EP4198404A1 - A leakage control system for heating installations - Google Patents
A leakage control system for heating installations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4198404A1 EP4198404A1 EP22211658.4A EP22211658A EP4198404A1 EP 4198404 A1 EP4198404 A1 EP 4198404A1 EP 22211658 A EP22211658 A EP 22211658A EP 4198404 A1 EP4198404 A1 EP 4198404A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- control system
- control unit
- operating pressure
- leakage control
- leakage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
- F24H15/12—Preventing or detecting fluid leakage
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
- F24D3/10—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system
- F24D3/1083—Filling valves or arrangements for filling
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/238—Flow rate
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
- F24H15/242—Pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/305—Control of valves
- F24H15/31—Control of valves of valves having only one inlet port and one outlet port, e.g. flow rate regulating valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
- F24H15/395—Information to users, e.g. alarms
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
- F24H15/40—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers
- F24H15/414—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based
- F24H15/45—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based remotely accessible
- F24H15/464—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the type of controllers using electronic processing, e.g. computer-based remotely accessible using local wireless communication
Definitions
- the present invention relates to leakage control systems for heating installations.
- Heating installations based on, for the consumer local, but central heat exchangers, boilers or the like require continuous monitoring so that the secondary side of the heating circuit does not achieve a too low operating pressure over time. Dropping operating pressures may be due to leakage or the like.
- the situation presents two primary challenges, both of which result from a secondary heating circuit with a too low operating pressure.
- the objective of the present invention is to achieve a continuous monitoring ensuring that the secondary side of the installation is continuously supplied with the required amount of medium so that the correct operating pressure is maintained.
- a first aspect of the present invention relates to a leakage control system for alerting of leakages in connection with refilling a secondary circuit of a central heating installation, wherein the secondary circuit of the central heating installation comprises:
- control unit is further configured to calculate the current operating pressure in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation based on input from the pressure transmitter. In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to give an alarm if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure.
- control unit is further configured to receive flow signals from the flow meter. In one or more embodiments, based on the received flow signals from the flow meter, the control unit is further configured to determine and log the volume of medium that is refilled in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation via the filling pipe, for example in response to the above-mentioned alarm.
- a second aspect of the present invention relates to a leakage control system for alerting of leakage in connection with refilling the secondary circuit of a central heating installation, wherein the secondary circuit of the central heating installation comprises:
- control unit based on input from the pressure transmitter, is configured to calculate the supplied volume of medium that is required to increase the operating pressure in the secondary heating circuit to a given level.
- control unit is further configured to give an alarm if the current operating pressure is above a predefined maximum operating pressure.
- the leakage control system further comprises an electric actuator operated valve adapted for controlling the flow, such as opening or closing the flow, of medium via the filling pipe.
- control unit is further configured to, based on input from the pressure transmitter, via the electric actuator, open or close the valve.
- control unit is configured for automatic filling of the secondary circuit of the central heating installation with medium via the valve if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure.
- control unit is configured to generate an alarm if the filled volume of medium exceeds the limit for a single filling.
- the electric actuator is configured for remote control.
- the electric actuator comprises a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly receive controlling signals for the electric actuator.
- control unit based on input from the pressure transmitter, if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure, the control unit is configured to stop the circulation pump, for example via a relay.
- the leakage control system can compare the measured operating pressure with preselected limits for minimum pressure, insufficient pressure, sufficient pressure, high pressure, and dangerous pressure, and arranges indicators on the front plate of the system and alarm response accordingly.
- the leakage control system can compare the filled volume with preselected limits for single fillings and total daily fillings and arranges indicators on the front plate of the system and alarm response accordingly.
- the leakage control system can compare the interval between fillings with a fixed minimum time and arranges indicators on the front plate of the system and alarm response accordingly.
- the leakage control system can be equipped with a shutoff valve in the feed pipe for refilling so that such a refilling can be initiated and terminated by means of this.
- the leakage control system can be requested to be initiated and terminated by pressing a key on the front plate of the system.
- the leakage control system can be requested to be initiated and terminated during remote control by issuing certain commands via a communication system.
- the leakage control system can be terminated automatically when the operating pressure has reached a sufficient value.
- the leakage control system can be initiated automatically when the operating pressure has dropped to an insufficient value.
- System as above characterized in that refillings can be rejected outside fixed periods of time and days of the week.
