U.S. patent application number 14/786756 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for method for the conditioning of air, and air-conditioning system.
The applicant listed for this patent is DURR SYSTEMS GMBH. Invention is credited to Simon Alt, Thomas Klenge, Florian Malchow, Oliver Sawodny, Rainer Uetz, Martin Weickgenannt.
Application Number | 20160102882 14/786756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50489081 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160102882 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klenge; Thomas ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
METHOD FOR THE CONDITIONING OF AIR, AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Abstract
In order to provide a method for the conditioning of air which
is implementable in a reliable and energy-efficient manner, it is
proposed that the method comprise the following: determining the
actual values of at least two parameters of an inlet air stream of
a conditioning system in which the air is to be conditioned;
selecting an operating state of the conditioning system on the
basis of a model by means of which a plurality of possible actual
values of the at least two parameters is linked to operating states
of the conditioning system; setting the conditioning system into
the selected operating state so that an output air stream of the
conditioning system is produced in which the actual values of the
at least two parameters lie within preset target value ranges.
Inventors: |
Klenge; Thomas; (Leonberg,
DE) ; Uetz; Rainer; (Tamm, DE) ; Sawodny;
Oliver; (Stuttgart, DE) ; Malchow; Florian;
(Stuttgart, DE) ; Weickgenannt; Martin;
(Stuttgart, DE) ; Alt; Simon; (Stuttgart,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DURR SYSTEMS GMBH |
Bietigheim- Bissingen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
50489081 |
Appl. No.: |
14/786756 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
April 10, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/057299 |
371 Date: |
October 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/89 ;
62/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 2110/20 20180101; F24F 11/77 20180101;
F24F 11/65 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 24, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 207 449.2 |
Claims
1. A method for the conditioning of air, comprising: determining
the actual values of at least two parameters of an inlet air stream
of a conditioning system in which the air is to be conditioned;
selecting an operating state of the conditioning system on the
basis of a model by means of which a plurality of possible actual
values of the at least two parameters is linked to operating states
of the conditioning system; setting the conditioning system into
the selected operating state so that an output air stream of the
conditioning system is produced in which the actual values of the
at least two parameters lie within preset target value ranges.
2. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the operating
state of the conditioning system is selected on the basis of a
parameter map, by means of which a plurality of possible actual
values of the at least two parameters is linked with the operating
states of the conditioning system.
3. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the operating
state of the conditioning system is selected on the basis of a
correlation function by means of which a plurality of possible
actual values of the at least two parameters is linked with the
operating states of the conditioning system.
4. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein one parameter is
the air temperature and a further parameter is the air
humidity.
5. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein a plurality of
possible actual value combinations of the at least two parameters
is linked with a respective operating state of the conditioning
system by means of the model.
6. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the selectable
operating states of the conditioning system are pre-defined
operating states of the conditioning system which each comprise a
pre-defined operating state of a humidification device, a
pre-defined operating state of a dehumidifying device, a
pre-defined operating state of a heating device and/or a
pre-defined operating state of a cooling device.
7. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein, after being set
into the selected operating state, the conditioning system is set
into a readjusting operating state in which a deviation of the
actual values of the at least two parameters of the output air
stream from the preset target values is determined and in which,
for the purposes of further approximation to or equalization of the
actual values with the target values, readjustment of the
conditioning system is effected.
8. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein a determination
is made by means of a monitoring device as to whether a deviation
of the actual values of the at least two parameters of the output
air stream from the preset target values exceeds a preset maximum
deviation.
9. The method for supplying air to a work-piece processing system
comprising a method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the output
air stream of the conditioning system is supplied as a processing
air stream to a processing area of the work-piece processing system
and in that the plurality of possible actual values of the at least
two parameters of the inlet air stream of the conditioning system
is linked with the operating states of the conditioning system by
means of the model in such a manner that the derivable actual
values of the at least two parameters of the processing air stream
lie within preset target value ranges.
10. A conditioning system for the conditioning of air comprising a
control device and a measuring device for determining the actual
values of at least two parameters of an inlet air stream of the
conditioning system in which the air is to be conditioned, wherein
an operating state of the conditioning system is selectable by
means of the control device on the basis of a model by means of
which a plurality of possible actual values of the at least two
parameters is linked with operating states of the conditioning
system, and wherein the conditioning system is settable into the
selected operating state by means of the control device so that an
output air stream of the conditioning system is producible in which
the actual values of the at least two parameters lie within preset
target value ranges.
11. The conditioning system in accordance with claim 10, wherein
the control device comprises a memory device in which a parameter
map and/or a correlation function is stored whereby a plurality of
possible actual values of the at least two parameters is linked
with the operating states of the conditioning system by means of
the parameter map and/or by means of the correlation function.
12. The conditioning system in accordance with claim 10, wherein
the conditioning system comprises a humidification device, a
dehumidifying device, a heating device and/or a cooling device.
13. The conditioning system in accordance with claim 10, wherein
the conditioning system comprises a regulating device by means of
which the conditioning system is settable into a readjusting
operating state in which a deviation of the actual values of the at
least two parameters of the output air stream from the preset
target values is determinable and in which readjustment of the
conditioning system for the purposes of closer approximation to or
equalization of the actual values with the preset target values is
implementable.
14. The conditioning system in accordance with claim 10, wherein
the conditioning system comprises a monitoring device by means of
which it is determinable as to whether a deviation of the actual
values of the at least two parameters of the output air stream from
the preset target values exceeds a preset maximum deviation.
15. A work-piece processing system comprising a conditioning system
in accordance with claim 10, wherein the output air stream of the
conditioning system is feedable to a processing area of the
work-piece processing system as a processing air stream and in that
the plurality of possible actual values of the at least two
parameters of the inlet air stream of the conditioning system is
linked with the operating states of the conditioning system by
means of the model in such a manner that the derivable actual
values of the at least two parameters of the processing air stream
lie within preset target value ranges.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the
conditioning of air.
[0002] Such a method is known from EP 1 081 442 A1 for example.
