Flow Control Device

Abstract

To open a flow passage by powerlessly displacing a valve body of a flow rate control device.SOLUTION: A turbine-type flow rate control device 10 comprises a flow passage pipe 20 which forms a flow passage R2 in which fluid flows, a valve body 40 arranged at the flow passage pipe 20 and opening and closing the flow passage R2, and a takeout pipe 50 for taking out the fluid pressure of a portion at an upstream side rather than the valve body 40 out of the flow passage R2. Also, a valve 10 comprises a valve body drive mechanism 60 which operates by receiving an increase of the fluid pressure taken out of the takeout pipe 50 when the valve body 40 closes the flow passage R2 and which opens the flow passage R2 by displacing the valve body 40 in an open direction. The turbine-type flow rate control device 10 comprises a power generator 30 for generating power by the rotation of a turbine 31, and an electric drive mechanism 70 which operates with power generated by the power generator 30 and which further opens the flow passage R2 by further displacing the valve body 40 in the open direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow rate control device that opens and closes a fluid flow path using a valve element. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a turbine-type flow control device that includes a flow path pipe that forms a flow path through which a fluid flows and a turbine provided in the flow path, in which the turbine is rotated by the fluid to generate electricity and which applies torque to the turbine to control the flow rate of the fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6114680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The turbine type flow control device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a valve body for opening and closing the flow path, but when this device is used in a four-pipe air conditioning system divided into a cold water pipe for cooling and a hot water pipe for heating, a valve body is required. For example, when this device is installed in a cold water pipe to control the flow rate of cold water, it is necessary to completely close the cold water flow path with the valve body to stop the flow of cold water from the viewpoint of energy saving during the winter period when the cooling function is not used. On the other hand, when the above period ends, electricity is required to displace the valve body and open the flow path. When the turbine type flow control device is not connected to an external power source, it is possible to cover the above-mentioned electricity with a storage battery, but if the above-mentioned period is long, the remaining power of the storage battery may be low or may be exhausted due to natural discharge or the like. In this case, it is not possible to displace the valve body to open the flow path. As in this example, there are cases where it is desired to open the flow path from a closed state (including both a fully closed state and a partially closed state) by displacing the valve body without electricity.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to open a flow path by displacing a valve body of a flow control device without power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the flow control device of the present invention includes a flow path pipe forming a flow path through which a fluid flows, a valve body provided in the flow path pipe for opening and closing the flow path, an extraction pipe for extracting fluid pressure from a portion of the flow path upstream of the valve body, and a valve body drive mechanism that operates in response to an increase in the fluid pressure extracted by the extraction pipe when the valve body closes the flow path, and opens the flow path by displacing the valve body in an opening direction.

[0007] The flow control device may further include a turbine that rotates with the fluid flowing through the flow path when the flow path is opened by the valve body drive mechanism, a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of the turbine, and an electric drive mechanism that operates with the electricity generated by the generator and further opens the flow path by further displacing the valve body in the opening direction.

[0008] The valve body drive mechanism may include a cylinder connected to the extraction pipe, into which the fluid pressure is introduced via the extraction pipe, and a displacement member connected to the valve body, which is pressed by the fluid inside the cylinder as the fluid pressure introduced into the cylinder increases and displaces the valve body in the opening direction.

[0009] The valve element may be a direct acting valve element that moves linearly, and the displacement member may move linearly in the opening direction to linearly move the valve element in the opening direction.

[0010] The flow control device may further include a generator that includes a turbine that rotates with the fluid flowing through the flow path when the valve body is opened in the open state direction by the valve body drive mechanism, and generates electricity by the rotation of the turbine, a connecting member that is unconnected before the displacement of the displacement member and is connected to the displacement member after the displacement of the displacement member, and an electric drive mechanism that operates with power generated by the generator and further opens the flow path by displacing the valve body further in the open direction via the connecting member and the displacement member.

[0011] The flow rate control device may further include a storage battery that stores the electric power generated by the generator.

[0012] The flow control device may further include a turbine that rotates with the fluid flowing through the flow path when the flow path is opened by the valve body drive mechanism, a generator that generates electricity by the rotation of the turbine, and a controller that operates with the electricity generated by the generator and controls the rotation of the turbine, thereby controlling the flow rate of the fluid. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the valve element of the flow control device can be displaced without power to open the flow passage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system using a flow rate control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flow rate control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flow control device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the flow rate control device of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the flow rate control device. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the flow control device after FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the flow control device after FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the flow rate control device after FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of a flow rate control device when an automatic air bleeding flow rate control device is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, as one example of an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a turbine type flow rate control device having a power generation function using a turbine will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, turbine type flow control devices 10A and 10B according to one embodiment of the present invention are employed in an air conditioning system 1. In addition to the turbine type flow control devices 10A and 10B, the air conditioning system 1 includes supply pipes 2A and 2B, return pipes 3A and 3B, a cooling device 4, a boiler 5, pumps 6A and 6B, and FCUs (Fan Coil Units) 7A and 7B. The air conditioning system 1 is a four-pipe system having four pipes 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B.