- the leakage control system will be configured to record pressure (p) for each refilling at the beginning and end of a filling and filled quantity or volume (v) and thereby calculate and record the characteristic elasticity (E) of the installation, which is logged for each filling.
- the leakage control system before each filling, based on the recorded elasticity of the installation, the leakage control system will be configured to calculate the volume required to be supplied to bring the operating pressure from the current to a predefined desired value.
- the leakage control system can also be configured to ensure that the supplied volume during filling does not exceed the thus calculated volume significantly og alarm in the case of significant excess.
- control unit based on input from the pressure transmitter and the flow meter, preferably during a refill operation, the control unit is, configured to calculate and log the characteristic elasticity of the installation.
- control unit is configured to calculate a required amount of water for a future refilling.
- control unit is configured to control that the filled amount of water recorded on the flow meter does not exceed the calculated amount of water for the mentioned future refilling with a predefined limit value.
- control unit is configured to give an alarm if the mentioned calculated amount of water exceeds the mentioned predefined limit value.
- Figure 1 System according to one or more embodiments of the invention.
- Figure 1 describes a system 1 according to one or more embodiments of the invention.
- the electric actuator 10 is constituted by a handle operatively connected to an actuator (manual actuator).
- the filling pipe 6 can either be connected to a district heating supply or to a water supply for domestic use, in which cases the nonreturn valve 9 can be in the form of a proper nonreturn control.
- the control unit 2 is configured to receive flow signals from the flow meter 7 and - if the system is designed with automation - to provide a command signal for the shutoff valve 8.
- the control unit 2 is further configured to calculate the current operating pressure based on input from the pressure transmitter 5.
- a static ultrasound meter with current pulse output is used.
- current pulses it is ensured that consumption is recorded immediately after it has passed the meter 7.
- a pressure transmitter 5 is used that allows measurement of the real current pressure at the time of measurement so that all calculations are made by the control unit 2.
- a number of predefined limit values are used that aim at remedying a low operating pressure concurrent with monitoring leakage indicating drops in operating pressure.
- the leakage control 1 is based on measurement of the supplied volume that is required to increase the operating pressure in the secondary heating circuit to a given level.
- the leakage control can operate in three ways:
- the leakage control 1 allows remote manually controllable filling by means of connecting to the suitable remote control system.
- the communication between the leakage control and the remote control system can, for example, be performed as an "always-on" wireless communication channel that ensures the possibility of continuous monitoring and "near real-time" remote control of the leakage control 1 regardless of the physical location of the operator.
- the combination of "always-on” and “near real-time” ensures that the operator can follow an ongoing filling continuously - regardless of whether it is manually or automatically initiated - just as it gives the operator the opportunity to stop a filing if the operator deems this necessary.
- the communication between the leakage control 1 and the remote control system is based on publicly available communication networks. There is an inherent risk in the absence of availability on the public communication network that is countered by the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) - regardless of whether the question is of a manually or automatically initiated filling - autonomously closing the valve 8 when a predefined and adjustable filling amount has been being filled or when the pressure limit 'sufficient' has been reached.
- the valve 8 can be configured to autonomously close in the event of failure in the supply voltage.
- the leakage control 1 (for example via the control unit 2) logs its activity for documentation purposes as follows:
- Time limits Minimum interval: The minimum time that must elapse between two consecutive fillings.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a leakage control system for alerting of leakages in connection with refilling a secondary circuit of a central heating installation.
Description
- The present invention relates to leakage control systems for heating installations.
- Heating installations based on, for the consumer local, but central heat exchangers, boilers or the like require continuous monitoring so that the secondary side of the heating circuit does not achieve a too low operating pressure over time. Dropping operating pressures may be due to leakage or the like.
- When a heating circuit is maintained by a wider group of employees, the person responsible for the heating circuit runs the risk of overlooking a leakage in the secondary heating circuit, as several employees, independent of each other, possibly fill the secondary heating circuit with medium. In addition, there is an inherent risk of error in carrying out the task, as the correct filling of medium depends on human interaction and interpretation of "correct" procedure. Thus, a human action is required to partly initiate and partly terminate the filling of medium into the secondary heating circuit.
- Thus, the situation presents two primary challenges, both of which result from a secondary heating circuit with a too low operating pressure. In part, there is a challenge for connected operating equipment - for example circulation pump - as these are directly negatively affected by low operating pressure. In part, it is a challenge that the manual process, which should lead to remedying the low operating pressure, increases the risk of overlooking a leakage in the secondary heating circuit.