This known method is a regulated method wherein a conditioning
system is regulated by means of regulated actuators. Thereby, at
least one of the regulator input variables that are needed for the
regulation of the conditioning system is a mixed regulator input
variable which is formed by linking a deviation from the target
temperature value with a deviation from the target humidity
value.
[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a method
for the conditioning of air which is implementable in a reliable
and energy-efficient manner.
[0004] In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved in
that the method for the conditioning of air comprises the
following: [0005] determining the actual values of at least two
parameters of an inlet air stream of a conditioning system in which
the air is to be conditioned; [0006] selecting an operating state
of the conditioning system on the basis of a model by means of
which a plurality of possible actual values of the at least two
parameters is linked to operating states of the conditioning
system; [0007] setting the conditioning system into the selected
operating state so that an output air stream of the conditioning
system is produced in which the actual values of the at least two
parameters lie within preset target value ranges.
[0008] Due to the fact that, in accordance with the invention, an
operating state is selected on the basis of a model, a desired
output air stream of the conditioning system can preferably be
produced rapidly, reliably and/or in energy-efficient manner.
[0009] In this description and the accompanying Claims, it is to be
understood in particular that a target value range is a range or a
span of values within which a desired parameter may move in order
to ensure the desired properties of the air stream.
[0010] In particular, the model is a static and/or a dynamic
model.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, provision is made for
the operating state of the conditioning system to be selected on
the basis of a parameter map by means of which a plurality of
possible actual values of the at least two parameters is linked
with the operating states of the conditioning system.
[0012] Furthermore, provision may be made for the operating state
of the conditioning system to be selected on the basis of a
correlation function by means of which a plurality of possible
actual values of the at least two parameters is linked with the
operating states of the conditioning system.
[0013] In this description and the accompanying Claims, a
correlation function is preferably to be understand as any equation
and any set of equations and in particular model equations and sets
of model equations by means of which a connection between at least
one input quantity and at least one output quantity is
established.
[0014] The parameter map and/or the correlation function are
preferably based on the model upon the basis of which the operating
state of the conditioning system is selected.
[0015] In particular, provision may be made for the parameter map
and/or the correlation function to be or to have been established
or produced by using or upon the basis of a model.
[0016] In particular, the model is a simulation model and
especially a simulation model of the conditioning system or a
work-piece processing system which incorporates the conditioning
system.
[0017] By means of the model and preferably using the actual values
of the at least two parameters of the inlet air stream and with
knowledge of the operating state of the conditioning system, the
actual values of the at least two parameters of the output air
stream of the conditioning system can be determined and especially
computed and/or predicted.
[0018] In particular in the inverse situation, it is additionally
preferably possible by means of the model and with knowledge of the
preset target value ranges of the at least two parameters of the
output air stream of the conditioning system and by use of the
determined actual values of the at least two parameters of the
inlet air stream to deduce a desired operating state of the
conditioning system.
[0019] In particular, a parameter map can be produced by means of
the model from which, by using the determined actual values of the
at least two parameters of the inlet air stream, an optimized
and/or particularly energy-efficient operating state of the
conditioning system is derivable.
[0020] In particular, provision may be made for control signals for
the conditioning system by means of which the conditioning system
is settable into the desired operating state to be providable by
means of the parameter map.
[0021] Alternatively or in addition to a parameter map, provision
may be made for a correlation function by means of which a
plurality of possible actual values of the at least two parameters
is linked with the operating states of the conditioning system.
[0022] Particularly when the conditioning system is in operation,
an efficient operating state of the conditioning system can be
computed by means of the correlation function on the basis of the
model using the determined actual values of the at least two
parameters of the inlet air stream in order to ensure adherence to
the target value ranges of the parameters of the output air
stream.
[0023] It can be expedient for one parameter to be the air
temperature.
[0024] A (further) parameter is preferably the air humidity
(moisture content).
[0025] It can be particularly advantageous if the at least two
parameters form a pair of parameters consisting of the air
temperature and the air humidity (moisture content).
[0026] It can be expedient for the inlet air stream to be heated up
and/or cooled.
[0027] As an alternative or in addition thereto, provision may be
made for the inlet air stream to be humidified and/or
dehumidified.
[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, provision is made for a
plurality of possible actual value combinations and in particular
pairs of actual values of the at least two parameters to be linked
with a respective operating state of the conditioning system by
means of the model.
[0029] In particular, provision may be made for an operating state
of the conditioning system to be associated with the plurality of
possible pairs of actual values, especially the air humidity and
the air temperature together, by means of the model.
[0030] In particular, a plurality of possible actual values of the
at least two parameters is linked with pre-defined operating states
of the conditioning system by means of the model, the parameter map
and/or the correlation function.
[0031] The operating states of the conditioning system preferably
each comprise an operating state of a humidification device, an
operating state of a dehumidifying device, an operating state of a
heating device and/or an operating state of a cooling device.
[0032] In particular, provision may be made for the pre-defined
operating states of the conditioning system to each comprise a
pre-defined operating state of a humidification device, a
pre-defined operating state of a dehumidifying device, a
pre-defined operating state of a heating device and/or a
pre-defined operating state of a cooling device.
[0033] A pre-defined operating state is, in particular, an
operating state which is determined and in particular computed
and/or simulated on the basis of the model before carrying out the
method for the conditioning of air.
[0034] The operating states of the conditioning system selectable
on the basis of the model are preferably pre-defined operating
states of the conditioning system.
[0035] In particular, controlled operation of the conditioning
system is implementable by selecting an operating state of the
conditioning system on the basis of the model and setting the
conditioning system into the selected operating state. The
controlled operation of the conditioning system is especially
independent of actual values of the at least two parameters of the
output air stream of the conditioning system.
[0036] Provision may be made for the conditioning system to be set
into a readjusting operating state in which a deviation of the
actual values of the at least two parameters of the output air
stream from the preset target values is determined and in which,
for the purposes of further approximation to or equalisation of the
actual values with the target values, readjustment of the
conditioning system is effected.
[0037] A readjustment or a readjusting operating state of the
conditioning system is to be understood in particular as being a
supplementary regulation of the conditioning system on the basis of
the controlled operating state.