[0017] The supply pipe 2A carries chilled water cooled by a cooling device 4, which is composed of a chiller and a cooling tower, to the FCU 7A. A pump 6A is disposed in the supply pipe 2A to send chilled water to the FCU 7A. The return pipe 3A carries chilled water that has been heat exchanged with air in the space to be conditioned in the FCU 7A to the cooling device 4. A turbine-type flow control device 10A is disposed in the return pipe 3A to control the flow rate of chilled water flowing through the pipes 2A and 3A, i.e., the flow rate of chilled water flowing into the FCU 7A.

[0018] The supply pipe 2B carries hot water heated in the boiler 5 to the FCU 7B. A pump 6B is disposed in the supply pipe 2B to send the hot water to the FCU 7B. The return pipe 3B carries the hot water that has been heat exchanged with the air in the space to be conditioned in the FCU 7A to the boiler 5. A turbine-type flow control device 10B is disposed in the return pipe 3B to control the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the pipes 2B and 3B, i.e., the flow rate of the hot water flowing into the FCU 7B.

[0019] Next, the turbine type flow control device 10A according to this embodiment will be described as the turbine type flow control device 10 with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The turbine type flow control device 10B can also have a similar configuration to the turbine type flow control device 10 described below.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the turbine type flow control device 10 includes a flow path pipe 20, a generator 30 (Figure 3), a valve body 40, an extraction pipe 50, a valve body drive mechanism 60, an electric drive mechanism 70, a connecting member 80, a control unit 90, and a support member S.

[0021] The flow path pipe 20 is connected at both ends to the return pipe 3A (FIG. 3), and is disposed in the middle of the pipe 3A. The flow path pipe 20 is connected to a flow path R2 of cold water flowing through the return pipe 3A, and forms a flow path R1 through which cold water flows from the flow path R2.

[0022] The flow path pipe 20 includes connection members 21 and 22 that are connected to the piping 3A, and holding members 23 and 24 that hold the generator 30.

[0023] The connection member 21 includes a flange 21A connected to an upstream portion of the pipe 3A. The flange 21A is formed with a communication hole 21B that communicates the inside of the connection member 21, i.e., the flow path R1, with the outside of the connection member 21. One end of the extraction pipe 50 is connected to the communication hole 21B.

[0024] The connection member 22 includes a flange 22A connected to a downstream portion of the pipe 3A, and a hollow guide portion 22B into which a plate-shaped valve element 40 (described in detail later) that opens and closes the flow path R1 is displaceably inserted. The guide portion 22B guides the displacement of the valve element 40 in the up-down direction that is perpendicular to the upstream-downstream direction. The upper end portion of the guide portion 22B includes a flange, and supports a support member S. The support member S supports a valve element drive mechanism 60, an electric drive mechanism 70, and a control unit 90.

[0025] The holding member 23 includes a cylindrical hollow portion 23A, a support portion 23B disposed inside the hollow portion 23A, and a plurality of connection portions 23C extending radially from the support portion 23B and connected to the inner peripheral wall of the hollow portion 23A. The support portion 23B supports the turbine 31 of the generator 30 together with a support portion 24B described below. The plurality of connection portions 23C support the support portion 23B at the central axis position of the hollow portion 23A.

[0026] The holding member 24 includes a cylindrical hollow portion 24A, a support portion 24B disposed inside the hollow portion 24A, and a plurality of connection portions 24C extending radially from the support portion 24B and connected to the inner peripheral wall of the hollow portion 24A. The plurality of connection portions 24C support the support portion 24B at the central axis position of the hollow portion 24A.

[0027] The support portions 23B and 24B are located on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively, of the turbine 31 of the generator 30, and rotatably support the turbine 31 via ball bearings or the like. The multiple connection portions 23C and 24C may have any shape, and may be, for example, fan-shaped. The hollow portions 23A and 24A hold the stator 32 of the generator 30 by sandwiching it from the upstream and downstream directions.

