Abstract
A method of controlling a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system including a fluid transportation network that includes one or more network sections, each network section being connected to a fluid transportation circuit through respective supply lines and return lines, each network section including plural parallel zones, includes arranging a pressure regulating device in the supply lines and/or respective return lines of the network sections, arranging flow regulating devices in the zones of the network sections, measuring a remote differential pressure of the fluid in a first zone of the plurality of zones of each of the network sections, and controlling, by a controller, the pressure regulating devices of each network section to maintain the measured remote differential pressure within a specified differential pressure range.
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A method of controlling a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system comprising a fluid transportation network that comprises one or more network sections, each network section being connected to a fluid transportation circuit through respective supply lines and return lines, each network section comprising a plurality of parallel zones, the method comprising: arranging a pressure regulating device in the supply lines and/or respective return lines of the network sections; arranging flow regulating devices in the zones of the network sections; measuring a remote differential pressure of the fluid in a first zone of the plurality of zones of each of the network sections; and controlling, by a controller, the pressure regulating devices of each network section to maintain the measured remote differential pressure within a specified differential pressure range.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein one or more of the flow regulating devices are pressure-invariant regulating devices configured to implement the respective zones as pressure independent branches of the respective network section.
21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of arranging a pressure sensor for measurement of the remote differential pressure in the first zone, the first zone having a highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones within the respective network section of the one or more network sections.
22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: determining a fluid resistance of each of plurality of zones within the respective network section; and determining the first zone with the highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones within the respective network section based on the fluid resistance of each of plurality of zones.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein determining a fluid resistance of each of the plurality of zones comprises one or more of: calculating the fluid resistance of the zones mathematically based on their geometries; setting one or more flow regulating devices arranged in one or more of the zones to their respective fully open setting and measuring a zone pressure in each of the plurality of zones for determining the first zone with highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones within the respective network section; and/or successively closing the flow regulating devices in all but one selected zone of the plurality of parallel zones of the network sections to determine a fluid pressure in the selected zone.
24. The method according to claim 21, wherein arranging pressure sensors for measurement of the remote differential pressure in the first zone comprises arranging the pressure sensors such as to measure a differential pressure between a zone supply line and a zone return line of the first zone.
25. The method according to claim 21, wherein arranging pressure sensors for measurement of the remote differential pressure in the first zone comprises arranging the pressure sensors such as to measure a differential pressure over the flow regulating device in the first zone.
26. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: measuring section flow rates using section flow sensors arranged in the supply lines or respective return lines of one or more of the network sections; and controlling, by the controller, the flow regulating devices in the first zoneshaving a highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zonessuch as to maintain the section flow rates above a minimum flow rate.
27. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: measuring a section flow rate in the supply lines or respective return lines of each of the network sections; arranging a bypass flow regulating device at a location of highest fluid resistance within the respective network section; and controlling, by the controller, the bypass flow regulating device such as to maintain the section flow rate above a minimum flow rate.
28. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: measuring a fluid temperature at the respective supply lines and/or return lines of each network section; and adjusting the minimum flow rate in accordance with the measured fluid temperature.
29. The method according to claim 24, further comprising compensating the specified differential pressure range by a pressure compensation value if a current position pos1 of the flow regulating device in the first zone is below a minimum opening threshold.
30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising determining the pressure compensation value based on an estimated differential pressure in a second zone having a second highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones within the respective network section.
31. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: determining current positions of the flow regulating device of each of the zones, the current positions being indicative of opening of the respective flow regulating device at a given time; controlling, by the controller, a power level of fluid flow generators such as a pumping power of pumps of the fluid transportation circuit in accordance with the current positions.
32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising: determining a currently most open position and/or currently least open position amongst the positions of the flow regulating devices of each of the zones; reducing the power level of the fluid flow generators if the most open position is below a lower opening limit and/or increasing the power level of the fluid flow generator if the currently least open position exceeds an upper opening limit.