[0038] In particular, provision may be made for the conditioning
system to be set into the readjusting operating state after having
been set into the selected operating state wherein a deviation of
the actual values of the at least two parameters of the output air
stream from the preset target values is determined and wherein, for
the purposes of closer approximation to or equalisation of the
actual values with the target values, readjustment of the
conditioning system is effected.
[0039] In particular hereby, provision may be made for the
humidification device, the dehumidifying device, the heating device
and/or the cooling device to be set into a readjusting operating
state.
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, provision may be made
for a determination to be made by means of a monitoring device as
to whether a deviation of the actual values of the at least two
parameters of the output air stream from the preset target values
exceeds a preset maximum deviation. In order in particular to
enable the proper functioning of the conditioning system to be
monitored, the magnitude of the deviations of the actual values of
the at least two parameters of the output air stream from the
preset target values can preferably be determined.
[0041] A malfunction of the conditioning system can preferably be
established or determined by means of the monitoring device.
[0042] The air that has been conditioned by means of the method
according to the invention and in particular the output air stream
from the conditioning system can be used in particular in a
work-piece processing system.
[0043] Consequently, the present invention also relates to a method
of supplying air to a work-piece processing system.
[0044] The method of supplying air to a work-piece processing
system in accordance with the invention preferably comprises
particular ones or a plurality of the features and/or advantages
described in connection with the method for the conditioning of air
in accordance with the invention.
[0045] It can be expedient for the output air stream of the
conditioning system to be supplied to a processing area of the
work-piece processing system in the form of a processing air
stream.
[0046] Hereby, the plurality of possible actual values of the at
least two parameters of the inlet air stream of the conditioning
system is preferably linked with the operating states of the
conditioning system by means of the model so that the derivable
actual values of the at least two parameters of the processing air
stream lie within preset target value ranges.
[0047] Hereby, the output air stream of the conditioning system can
be just a part of a processing air stream or it may form the entire
processing air stream for example.
[0048] In particular, if the output air stream of the conditioning
system is a part of the processing air stream, then the remaining
part of the processing air stream can be a circulating air stream
that is fed into the work-piece processing system.
[0049] If the output air stream of the conditioning system forms
the entire processing air stream, then a supply of pure air is
preferably provided to the work-piece processing system.
[0050] Particularly in the case where the output air stream of the
conditioning system forms a part of the processing air stream,
provision may be made for the effect of the circulating air stream
being fed through an air circulation system on the actual values of
the at least two parameters of the processing air stream to be
taken into account in the model for the selection of the operating
state of the conditioning system.
[0051] The model is preferably a model which is specific to the
system.
[0052] Preferably, the dimensions of the work-piece processing
system and in particular the processing area of the work-piece
processing system are taken into account in the model.
[0053] Furthermore, provision may be made for the type, the extent
and/or the duration of the work-piece processing operation that is
being carried out by means of the work-piece processing system to
be taken into account in the model.
[0054] The inlet air stream of the conditioning system can, in
particular, be a stream of fresh air or a circulating air stream or
a mixture of a stream of fresh air and a circulating air
stream.
[0055] The method in accordance with the invention is particularly
suitable for operating a conditioning system for the conditioning
of air.
[0056] Consequently, the present invention also relates to a
conditioning system for the conditioning of air.
[0057] In regard to this aspect, the object of the invention is to
provide a conditioning system by means of which air is
conditionable in a reliable and energy-efficient manner.
[0058] In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved by
a conditioning system for the conditioning of air which comprises a
control device and a measuring device for determining the actual
values of at least two parameters of an inlet air stream of the
conditioning system that is to be conditioned,
[0059] wherein an operating state of the conditioning system is
selectable by means of the control device on the basis of a model
by means of which a plurality of possible actual values of the at
least two parameters is linked with operating states of the
conditioning system, and
[0060] wherein the conditioning system is settable into the
selected operating state by means of the control device so that an
output air stream of the conditioning system is producible in which
the actual values of the at least two parameters lie within preset
target value ranges.
[0061] The conditioning system in accordance with the invention
preferably incorporates particular ones or a plurality of the
features and/or advantages described above in connection with the
methods in accordance with the invention.
[0062] The conditioning system preferably comprises a control
device for controlling the conditioning system and in particular
the implementation of the method in accordance with the
invention.
[0063] It can be expedient if the control device comprises a memory
device in which a parameter map and/or a correlation function is
stored, wherein a plurality of possible actual values of the at
least two parameters is linked with the operating states of the
conditioning system by means of the parameter map and/or by means
of the correlation function.
[0064] The conditioning system preferably comprises a
humidification device, a dehumidifying device, a heating device
and/or a cooling device.
[0065] In particular the cooling device may simultaneously be a
dehumidifying device.
[0066] Furthermore, provision may be made for the conditioning
system to comprise at least one filter device and/or at least one
heat exchanger.
[0067] Preferably, heat is transferable from an exhaust air stream
leaving a work-piece processing system to the inlet air stream of
the conditioning system by means of the heat exchanger.
[0068] In one embodiment of the invention, provision is made for
the conditioning system to comprise a regulating device by means of
which the conditioning system is settable into a readjusting
operating state.
[0069] In the readjusting operating state, a deviation of the
actual values of the at least two parameters of the output air
stream from the preset target values is preferably
determinable.
[0070] Furthermore, readjustment of the conditioning system for the
purposes of closer approximation to or equalisation of the actual
values with the preset target values is preferably implementable in
the readjusting operating state.
[0071] Expediently, the conditioning system comprises a monitoring
device by means of which it is determinable as to whether a
deviation of the actual values of the at least two parameters of
the output air stream from the preset target values exceeds a
preset maximum deviation.
[0072] The conditioning system in accordance with the invention is
suitable in particular for use as a component or in combination
with a work-piece processing system.
[0073] Consequently, the present invention also relates to a
work-piece processing system which incorporates a conditioning
system in accordance with the invention.
[0074] Hereby, the work-piece processing system in accordance with
the invention preferably comprises particular ones or a plurality
of the features and/or advantages described above in connection
with the methods in accordance with the invention and/or the
conditioning system in accordance with the invention.