[0028] The generator 30 generates electricity using the cold water flowing through the flow path R1 from the flow path R2. The generator 30 includes a turbine 31, which is a rotor rotated by the cold water flowing through the flow path R1, and a stator 32 that surrounds the outer periphery of the turbine 31 and generates electricity by converting the rotational energy of the turbine 31 into electrical energy.

[0029] The turbine 31 includes an impeller that rotates upon receiving cold water flowing through the flow path R1, and a cylindrical member that is provided on the outer periphery of the impeller and has a permanent magnet (not shown) built in.

[0030] The stator 32 includes a cylindrical iron core and a plurality of coils (not shown) wound around the iron core as stator windings, and converts the rotational energy of the rotating turbine 31 into electrical energy. As a result, electricity is generated by the rotation of the turbine 31.

[0031] The valve element 40 is provided in the flow path pipe 20, and is a direct acting valve element that opens and closes the flow path R1 by moving linearly in the vertical direction. The valve element 40 is driven by a valve element drive mechanism 60 that operates without electricity and an electric drive mechanism 70 that requires electricity. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the valve element 40 is fully closed. This state is also referred to as a fully closed state.

[0032] The extraction pipe 50 is flexible, and one end thereof is connected to a communication hole 21B formed in the flange 21A of the connection member 21. The communication hole 21B is connected to the flow path R1 of the flow path pipe 20. A part of the cold water located upstream of the valve body 40 among the cold water in the flow path R1 of the flow path pipe 20 is introduced into the extraction pipe 50. Therefore, the pressure (water pressure) of the cold water in the part of the flow path R1 upstream of the valve body 40 is extracted by the extraction pipe 50. Note that the position of the communication hole to which one end of the extraction pipe 50 is connected may be any position upstream of the valve body 40, and may be provided in a part of the flow path pipe 20 other than the flange 21A.

[0033] 1 operates, the water pressure of the cold water in the portion of the flow path R1 upstream of the valve body 40 increases. This increases the water pressure taken out by the take-out pipe 50.

[0034] The valve body drive mechanism 60 operates in response to an increase in the water pressure extracted by the extraction pipe 50 when the valve body 40 fully closes the flow path R1, and displaces the valve body 40 in the opening direction (upward). This opens the flow path R1. The valve body drive mechanism 60 includes a cylinder 61 connected to the extraction pipe 50, a displacement member 62 a part of which is housed in the cylinder 61 and is displaceable in the opening / closing direction (upward / downward) of the valve body 40, and an elastic body 63 which biases the displacement member 62 in the closing direction.

[0035] Into the cylinder 61, the water pressure of the cold water upstream of the valve body 40 of the flow path R1 is introduced through the extraction pipe 50. The displacement member 62 penetrates the cylinder 61 in the opening and closing direction of the valve body 40. One end (lower end) of the displacement member 62 on the valve body 40 side is connected to one end of the valve body 40 on the opening direction side by welding or the like. One end of the displacement member 62 may be connected to the valve body 40 via another member. The displacement member 62 has a plate-shaped portion 62A in its middle portion that divides the space inside the cylinder 61 into a first space U1 on the closing direction side and a second space U2 on the opening direction side. The elastic body 63 is a helical spring here, which is housed in the first space U1 and biases the plate-shaped portion 62A in the closing direction. The water pressure taken out by the extraction pipe 50 is introduced into the second space U2. When the water pressure increases, the water pressure pushes the plate-shaped portion 62A in the opening direction (upward), moving the displacement member 62 in the opening direction. In this way, the displacement member 62 is displaced by being pushed by the cold water of the increased water pressure due to the increase in the water pressure introduced inside the cylinder 61. The displacement member 62 is displaced by linear movement in the opening direction. Due to this displacement, the valve body 40 connected to the displacement member 62 is also displaced in the opening direction, that is, moves linearly.

[0036] The electric drive mechanism 70 operates on power generated by the generator 30 (including power temporarily stored in a storage battery 99 (FIG. 4) described below), and displaces the valve element 40, which has been opened to a certain extent by the valve element drive mechanism 60, further in the opening direction, thereby further opening the flow path R1. The electric drive mechanism 70 includes an actuator 71 that operates on power generated by the generator 30, and a movable shaft 72 that is moved in the opening / closing direction (up and down direction) of the valve element 40 by the actuator 71. The actuator 71 is formed of a linear motor or the like. A connecting member 80 is provided at one end (lower end) of the movable shaft 72 on the closing direction side. The movable shaft 72 and the connecting member 80 are integrally formed.

