Controlled hydronic distribution system

Abstract

A hydronic distribution system includes self-regulating valves networked together and operable to share valve temperature and valve position information with a microprocessor or other type of controller. The microprocessor runs one or more algorithms that process the temperatures and positions of the valves and then computes a desired speed for one or more variable speed pumps within the system. Controlling the pumps to operate at the desired speed and still maintain the correct amount of process fluid flow needed by the system reduces the overall energy use of the hydronic distribution system, saves on the operational lives of the pumps, and increases system efficiency.

1 . A hydronic distribution system comprising:
 a chiller;   a variable speed drive;   a variable speed pump in electronic communication with the variable speed drive and in fluid communication with the chiller;   a plurality of coils in fluid communication with the chiller;   a plurality of self-regulating valves arranged to control an amount of fluid flow from the variable speed pump to the coils;   a plurality of sensors respectively cooperating with the plurality of self-regulating valves, the sensors configured to determine a temperature of the fluid leaving the respective valve; and   a microprocessor configured to receive the temperatures from the sensors, process the temperatures within an algorithm, and provide speed control to the variable speed drive to establish a desired speed of the pump.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the hydronic system is a heating system comprising of
 a boiler   a variable speed drive;   a variable speed pump in electronic communication with the variable speed drive and in fluid communication with the chiller;   a plurality of coils in fluid communication with the boiler;   a plurality of self-regulating valves arranged to control an amount of fluid flow from the variable speed pump to the coils;   a plurality of sensors respectively cooperating with the plurality of self-regulating valves, the sensors configured to determine a temperature of the fluid leaving the respective valve; and   a microprocessor configured to receive the temperatures from the sensors, process the temperatures within an algorithm, and provide speed control to the variable speed drive to establish a desired speed of the pump.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of coils are cooling coils. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of self-regulating valves are networked to share information with the microprocessor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor arranged to detect a differential pressure as measured between a first location upstream of the valves and a second location downstream of the coils. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor compares the temperatures with respective set-point temperatures to maintain a predetermined temperature differential. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of valve position indicators in electrical communication with the microprocessor.