GB2575962A - Thermostatic radiator valve controller - Google Patents
Thermostatic radiator valve controller Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2575962A GB2575962A GB1809104.1A GB201809104A GB2575962A GB 2575962 A GB2575962 A GB 2575962A GB 201809104 A GB201809104 A GB 201809104A GB 2575962 A GB2575962 A GB 2575962A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- radiator
- controller
- valve controller
- thermostatic
- Prior art date
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 37
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 208000004434 Calcinosis Diseases 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002308 calcification Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001172 regenerating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003195 fascia Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F24D19/00—Details
- F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
- F24D19/1009—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating
- F24D19/1015—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for central heating using a valve or valves
- F24D19/1018—Radiator valves
-
- 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
- F24D18/00—Small-scale combined heat and power [CHP] generation systems specially adapted for domestic heating, space heating or domestic hot-water supply
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- 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
- F24D2101/00—Electric generators of small-scale CHP systems
- F24D2101/60—Thermoelectric generators, e.g. Peltier or Seebeck elements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
Landscapes
- 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)
- Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)
Abstract
A thermostatic radiator valve controller 5 for controlling heat from a radiator is configured to fit to a hot water radiator valve 3. The valve controller has a servo motor and valve actuator 13 for opening and closing the radiator valve to allow or inhibit flow of hot water to the radiator. The servo motor is controlled by a control module 5 and served by a rechargeable battery. The battery is recharged by a thermoelectric generator 23 disposed within the housing 17 and having a hot side or heat source (29, Fig.2) in thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve and a cold side or heat sink 27 incorporated within or disposed through a casing 19 for the housing. The heat sink may comprise a panel 31 having a thermally conductive link to the cold side of the TEG and a plurality of cooling fins 37, the panel and/or cooling fins projecting from inside the housing into and/or through an aperture formed in the casing. The control module may comprise a communication means for sending and receiving data to a remote location, such as a remote communications hub, a smart phone or computer.
Description
Figure 3
Thermostatic Radiator Valve Controller
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to heating controls for domestic and commercial properties, especially thermostatic radiator valves comprising electrical actuators, and to systems comprising heating controls and thermostatic radiator valves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Space heating and space cooling are significant energy usages and the provision of space heating in domestic and commercial properties a significant cost.
There is an increasing recognition that control and/or automation of space heating and local environment can contribute considerably to comfort, productivity and energy efficiency.
Radiators are widely adopted, particularly in domestic properties, as the means of providing space heating, typically by circulating water through heating system comprising a boiler and a series of radiators. Conventionally, radiators are controlled by a thermostat, often located in a hallway of a home, to which the boiler may respond. Individual radiators in a house usually have manual valves whereby the setting for a particular radiator can be set. This provides little local control or automation.
Increasingly, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are provided on radiators whereby the valve is configured to turn on or off according to whether the temperature of the radiator meets or not a pre-defined temperature setting.
TRVs are connected in series with a radiator and regulate the flow through the radiator by way of a plunger which closes the orifice leading to the radiator as the ambient temperature increases relative to a set point. It relies upon the expansion/contraction properties of a fluid (e.g. a wax) in the presence of heat or cold and is typically designed so that a plunger may extend, from a recess when the fluid expands, to drive the valve toward a closed position. TRVs thereby
-1 effectively adjust radiator heat relative to the local area around them according to a pre-set relative temperature manually set using a valve.
There is increasing demand for smarter devices that can be externally controlled, e.g. from a central hub in a home or commercial building so as to achieve certain space heating requirements at certain times/levels, which can be controlled or managed via a mobile app or computer interface. To achieve this kind of control, a motor-driven controller for controlling valve actuation is necessary in order that the control can be managed externally and does not rely solely on the thermal response of a gel which is responsive to very local temperatures.
Smart thermostatic radiator valves having motor driven valve actuation are typically powered by batteries fitted within the thermostatic radiator valve housing. A problem with such radiator valves is that the batteries typically require changing every six months to a year which is inconvenient.
Several documents describe intelligent radiator valves which function to open or close a radiator valve in relation to local room temperature and another factor which it obtains through remote communication, such as whether the room is occupied, current available energy tariffs, and other economic and performance factors.