[0037] When the displacement member 62 moves in the opening direction of the valve body 40, one end (upper end) on the opening direction side comes into contact with the connecting member 80. The connecting member 80 is an electromagnetic clutch, which becomes a magnet when magnetized and is connected by magnetic force to the displacement member 62 in contact with the connecting member 80. The connecting member 80 is not in contact with the displacement member 62, i.e., is not connected to the displacement member 62, before the displacement of the displacement member 62. Due to the above connection, the electric drive mechanism 70 can displace the valve body 40, which has been opened to a certain extent by the valve body drive mechanism 60, further in the opening direction via the connecting member 80 and the displacement member 62. One end on the opening direction side of the displacement member 62 is formed in a disk shape similar to the connecting member 80 in order to ensure a contact area with the connecting member 80.

[0038] The control unit 90 constitutes a control system that controls the operation of the turbine type flow control device 10, and is configured to include a controller 91, a storage battery 99, and the like, shown in Fig. 4. Here, the control system of the turbine type flow control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that wiring connecting the various elements shown in Fig. 4 is omitted in Figs. 2 and 3. The wiring is routed in an appropriate manner.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the turbine type flow rate control device 10 includes a control unit 90 including a controller 91 and a storage battery 99, as well as a position sensor P1 and an opening degree sensor P2.

[0040] 2 and 3, the position sensor P1 is disposed at an arbitrary position and detects the rotational position of the turbine 31. As the position sensor P1, for example, an incremental encoder is adopted, but any sensor may be adopted. The position sensor P1 may be a sensor that detects the rotational position by detecting the magnetic poles of a permanent magnet incorporated in the turbine 31.

[0041] 2 and 3, the opening sensor P2 detects the valve opening of the valve body 40 that determines the opening area of ​​the flow path R1 in the flow path pipe 20, for example, by detecting the position of the movable shaft 72 of the electric drive mechanism 70. Here, the actuator 71 that moves the movable shaft 72 may be configured to include, for example, a motor and a conversion mechanism (for example, a pinion gear and a rack gear) that converts the rotation of the motor into linear movement. In such a case, the opening sensor P2 may be configured to detect the valve opening, for example, by detecting the rotation position of the shaft rotated by the motor. The actuator 71 may be various actuators such as a pneumatic actuator, and the type of sensor adopted as the opening sensor P2 depends on the specific embodiment of the actuator 71.

[0042] The controller 91 is composed of a computer and / or a control board on which various circuits are mounted, and controls the actuator 71 and the connecting member 80. The controller 91 controls the storage of the electric power generated by the generator 30 in the storage battery 99, and also controls the torque of the turbine 31 of the generator 30 in order to control the flow rate of the cold water flowing through the flow path R1.

[0043] The controller 91 includes a data communication unit 91A, a system control unit 91B, a flow control unit 91C, a generator control unit 91D, an inverter 91E, and a power supply circuit 91F. The system control unit 91B, the flow control unit 91C, and the generator control unit 91D are realized by various computers including, for example, a memory and one or more processors that execute a program recorded in the memory. At least a part of each of the system control unit 91B, the flow control unit 91C, and the generator control unit 91D may be configured by various circuits other than a computer.

[0044] The data communication unit 91A is composed of various communication modules, and has a communication function for wirelessly communicating with a higher-level device, for example, an air conditioning controller that controls the operation of the air conditioning system 1 (FIG. 1).

[0045] The system control unit 91B controls the entire system of the turbine type flow control device 10. The system control unit 91B receives various set values ​​from a higher-level device via the data communication unit 91A, and transmits data on the internal state of the turbine type flow control device 10 to the higher-level device via the data communication unit 91A. The system control unit 91B outputs a flow rate set value as one of the set values ​​to the flow rate control unit 91C.

[0046] The flow rate control unit 91C controls the electric drive mechanism 70, the connecting member 80, and the generator 30 to control the flow rate of the cold water flowing through the flow path R1 of the flow path pipe 20. The flow rate control unit 91C magnetizes the connecting member 80 with a coil (not shown) or the like, and may magnetize the movable shaft 72 to magnetize the connecting member 80 as an electromagnetic clutch connected to the movable shaft 72. The flow rate control unit 91C receives as input a flow rate setting value from the system control unit 91B, the current angular velocity and torque of the turbine 31 (described below) output by the generator control unit 91D, and the valve opening detected by the opening sensor P2.