33. The method according to claim 32, further comprising: arranging zone flow rate sensors in each of the zones of the network sections; measuring an actual flow rate through the respective zone using the zone flow rate sensors; disregarding, from determining the currently most open position, positions of the flow regulating devices arranged in zones where the actual flow rate is below a flow rate threshold.
34. The method according to claim 19, wherein one or more of the flow regulating devices are implemented as six-way valves configured to couple each zone alternatively to a first fluid transportation circuit or to a second fluid transportation circuit.
35. A Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system comprising: a fluid transportation network having one or more network sections, each network section being connected to a fluid transportation circuit through respective supply lines and return lines, each network section comprising a plurality of parallel zones; a flow regulating device arranged in each of the zones of the network sections; a pressure regulating device arranged in the supply lines and/or respective return lines of each of the network sections; and a controller, wherein the HVAC system is configured to carry out the method according to claim 19.
36. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller of a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, causes the controller to execute the method according to claim 19.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings which show:
[0035] FIG. 1: a highly schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 2: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, wherein the pressure sensor(s) for the measurement of a pressure within the respective zone is arranged to measure a differential pressure between the zone supply line and the zone return line of the respective zone;
[0037] FIG. 3: a flowchart depicting steps of a first embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system comprising a fluid transportation network according to the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 4: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, further comprising a flow sensor arranged in the return line of the network section;
[0039] FIG. 5: a flowchart depicting steps of a further embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system comprising a fluid transportation network according to the present disclosure, further comprising measuring a section flow rate and maintaining the section flow rate above a minimum flow rate;
[0040] FIG. 6: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, further comprising a bypass flow regulating device at a location of highest fluid resistance within each network section;
[0041] FIG. 7: a flowchart depicting steps of a further embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system comprising a fluid transportation network according to the present disclosure, further comprising controlling a bypass flow regulating device to maintain a minimum section flow rate;
[0042] FIG. 8: a flowchart depicting steps of a further embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system comprising a fluid transportation network according to the present disclosure, further comprising steps for operating a fluid flow generator of the fluid transportation circuit(s) efficiently;
[0043] FIG. 9: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, comprising a plurality of network sections, each network section being connected to a fluid transportation circuit through respective supply line(s) and return line(s), each network section comprising a plurality of parallel zones;
[0044] FIG. 10A: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, comprising a plurality of fluid transportation circuits within a network section;
[0045] FIG. 10B: a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, comprising a plurality of fluid transportation circuits within a network section;
[0046] FIG. 11: a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow regulating device comprising a six-way valve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. Reference numerals are indexed in case of a plurality of like components. For example an index .sub.1-n or .sub.a-z is used to refer to any one of a plurality of components ranging from 1 to n, or from a to z. When any one of a plurality of indexed components is referred to explicitly, the same component is referred to by its index and also a specific identifier. For example, a first zone is labeled by its index Z.sub.1 as well as Z.sub.maxRes due to the fact that it is the zone with the highest fluid resistance.
[0048] FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10 (in the following referred to as all block diagrams) each show highly schematic block diagrams of embodiments of an HVAC system 1 according to the present disclosure. In the figures, a fluid transportation network 100, e.g. a hydraulic or hydronic network, either comprises a single network section F (in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6) or a plurality of network sections F.sub.a-z (in FIG. 9). Each network section F, F.sub.a-z in turn comprises a plurality of parallel zones Z.sub.1-n respectively Z.sub.a-z,1-n. A controller 20 is communicatively coupled to sensors and actuated devices within the HVAC system 1 in order to gain measured values and control actuated devices, i.e. regulate the HVAC system 1. The controller 20 may be a separate device, a plurality of devices and/or implemented in one or more HVAC field devices of the HVAC system 1, such as in the flow regulating device(s) PI.sub.1-n, P.sub.a-z,1-n, pressure regulating device(s) PR, PR.sub.a-z, and/or pressure sensor SP, SP.sub.a-z, SP.sub.H, SP.sub.C, section flow sensor(s) SF, SF.sub.a-z.