[0075] The output air stream of the conditioning system is
preferably feedable to a processing area of the work-piece
processing system as a processing air stream.
[0076] Hereby, the plurality of possible actual values of the at
least two parameters of the inlet air stream of the conditioning
system is linked with the operating states of the conditioning
system by means of the model in such a manner that the derivable
actual values of the at least two parameters of the processing air
stream lie within preset target value ranges.
[0077] The conditioning system can be in the form of an air supply
system and/or an air-recirculation system.
[0078] To this end, in addition to the humidification device, the
dehumidifying device, the heating device and/or the cooling device,
the conditioning system preferably comprises a housing, at least
one fan (blower), at least one filter device (filter stage), a flow
distributor, at least one sound proofing device (muffler) and/or at
least one heat conveyer (heat exchanger), in particular, at least
one thermal wheel.
[0079] Conditioning of air is to be understood in this description
and the accompanying Claims in particular as being the processing
and/or the treatment of air.
[0080] The work-piece processing system is particularly a surface
processing system, a machining system, a coating system, a painting
system, a drying system and/or a cleaning system.
[0081] The work-pieces are vehicles, vehicle parts, vehicle bodies,
vehicle attachments, furniture and/or medical instruments for
example.
[0082] Furthermore, the methods in accordance with the invention
and/or the systems in accordance with the invention may incorporate
particular ones or a plurality of the features and/or advantages
described below:
[0083] The conditioning of the air is preferably effected for the
purposes of process-security and quality assurance of manufacturing
processes especially in the trade and industry fields.
[0084] A plurality of process steps are preferably implementable by
means of the work-piece processing system and/or in the work-piece
processing system especially the cleaning and/or degreasing of
work-pieces, formation of a conversion layer on the work-pieces
(e.g. phosphating), application of lacquer using a dipping process,
application of lacquer using a sputtering or spraying process,
baking or hardening the lacquer film, checking the work-pieces
and/or re-machining the work-pieces.
[0085] In particular when painting work-pieces, the following
target value and target value ranges of the relative humidity and
the temperature of the processing air stream are preferably
used:
[0086] When using solvent-based lacquers, the relative humidity
preferably amounts to at least approximately 40% and/or at most to
approximately 84% and the temperature preferably amounts to at
least approximately 20.degree. C. and/or at most approximately
30.degree. C.
[0087] When using water-based lacquers, the relative humidity
preferably amounts to at least approximately 60% and/or at most
approximately 70% and the temperature preferably amounts to at
least approximately 20.degree. C. and/or at most approximately
26.degree. C.
[0088] When using a single layer water finish coating, the relative
humidity preferably amounts to at least approximately 55% and/or at
most approximately 75% and the temperature preferably amounts to at
least approximately 20.degree. C. and/or at most approximately
26.degree. C.
[0089] When using a powder coating particularly powder filler, the
relative humidity preferably amounts to at least approximately 40%
and/or at most approximately 50% and the temperature preferably
amounts to at least approximately 20.degree. C. and/or at most
approximately 24.degree. C.
[0090] Furthermore, when using a powder coating and especially a
powdered clear-lacquer, provision may be made for the relative
humidity to amount to at least approximately 40% and/or at most
approximately 50% and for the temperature to preferably amount to
at least approximately 18.degree. C. and/or at most approximately
22.degree. C.
[0091] In individual cases however, such as for reasons of quality
for example, provision may also be made for other types of climatic
conditions (target values and target value ranges) to be used in
dependence on the lacquer system and on the desired colour
spectrum.
[0092] Provision may be made for the demands on the local air
conditioning (conditioning of the processing air stream) in a
processing area during the application of water-based lacquers in
comparison with the demands on the local air conditioning during
the application of solvent-based lacquers to differ and in
particular, to be narrower or higher. This, for example, can lie on
the water dilutibility and on the special demands being made in
regard to quality and appearance such as the reproducible nature
and/or uniformity of the effect created in the case of metallic
paints or special effect paints for example.
[0093] The fresh air supply and the exhaust air requirements of a
work-piece processing device in the form of a vehicle paint shop
for example for painting 30 car bodies per hour can amount to up to
approximately 1.4 million cubic meters per hour for example. The
fresh air supply and the exhaust air requirements can preferably be
reduced by at least half by reducing the layers of lacquer, the
extent of the lacquer and by partial re-circulation of the air
within the processing area (spray-booth).
[0094] It can be expedient for a large part, at least approximately
50% for example and in particular approximately 80% for example, of
the air for conditioning the local region (the processing air
stream) to be re-circulated. In particular in the case of a paint
shop using a dry deposition process or an electrical deposition
process, the air being fed into the air circulation system can be
heated up by the frictional heat of the fan (blower) for example.
This can preferably be compensated for by means of a cooling device
in the conditioning system especially in an air re-circulating
system.
[0095] In particular for the purposes of removing pollutants, a
portion of the circulating air, approximately 20% for example, is
preferably removed and supplied to an exhaust air purification
system for example. The removed portion of the circulating air is
preferably replaced by means of an air supply system, especially a
smaller one.
[0096] In dependence upon the manufacturing location and the
lacquer system being utilised, different demands may be made on the
dimensioning and regulation of an air supply system and/or an air
re-circulating system.
[0097] In the case of very cold locations for example, it is
possible to dispense with a cooling device because even in the
summer months, high temperatures which would make it necessary for
the supplied air to be cooled are not expected.
[0098] In the case of a hot humid location in which large
variations in temperature and/or humidity fluctuations occur over
the whole year for example, a desired conditioning of the air can
preferably be effected more easily by means of a cooling
device.
[0099] However, independently of the location of the conditioning
system and/or the work-piece processing system, weather reversals
due to the onset of thunderstorms with a resultant rapid rise of
the relative air humidity for example can impose great demands on
the outlay required for the regulation of the conditioning system.
This outlay for the regulation process can preferably be simplified
and the conditioning system operated more reliably and more
energy-efficiently by the purposeful selection of an operating
state of the conditioning system on the basis of a model.
[0100] A target value range or the target value ranges of the at
least two parameters of the processing air stream is also referred
to as a spray booth air conditioning window or as a "Drying Line"
for example.