- The objective of the present invention is to achieve a continuous monitoring ensuring that the secondary side of the installation is continuously supplied with the required amount of medium so that the correct operating pressure is maintained.
- A first aspect of the present invention relates to a leakage control system for alerting of leakages in connection with refilling a secondary circuit of a central heating installation, wherein the secondary circuit of the central heating installation comprises:
- a filling pipe;
- a supply pipe;
- a return pipe; and
- a circulation pump, advantageously mounted in the supply pipe;
- a pressure transmitter operatively connected to the return pipe;
- a flow meter operatively connected to the filling pipe;
- a nonreturn valve or nonreturn control integrated in the filling pipe;
- optionally, a manually or electrically operated valve adapted for controlling the flow, such as opening or closing the flow, of medium via the filling pipe; and
- a control unit operatively connected to the pressure transmitter and the flow meter.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to calculate the current operating pressure in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation based on input from the pressure transmitter. In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to give an alarm if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to receive flow signals from the flow meter. In one or more embodiments, based on the received flow signals from the flow meter, the control unit is further configured to determine and log the volume of medium that is refilled in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation via the filling pipe, for example in response to the above-mentioned alarm.
- A second aspect of the present invention relates to a leakage control system for alerting of leakage in connection with refilling the secondary circuit of a central heating installation, wherein the secondary circuit of the central heating installation comprises:
- a filling pipe;
- a supply pipe;
- a return pipe; and
- a circulation pump, advantageously mounted in the supply pipe;
- a pressure transmitter operatively connected to the return pipe;
- a flow meter operatively connected to the filling pipe;
- a nonreturn valve or nonreturn control integrated in the filling pipe;
- optionally, a manually or electrically operated valve adapted for controlling the flow, such as opening or closing the flow, of medium via the filling pipe; and
- a control unit operatively connected to the pressure transmitter and the flow meter, wherein the control unit is further configured to calculate the current operating pressure in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation based on input from the pressure transmitter and give an alarm if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure; and wherein the control unit is configured to receive flow signals from the flow meter and based thereon determine and log the volume of medium that is refilled in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation via the filling pipe, for example in response to the above-mentioned alarm.
- In one or more embodiments, based on input from the pressure transmitter, the control unit is configured to calculate the supplied volume of medium that is required to increase the operating pressure in the secondary heating circuit to a given level.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to give an alarm if the current operating pressure is above a predefined maximum operating pressure.
- In one or more embodiments, the leakage control system further comprises an electric actuator operated valve adapted for controlling the flow, such as opening or closing the flow, of medium via the filling pipe.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is further configured to, based on input from the pressure transmitter, via the electric actuator, open or close the valve.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is configured for automatic filling of the secondary circuit of the central heating installation with medium via the valve if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is configured to generate an alarm if the filled volume of medium exceeds the limit for a single filling.
- In one or more embodiments, the electric actuator is configured for remote control.
- In one or more embodiments, the electric actuator comprises a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly receive controlling signals for the electric actuator.
- In one or more embodiments, based on input from the pressure transmitter, if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure, the control unit is configured to stop the circulation pump, for example via a relay.
- In one or more embodiments, the leakage control system can compare the measured operating pressure with preselected limits for minimum pressure, insufficient pressure, sufficient pressure, high pressure, and dangerous pressure, and arranges indicators on the front plate of the system and alarm response accordingly.
- In one or more embodiments, the leakage control system can compare the filled volume with preselected limits for single fillings and total daily fillings and arranges indicators on the front plate of the system and alarm response accordingly.
- In one or more embodiments, the leakage control system can compare the interval between fillings with a fixed minimum time and arranges indicators on the front plate of the system and alarm response accordingly.
- In one or more embodiments, the leakage control system can be equipped with a shutoff valve in the feed pipe for refilling so that such a refilling can be initiated and terminated by means of this.
- In one or more embodiments during refilling, the leakage control system can be requested to be initiated and terminated by pressing a key on the front plate of the system.
- In one or more embodiments during refilling, the leakage control system can be requested to be initiated and terminated during remote control by issuing certain commands via a communication system.
- In one or more embodiments during refilling, the leakage control system can be terminated automatically when the operating pressure has reached a sufficient value.
- In one or more embodiments during refilling, the leakage control system can be initiated automatically when the operating pressure has dropped to an insufficient value. System as above characterized in that refillings can be rejected outside fixed periods of time and days of the week.