GB-A-2278934 describes a TRV electrical actuator control, that comprises a thermoelectric generator (TEG) arranged in heat transmissive relationship with a fluid leading to a radiator, the flow of which is being controlled by the valve. The TEG may also be in heat transmissive relationship with a cold water fluid flow or with ambient air by way of a heat sink. The TEG can be housed inside a housing and charges a rechargeable storage means such as a battery. The TEG may be housed within the housing for the actuator and hot water pipe and cold water pipe in contact with the TEG within the housing. The TEG is in thermal contact with the hot fluid flow and a cold fluid flow (not an ambient air heat sink).
EP-A-1729195 describes a radiator valve thermostatic attachment. This has a thermal expansion element (shown as 15 in the drawings) which drives a plunger (16) to act on a valve pin. This is said to provide more or less throttling
-2about a same (set-point) temperature. To adjust the set point of the TRV, the relative position of the thermal expansion element (and its plunger) to the valve pin can be adjusted using a motor (which acts on an intermediate component referred to as 11/12 in the drawings). The motor, as shown in the drawings is mounted on the side of the TRV housing. The motor is powered by energy from a TEG.
The present inventors have devised an improvement in TRVs and controls for TRVs that address shortcomings of the prior art systems and devices.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
There is a need for improvements in space heating systems that facilitate improved local automation and/or control.
It is an object of this invention to provide a TRV and a controller for a TRV which has improved control and efficiency.
It is an object of this invention to provide a system for control and/or automation of space heating via a TRV which has improved efficiency and personalization and/or management.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a system comprising a TRV with a battery that requires replacement only after an extended duration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a thermostatic radiator valve controller for control of heat from a radiator the controller configured or adapted to fit to a valve member which is for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space, the valve controller having a valve actuator for opening or closing the valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator, the valve controller comprising a housing; a valve actuator; a servo motor for actuating the valve actuator; a control module configured to control the servo motor in response to heating requirements; a rechargeable battery for providing a supply of power to the servo motor and to the control module; and a thermoelectric generator for recharging the rechargeable
-3 battery, the thermoelectric generator comprising a hot side or heat source and a cold side or heat sink, wherein the thermoelectric generator is disposed within the housing and wherein the hot side is configured to be in thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve member or associated valve fitting when the valve controller is fitted to a valve member and wherein the cold side comprises a heat sink incorporated within or disposed through a casing for the housing.
In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a thermostatic radiator valve arrangement for control of heat from a radiator, the arrangement comprising a valve member for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space having a valve actuator for opening or closing the valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator; and a valve controller as defined above.
In a third aspect of the invention, there comprises a space heating system comprising a radiator as part of a water circulation heating system, the radiator having a thermostatic radiator valve configured to actuate a valve member between open and closed positions to control the flow of hot water through the radiator, which thermostatic radiator valve comprises a controller having a communication means, the system further comprises a remote system control hub which is in data communication with the communication means of the thermostatic radiator valve and in communication with one or more remote environmental data devices or sensors or connected to the internet or cloud resource, wherein the thermostatic radiator valve controller is configured to control actuation of the valve member responsive to control data communicated thereto from the remote system control hub, which control data comprises data derived from the one or more remote environmental data devices or sensors or obtained from the internet or cloud resource.
In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a thermostatic radiator valve having an electric motor for actuating a valve member, said electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery and further comprising a thermoelectric generator for providing regenerative energy to the battery, characterised in that the thermostatic radiator valve further comprises a sensor arrangement for determining the temperature difference or gradient between a hot side and a cold
-4side of the thermoelectric generator over time to generate TEG thermal data, which TEG thermal data may be stored or communicated for determining energy use or performance by the radiator to which the valve is connected.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The thermostatic radiator valve controller and arrangement of the invention has an efficient thermoelectric generator housed within the casing for the housing which is configured for thermal contact with the valve or valve member and has a heat sink conforming with the casing of the housing, which thermoelectric generator recharges the battery thereby extending battery life whilst being contained in a compact housing. Battery life can be further extended by performance moderation algorithms provided or communicated to the thermostatic radiator valve. The thermoelectric generator may be used as a source of energy use data by the radiator and the radiator performance modulated in response.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a cross section of a thermostatic radiator valve arrangement incorporating a thermostatic radiator valve controller of one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a thermoelectric generator of a thermostatic radiator valve controller of Figure 1 fitted to a base adaptor and main TRV tube of a thermostatic radiator valve arrangement of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates an alternative perspective view of the thermoelectric generator of Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a thermostatic radiator valve controller and in other aspects a valve or valve arrangement for a thermostatic radiator valve and a space heating system comprising a thermostatic radiator valve. Thermostatic radiator valves are typically provided to control the flow of hot water into a space heating radiator in a circulatory water heating system, commonly used in domestic
-5 and commercial properties. A thermostatic radiator valve controller of the present invention, which may otherwise be referred to as a thermostatic radiator valve head or TRV head, which is configured adapted or adaptable to fit to a valve member or valve for a radiator.