[0049] According to embodiments disclosed herein, sensors within the HVAC system 1 can comprise pressure sensors SP, SP.sub.a-z, SP.sub.H, SP.sub.C (in all block diagrams) and flow sensors SF, SF.sub.a-z (in FIGS. 4 and 9), and actuated devices can comprise pressure regulating devices PR, PR.sub.a-z, (in all block diagrams), flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z,1-n (in all block diagrams), a fluid flow generator P (in all block diagrams) such as a pump or fan and bypass flow regulating devices PI.sub.Bypass, PI.sub.Bypass, a-z (in FIG. 6).
[0050] The following sections describe the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 having a single network section F in the fluid transportation network 100. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a network section F connected to a fluid transportation circuit C through a supply line LS and a return line LR. A pressure regulating device PR is arranged in the return line LR of the network section F. While not shown in the figures, alternatively or additionally, the pressure regulating device PR might also be arranged in the supply line LS. The pressure regulating device PR comprises a control valve for regulating the pressure in the return line LR by varying an opening of an orifice. While not shown on the figures, the valves of the pressure regulating device PR are actuated by an actuator, typically comprising an electric motor drivingly connected to a shaft of a valve element for adjusting a position. Alternatively, or additionally, the pressure regulating device PR is connectable to a fluid flow generator P (a pump in case of a liquid fluid), the pressure regulating device PR being configured to regulate the pressure by adjustment of a power level of the pump.
[0051] The network section F comprises a plurality of parallel zones Z.sub.1-n. As illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the zones Z.sub.1-n is connected to the supply line LS and the return line LR via the zone supply line ZLS.sub.1-n respectively the zone return line ZLR.sub.1-n and comprises one or more thermal energy exchangers 80.sub.1-n, e.g. heat exchangers for heating the zone Z.sub.1-n or chillers for cooling the zone Z.sub.1-n. In order to be able to independently regulate the flow rate .sub.1-n of the fluid in the zones Z.sub.1-n, flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n are arranged in the zones Z.sub.1-n. In the embodiments depicted in the figures, the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n comprise flow regulating valves configured to regulate the fluid flow by varying an opening of an orifice. While not shown in the figures, the valves of the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n are actuated by an actuator, typically comprising an electric motor drivingly connected to a shaft of a valve element for adjusting a valve position of the flow regulating device.
[0052] The HVAC system 1 further comprises a pressure sensor SP configured and arranged for measurement of the remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem in the first zone Z.sub.1=Z.sub.maxRes, the first zone Z.sub.maxRes, having a highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n, within the respective network section F, of the one or more network sections F.
[0053] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensor(s) SP for the measurement of a pressure within the respective zone is arranged to measure a differential pressure between the zone supply line ZLS.sub.1-n and the zone return line ZLR.sub.1-n of the respective zone Z.sub.1-n.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a variant of the first embodiment of an HVAC system according to the present disclosure, wherein the pressure sensor SP is arrangedin the first zone Z.sub.1=Z.sub.maxRes downstream from the thermal energy exchanger 80.sub.1 to measure a differential pressure over the flow regulating device PI.sub.1
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressure sensor SP for measurement of the remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem is arranged in the first zone Z.sub.maxRes, the first zone Z.sub.maxRes having a highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n within the respective network section F. In the depicted figures, the zone with the highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n is the first zone Z.sub.maxRes situated the furthest downstream from the supply line LS of the respective network section F. Nevertheless, the zone with the highest fluid resistance may be located elsewhere, depending on the geometry of the network section F.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 3, steps of a first embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system 1 comprising a fluid transportation network 100 according to the present disclosure shall be described. In a first step S10 a pressure regulating device PR, PR.sub.a-z is arranged in the supply lines LS, LS.sub.a-z and/or respective return lines LR, LR.sub.a-z of each of the network sections F, F.sub.a-z. In particular, the pressure regulating device PR, PR.sub.a-z comprises a control valve or a control damper for regulating the pressure in the supply lines LS, LS.sub.a-z and/or respective return lines LR, LR.sub.a-z by varying an opening of an orifice. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure regulating device PR, PR.sub.a-z comprises or is connectable to a fluid flow generator P, such as a pump or fan, the pressure regulating device PR, PR.sub.a-z being configured to regulate the pressure by adjustment of a pumping power of the pump or a fan speed of the fan.