[0047] The flow control unit 91C derives the flow rate of the cold water flowing through the flow path R1 based on the input angular velocity and torque of the turbine and the valve opening. The deriving of the flow rate may be performed by any known method. The flow control unit 91C controls the torque of the turbine 31 by a flow control law (PI control) so that the flow rate approaches a flow rate set value, using the derived flow rate and the valve opening from the opening sensor P2 as feedback values. The flow control unit 91C derives a torque set value for the torque of the turbine 31 by the flow control law and outputs it to the generator control unit 91D, thereby controlling the torque of the turbine 31. The flow control unit 91C controls the electric drive mechanism 70 based on the valve opening when the valve body 40 is fully opened by the electric drive mechanism 70 as described later, and stops driving by the electric drive mechanism 70 when the valve opening becomes 100% (fully open). The electric power required for the electric drive mechanism 70, the connecting member 80, and the like is supplied from the flow control unit 91C.

[0048] The generator control unit 91D receives as input the rotational position of the turbine 31 detected by the position sensor P1 and the phase voltage value V and phase current value I output by the inverter 91E. The inverter 91E is controlled by the generator control unit 91D, and detects the phase voltage value V and phase current value I in the generator 30 and outputs them to the generator control unit 91D.

[0049] The generator control unit 91D derives the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the turbine 31 based on the rotational position of the turbine 31 detected by the position sensor P1. The generator control unit 91D derives the torque of the turbine 31 based on the phase voltage value V and the phase current value I. The generator control unit 91D controls the inverter 91E by a torque control law (PI control) using the derived torque as a feedback value so that the torque becomes a torque set value from the flow rate control unit 91C. The generator control unit 91D outputs the derived angular velocity and torque to the flow rate control unit 91C. The generator control unit 91D may derive the torque of the turbine 31 based on the phase current value I. The generator control unit 91D may also derive the torque based on the phase voltage value V, the phase current value I, and the angular velocity.

[0050] The inverter 91E operates by the main power from the power supply circuit 91F and under the control of the generator control unit 91D. The inverter 91E operates to store the power generated by the generator 30 in the storage battery 99. The inverter 91E also drives the generator 30 in a power running mode or a regenerative mode to control the torque of the turbine 31. In the power running mode or the regenerative mode, the current flowing through the stator winding of the stator 32 is controlled. For example, in the power running mode, the inverter 91E supplies driving power to the generator 30. The flow rate of the cold water is controlled by controlling the torque of the turbine 31. For example, if the rotation direction of the turbine 31 that rotates by receiving the cold water is set to the positive direction, a torque in the positive direction is applied to the turbine 31 when the flow rate of the cold water is increased (power running mode). When the flow rate of the cold water is decreased, a torque in the negative direction is applied to the turbine 31 (regenerative running mode). Naturally, the flow rate is also controlled by increasing or decreasing the torque applied during the power running mode or the regenerative running mode. Note that the method of controlling the flow rate of the cold water by the inverter 91E controlling the generator 30 or the turbine 31 is arbitrary, and for example, the flow rate of the cold water may be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the turbine 31. In other words, the rotation speed control may be adopted instead of the torque control (the same applies below).

[0051] The power supply circuit 91F distributes the stored power charged (stored) in the storage battery 99 as power used within the turbine type flow control device 10. In this example, the power supply circuit 91F supplies power to the inverter 91E as main power, and also supplies power to each of the units 91A to 91D.

[0052] The flow of operation of the turbine type flow control device 10 configured as described above is shown in Fig. 5. When the cooling function of the air conditioning system 1 is not being used and the valve body 40 is in a fully closed state (the state in Fig. 3), the turbine type flow control device 10 operates as shown in Fig. 5 when the pump 6A starts operating to start cooling using the cooling function. Before the operation in Fig. 5, it is assumed that the storage battery 99 has not been charged with power due to natural discharge or the like. Therefore, the controller 91 and other components cannot operate.

[0053] In the turbine type flow control device 10 in the state shown in FIG. 3, the pump 6A starts to operate, and the water pressure of the cold water in the flow passage R1 in the flow passage pipe 20, upstream of the fully closed valve body 40, increases (step S11). This increase in water pressure is introduced into the second space U2 of the cylinder 61 of the valve body drive mechanism 60 via the outlet pipe 50 that takes out the water pressure. This also increases the water pressure of the cold water in the second space U2. This increase in water pressure pushes the plate-shaped part 62A of the displacement member 62, and the displacement member 62 moves in the opening direction (upward) (step S12). The state after this movement is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the movement of the displacement member 62 brings one end (upper end) of the displacement member 62 in the closing direction into contact with the connecting member 80. On the other hand, the valve body 40 connected to one end of the displacement member 62 in the opening direction also moves in the opening direction with the movement of the displacement member 62. The movement of the valve body 40 partially opens the flow passage R1. By partially opening the flow path R1, the cold water starts to flow through the flow path pipe 20, and the turbine 31 starts to rotate. That is, power generation by the generator 30 starts. The power generated by the generator 30 starts to be stored in the storage battery 99 through the inverter 91E (step S13). As a result, charging of the storage battery 99 starts.