[0101] Provision may be made for the target value ranges to
comprise individual preferred working points for the winter and the
summer for example.
[0102] The working points are preferably fixed during the design
stage of the conditioning system and/or the work-piece processing
system.
[0103] Preferably, a process of coordinating the conditioning
devices of the conditioning system, especially a humidification
device, a dehumidifying device, a heating device and/or a cooling
device is effected by means of a global model which takes into
account the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity of the
conditioning system. The regulation process can preferably be
pre-programmed by system parameters.
[0104] It can be expedient for the regulation process to be divided
into a forward path (pilot control) and a return path (regulation).
The pilot control process is preferably effected by selecting the
operating state on the basis of the model. The regulation process
is preferably the re-adjustment process.
[0105] In particular, provision may be made for the pilot control
process to compute an energy-optimal correcting variable
combination for the conditioning devices of the conditioning system
and an optimal target value within a preset target value range
based in particular on the model by the solution of an optimisation
problem.
[0106] Preferably, an optimal solution is computed from the
temperature and humidity of the inlet air stream.
[0107] It can be expedient if the pilot control signal (a control
signal from a control device) by means of which the conditioning
system is settable into the selected operating state is
supplemented by a regulating signal (re-adjustment; a control
signal from a regulating device). The regulating signal is
preferably computed using the actual values of the temperature and
humidity of the out-flowing air (the output air stream).
[0108] A two-degrees of freedom structure can preferably be
realized by means of the pilot control process and the regulation
process.
[0109] In particular in the case where the regulating structure
comprises a model of the conditioning system, the controlling
strategy for the individual conditioning devices (modules) can
preferably be designed in such a way that an energy-optimal
operation is immanently impressed for example.
[0110] It can be particularly advantageous if the regulation
concept for industrial conditioning systems is based on a global
model-set for an energy-optimal regulation process.
[0111] The adjusting signals (the control signals and/or regulating
signals for the setting of the operating states) for the individual
conditioning devices are preferably coordinated centrally.
[0112] Preferably, changes in strategy can be taken into account in
the event of sudden weather reversals for example.
[0113] Furthermore, correcting variable combinations as well as
target values can preferably be computed in an energy-optimal
manner.
[0114] The algorithms for the computation strategy are preferably
adapted to the process control hardware and/or process control
software that are typical of air supply systems and/or air
recirculation systems.
[0115] In particular hereby, the complex optimisation problem can
be reduced to a numerically highly-efficiently solvable linear
optimisation problem. The solution of the complex problem is
preferably sufficiently precisely approximated by the successive
solution of the reduced problem.
[0116] Provision may be made for the coordinating regulation
process to be pre-programmed by physically interpretable system
parameters.
[0117] Preferably, substantial cost savings and/or savings of time
can be achieved compared with decentralized solutions particularly
in regard to the large time constants in air supply systems and/or
air re-circulation systems.
[0118] Preferably, the danger of oscillation of the conditioning
devices and the development of limit cycles can be reduced or in
particular, completely prevented.
[0119] Preferably, thermodynamic reciprocal effects such as the
coupling of temperature and relative humidity for example are taken
into account in the model. Preferably thereby, the behaviour of the
control system and/or the regulating action can be optimised.
[0120] It can be expedient if the controlling behaviour and/or the
regulating action of a system especially that of a conditioning
system and/or a work-piece processing system can be simulated in
advance during the design stage. In particular, an automatic
model-based parameter pre-setting process can be effected.
Preferably thereby, any deficiencies in the system in regard to the
dynamic control, regulating and error-response behaviour can be
recognized in advance in an early project phase.
[0121] Preferably furthermore, access to a differentiated
fault-tracing process can be provided by the use of a model. Actual
values of parameters (system parameters) deviating from the
expected values can lead to a deviation from a static behaviour in
accordance with the model. A changed pattern of behaviour of the
regulation process can result therefrom and this can be used for
diagnostic purposes.
[0122] The preset target value range is preferably the number of
working points on a connecting line in the air temperature-air
humidity diagram (or enthalpy-humidity diagram) between a summer
working point and a winter working point.
[0123] Preferably, the ambient temperature and the ambient humidity
as well as the connecting line between the summer working point and
the winter working point in the air temperature-air humidity
diagram are used for the process of computing optimal correcting
variables and an optimal target value.
[0124] The connecting line can also be referred to as a Drying
Line.
[0125] The pilot control process preferably enables coordination of
the individual conditioning devices based on a model especially a
physical one.
[0126] For the purposes of optimising the actual values of the at
least two parameters of the output air stream that are attainable
in the selected operating state of the conditioning system, a
re-adjustment process is preferably effected such as by means of an
output feedback arrangement for example.
[0127] For the realization of the regulation process, provision may
preferably be made for known methods of solution such as a
decentralized regulator using linear PI regulators for example.
[0128] Preferably, the target values of the at least two parameters
of the output air stream are computed in order to ensure consistent
regulating signals in relation to the control signals.
[0129] The correcting variable component of the regulation process
is preferably calculated from the difference between the actual
values of the at least two parameters of the output air stream and
the appertaining target values.
[0130] Alternatively or in addition to a decentralized regulation
process, provision may also be made for a model-based, linear MIMO
regulation process.
[0131] The pilot control process and the regulation process
together preferably form a coordinating temperature and humidity
regulation process.
[0132] The conditioning system may preferably be monitored by
monitoring the agreement between the system behaviour and a model
behaviour, especially a simulated model. A control signal of a
control device of the conditioning system then needs to be
corrected by means of a regulating device to a lesser extent the
more the model behaviour agrees with the system performance.
[0133] An incorrectly functioning operating state can preferably be
detected by a changed regulating component. In particular, abruptly
occurring faults such as a mal-positioned valve for example and/or
long-term effects such as wear and tear for example can then be
recognized.
[0134] In particular, abruptly occurring faults can be directly
detected and are diagnosed by warning signals.
[0135] Long-term effects can preferably be determined by
statistical evaluation of the regulating components.
[0136] Further preferred features and/or advantages of the
invention form the subject matter of the following description and
the graphical illustration of exemplary embodiments.