[0057] In a step S20, flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z,1-n are arranged in the zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n of the network sections F, F.sub.a-z configured and arranged to regulate the flow of a fluid through the respective zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n.
[0058] In a step S30, the fluid resistance of all zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n are determined, either mathematically based on geometries of the respective zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n and/or by setting the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z.1-n to their respective fully open setting and measuring a zone pressure in each of the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n and/or by successively closing flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z.1-n in all but one selected zone Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n to determine the fluid pressure in the selected zone.
[0059] In a step S40, a pressure sensor SP, SP.sub.a-z, SP.sub.H, SP.sub.C is arranged for measurement of the remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem,a-z in the first zone Z.sub.1=Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes.a-z, the first zone Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes.a-z having a highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z.1-n within the respective network section F, F.sub.a-z of the one or more network sections F, F.sub.a-z. The pressure sensor SP, SP.sub.a-z, SP.sub.H, SP.sub.C is arrangedin the first zone Z.sub.1downstream from the thermal energy exchanger 80.sub.1 80.sub.a-z,1 to measure a differential pressure over the flow regulating device PI.sub.1, P.sub.a-z,1 (as described in FIG. 1) or arranged to measure a differential pressure between the zone supply line ZLS.sub.1-n, ZLS.sub.1-n,a-z and the zone return line ZLR.sub.1-n, ZLR.sub.1-n,a-z (as described in FIG. 2) of the respective zone Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.1-n,a-z.
[0060] In a further step S50, a remote differential pressure of the fluid dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem.a-z in the first zone Z.sub.1=Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes.a-z (having the highest fluid resistance of the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.1-n,a-z) is measured using the pressure sensor SP, SP.sub.a-z, SP.sub.H, SP.sub.C.
[0061] Having measured the remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem.a-z in the first zone Z.sub.1=Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes.a-z (having the highest fluid resistance of the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.1-n,a-z), in a step S60, the pressure regulating device PR, PR.sub.a-z is then controlled, by the controller 20, to maintain the measured remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem.a-z within a specified differential pressure range, in particular above a specified minimum pressure, typically such as to reach or maintain specified differential pressure setpoint within the specified differential pressure range.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system 1 according to the present disclosure, further comprising a flow sensor SF arranged in the return line LR of the network section F. It might also be arranged in the supply line LS or in both the supply line LS and the return line LR.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart depicting steps of a further embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system 1 comprising a fluid transportation network 100 according to the present disclosure. In addition to the steps depicted on FIG. 3, in a step S70, a section flow rate S.sub.a-z is measured in using a flow sensor SF, SF.sub.a-z arranged in the supply line LS, LS.sub.a-z and/or the return line LR, LR.sub.a-z of the network section F, F.sub.a-z. Based on the measurement of the section flow rate S.sub.a-z, in a step S80A, the flow regulating device PI.sub.1, PI.sub.1,a-z in the first zone Z.sub.1=Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes.a-z of highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.1-n, a-z is controlledsuch as to maintain the section flow rate(s) S.sub.a-z above a minimum flow rate.