[0054] When the storage battery 99 is charged to a certain extent, the entire controller 91 becomes operable by the power generated by the generator 30 and supplied through the storage battery 99 (step S14). This means that the turbine type flow control device 10 is fully started up. The controller 91 continues charging by performing regenerative driving (torque control) so that the amount of power generated by the generator 30 is maximized (step S15). This allows maximum charging. After that, when sufficient power to drive the electric drive mechanism 70 and the connecting member 80 is stored in the storage battery 99 (for example, the power supply circuit 91F monitors the remaining battery level) (step S16), the controller 91 drives and magnetizes the connecting member 80 to connect it to the displacement member 62 (step S17). After that, the controller 91 drives the actuator 71 to further move the movable shaft 72 in the opening direction of the valve body 40, thereby moving the valve body 40 further in the opening direction via the connecting member 80 and the displacement member 62 (step S18). This further opens the flow path R1. The controller 91 moves the movable shaft 72 until the valve body 40 reaches the fully open position. This movement is shown in Figures 7 and 8. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cylinder 61 also moves in conjunction with the movement of the displacement member 62. Figure 8 shows the state in which the valve body 40 has reached the fully open position.

[0055] The controller 91 latches the valve element 40 in the fully open position by maintaining the movable shaft 72 in the state shown in Fig. 8 (step S19). After latching the valve element 40, the controller 91 performs normal operation of the turbine type flow control device 10 (step S20) and performs torque control (regenerative driving or power driving) on ​​the turbine 31 so that the flow rate of the chilled water becomes the flow rate set value commanded from a higher-level device. In addition to controlling the torque of the turbine 31, the controller 91 may also control the opening of the valve element 40 to control the flow rate of the chilled water.

[0056] When the controller 91 brings the valve element 40 into a fully closed state, such as at the end of cooling (step S21), it moves the valve element 40 in the closing direction by the electric drive mechanism 70, and finally stops driving (magnetizing) the connecting member 80. This causes the elastic body 63 to push the displacement member 62 in the closing direction of the valve element 40, and therefore the valve element 40 is fully closed.

[0057] Before step S20, the controller 91 may perform torque control or rotation speed control of the turbine 31 in accordance with the amount of power stored in the storage battery 99 in order to protect the generator 30 or the inverter 91E.

[0058] According to this embodiment, an extraction pipe 50 is provided to extract the fluid pressure (cold water pressure) of the part of the flow path R1 formed by the flow path pipe 20 that is upstream of the valve body 40. Furthermore, a valve body drive mechanism 60 is provided that operates in response to an increase in the fluid pressure extracted by the extraction pipe 50 when the valve body 40 fully closes the flow path R1, and displaces the valve body 40 in the opening direction to open the flow path R1. As a result, no power is required to open the flow path R1, and therefore the valve body 40 of the turbine type flow control device 10 can be displaced without power to open the fully closed flow path R1. As a result, even if the turbine type flow control device 10 has not been used for a long period of time and the battery 99 has run out of power, the operation of the turbine type flow control device 10 can be started. Note that the valve body drive mechanism 60 may be any mechanism that operates in response to an increase in the fluid pressure extracted by the extraction pipe 50 when the valve body 40 closes the flow path R1, and displaces the valve body 40 in the opening direction to open the flow path R1. The state in which the valve element 40 closes the flow path R1 may be a state in which the valve element 40 partially closes the flow path R1. If the flow path R1 is partially closed, the operation of the pump 6A increases the fluid pressure in the portion of the flow path R1 upstream of the valve element 40, and the valve element drive mechanism 60 can operate.

[0059] Further, as in this embodiment, the generator 30 may be provided to generate electricity by rotating the turbine 31 which is rotated by the fluid flowing through the flow path R1 by opening the flow path R1 by the valve body drive mechanism 60. Then, as in this embodiment, the electric drive mechanism 70 may operate by the electric power generated by the generator 30 (in the above, the electric power is via the storage battery 99, but it may be electric power input directly from the generator 30. The same applies to the electric power) and further displace the valve body 40 in the opening direction to further open the flow path R1. With this configuration, even if there is a limit to the degree of displacement (movement distance) of the valve body 40 by the valve body drive mechanism 60, the electric drive mechanism 70 can further open the flow path R1. Note that the turbine type flow control device 10 does not need to include the generator 30. The electric drive mechanism 70 may operate by an external power source. The storage battery 99 may be charged by an external power source. When the generator 30 is provided, the generator 30 and the inverter 91E may be configured to only generate electricity.