- In one or more embodiments, the leakage control system will be configured to record pressure (p) for each refilling at the beginning and end of a filling and filled quantity or volume (v) and thereby calculate and record the characteristic elasticity (E) of the installation, which is logged for each filling. The characteristic elasticity of the installation can be calculated by the following formula, E=Δp/Δv, wherein delta p and delta v can be determined as the difference in pressure, respectively volume, from the beginning to the end of the filling.
Preferably, in one or more embodiments, before each filling, based on the recorded elasticity of the installation, the leakage control system will be configured to calculate the volume required to be supplied to bring the operating pressure from the current to a predefined desired value. Preferably, the leakage control system can also be configured to ensure that the supplied volume during filling does not exceed the thus calculated volume significantly og alarm in the case of significant excess. - In one or more embodiments, based on input from the pressure transmitter and the flow meter, preferably during a refill operation, the control unit is, configured to calculate and log the characteristic elasticity of the installation.
- In one or more embodiment, based on the calculated characteristic elasticity, the control unit is configured to calculate a required amount of water for a future refilling.
- In one or more embodiments, during a given refill operation, the control unit is configured to control that the filled amount of water recorded on the flow meter does not exceed the calculated amount of water for the mentioned future refilling with a predefined limit value.
- In one or more embodiments, the control unit is configured to give an alarm if the mentioned calculated amount of water exceeds the mentioned predefined limit value.
- The singular form used in the description and the claims also comprises the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Intervals can be expressed here as from "around" or "approximately" a specific value and/or to "around" or "approximately" another specific value. When such an interval is indicated, another aspect comprises from the one specific value and/or to the second specific value. In the same way, it is understood that when values are indicated as approximations and are preceded by the word "around", the specific value constitutes yet another aspect.
- It should be noted that aspects and functions described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.
-
Figure 1 : System according to one or more embodiments of the invention. -
- 1
- Leakage control system
- 2
- Control unit
- 3
- Supply pipe
- 4
- Return pipe
- 5
- Pressure transmitter
- 6
- Filling pipe
- 7
- Flow meter in filling pipe
- 8
- Shutoff valve in filling pipe
- 9
- Nonreturn valve
- 10
- Electric actuator
- 11
- Circulation pump
- The following are non-limiting examples of embodiments that fall under the general concept.
-
Figure 1 describes asystem 1 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In a purely manually operated system, theelectric actuator 10 is constituted by a handle operatively connected to an actuator (manual actuator). The fillingpipe 6 can either be connected to a district heating supply or to a water supply for domestic use, in which cases thenonreturn valve 9 can be in the form of a proper nonreturn control. - The
control unit 2 is configured to receive flow signals from theflow meter 7 and - if the system is designed with automation - to provide a command signal for theshutoff valve 8. Thecontrol unit 2 is further configured to calculate the current operating pressure based on input from thepressure transmitter 5. - For flow measurement, for example, a static ultrasound meter with current pulse output is used. When using current pulses, it is ensured that consumption is recorded immediately after it has passed the
meter 7. - For pressure monitoring, for example, a
pressure transmitter 5 is used that allows measurement of the real current pressure at the time of measurement so that all calculations are made by thecontrol unit 2. - For monitoring and intervention against low operating pressure, a number of predefined limit values are used that aim at remedying a low operating pressure concurrent with monitoring leakage indicating drops in operating pressure.
- The
leakage control 1 is based on measurement of the supplied volume that is required to increase the operating pressure in the secondary heating circuit to a given level. - The leakage control can operate in three ways:
- 1) Fully manual operation:
- The
leakage control 1 is not equipped with an independent shutoff valve. A local filling valve is operated manually after the leakage control indicates insufficient operating pressure as the leakage control measures the filled volume. If the time interval since the previous filling is shorter than a predefined time, a warning/alarm is given by theleakage control 1. The warning can be reset by pressing a key on the front of the leakage control. - The local valve is closed manually when the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) indicates sufficient operating pressure. If the filled volume exceeds a predefined limit, the secondary heating circuit is considered to show a leakage, and the
leakage control 1 gives an alarm. This can be reset by pressing a key on the front of the leakage control. If the local valve remains open and the pressure in the secondary heating circuit exceeds a critical predefined limit, an additional alarm is given. This alarm cannot be reset on the leakage control, but only by reducing the pressure in the secondary heating circuit when draining the medium.
