Unit conversion block

Owned by Bram Van Bogaert
Last updated: Jul 16, 2024
3 min read

Symbol

Hysopt Library symbol

image-20240716-081819.png
Base Circuit in the Hysopt library

Hysopt Canvas symbol

The Unit Conversion Block on canvas is updated dynamically depending on the quantity and units selected. Two examples:

Temperature Conversion:

  • Depicts a temperature conversion from °F to °C.

  • Visual representation includes the temperature quantity (T) and conversion units.

image-20240716-082735.png

Flow Rate Conversion

  • Depicts a flow rate conversion from gallons per minute (gpm) to cubic meters per hour (m³/h).

  • Visual representation includes the flow rate quantity (V) and conversion units.

Parametrisation and Usage

The Unit Conversion Block allows you to dynamically select and convert different quantities and units. Click the drawing tool under “unit conversion” to parametrise in the folllowing manner:

  1. Select Quantity: Choose the type of quantity you want to convert (e.g., Temperature, Flow rate,…).

  2. Input Unit: Select the unit of the input value (e.g., °F for temperature, gpm for flow rate).

  3. Output Unit: Select the unit for the output value (e.g., °C for temperature, m³/h for flow rate).

  4. Save Configuration: Click 'Save' to apply the unit conversion settings. The visual representation will update dynamically to reflect the selected quantity and units.

  5. Connect to Control Inputs: Use the output of the Unit Conversion Block as an input for other control blocks that require specific units.

Do not forget to click 'Save' image-20240716-083543.png to apply recent changes to the unit conversion parameters. If not saved, the changes will be lost.

Example

Temperature setpoint in °F

In this example, we will demonstrate how to use the Unit Conversion Block to convert a temperature setpoint from °F to °C.

  1. Quantity Selection: Choose 'Temperature' as the quantity.

  2. Input Unit: Select '°F' (Fahrenheit) as the input unit.

  3. Output Unit: Select '°C' (Celsius) as the output unit.

  4. Apply Conversion: Click 'Save' to confirm the unit conversion settings.

  5. Connect Temperature Setpoint at input: Enter a constant setpoint in °F (e.g., 149).

  6. Automatic Conversion: The Unit Conversion Block will automatically convert this to °C (e.g., 65°C).

  7. Connect to Control Input: The converted setpoint (65°C) is then connected to the supply temperature setpoint control input, which is expected in °C as denoted by the hover message.

This example demonstrates how to handle temperature setpoints, but the same process can be applied to other quantities like flow rate, pressure, etc., by selecting the appropriate units and quantities in the Unit Conversion Block. Besides, control inputs that expect a specific unit will always mention the expect unit in the hover message.