[0060] As in this embodiment, the valve body drive mechanism 60 may include a cylinder 61 into which the fluid pressure upstream of the valve body 40 of the flow path R1 is introduced via the outlet pipe 50. Furthermore, the valve body drive mechanism 60 may include a displacement member 62 connected to the valve body 40 and displaced by being pressed by the internal fluid due to an increase in the fluid pressure introduced into the interior (second space U2) of the cylinder 61, thereby displacing the valve body 40 in the opening direction. With this configuration, the valve body 40 can be easily displaced in the opening direction.

[0061] A rotary valve such as a butterfly valve or a ball valve may be used as the valve element 40. In this case, the displacement member 62 may also be provided so as to be rotationally displaced by an increase in water pressure, and the rotary valve element may rotate in conjunction with the rotational displacement. However, as in the above embodiment, it is simpler to configure the valve element 40 and the displacement member 62 to be displaced by linear movement. The valve element 40 is a gate valve element in the above, but it may also be a globe, check valve, or diaphragm type valve element. The specific configuration of the valve element drive mechanism 60 will vary depending on the type of valve element.

[0062] Also, as in this embodiment, the connecting member 80 is unconnected before the displacement of the displacement member 62, and is connected to the displacement member after the displacement of the displacement member 62, and the electric drive mechanism 70 further displaces the valve body 40 in the opening direction via the connecting member 80 and the displacement member 62 connected to the connecting member 80. This prevents the connecting member 80 from acting on the displacement of the valve body 40 by the valve body drive mechanism 60 and having a negative effect, while enabling the displacement of the valve body 40 by the electric drive mechanism 70 through the connection between the connecting member 80 and the displacement member 62. The connecting member 80 may be a member that is mechanically connected to the displacement member 62 instead of an electromagnetic clutch. For example, the connecting member 80 may include an engagement portion that engages with the displacement member 62, and an actuator that operates to engage or disengage the displacement member 62 from the engagement portion under the control of the controller 91.

[0063] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the turbine type flow control device 10 is provided with a storage battery 99 that stores the power generated by the generator 30, so that an external power source is not required and the turbine type flow control device 10 can operate completely independently. Note that if the power generation by the generator 30 is sufficient to continue the operation of the controller 91, the storage battery 99 may be omitted. In other words, the controller 91 may operate only with power supplied directly from the generator 30.

[0064] The controller 91 may power the generator 30 based on power from the storage battery 99 or power from a power source (e.g., a commercial power source) external to the turbine type flow control device 10, and may operate the generator 30 like a pump. The controller 91 may power the generator 30 to consume surplus power that cannot be charged in the storage battery 99.

[0065] Also, as in this embodiment, the generator 30 may include a turbine 31 that rotates with the fluid flowing through the flow path R1 when the flow path R1 is opened by the valve body drive mechanism 60, and power may be generated by the rotation of the turbine 31. Furthermore, the controller 91 may operate with the power generated by the generator and control the rotation of the turbine 31. This allows the controller 91 to operate by the operation of the valve body drive mechanism 60 even in a state where power is not secured to the turbine type flow control device 10.

[0066] In a four-pipe system such as the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, water is usually passed through the pipe used for cooling or heating, while the flow control device is closed for a long period of time in the other pipe, and no fluid flows through it, so that power to operate the flow control device is not secured. It is possible to increase the capacity of the storage battery 99 to secure the power source, but considering that natural discharge during the stop period and the stop period cannot be accurately defined, the storage battery 99 needs to be increased in capacity more than necessary, which leads to an increase in size of the flow control device. In this embodiment, the extraction pipe 50 and the valve body drive mechanism 60 do not require power to start the turbine type flow control device 10 (the operation of FIG. 5 above), so that the storage battery 99 is prevented from being increased in size. Also, at the time of start-up, it is desirable to open the valve body 40 of the turbine type flow control device 10 little by little from a fully closed state in order to prevent a sudden drop in pressure of the pump 6A, etc. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the valve body 40 is only partially opened by the valve body drive mechanism 60. If the opening degree of the valve element 40 is about 10%, the rotation of the turbine 31 can provide the electric power required for the initial operation of the inverter 91E (step S13).

