via a measurement line or a databus 53 for the purpose of detecting the momentary total throughput and/or total flow volume Fc.sub.total through the group of the consumers (V1, V2, V2, V3, Vi). For the purpose of receiving control signals and/or control parameters, particularly target values for the individual flows Ft.sub.i through the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii), the balancing device 1 is connected to the control system 30 via a data line or a databus 55. Finally, the balancing device 1 is also connected via a control line or a control bus 56 to the throttle valve V′.

(15) In the following paragraphs, the functions of the characteristic data module 11 and the balancing module 12, as well as possible sequences of steps for the dynamic balancing of the fluid transport system 1, 1′, are described with reference to FIG. 3.

(16) In the preparatory and optional step S1, the characteristic data module 11 detects characteristic data for the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or for the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) functionally assigned to the same, each set of said characteristic data determining a valve position of the respective regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) for the target throughput for the respective consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or through the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) functionally assigned to the same. The curve fh in FIG. 5 illustrates the valve position H which must be set in order to achieve a desired target throughput and/or flow volume F for a certain regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) and/or the corresponding consumer (V1, V2, V3, Vi), by way of example. In addition, based on the curve fh, it is also possible to determine the flow and/or the flow volume F through the respective consumer (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or through the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) functionally assigned to the same, which is achieved at a certain valve position H of the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii).

(17) The characteristic data module 11 detects the characteristic data by individually testing the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) one after the other, proceeding from a closed situation in which the entire group of the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is closed. In the measurement of each regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii), the flow F achieved through the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is measured in different valve positions H, and the respective valve position Has assigned to the valve is saved. In the process, for the regulating valve i being tested, the valve position H is opened in steps proceeding from the closed position H.sub.0, by way of example—that is, a higher-value valve position H is set—and for each valve position H.sub.i of the regulating valve i, the momentary total throughput and/or flow volume F.sub.i, as measured by the flow sensor 4, is detected, which corresponds to the flow and/or flow volume F.sub.i of the regulating valve i being tested due to the closed valve position of the other regulating valves.

(18) In one embodiment variant, by way of example, if the flow through just one of the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is not in the optimal working range of the flow sensor 4, the detection of the characteristic data is carried out by testing more than one of the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) at the same time, for example by testing pairs of the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) at the same time. In the process, the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) being tested at the same time are preferably measured in each of the same valve positions—meaning at the same percent of opening in each case. Based on the characteristic data which has been collected at the same time for multiple regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii), the individual characteristic data are calculated for the individual regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) using arithmetic operations.

(19) In preparatory step S2, the characteristic data for the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is saved. In place of the dynamic detection of characteristic data in optional step S1, in an alternative embodiment variant, known characteristic data of the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is collected and saved, for example from data sheets. By means of the characteristic data, a nominal flow, an identification and/or a type identification of each of the respective consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is/are saved.

(20) In step S0, the individual target throughputs Ft.sub.i for the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) are determined in the control system 30, for example based on current sensor values and/or user requirements.

(21) In step S4, when the fluid transport system 5, 5′ is started up, or if a change in the target throughput Ft.sub.i is detected, step S3 is initiated and activated for the dynamic balancing of the fluid transport system 5, 5′ and/or the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi).

(22) In step S31, the balancing module 12 sets the valve positions of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) based on the target throughputs Ft, for the individual consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii). For this purpose, the balancing module 12 uses each set of individual characteristic data of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) and determines the valve position H.sub.i corresponding to the target throughput Ft.sub.i for each of the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) on the basis of this characteristic data, by means of the momentary, individual flow F.sub.i assigned to the respective regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) which is intended to be achieved, corresponding to the initially desired target throughput F.sub.i=Ft.sub.i. As is described below, each of the current, individual flows F.sub.i is corrected for the calculation of the valve positions H.sub.i by means of the balancing factor F′.sub.i=α.Math.F.sub.i which is set initially to α=1.

