초록 ▼

An improved system for and method of precisely controlling the temperature at a predetermined location at a preselected temperature selected from a range of temperatures is described. The preferred system for carrying out the preferred method includes a mixing valve for separating a fluid stream int

An improved system for and method of precisely controlling the temperature at a predetermined location at a preselected temperature selected from a range of temperatures is described. The preferred system for carrying out the preferred method includes a mixing valve for separating a fluid stream into first and second component streams and adjustable in response to a first contol signal so as to control the amount of separation of first and second component streams. The preferred system also includes a heater for heating the first compponent stream in response to a second control signal, a first evaporator for cooling the second component stream and a conduit for combining the heated and cooled component streams so as to provide a mixed stream to the predetermined location. The first and second control signals are provided as a function of the preselected temperature, the temperature of the heated first component stream, the temperature of the mixed stream and the temperature at said predetermined location. The system is also preferably provided with a second evaporator for recooling the mixed stream as it is recirculated if the temperature at the predetermined location does not drop below some predetermined level. The second evaporator provides partial recooling of the mixed stream when the temperature difference between the preselected temperature and the temperature at the predetermined location is below some preselected value and maximum recooling when above the preselected value so long as the temperature at the predetermined location does not drop below the predetermined level.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of precisely controlling the temperature at a predetermined location at a preselected temperature selected from a range of temperatures, said method comprising the steps of: generating a pressurized stream of fluid; separating said stream into first and second component streams; heating sai

A method of precisely controlling the temperature at a predetermined location at a preselected temperature selected from a range of temperatures, said method comprising the steps of: generating a pressurized stream of fluid; separating said stream into first and second component streams; heating said first component stream in response to a first control signal, wherein said first control signal is a power signal provided for heating said first component stream; cooling said second component stream; mixing said first and second component streams so as to provide a mixed stream; controlling the amount of mixing of said first and second component streams in response to a second control signal; carrying said mixed stream to said location; and generating (1) said first control signal as a function of the preselected temperature, the temperature of said heated first component stream, the temperature of the mixed stream and said temperature at said predetermined location, and (2) said second control signal as a function of the preselected temperature, the temperature of said mixed stream and said temperature at said predetermined location, wherein said step of generating said first control signal includes the step of comparing said power signal to a predetermined maximum limit and said step of controlling the amount of mixing includes a step of adjusting the relative amounts of said first and second component streams mixed during said step of controlling the amount of mixing so as to substantially limit the power required for heating said first component to said maximum limit.