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system 2 according to the present disclosure, further comprising a bypass flow regulating device PI.sub.Bypass at a location of highest fluid resistance within each network section F. As shown on FIG. 6, the bypass flow regulating device PI.sub.Bypass is arranged at a location of highest fluid resistance within the network section F, even higher than the fluid resistance in any one of the flow regulated zone Z.sub.1-n (i.e. zones comprising a flow regulating device PI.sub.1-n). The controller 20, controls the bypass flow regulating device PI.sub.Bypass such as to maintain the section flow rate S.sub.a-z above a minimum flow rate. In other words, the bypass flow regulating device PI.sub.Bypass opened in order to ensure a minimum section flow rate S.sub.a-z despite the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n of the zones Z.sub.1-n being closed.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart depicting steps of a further embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system 1 comprising a fluid transportation network 100 according to the present disclosure. In addition to the steps described in relation with FIG. 3 and similar to FIG. 5, based on the measurement of the section flow rate S.sub.a-z of step S70, in a step S80B the bypass flow regulating device PI.sub.Bypass, PI.sub.Bypass, a-z is controlled such as to maintain the section flow rate S.sub.a-z above a minimum flow rate, thereby ensuring that each zone Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.1-n,a-z operates in the specified differential pressure range and at the same time it ensured that a minimum flow of fluid flows through the network section F, F.sub.a-z.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart depicting steps of a further embodiment of a method of controlling an HVAC system 1 comprising a fluid transportation network 100 according to the present disclosure. In addition to steps S10 to S40 also depicted in FIG. 3, FIG. 8 further comprises steps for operating a fluid flow generator P of the fluid transportation circuit(s) C, C.sub.a-z efficiently. In a step S90, current valve (or damper) positions pos.sub.1-n of the flow regulating device PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z,1-n of each of the zones Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.1-n, a-z is determined, the current positions pos.sub.1-n being indicative of opening of the respective flow regulating device PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z,1-n. In a first substep S92 of step S90, a currently most open position pos.sub.max amongst the positions pos.sub.1-n of all of the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n of each of the zones Z.sub.1-n is determined. In a second alternative or additional substep S94 of step S90, a currently least open position pos.sub.min amongst the current positions pos.sub.1-n of all of the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n of each of the zones Z.sub.1-n is determined.
[0067] Thereafter, in a step S100, a power level of fluid flow generator(s) Psuch as a pumping power of a pump of the fluid transportation circuit C, C.sub.a-zis controlled in accordance with the current positions pos.sub.1-n. In a substep S202 of step S100, the power level of the fluid flow generator(s) P, P.sub.a-z is reduced if the currently most open position pos.sub.max is below a lower opening limit. In an alternative or additional substep S204 of step S100, the power level of the fluid flow generator(s) P is increased if the currently least open position pos.sub.min exceeds an upper opening limit.
[0068] FIG. 9 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of an HVAC system 1 according to the present disclosure. The fluid transportation network 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 comprises a plurality of network sections F.sub.1-n each connected to a fluid transportation circuit C.sub.a-z through a supply line LS.sub.a-z and a return line LR.sub.a-z. Each network section F.sub.a-z comprises a plurality of parallel zones Z.sub.a-z.1-n. Each of the zones Z.sub.a-z.1-n comprises one or more thermal energy exchangers 80.sub.a-z,1-n, e.g. heat exchangers for heating the zone Z.sub.a-z.1-n or chillers for cooling the zone Z.sub.a-z.1-n. Furthermore, pressure regulating devices PR.sub.a-z are arranged in the return lines LR.sub.a-z of each network section F.sub.a-z. In order to be able to independently regulate the flow rate .sub.1-n, .sub.a-z.1-n of the fluid in the zones Z.sub.a-z.1-n, flow regulating devices PI.sub.a-z.1-n are arranged in the zones Z.sub.a-z.1-n. The HVAC system 1 further comprises pressure sensors SP.sub.a-z configured and arranged for measurement of the remote differential pressures dp.sub.Rem,a-z in the first zones Z.sub.maxRes, a-z, the first zones Z.sub.maxRes, a-z each having a highest fluid resistance amongst the plurality of zones Z.sub.a-z.1-n within the respective network section F.sub.a-z. Furthermore, flow sensors SF.sub.a-z are arranged in the return lines LR.sub.a-z of each network section F.sub.a-z.