In one aspect, the thermostatic radiator valve controller has an electric motor for actuating a valve member (the valve member for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space having a valve actuator for opening or closing the valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator), the electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery and further comprising a thermoelectric generator for providing regenerative energy to the battery. According to this aspect, the radiator valve controller further comprises a sensor arrangement for determining the temperature difference or gradient between a hot side and a cold side of the thermoelectric generator over time to generate TEG thermal data, which TEG thermal data may be stored or communicated for determining energy use or performance by the radiator to which the valve is connected.
In another aspect, a space heating system comprises a thermostatic radiator valve and a radiator, as part of a water circulation heating system, which radiator has fitted thereto the thermostatic radiator valve with a valve controller configured to actuate a valve member between open and closed positions to control the flow of hot water through the radiator. The thermostatic radiator valve according to this aspect comprises a control module having a communication means. The system further comprises a remote system control hub which is in data communication with the communication means of the thermostatic radiator valve controller and in communication with one or more remote environmental data devices or sensors or connected to the internet or cloud resource. The thermostatic radiator valve controller or control module is configured to control actuation of the valve member responsive to control data communicated thereto from the remote system control hub, which control data comprises data derived from the one or more remote environmental data devices or sensors or obtained from the internet or cloud resource.
-6In a further aspect, a thermostatic radiator valve controller, configured for use with a valve member for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space, the thermostatic radiator valve controller having a valve actuator for opening or closing the valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator, the valve controller comprising a housing, a servo motor for actuating the valve actuator, a control module configured to control the servo motor in response to heating requirements; a rechargeable battery for providing a supply of power to the servo motor and to the control module; and a thermoelectric generator for recharging the rechargeable battery, the thermoelectric generator comprising a hot side or heat source and a cold side or heat sink, wherein the thermoelectric generator is disposed within the housing and wherein the hot side is in thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve member or associated valve fitting and wherein the cold side comprises a heat sink incorporated within or disposed through a casing for the housing.
A thermostatic radiator valve arrangement according to any of the aspects thus preferably comprises a valve member for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space. A valve actuator in a thermostatic radiator valve controller or valve head is configured for opening or closing a valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator.
A thermostatic radiator valve controller used in a thermostatic radiator valve, arrangement or space heating system, according to preferred embodiments of the aspects of the invention described above preferably comprises a servo motor or electric motor for actuating a valve actuator (which in turn actuates a valve member between open and closed positions, typically by actuating a pin or plunger disposed in relation to the valve member). The servo motor or electric motor are preferably powered by a battery (or capacitor) in the valve controller, preferably a rechargeable battery. The valve controller preferably comprises a thermoelectric generator for recharging the rechargeable battery (or capacitor). Preferably, the valve controller comprises a control module which is preferably configured to control the servo motor in response to space heating requirements.
-7Preferably, the valve controller comprises a housing having a casing. The housing preferably houses the control module, preferably also the servo motor, preferably also the battery and preferably the thermoelectric generator.
Preferably, the thermoelectric generator, which has a hot side or heat source and a cold side or heat sink, is disposed within the housing and wherein the hot side is configured for thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve member or associated valve fitting and wherein the cold side comprises a heat sink incorporated within or disposed through a casing for the housing. The thermoelectric generator preferably comprises a thermoelectric module having a heat sink disposed on the cold side and a thermally conductive plate disposed on the hot side.
The heat sink preferably comprises a panel element provided with a thermally conductive link to the cold side of the thermoelectric generator or thermoelectric module. The panel element preferably has disposed thereon a plurality of cooling fins, which panel and/or cooling fins project from inside the housing into and/or through a corresponding aperture formed in a casing for the housing. The cooling fins may be of any shape, orientation or density, but are preferably relatively low profile (to maximize heat loss per unit surface area of fin). Preferably the fin height (measured from the upper surface of a panel member) is from 20 to 200 % of the width of the fin, more preferably from 50 to 150%, still more preferably from 60 to 100%. Preferably the fins are spaced (i.e. the space between successive fins) by an amount from 20 to 200% of the fin width, more preferably 50 to 150% of the fin width. Optionally, fin height varies from a relatively small height at the edges of the panel, for example to a relatively large height at the central area of the panel and more preferably in this embodiment ranges from more dense at the edges or peripheral areas of the panel to less dense at central area of the panel.