[0137] In the drawings:
[0138] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view through a work-piece
processing system which comprises a conditioning device for the
conditioning of air;
[0139] FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view of a further conditioning
system;
[0140] FIG. 3 a schematic illustration for illustrating the
functioning of a conditioning system;
[0141] FIG. 4 a schematic illustration for illustrating the control
and regulation of a conditioning system;
[0142] FIG. 5 a diagram for illustrating the mode of operation of a
conditioning system;
[0143] FIG. 6 a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 for
illustrating different operational areas of a conditioning
system;
[0144] FIG. 7 a schematic illustration for illustrating the manner
of controlling a conditioning system; and
[0145] FIG. 8 a further schematic illustration for illustrating the
manner of controlling a conditioning system.
[0146] The same or functionally equivalent elements are provided
with the same reference symbols in all of the Figures.
[0147] A work-piece processing system bearing the general reference
100 which is illustrated in FIG. 1 is in the form of a painting
facility 102 for painting work-pieces 103 and in particular vehicle
bodies for example.
[0148] For this purpose, the work-piece processing system 100
comprises a processing area 104, particularly one in the form of a
paint booth 106, and an air feed device 108 by means of which an
air stream is caused to pass through the processing area 104.
[0149] This air stream is referred to as a processing air stream
109 in the following.
[0150] The work-piece processing system 100 comprises a filtering
unit 110 by means of which the processing air stream 109 being fed
through the processing area 104 is cleanable.
[0151] In particular, provision may be made for paint overspray
which was picked up by the processing air stream 109 in the
processing area 104 to be separable from the processing air stream
109 by means of the filtering unit 110.
[0152] The air feed device 108 comprises a conditioning system 114
in the form of an air supply system 112 for example.
[0153] Ambient air and in particular fresh air can be sucked in as
an inlet air stream 152, conditioned and then supplied e.g. by way
of a plenum 116 of the work-piece processing system 100 to the
processing area 104 as a processing air stream 109 by means of the
conditioning system 114.
[0154] The conditioning system 114 comprises an air supply duct
118, a blower 120 for propelling the air stream as well as a
plurality of conditioning devices 122.
[0155] For example, the conditioning system 114 comprises a
conditioning device 122 in the form of a heating device 124, a
conditioning device 122 in the form of a cooling device 126, a
conditioning device 122 in the form of a humidification device 128
and/or a conditioning device 122 in the form of a dehumidifying
device 130.
[0156] The air stream being fed through the conditioning system 114
can thus be heated up, cooled, humidified and/or dehumidified by
means of the conditioning device 122.
[0157] Furthermore, the conditioning system 114 comprises two
filter devices 132.
[0158] Hereby with respect to a direction of flow 134 of the air
stream, a filter device 132 in the form of a pre-filter 136 is
arranged upstream of the conditioning devices 122, whilst a filter
device 132 in the form of a post-filter 138 is arranged downstream
of the conditioning devices 122.
[0159] In particular, the conditioning devices 122, the filter
devices 132 and the blower 120 are arranged in a housing 150 of the
conditioning system 114.
[0160] An exhaust air duct 140 of the air feed device 108 serves
for removing the processing air stream 109 that has been cleaned by
means of the filtering unit 110.
[0161] The air supply duct 118 and the exhaust air duct 140 are
preferably thermally coupled to one another by means of a heat
exchanger 142.
[0162] The heat exchanger 142 is in the form of a thermal wheel 144
for example and serves, in particular, for conveying the heat of
the air stream being fed through the exhaust air duct 140 (the
cleaned processing air stream 109) to the air stream being fed
through the air supply duct 118 (the inlet air stream 152).
[0163] Finally, the conditioning system 114 also comprises a
measuring device 146 by means of which the actual values of at
least two parameters of the inlet air stream 152 of the
conditioning system 114 being supplied through the air supply duct
118 are determinable.
[0164] Optimal control or regulation of the conditioning system 114
and thus of the entire work-piece processing system 100 can be
effected on the basis of the actual values that have been
determined.
[0165] The work-piece processing system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1
functions as follows:
[0166] The actual values of at least two parameters of the inlet
air stream 152 of the conditioning system 114 are determined by
means of the measuring device 146. In particular, the air
temperature and the air humidity and in particular, the relative
humidity are determined.
[0167] On the basis of the actual values of the at least two
parameters, the conditioning system 114 is set into a certain
operating state in order to deliberately condition the inlet air
stream 152 in such a manner that it will have a preset desired air
temperature and a preset desired air humidity after it has passed
through the conditioning system 114 and thus as it is leaving the
system in the form of the output air stream 154 of the conditioning
system 114.
[0168] The output air stream 154 of the conditioning system 114 is
supplied to the processing area 104 as a processing air stream
109.
[0169] Due to the fact that the processing air stream 109 exhibits
a preset air temperature and a preset air humidity, optimal
conditions for the processing of the work-pieces 103 and in
particular for painting the work-pieces 103 prevails in the
processing area 104.
[0170] After flowing through the processing area 104, the
processing air stream 109 is cleaned by means of the filtering unit
110 and then expelled through the exhaust air duct 140.
[0171] The heat contained in the cleansed processing air stream 109
is at least partly transferred by means of the heat exchanger 142
to the inlet air stream 152 that is being fed through the air
supply duct 118 and is thus preferably not expelled unused into the
environment of the work-piece processing system 100.
[0172] An alternative embodiment of a conditioning system 114 which
is illustrated in FIG. 2 basically differs from the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 in that the conditioning system 114 comprises
two heating devices 124 as well as a sound proofing device 148.
[0173] In the case of the conditioning system 114 in accordance
with FIG. 2, there is provided a heating device 124 which is in the
form of a burner 147 for example.
[0174] In relation to the direction of flow 134, the filter device
132 in the form of a pre-filter 136 is arranged downstream of this
heating device 124.
[0175] Following this filter device 132 in the direction of flow
134, there is the cooling device 126, a heating device 124 in the
form of a hot water register, the humidification device 128, the
filter device 132 in the form of a post-filter 138 and the blower
120.