(23) In one embodiment variant, the balancing module 12 sets the valve positions of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) additionally based on an optimized use of the machine 3 which conveys the fluids. The balancing module 12 works, by way of example, as a pump optimizer for the purpose of optimizing the output of the pump. For this purpose, the valve positions of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) are increasingly opened up to a defined maximum threshold, for example 70% to 80% of the maximum opening, while the pump output is accordingly reduced in such a manner that the target throughput to be achieved remains the same. As such, it is possible to achieve the same flow and/or flow volume through each of the individual consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and the fluid transport system 5, 5′ overall at a reduced pump output.

(24) In one variant, the balancing module 12 sets the valve positions of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) additionally based on an optimized operation of the heating and/or cooling device, such that the in-flow temperature can be maximized and/or minimized, wherein at least one valve reaches a maximum position.

(25) In one embodiment variant, in addition, the balancing module 12 examines whether the valve position of at least one of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) has reached a maximum position with maximum opening, or a defined minimum position. In the process, valve positions are given, by way of example, as number values which indicate a degree of opening, for example in angular degrees or fractions, for example percents, of a corresponding control value. The maximum position and/or the defined minimum position of a consumer (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is/are saved as part of the respective characteristic data, by way of example. If a maximum position or a defined minimum position has been reached, the balancing module 12 carries out a corresponding defined one-time regulation of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii).

(26) In one variant, the one-time regulation for a detected maximum position is carried out in that the flow is throttled in the other regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) of the group in favor of the consumer (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) at the maximum position. For this purpose, priority data which is functionally assigned to each of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) is saved, for example as part of the respective characteristic data. The priority data are classification values or number values, by way of example, which indicate a high and/or low importance or a certain level in a multi-value scale. When a maximum position has been detected, the balancing module 12 therefore reduces the opening, and thereby the flow through less important consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii) which have priority data lower than the consumer (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valve (V11, V22, V33, Vii) in the maximum position.

(27) In one variant, the one-time regulation for a detected defined minimum position reduces the fan and/or pump output in the machine 3 which conveys gaseous fluids in the fluid transport system 5, 5′—that is, in the fan—for the purpose of preventing flow noise.

(28) In step S32, the balancing module 12 determines the momentary total throughput Fc.sub.total and/or the total flow volume through the group of consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii), via the flow sensor 4.

(29) In step S33, the balancing module 12 checks whether a difference exists between the achieved momentary total throughput and/or total flow volume Fc.sub.total and the sum of the target throughput

(30) $F{t}_{\mathrm{total}}=\underset{i}{.Math.}F{t}_i$
(“total target flow”) for the entire group of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and/or the regulating valves (V11, V22, V33, Vii). FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the deviation Δ of a momentary total throughput Fc from a target throughput Ft in a diagram in which the value line w shows the match between the momentary total throughput and/or the total flow volume Fc.sub.total and the sum of the target throughputs Ft.sub.total. If no deviation and/or difference exists, meaning that the momentary total throughput Fc.sub.total corresponds to the total target throughput

(31) $F{t}_{\mathrm{total}}=\underset{i}{.Math.}F{t}_i,$
and the system is in a balanced state, the change in the target throughput Ft.sub.i is waited for in step S4. Otherwise, if the momentary total throughput Fc.sub.total deviates from the desired target throughput

(32) $F{t}_{\mathrm{total}}=\underset{i}{.Math.}F{t}_i,$
for example if the difference exceeds a defined threshold, and the sum of the desired target throughput

(33) $F{t}_{\mathrm{total}}=\underset{i}{.Math.}F{t}_i$
is not within a defined boundary range about the momentary total throughput and/or the total flow volume Fc.sub.total, the balancing module continues to step S34.