- The
- 2) Local operation of semiautomatic leakage control:
- The
leakage control 1 is equipped with anindependent shutoff valve 8, but is not configured for automatic filling. The filling is initiated locally by operating the keyboard of the leakage control. If the conditions for filling are present (operating pressure insufficient, a suitable length of time has passed since the previous filling), the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) will open theshutoff valve 8 og thereby initiate a filling as it still measures the filled volume by signal from the connectedflow meter 7. Otherwise, the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) will indicate errors (alarm). As sufficient operating pressure is achieved, the leakage control will stop the filling by closing theshutoff valve 8 again. Before that, the filling can be stopped manually by pressing the keyboard of the leakage control again.
- The
- 3) Fully automatic filling:
- The
leakage control 1 is equipped with anindependent shutoff valve 8 and configured for automatic filling. The filling starts when the operating pressure drops to the limit 'insufficient' (predefined) whereupon the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) opens theshutoff valve 8, thereby initiating the filling as it measures the filled volume by signal from the connectedflow meter 7. - The filling is normally interrupted when the operating pressure reaches the limit 'sufficient' (predefined) whereby the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) closes the
shutoff valve 8 again. The filling is interrupted by leakage alarm if the filled volume exceeds the limit for a single filling (predefined) or if the limit (predefined) for daily filled volume is reached. The filling does not start if the time interval since the previous filling is shorter than a predefined time; and in that case a leakage alarm is given instead.
- The
- The
leakage control 1 allows remote manually controllable filling by means of connecting to the suitable remote control system. The communication between the leakage control and the remote control system can, for example, be performed as an "always-on" wireless communication channel that ensures the possibility of continuous monitoring and "near real-time" remote control of theleakage control 1 regardless of the physical location of the operator. The combination of "always-on" and "near real-time" ensures that the operator can follow an ongoing filling continuously - regardless of whether it is manually or automatically initiated - just as it gives the operator the opportunity to stop a filing if the operator deems this necessary. - The communication between the
leakage control 1 and the remote control system (not shown) is based on publicly available communication networks. There is an inherent risk in the absence of availability on the public communication network that is countered by the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) - regardless of whether the question is of a manually or automatically initiated filling - autonomously closing thevalve 8 when a predefined and adjustable filling amount has been being filled or when the pressure limit 'sufficient' has been reached. In addition, thevalve 8 can be configured to autonomously close in the event of failure in the supply voltage. - The leakage control 1 (for example via the control unit 2) logs its activity for documentation purposes as follows:
- occasion for initiation of filling,
- time for initiation of filling,
- operating pressure at initiation of filling,
- occasion for termination of the filling,
- time for termination of the filling,
- operating pressure at termination of the filling and
- filled volume at termination of the filling
- This can take place in a log that comprises for example 64 of such loggings.
- A filling is considered initiated when two flow impulses arrive with a shorter interval than tmin (predefined time minimum), for example 20 seconds at i=10 impulses/litres (18 I/hour). A filling is considered interrupted when two flow impulses arrive with a longer interval than tmax (predefined time maximum), for example 60 seconds at i=10 impulses/litres (6 I/hour).
- Pressure limits:
- Minimum operating pressure: The minimum operating pressure at which the secondary heating circuit may operate.
- If the operating pressure drops below this limit, the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) will give an alarm and activate a relay to stop the
circulation pump 11. - 'Insufficient': The operating pressure at which the filling should be initiated.
- 'Sufficient': The operating pressure at which the filling should be terminated.
- 'High': Operating pressure at which a warning is given.
- 'Dangerous': Operating pressure at which an alarm is given.
- Volume limits:
- Maximum single filling: The maximum volume that may be supplied during a single filling.
- Maximum daily filling: The maximum volume that may be supplied (several times) over the course of 24 hours.
- Time limits:
Minimum interval: The minimum time that must elapse between two consecutive fillings. - Meter error:
If the operating pressure increases from 'insufficient' to 'sufficient' during a filling, as a filled volume less than a predefined limit is recorded, the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) will give an alarm and report a meter error. - Valve error:
- If volume flow is recorded with a fully closed shutoff valve, the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) will give an alarm and report a valve error.
- If no volume flow and increasing operating pressure are recorded with a fully open shutoff valve, the leakage control (for example via the control unit 2) will give an alarm and report a valve error.
- Pressure transmitter error:
- If the connected pressure transmitter shows characteristics incompatible with the standardized cut surface, a pressure transmitter error is reported.
- If the connected pressure transmitter during fillings shows unchanged operating pressure, a pressure transmitter error is reported.