Preferably, the heat sink panel makes up at least 5% of the surface area of the casing for the housing, more preferably at least 10%, optionally at least 15% and further optionally at least 20%. Typically, the heat sink panel will make up no more than about 60% of the panel. The heat sink may be disposed about
-8one aspect of the housing but could extend about the periphery of the housing, such as to define say, one-third of the fascia of the housing.
The heat sink maybe formed of any suitable material, such as copper, brass or aluminium, but is preferably aluminium.
Preferably, the hot side of the thermoelectric generator comprises a plate member providing the hot side and extending therefrom a panel element configured to engage with a main tube of a thermostatic radiator valve which is adapted for thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve member. The plate member and panel element are preferably a discrete, unitary element which is shaped to provide a plate member and a panel element extending at an angle therefrom.
The control module is, as mentioned above, preferably configured to control the servo motor in response to heating requirements. These heating requirements may comprise a temperature set-point or range of set-points required by the space to be heated or the radiator itself. The set-points may be set by a dial, or by some kind of user interface on the valve controller, e.g. on the housing or may be set remotely.
The heating requirements may be further defined by other factors, such as occupancy of the space, likely occupancy of the space, occupier habit data (e.g. time usually spent in the space at particular times of day or times spent in the space with reduced activity), current weather data, future weather data, etc.
The control module preferably comprises a communication means for sending and receiving data to a remote location, which may be for example a remote communications or control hub or a smart phone. The communication means may be any suitable communication means.
Preferably, the communication means is configured to communicate periodically with a remote communications hub and to actuate the valve member responsive to updated data generated or received from the remote communications hub.
Preferably, the battery life can be extended by subjecting the thermostatic radiator valve and its valve controller to one or more performance moderation steps. Thus, battery life may be extended, provided the performance
-9moderation is designed to reduced battery depletion. The performance moderation steps may be defined by performance moderation algorithms provided on the valve controller, a remote communications hub or connected processor, or on a cloud or online resource.
In a preferred embodiment, the performance moderation comprises providing the valve controller with a deep sleep mode in which the valve is dormant without valve actuation or communication for extended periods relative to an active mode. Optionally, the deep sleep mode is provided when outside temperature data for the area is determined to meet or exceed a pre-determined set-point. In the deep sleep mode, the controller may be configured to activate after each pre-determined period (e.g. 15 minutes or 30 minutes or 1 hour or 1 week) to perform pre-determined measurements (such as battery level, temperature and/or humidity measurement), compare with previous measurements in a data storage unit within the controller and to communicate any significant change in the pre-determined measurements to the communications hub. Optionally, the deep sleep mode the controller is configured to activate after each pre-determined calcification period of inactivity (e.g. 1 week) and causes the valve member to open and close to reduce the risk of calcification blockage. Preferably, the controller is configured to activate after each pre-determined period of deep sleep mode to perform a communication exchange with the communications hub.
The thermostatic radiator valve controller preferably comprises a deep sleep over-ride button to temporarily activate the controller.
The thermostatic radiator valve arrangement preferably comprises a water temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of water flowing through or adjacent the valve.
The invention will now be described in more detail, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying Figures.
In Figure 1, a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) 1 is shown in cross section, which comprises radiator valve 3 and valve controller 5. Valve controller 5 is fitted to the valve 3 via an adapter 7, which receives the main TRV
- 10 tube 9 of the TRV 1 and screw collar 11. The valve controller 5 comprises a servo motor and actuator 13. The servo motor 13 is controlled by control module 15 and both the control module 15 and the servo motor 13 are powered by a rechargeable battery (not shown) within the valve controller 5. The valve controller 5 comprises a housing 17 which comprises a plastic outer casing 17, which serves to house the control module 15, servo motor and actuator 13, a battery housing 21 for receiving a battery (not shown) and at least an upper portion of the main TRV tube 9. The valve controller 5 has a thermoelectric generator (TEG) 23 for replenishing the rechargeable battery (not shown). The TEG 23, which is also illustrated in perspective rear and perspective front views in Figures 2 and 3 along with the valve 3, adaptor 7, screw collar 11 and TRV tube 9, comprises a thermoelectric module 25 and disposed on a cold side thereof a heat sink 27 and on the opposing hot side a thermally conductive plate 29. The heat sink 27 comprises a panel element 31 having integrally formed on an outer surface 33 thereof a raised profile member 35 and a plurality of cooling fins 37 projecting from the outer surface 33 of the panel element 31. The TEG 23 and heat sink 27 are configured within the valve controller 5 so that the TEG 23 is disposed within the housing 17 and the heat sink 27 arranged to extend into an aperture formed in a side wall 41 the plastic outer casing 19 so that the panel element 31 together with the plastic outer casing 19 forms the housing 17. The fins 37 may be disposed in the aperture (as illustrated) or project outward through the aperture. In either case, they are exposed to the environment to facilitate cooling.