[0176] The sound proofing device 148 is arranged between the filter
device 132 in the form of a post-filter 138 and the blower 120.
[0177] In particular, the sound proofing device 148 is arranged to
the side on a housing 150 of the conditioning system 114.
[0178] An inlet air stream 152 being supplied to the conditioning
system 114 can thus firstly be heated up, then cleaned and
subsequently cooled, heated up again, humidified and lastly cleaned
again by means of the conditioning system 114 illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0179] In all other respects, the alternative embodiment of the
conditioning system 114 illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponds in regard
to the construction and functioning thereof with the conditioning
system 114 of the work-piece processing system 100 from FIG. 1, so
that to this extent reference should be made to the previous
description thereof.
[0180] The process of controlling and/or regulating the
conditioning system 114 are explained exemplarily hereinafter on
the basis of a conditioning system 114 in which a cooling device
126, a heating device 124 and a humidification device 128 are
provided in serial succession.
[0181] As can be perceived from FIG. 3 in particular, an inlet air
stream 152 can be conditioned by means of the conditioning system
114. The conditioned air stream leaves the conditioning system 114
as an output air stream 154.
[0182] The cooling device 126 is in the form of a cooling register
for example.
[0183] The heating device 124 is in the form of a heating register
for example.
[0184] A variable flow of cooling water is preferably supplied to
(not illustrated) register pipes of the cooling device 126 for
cooling the air stream being fed through the conditioning system
114.
[0185] A variable flow of hot water is preferably supplied to (not
illustrated) register pipes of the heating device 124 for heating
the air stream being fed through the conditioning system 114.
[0186] In particular, the streams of water are preferably
controllable and/or regulable by (not illustrated) valves.
[0187] The humidification device 128 preferably comprises a
controllable and/or regulable humidifier pump 156.
[0188] A variable, especially speed-regulated flow of water can be
injected into the air stream being fed through the conditioning
system 114 by means of the humidifier pump 156.
[0189] The flow rate of the air stream being fed through the
conditioning system 114 is preferably kept constant by means of a
blower 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0190] As can be perceived in particular from FIG. 3, each
conditioning device 122 can preferably be controlled by a separate
control signal 158.
[0191] In principle therefore, the conditioning devices 122 can be
controlled individually and operated substantially independently of
each other.
[0192] However, as can be perceived from FIG. 4 in particular, the
conditioning system 114 preferably has a master control device 160
for controlling the conditioning system 114.
[0193] The control device 160 is connected to a measuring device
146 by means of which the actual values of the at least two
parameters of the inlet air stream 152 that is to be conditioned
are determinable and transmissible to the control device 160 by
means of a control or measuring signal 172.
[0194] The control device 160 comprises a memory device 162 in
which a model 164 or a model-based correlation 164 between a
plurality of possible actual values of the at least two parameters
of the inlet air stream 152 and the operating states of the
conditioning system 114 is stored.
[0195] For example, provision may be made for a parameter map 166
and/or a correlation function 168 to be stored by means of the
memory device 162.
[0196] On the basis of and/or by using the model 164, an operating
state of the conditioning system 114 can be selected from the
determined actual values of the at least two parameters of the
inlet air stream 152 by means of the control device 160.
[0197] In order to set the conditioning system 114 into this
operating state, one or more control signals 158 are transmitted to
the conditioning devices 122 of the conditioning system 114 by
means of the control device 160.
[0198] Furthermore, the conditioning system 114 may comprise a
regulating device 170.
[0199] In particular, the regulating device 170 is connected to the
control device 160 and also to a measuring device 146 for the
purposes of determining the actual values of the at least two
parameters of the output air stream 154.
[0200] It can then be determined by means of the regulating device
170 as to whether the operating state of the conditioning system
114 selected by means of the control device 160 actually leads to
the maintenance of the desired target values of the at least two
parameters of the output air stream 154.
[0201] Control or measuring signals 172 are exchanged between the
measuring devices 146, the control device 160 and the regulating
device 170.
[0202] As can be perceived in particular from FIG. 4, the control
signal 158 that is being supplied to the conditioning devices 122
is an effective control signal 158e which is composed of two
control signals 158, namely, a control signal 158s from the control
device 160 and a control signal 158r from the regulating device
170.
[0203] Preferably thereby, only a slight correction of the control
signal 158s from the control device 160 is effected by means of the
regulating device 170 since, preferably on the basis of the model
164, an operating state of the conditioning system 114 and in
particular that of the conditioning devices 122 which ensures
maintenance of the target values of the at least two parameters of
the output air stream 154 has already been obtained by means of the
control device 160. By monitoring the deviation of the actual
values of the at least two parameters of the output air stream 154
from the target values, functional monitoring of the conditioning
system 114 can preferably be effected in order to determine
malfunctions and disturbances. The regulating device 170 may thus
comprise a monitoring device 171.
[0204] The control signals 158, 158e, 158s, 158r can, for example,
be represented as vectors and in particular as correcting-variable
vectors u=[u1 u2 u3].sup.T. The entries for a correcting-variable
vector are preferably the correcting variables of the individual
conditioning devices 122.
[0205] In particular in the case where the contribution of the
regulating device 170 to the effective control signal 158e is small
and amounts to less than approximately 20% for example, and in
particular less than approximately 10%, provision may be made for
the regulating device 170 to be operated using a linear regulation
concept.
[0206] Based on the model 164, optimal control signals 158 for the
cooling device 126, the heating device 124 and the humidification
device 128 can be produced by means of the control device 160.
[0207] Preferably, an expanded target value range 174 of the at
least two parameters, particularly the air temperature and the air
humidity can be used.
[0208] For example, the target value range 174 is given by the
connecting line between two working points 176 in a diagram wherein
the air temperature (in .degree. C.) is plotted against the air
humidity (in g water/kg dry air) (see FIG. 5).
[0209] The working points 176 are, in particular, a summer working
point 176s in which the conditioning system 114 is operable in an
energy-efficient manner especially in the summer, and a winter
working point 176w in which the conditioning system 114 is operable
in an energy-efficient manner especially in the winter.