- If the connected pressure transmitter indicates operating pressure outside fixed limits, a sensor error is reported.
- Voltage error:
- If an internal voltage supply in the leakage control fails, a supply error is reported.
- Meter errors, valve errors, pressure transmitter errors and voltage errors are all system errors. Any system error will interrupt a possible ongoing filling.
Claims (14)
- Leakage control system (1) for alerting of leakages in connection with refilling a secondary circuit of a central heating installation, wherein the secondary circuit of a central heating installation comprises:- a filling pipe (6);- a supply pipe (3);- a return pipe (4); and- a circulation pump (11), advantageously mounted in the supply pipe (3);and wherein the leakage control system (1) comprises:- a pressure transmitter (5) operatively connected to the return pipe (4);- a flow meter (7) operatively connected to the filling pipe (6);- a nonreturn valve (9) or nonreturn control integrated in the filling pipe (6);- optionally, a manually or electrically (10) operated valve (8) adapted for controlling the flow, such as opening or closing the flow, of medium via the filling pipe (6); and- a control unit (2) operatively connected to the pressure transmitter (5) and the flow meter (7), wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to calculate the current operating pressure in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation based on input from the pressure transmitter (5) and give an alarm if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure; and wherein the control unit (2) is configured to receive flow signals from the flow meter (7) and based thereon determine and log the volume of medium refilled in the secondary circuit of the central heating installation via the filling pipe (6), for example in response to the above-mentioned alarm.
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that based on input from the pressure transmitter (5), the control unit (2) is, configured to calculate the supplied volume of medium required to increase the operating pressure in the secondary heating circuit to a given level.
- Leakage control system (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the control unit (2) further is configured to give an alarm if the current operating pressure is above a predefined maximum operating pressure.
- Leakage control system (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized by further comprising an electric actuator (10) operated valve (8) adapted for controlling the flow, such as opening or closing the flow, of medium via the filling pipe (6).
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, based on input from the pressure transmitter (5), the control unit (2) is configured to open or close the valve (8), via the electric actuator (10).
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured for automatic filling of the secondary circuit of the central heating installation with medium via the valve (8) if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure.
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured to generate an alarm if the filled volume of medium exceeds the limit for a single filling.
- Leakage control system (1) according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that the electric actuator (10) is configured for remote control.
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the electric actuator (10) comprises a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly receive controlling signals for the electric actuator (10).
- Leakage control system (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, based on input from the pressure transmitter (5), if the current operating pressure is below a predefined minimum operating pressure, the control unit (2) is configured to stop the circulation pump (11), for example via a relay.
- Leakage control system (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, based on input from the pressure transmitter (5) and the flow meter (7), preferably during a refill operation, the control unit (2) is configured to calculate and log the characteristic elasticity of the installation.
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, based on the calculated characteristic elasticity, the control unit (2) is configured to calculate a required amount of water for a future refilling.
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit (2) during a given refill operation is configured to control that the filled amount of water recorded on the flow meter (7) does not exceed the calculated amount of water for the mentioned future refilling with a predefined limit value.
- Leakage control system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit (2) is configured to give an alarm if the mentioned calculated amount of water exceeds the mentioned predefined limit value.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DKPA202101200 | 2021-12-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4198404A1 true EP4198404A1 (en) | 2023-06-21 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP22211658.4A Withdrawn EP4198404A1 (en) | 2021-12-15 | 2022-12-06 | A leakage control system for heating installations |
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Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2476963A2 (en) * | 2011-01-17 | 2012-07-18 | Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH | Method for filling and refilling water in a water circuit |
WO2018111881A1 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2018-06-21 | Stevens Lee Hiram | Fluid loss notification and shutdown for closed loop fluid heat transfer system |
EP3620723A1 (en) * | 2018-09-06 | 2020-03-11 | Honeywell International Inc. | Refilling device for a hydronic heating system and method of operating |
-
2022
- 2022-12-06 EP EP22211658.4A patent/EP4198404A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2476963A2 (en) * | 2011-01-17 | 2012-07-18 | Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH | Method for filling and refilling water in a water circuit |
WO2018111881A1 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2018-06-21 | Stevens Lee Hiram | Fluid loss notification and shutdown for closed loop fluid heat transfer system |
EP3620723A1 (en) * | 2018-09-06 | 2020-03-11 | Honeywell International Inc. | Refilling device for a hydronic heating system and method of operating |
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