(34) In step S34, the balancing module 12 determines a balancing factor

(35) $\alpha =\frac{\underset{i}{.Math.}F{t}_i}{F{c}_{\mathrm{total}}}$
on the basis of the momentary, actually achieved, measured target throughput Fc.sub.total and the desired target throughput

(36) $F{t}_{\mathrm{total}}=\underset{i}{.Math.}{\mathrm{Ft}}_i,$
said balancing factor resulting from the ratio of the desired target throughput Ft.sub.total and the actually measured momentary total throughput Fc.sub.total, and continues in step S31 with the calculation of new, corrected valve positions H′.sub.i in which the current, individual flows F.sub.i are each corrected by means of a balancing factor F′.sub.i=α.Math.F.sub.i (wherein the corrected individual flows F′.sub.i become the new current, individual flow F.sub.i in the next passage).

(37) Table 1 shows one example of evolving values (with time increasing downward through the table) in a simplified fluid transport system 5, 5′ comprising two consumers V1, V2:

(38) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Consumer V1 and/or Consumer V2 and/or Total value regulating valve V11 regulating valve V22 Fc.sub.total Ft.sub.total $\alpha =\frac{{\mathrm{Ft}}_{\mathrm{total}}}{{\mathrm{Fc}}_{\mathrm{total}}}$ F.sub.1 F′.sub.1 H.sub.1 H′.sub.1 F.sub.2 F′.sub.2 H.sub.2 H′.sub.2 50 100 2.00 60 120 20° 40° 40 80 15° 30° 80 100 1.25 120 150 40° 43° 80 100 30° 35° 91 100 1.10 150 165 43° 44° 100 110 35° 38° 100 100 1.00 165 165 44° 44° 110 110 38° 38°

(39) In one embodiment variant, temperature sensors are also arranged in the fluid transport system 5, which enable the determination of the temperature difference ΔT.sub.i=Tin.sub.i−Tout.sub.i between the input temperature Tin.sub.i and the output temperature Tout.sub.i in each of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) of the fluid fed to the same and/or flowing out of the same in the relevant device which exchanges thermal energy (the heat exchanger). By way of example, a common temperature sensor is arranged upstream of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) for the determination of the input temperature Tin.sub.i, or multiple separate temperature sensors are included in the in-flow of the individual consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The various output temperatures Tout.sub.i are each measured by separate temperature sensors in the outlet flow of the individual consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The balancing device 1 is connected to the temperature sensors and is designed to detect the input temperatures Tin.sub.i and the output temperatures Tout.sub.i of the individual consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) and to determine the temperature differences ΔT.sub.i=Tin.sub.i−Tout.sub.i for each of the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The balancing device 1 is also designed to, when a balanced state is achieved, determine the proportional, momentary energy transfer

(40) ${\mathrm{Ec}}_i=\frac{{\mathrm{Fc}}_{\mathrm{total}}.Math.{\mathrm{Ft}}_i.Math.\Delta T_i}{{\mathrm{Ft}}_{\mathrm{total}}}$
(“current total energy”) through the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi) based on the measured momentary total throughput and/or total flow volume Fc.sub.total and the individual target throughputs Ft.sub.i and temperature differences ΔT.sub.i. The balancing device 1 also determines the total energy transfer

(41) ${\mathrm{Ec}}_{\mathrm{total}}=\underset{i}{.Math.}{\mathrm{Ec}}_i$
(“current individual energy”) through the consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi). The determined total energy Ec.sub.total is employed in the balancing device 1 or in the higher-level control system 30 to regulate, and particularly to limit, the total energy Et.sub.total=f(Ec.sub.total) (“total target energy”) given off via the fluid transport system 5, 5′. As such, it is possible in the fluid transport system 5, 5′ to measure and regulate both the individual energy volumes Ec.sub.i given off in the individual consumers (V1, V2, V3, Vi), and to measure and regulate the total energy Ec.sub.total released in the fluid transport system 5, 5′, by means of measuring the throughput and/or flow volume, in one single, common flow sensor 4.

(42) Finally, it is hereby noted that, in the description, although computer program code has been assigned to specific functional modules, and the execution of steps has been portrayed in a certain sequence, a person skilled in the art will understand that the computer program code can be structured in different ways, and the sequence of at least certain steps can be modified without departing, in the process, from the subject matter for which protection is sought.