[0210] The summer working point 176s corresponds to an air
temperature of approximately 30.degree. C. and a relative humidity
of approximately 65% for example.
[0211] The winter working point 176w corresponds to an air
temperature of approximately 20.degree. C. and a relative humidity
of approximately 55% for example.
[0212] In dependence on the actual values of the air humidity and
the air temperature of the inlet air stream 152, different
operating states of the conditioning system 114 have to be realized
in order to adhere to the target values, i.e. for the purposes of
achieving actual values of the parameters of the output air stream
154 that lie within the target value range 174.
[0213] As can be seen on the basis of the point A in FIG. 5 for
example, both humidification and heating of the inlet air stream
152 must be effected in the case of very cold and dry air.
[0214] In the case of hot dry air (point B), humidification of the
inlet air stream 152 may be sufficient for adherence to the target
values.
[0215] In the case of humid air (point C), provision may be made
for the inlet air stream 152 to be cooled and thereby dehumidified,
and subsequently for it to be heated (heated-up).
[0216] As can be perceived from FIG. 6, there are effectively five
different regions, i.e. the regions I to V, which can be
distinguished from one another in the air temperature-air humidity
diagram.
[0217] If the actual values of the inlet air stream 152 result in a
point in the region I, then isoenthalpic humidification may be
sufficient for adherence to the target values.
[0218] In region II, provision may be made for cooling and
humidification processes for adherence to the target values.
[0219] In region III, cooling together with resultant
dehumidification as well as heating of the inlet air stream 152 are
preferably effected in order to adhere to the target values.
[0220] In region IV, the inlet air stream 152 is preferably merely
heated for adherence to the target values.
[0221] In region V, both humidification and heating of the inlet
air stream 152 is effected in order to adhere to the target
values.
[0222] In particular, very rapid changes of the actual values of
the at least two parameters of the inlet air stream 152 can occur
due to changes in the weather.
[0223] For example, a change in status from region I to region IV
can occur so that the operating state of the conditioning system
114 has to be changed from an isoenthalpic humidification process
to a heating process.
[0224] With increasing absolute humidity due to the onset of rain
for example, a change in the weather from region I to region III
can occur for example. Consequently, there has to be a change-over
from an isoenthalpic humidification process to a dehumidifying
process, in particular, by means of the dehumidifying device 130
and/or by means of the cooling device 126, and also heating by
means of the heating device 124.
[0225] Such a change-over or switch-over can be accomplished in a
particularly simple and reliable manner by means of the model
164.
[0226] In FIG. 8, there is illustrated the signal flow of the pilot
control process that is implementable by means of the control
device 160.
[0227] As can be perceived from FIG. 8, the working points 176s,
176w as well as the control or measuring signal 172 from the
measuring device 146 are supplied as input variables to the control
device 160.
[0228] On the basis of the model 164, a check or measuring signal
172 which is passed on to the regulating device 170 as well as the
control signal 158s for controlling the conditioning devices 122
are produced by means of the control device 160.
[0229] The computation of the control signal 158s from the control
device 160 (pilot signal) is preferably effected by the solution of
an optimisation problem.
[0230] For example, a linear energy function is used as the
function that is to be minimized and in particular a cost function
and/or quality function:
E(u.sub.d1,u.sub.d2,u.sub.d3,a.sub.d1)=p.sub.1u.sub.d1+p.sub.2u.sub.d2+p-
.sub.3u.sub.d3+p.sub.d1a.sub.d1 (equation 1).
[0231] The variables u.sub.d1, u.sub.d2, and u.sub.d3 are
correcting variable components of the pilot control process by
virtue of which the energy function E is preferably minimized. The
quantity a.sub.d1 preferably indicates the target value within the
target value range 174 and in particular within the spray booth air
conditioning window (the so-called Drying Line).
[0232] The target value is set at the winter working point 176w for
a.sub.d1=0 and at the summer working point 176s for a.sub.d1=100.
The variables p.sub.1, p.sub.2, p.sub.3 and p.sub.d1 are fixed
weighting factors and indicate the linear cost factor of the
individual conditioning devices 122.
[0233] Equation 1 is preferably minimized using the following
auxiliary conditions:
0.ltoreq.u.sub.d1,u.sub.d2,u.sub.d3,a.sub.d1.ltoreq.100 (auxiliary
condition 1)
and
v.sub.Winter+a.sub.d1v.sub.d1=u.sub.d1v.sub.cool+u.sub.d2v.sub.heat+u.su-
b.d3v.sub.humidifier (auxiliary condition 2).
[0234] Auxiliary condition 1 preferably ensures that the correcting
variables keep the preset boundaries i.e. remain within the preset
target value range 174. Auxiliary condition 2 preferably ensures
that the solution of the optimisation problem is on the
energy-optimal point of the connecting line between the summer
working point 176s and the winter working point 176w, i.e. on the
Drying Line.
[0235] The vectors v.sub.cool, v.sub.heat, and v.sub.humidifier are
preferably direction vectors in the enthalpy-humidity diagram. The
length and direction of the vectors preferably result from the
momentary state of the inlet air stream 152 and the static model
behaviour of the conditioning devices 122. The vectors are
preferably determined from the model equations of the conditioning
system 122.
[0236] The direction vector v.sub.Winter preferably describes the
vector from the state (working point) of the inlet air stream 122
to the winter working point 176w. The vector v.sub.d1 preferably
describes the vector from the winter working point 176w to the
summer working point 176s and lies on the Drying Line or runs along
the Drying Line. An optimal vector v.sub.res and hence a preferred
operating state of the conditioning system 114 can thereby be
determined by means of the computed factors a.sub.d1 (see FIG.
7).
[0237] The equation 1 and the auxiliary conditions 1 and 2 describe
a linear optimisation problem.
[0238] The optimisation problem can preferably be solved
iteratively by a simplex algorithm in order to match the solution,
in particular on-line, to the changing weather conditions. The
static solution of the model and thus the optimisation problem
preferably alter in the event of a change of the environmental
variables.
[0239] Optimal operation of the conditioning system 114 can thereby
preferably be always ensured by the model-based selection of the
operating state.
* * * * *