[0067] The generator 30 may be disposed outside the flow pipe 20. For example, the rotational energy of the turbine 31 may be extracted to the outside of the flow pipe 20 by a bevel gear, a magnetic gear, or the like, and the generator 30 may generate electricity by receiving the extracted rotational energy. In this case, a magnet is not required for the turbine 31, and there is no need to provide a stator 32 inside the flow pipe 20.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the flow rate control law and the torque control law for controlling the torque of the turbine 31 are PI control, but any control law may be adopted as these control laws, for example, other modern control may be adopted. Furthermore, the specific method for controlling the torque or rotation speed of the turbine 31 is not limited to the above and is arbitrary, and any method may be adopted.

[0069] The present invention can be applied to various types of flow control devices, not limited to air conditioning systems. The flow control device may be a device that controls the flow rate of a fluid, and may or may not have an actuator and / or a controller. The flow control device may be a valve that is operated manually or by a positioner. The fluid is not limited to liquids such as hot and cold water, but may be a gas such as gas.

[0070] 9, an automatic air vent valve X may be provided between the extraction pipe 50 and the cylinder 61 so that the air in the flow path R1 is not supplied to the cylinder 61 through the extraction pipe 50. The valve X may be disposed midway along the extraction pipe 50.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications. For example, the present invention includes various modifications to the above embodiments and modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. The configurations listed in the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined within a range without contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...air conditioning system, 2A, 2B...supply piping, 3A, 3B...return piping, 6A, 6B...pump, 10, 10A, 10B...turbine type flow control device, 20...flow path pipe, 21...connecting member, 21A...flange, 21B...communicating hole, 30...generator, 31...turbine, 32...stator, 40...valve body, 50...extraction pipe, 60...valve body drive mechanism, 61...cylinder, 62...displacement member, 62A...plate-shaped portion, 63...elastic body, 70...electric drive mechanism, 71...actuator, 72...movable shaft, 80...connecting member, 90...control unit, 91...controller, 91C...flow control section, 91D...generator control section, 91E...inverter, 91F...power supply circuit, 99...storage battery, R1, R2...flow path, S...support member, U1...first space, U2...second space, X...automatic air bleed valve.

Claims

1. A flow path pipe forming a flow path through which a fluid flows; a valve body provided in the flow passage pipe for opening and closing the flow passage; a take-out pipe for taking out a fluid pressure in a portion of the flow path upstream of the valve body; The fluid pressure taken out by the outlet pipe when the valve body closes the flow path is a valve body drive mechanism that operates in response to an increase in pressure and displaces the valve body in an opening direction to open the flow path; and, The flow passage is opened by the valve body drive mechanism, and the valve body is rotated by the fluid flowing through the flow passage. a generator that generates electricity by rotating a turbine; The valve body is further displaced in the opening direction by the power generated by the generator. an electric drive mechanism for further opening the flow path by rotating the electric drive mechanism; A flow control device comprising:

2. The valve body drive mechanism includes: A cylinder connected to the extraction pipe, into which the fluid pressure is introduced via the extraction pipe. Da and, The valve body is connected to the cylinder, and the pressure of the fluid introduced into the cylinder is increased. The valve element is displaced in the opening direction by being pushed by the fluid inside the valve element. and a positioning member, The flow control device of claim 1 .

3. The valve element is a direct acting valve element that moves linearly, The displacement member moves linearly in the opening direction to move the valve body linearly in the opening direction. Let, The flow control device according to claim 2 .

4. The contact is unconnected before the displacement of the displacement member, and is connected to the displacement member after the displacement of the displacement member. Further comprising a connecting member, The electric drive mechanism is operated by the electric power, and connects the valve body to the connecting member and the displacement portion. and further displacing the opening direction through a member to further open the flow path. The flow control device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Further comprising a storage battery for storing the electric power generated by the generator. The flow rate control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A flow path pipe forming a flow path through which a fluid flows; a valve body provided in the flow passage pipe for opening and closing the flow passage; a take-out pipe for taking out a fluid pressure in a portion of the flow path upstream of the valve body; The fluid pressure taken out by the outlet pipe when the valve body closes the flow path is a valve body drive mechanism that operates in response to an increase in pressure and displaces the valve body in an opening direction to open the flow path; and, The flow passage is opened by the valve body drive mechanism, and the valve body is rotated by the fluid flowing through the flow passage. a generator that generates electricity by rotating a turbine; The generator is operated by the electric power generated by the generator, and the rotation of the turbine is controlled. a controller for controlling a flow rate of the fluid; A flow control device comprising:

Images