The panel element 31 of the heat sink 27 is preferably configured with a peripheral flange 43 which defines the margin that the panel element 31 is larger than the aperture 39 whereby in position the peripheral flange 43 will abut an inner surface (not shown) of the plastic outer casing 19 of housing 17. The panel element 31 and fins 37 are preferably formed of aluminium.
The thermally conductive plate 29 providing the hot side of TEG 23 has an extended plate member 45 which extends into the centre of the valve controller 5 and makes intimate thermal contact with main TRV tube 9 and flanges/nuts 47 disposed thereon. The TRV tube 9 and flanges/nuts 47 are also formed of thermally conductive material, such as brass, as is the thermally
- 11 conductive plate 29 and extended plate member 45 (the thermally conductive plate 29 and extended plate member 45 are typically a single unitary piece). The extended plate member 45 is thus in thermal contact and communication with the radiator valve 3 via TRV tube 9 and adaptor 7, all of which are thermally conductive such as brass. Optionally the screw collar 11 is also thermally conductive and the extended plate member 45 may further be in thermally conductive contact with it. It may also be brass but more typically is another material.
When the radiator (not shown) is switched on, by an instruction from control module 15 in response to a set-point or other factor, servo motor 13 is activated under the power from the battery (not shown) and actuator 13 causes valve member 3 to be actuated thus allowing the flow of hot water through valve 3 and into the radiator. The hot water warms up the valve 3, which in turn warms up radiator adaptor 7, main TRV tube 9, nuts/flanges 47, extended plate member 45 and thermally conductive plate 29 producing a thermal gradient across the TEG 23 and the thermoelectric module 25. A trickle of power is generated from the thermoelectric module 25 and used to trickle charge the battery (not shown) as long as a temperature gradient is maintained. Over time, while heat is continuing to be transferred from the water by valve 3, the cool side will warm up. Thermal gradient will be maintained by heat loss via the heat sink 27 but will slowly reduce as heat loss potential via the heat sink 27 diminishes as ambient air in the vicinity of the heat sink is warmed by the radiator (not shown).
By this method and system, a rechargeable battery power may be depleted more slowly over time thus reducing the frequency at which the battery (not shown) in the valve controller 5 will need to be changed by a user.
The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (23)
1. A thermostatic radiator valve controller for control of heat from a radiator the controller configured or adapted to fit to a valve member which is for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space, the valve controller having a valve actuator for opening or closing the valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator, the valve controller comprising a housing;
a valve actuator;
a servo motor for actuating the valve actuator;
a control module configured to control the servo motor in response to heating requirements;
a rechargeable battery for providing a supply of power to the servo motor and to the control module; and a thermoelectric generator for recharging the rechargeable battery, the thermoelectric generator comprising a hot side or heat source and a cold side or heat sink, wherein the thermoelectric generator is disposed within the housing and wherein the hot side is configured to be in thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve member or associated valve fitting when the valve controller is fitted to a valve member and wherein the cold side comprises a heat sink incorporated within or disposed through a casing for the housing.
2. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat sink comprises a panel element provided with a thermally conductive link to the cold side of the thermoelectric generator, which panel element has disposed thereon a plurality of cooling fins, which panel and/or cooling fins project from inside the housing into and/or through a corresponding aperture formed in a casing for the housing.
3. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 2, wherein the heat sink panel makes up at least 10% of the surface area of the casing for the housing.
4. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat sink comprises aluminium.
5. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot side of the thermoelectric generator comprises a plate member providing the hot side and extending therefrom a panel element configured to engage with a main tube of the thermostatic radiator valve controller which is configured for thermally conductive contact with the radiator valve member when the controller is fitted to a valve member.
6. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module is configured to control the servo motor in response to heating requirements as defined by a space or radiator temperature set-point or set-points.
7. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 6, wherein the temperature set-points or set-points are provided by a user input interface disposed on the housing or remotely.
8. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the heating requirements are further defined by other factors, such as occupancy of the space, likely occupancy of the space, occupier habit data, current weather data, future weather data, etc.
9. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module comprises a communication means for sending and receiving data to a remote location.
10. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein the remote location may be a remote communications hub or a smart phone or computer.
11. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the communication means is configured to communicate periodically with a remote communications hub and to actuate the valve member responsive to updated data generated or received from the remote communications hub.
12. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 11, which is configured to be responsive to performance moderation for extended battery life.
13. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein performance moderation comprises providing the valve controller with a deep sleep mode in which the valve is dormant without valve actuation or communication for extended periods relative to an active mode.
14. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 13, wherein the deep sleep mode is provided when outside temperature data for the area is determined to meet or exceed a pre-determined set-point.
15. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 14, wherein in the deep sleep mode, the controller is configured to activate after each predetermined period to perform pre-determined measurements (such as battery level, temperature and/or humidity measure), compare with previous measurements in a data storage unit within the controller and to communicate any significant change in the pre-determined measurements to the communications hub.
16. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein in the deep sleep mode the controller is configured to activate after each pre-determined calcification period of inactivity and causes the servo motor to run ins such a way that, when fitted to a valve member it will cause a valve member to open and close to reduce the risk of calcification blockage.
17. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein in the deep sleep mode, the controller is configured to activate after each pre-determined period to perform a communication exchange with the communications hub.
18. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, which comprises a deep sleep over-ride button to temporarily activate the controller.
19. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is configured to determine energy usage by the radiator by measuring the thermal difference over time between the hot side and the cold side of the thermoelectric generator and store the resulting data or communicate the same to a remote processor.
20. A thermostatic radiator valve controller as claimed in claim 19, which further comprises a water temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of water flowing through or adjacent an associated valve member.
21. A thermostatic radiator valve arrangement for control of heat from a radiator, the arrangement comprising a valve member for use in a flow of hot water to a radiator for heating a space having a valve actuator for opening or closing the valve member thereby allowing or inhibiting flow of hot water to the radiator; and a valve controller as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20.
22. A space heating system comprising a radiator as part of a water circulation heating system, the radiator having a thermostatic radiator valve configured to actuate a valve member between open and closed positions to control the flow of hot water through the radiator, which thermostatic radiator valve comprises a thermostatic radiator valve controller as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20.
23. A space heating system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the thermostatic radiator valve controller has a communication means and where the system further comprises a remote system control hub which is in data communication with the communication means of the thermostatic radiator valve controller and in
5 communication with one or more remote environmental data devices or sensors or connected to the internet or cloud resource.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1809104.1A GB2575962A (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2018-06-04 | Thermostatic radiator valve controller |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1809104.1A GB2575962A (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2018-06-04 | Thermostatic radiator valve controller |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201809104D0 GB201809104D0 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
| GB2575962A true GB2575962A (en) | 2020-02-05 |
Family
ID=62872836
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1809104.1A Withdrawn GB2575962A (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2018-06-04 | Thermostatic radiator valve controller |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2575962A (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20070054630A1 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2007-03-08 | Guntram Scheible | Arrangement and method for supplying electrical power to a field device in a process installation without the use of wires |
| EP2434187A1 (en) * | 2010-09-22 | 2012-03-28 | HAGER CONTROLS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) | Method for controlling a thermostatic valve |
| DE102011053563A1 (en) * | 2011-09-13 | 2013-03-14 | Kieback & Peter Gmbh & Co. Kg | Temperature control device, in particular thermostatic device |
-
2018
- 2018-06-04 GB GB1809104.1A patent/GB2575962A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20070054630A1 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2007-03-08 | Guntram Scheible | Arrangement and method for supplying electrical power to a field device in a process installation without the use of wires |
| EP2434187A1 (en) * | 2010-09-22 | 2012-03-28 | HAGER CONTROLS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) | Method for controlling a thermostatic valve |
| DE102011053563A1 (en) * | 2011-09-13 | 2013-03-14 | Kieback & Peter Gmbh & Co. Kg | Temperature control device, in particular thermostatic device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| Novo Innovations, 18/11/2017, Waybackmachine Internet Archive, Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20171118074303/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/313176179/novo-the-smartest-radiator-valve [Accessed 26/11/2019] * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201809104D0 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| COOA | Change in applicant's name or ownership of the application |
Owner name: E.ON UK PLC Free format text: FORMER OWNER: NOVO INNOVATIONS LTD |
|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |