Retrofit smart components for use in a fluid transfer system

• US 9,933,167 B2
• Filed: 03/17/2015
• Issued: 04/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Imi Hydronic Engineering, Inc. (IMI PLC)
• Original Assignee: Imi Hydronic Engineering, Inc. (IMI PLC)
• Inventors: Trantham, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Everett, Christopher E
• Application Number:
  US14/660,347
• Publication Number:
  US 20150267924A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,113 Days
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/84 using valves
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1931 to control the temperature of one space
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/823 where the data is sent when the measured values exceed a threshold, e.g. sending an alarm
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a retrofit for a system using a fluid to transfer thermal energy in a system that utilizes a thermostat to regulate a temperature associated with a terminal is provided. The retrofit includes a return line temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid leaving a terminal; and a circuit. The circuit is configured to: receive a signal from a thermostat, the signal commanding a modulated valve to open or close; receive a temperature from the return line temperature sensor; determine whether the temperature is either greater than a maximum set point or less than a minimum set point; and modify the signal from the thermostat if the temperature is either greater than the set point or less than set point.

Claims

1. A retrofit for a system using a fluid to transfer thermal energy, the system utilizing a thermostat to regulate a temperature associated with a terminal, the retrofit comprising:

a return line temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid leaving a terminal; and

a circuit configured to;

receive a signal from a thermostat, the signal commanding an intended degree of opening or closing of a modulated valve;

receive a temperature from the return line temperature sensor;

determine whether the temperature is greater than a maximum set point or less than a minimum set point;

modify the signal from the thermostat into a modified signal if the temperature is greater than the maximum set point or less than the minimum set point;

allow the signal from the thermostat to be sent to the modulated valve when the signal is not modified;

allow the modified signal to be sent to the modulated valve if the signal is modified; and

allow the signal from the thermostat to be sent to the modulated valve after sending the modified signal when the temperature crosses back over the maximum set point or the minimum set point.

2. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the circuit is further configured to:

receive an indicator of a temperature of fluid entering the terminal; and

dynamically change the maximum set or the minimum set point based on the received indicator.

3. The retrofit of claim 2, wherein the circuit wirelessly receives the indicator from at least one sensor upstream of the terminal.

4. The retrofit of claim 2, further comprising:

a supply line temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of fluid entering the terminal, wherein the circuit receives the indicator from the supply line temperature sensor.

5. The retrofit of claim 2, wherein the circuit dynamically changes the maximum set or the minimum set point by reviewing a look-up table that correlates temperature ranges to set points.

6. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the circuit is located on a component of the modulated valve.

7. The retrofit of claim 6, wherein the circuit is located on an actuator of the modulated valve.

8. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the set point is a cold set point.

9. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the set point is a hot set point.

10. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the maximum set point or the minimum set point are indicative of an overflow scenario.

11. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein in determining whether the temperature is greater than a maximum set point or less than a minimum set point only the temperature from the return line sensor is used.

12. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the thermostat further sends a signal to control a speed of the fan.

13. The retrofit of claim 1, further comprising a feedback line from the modulated valve to the circuit, the feedback line informing the circuit as to the degree to which the modulated valve is open or closed.

14. The retrofit of claim 1, wherein the circuit continuously switches between a signal that is modified and the signal from the thermostat each the time temperature crosses back over the maximum set point or the minimum set point.