[0069] FIGS. 10A and 10B show highly schematic block diagrams of further embodiments of an HVAC system 1 according to the present disclosure, comprising a plurality of fluid transportation circuits C.sub.H, C.sub.C within one network section F. In order to allow a zone Z.sub.1-n to be alternatively coupled to two fluid transportation circuits C.sub.H, C.sub.C, such as a first fluid transportation circuit C.sub.H for supplying thermal energy (heating) or to a second fluid transportation circuit C.sub.C for extracting thermal energy (cooling), the flow regulating device(s) PI.sub.1-n comprises a six-way valve(s). In FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first fluid transportation circuit C.sub.H is depicted with double lines, while the second fluid transportation circuit C.sub.C is depicted with single lines. The zone supply and return lines ZLS.sub.n and ZLR.sub.n are depicted in single lines as well, but are part of both of the alternative fluid transportation circuits C.sub.H, C.sub.C.
[0070] In the embodiments shown on FIGS. 10A and 10B, the six-way valve(s) are provided in addition to the flow regulating valves of the flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n, which are configured and controlled for regulating the flow rate .sub.1-n of the fluid.
[0071] In an alternative embodimentshown on FIG. 10Bthe six-way valve(s) are provided as flow regulating devices PI.sub.1-n, the six-way valves being configured to both regulate the flow rate .sub.1-n of the fluid and to alternatively couple the zone Z.sub.1-n to the first fluid transportation circuit C.sub.H or to the second fluid transportation circuit C.sub.C.
[0072] In the embodiment depicted on FIG. 10B, a pressure sensor SP.sub.H is arranged for measurement of the remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem.a-z over the first zone Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes,a-z when connected to the first fluid transportation circuit C.sub.H and a second pressure sensor SP.sub.C is arranged for measurement of the remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem.a-z over the first zone Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes,a-z when connected to the second fluid transportation circuit C.sub.C.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, the six-way valves PI.sub.1-n each comprise a first fluid input port I.sub.1, a second fluid input port I.sub.2, a fluid output port O, a fluid return input port RI, a first fluid return output port RO.sub.1 and a second fluid return output port RO.sub.2. The first fluid input port I.sub.1 and the first fluid return output port RO.sub.1 are fluidically connected to a supply line LS.sub.H respectively a return line LR.sub.H of the (first) fluid transportation circuit C.sub.H, while the second fluid input port I.sub.2 and the second fluid return output port RO.sub.2 are fluidically connected to a second supply line LS.sub.C respectively a second return line LR.sub.C of the second transportation circuit C.sub.C. The fluid output port O and the fluid return input port RI are fluidically connected with the heat exchanger 80.sub.1-n.
REFERENCE LIST
[0074] fluid transportation network 100 [0075] network sections (of fluid transportation network) F, F.sub.a-z [0076] fluid transportation circuit C, C.sub.a-z, C.sub.H, C.sub.C [0077] supply line (of fluid transportation circuit) LS, LS.sub.a-z [0078] return line (of fluid transportation circuit) LR, LR.sub.a-z [0079] parallel zones (of network section(s)) Z.sub.1-n, Z.sub.a-z,1-n [0080] zone supply line ZLS.sub.1-n, ZLS.sub.a-z.1-n [0081] zone return line ZLR.sub.1-n, ZLR.sub.a-z.1-n [0082] first zone (with highest fluid resistance) Z.sub.maxRes, Z.sub.maxRes,a-z [0083] thermal energy exchanger 80.sub.1-n, 80.sub.a-z,1-n [0084] flow regulating device PI.sub.1-n, PI.sub.a-z.1-n [0085] pressure regulating device PR, PR.sub.a-z [0086] remote differential pressure dp.sub.Rem, dp.sub.Rem.a-z [0087] controller 20 [0088] pressure sensor SP, SP.sub.a-z, SP.sub.H, SP.sub.C [0089] section flow sensor SF, SF.sub.a-z [0090] fluid flow generator P
