Pressure independent energy regulating valve

Abstract

This utility model discloses a pressure-independent energy regulating valve, including a valve body, an intelligent controller, a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic energy meter. The sensor assembly includes a supply water temperature sensor, a return water temperature sensor, a supply water pressure sensor, and a return water pressure sensor. The intelligent controller is equipped with a microprocessor, an AI program algorithm module, an LCD display, a Bluetooth communication module, and a signal output circuit. An electric actuator is installed inside the valve body, connected to the valve stem, which in turn connects to the valve disc. The intelligent controller is electrically connected to the supply water temperature sensor, the return water temperature sensor, the supply water pressure sensor, the return water pressure sensor, and the electric actuator via connecting cables. The ultrasonic energy meter is electrically connected to the intelligent controller. This utility model achieves coordinated and precise regulation of supply and return water temperature and pressure, and real-time energy metering through multi-sensor data fusion and AI algorithm optimization control. Compared with existing technologies, it can improve system control accuracy by 15-20% and reduce system energy consumption by 10-15%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of regulating valve technology, and in particular to a pressure-independent energy regulating valve. Background Technology

[0002] With increasingly stringent energy conservation and emission reduction requirements and the rapid development of building intelligence, central air conditioning, heating, and water treatment systems are placing higher demands on the precision and intelligence of fluid control. Traditional manual and simple electric regulating valves have many limitations in practical applications: low adjustment accuracy, slow response speed, inability to achieve remote monitoring, and inability to intelligently adjust according to the actual load requirements of the system. These traditional control methods often lead to problems such as high system energy consumption, unstable temperature control, and increased maintenance costs, making it difficult to meet the dual requirements of energy conservation and comfort in modern buildings.

[0003] While existing intelligent control valve technologies have improved control accuracy to some extent, they generally suffer from shortcomings such as incomplete sensor configuration, simple control algorithms, and a lack of energy metering capabilities. Most products can only achieve single-parameter control, such as controlling only temperature or only flow rate, and cannot achieve multi-parameter coordinated control and optimization. Furthermore, existing products have limited intelligence levels, lacking self-learning and adaptive capabilities, and cannot dynamically optimize and adjust based on historical system data and real-time operating condition changes. In addition, the separation of energy metering and flow control increases system complexity and cost, and makes it difficult to guarantee data accuracy and synchronization.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical challenges, there is an urgent need to develop a control valve product with higher integration and more advanced intelligence. This product should possess functions such as multi-sensor data fusion, AI algorithm-optimized control, real-time energy metering, and switching between multiple control modes. It should be able to precisely adjust according to changes in supply and return water temperature and pressure, as well as energy demand, to maximize system energy efficiency. Simultaneously, the product should also have excellent communication capabilities and a user-friendly interface, supporting remote monitoring and parameter setting to meet the needs of modern intelligent building management. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a pressure-independent energy regulating valve.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A pressure-independent energy regulating valve includes a valve body, an intelligent controller, a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic energy meter. The sensor assembly includes a supply water temperature sensor, a return water temperature sensor, a supply water pressure sensor, and a return water pressure sensor. The intelligent controller is equipped with a microprocessor, an AI program algorithm module, an LCD display, a Bluetooth communication module, and a signal output circuit. An electric actuator is installed inside the valve body, and the electric actuator is connected to the valve stem, which in turn connects to the valve disc. The intelligent controller is electrically connected to the supply water temperature sensor, the return water temperature sensor, the supply water pressure sensor, the return water pressure sensor, and the electric actuator via connecting cables. The ultrasonic energy meter is electrically connected to the intelligent controller.

[0008] Furthermore, both the supply water temperature sensor and the return water temperature sensor use the DS18B20 digital temperature sensor, while both the supply water pressure sensor and the return water pressure sensor use a piezoresistive pressure sensor.

[0009] Furthermore, the intelligent controller's signal output circuit outputs a 0-10V or 4-20mA control signal to the electric actuator. The electric actuator has a valve position feedback function, and the feedback signal is transmitted to the intelligent controller.

[0010] Furthermore, the intelligent controller is equipped with an RS485 communication interface, and the AI ​​program algorithm module includes a PID control algorithm unit, which is equipped with adjustable P, I, and D value parameters.

[0011] Furthermore, the valve body adopts an equal percentage flow characteristic design, the valve body material is ductile iron, and the electric actuator is equipped with a manual operation function.

[0012] Furthermore, the ultrasonic energy meter adopts the ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement principle, and the intelligent controller is equipped with a working mode selection function, including opening control, temperature return control, temperature difference control, back pressure control, pressure difference control, and flow control.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] By integrating multi-sensor data fusion and AI algorithm-optimized control, the system achieves coordinated and precise regulation of supply and return water temperature and pressure, as well as integrated real-time energy metering. Compared with existing technologies, it can improve system control accuracy by 15-20% and reduce system energy consumption by 10-15%. At the same time, it eliminates the problem of asynchronous energy metering and flow control data in traditional separate designs, providing a more intelligent and energy-saving solution for fluid systems such as central air conditioning and heating.

[0015] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a pressure-independent energy regulating valve proposed in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of a pressure-independent energy regulating valve control system proposed in this utility model.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Supply water temperature sensor; 2. Return water temperature sensor; 3. Return water pressure sensor; 4. Supply water pressure sensor; 5. Intelligent controller; 6. Valve body; 7. Ultrasonic energy meter. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0020] Example 1, referring to Figures 1 to 2

[0021] This utility model of a pressure-independent energy regulating valve mainly consists of an intelligent controller 5, a sensor assembly, an electric regulating valve body 6, and an ultrasonic energy meter 7, as detailed below:

[0022] The intelligent controller 5 adopts an embedded microprocessor architecture, with a built-in AI program algorithm module, an LCD display, and a Bluetooth communication module. It supports the RS485 communication protocol and operates at AC24V 50 / 60Hz. The controller integrates a temperature acquisition circuit, a pressure signal processing circuit, a PID control algorithm unit, and a 0-10V / 4-20mA signal output circuit, enabling it to process sensor data and output control signals in real time.

[0023] The sensor assembly includes a supply water temperature sensor 1 and a return water temperature sensor 2, both using DS18B20 digital temperature sensors with a measurement accuracy of ±1.0% and an operating temperature range of -25℃ to +65℃. The return water pressure sensor 3 and the supply water pressure sensor 4 are piezoresistive pressure sensors, connected to the intelligent controller 5 via dedicated cables to achieve simultaneous acquisition of both temperature and pressure readings. Each sensor probe is installed at its corresponding position on the pipeline using a threaded connection to ensure full contact with the medium.

[0024] The electrically controlled regulating valve body 6 adopts an equal percentage flow characteristic design. The valve body is made of ductile iron and contains an internal electric actuator. It receives a 0-10V control signal from the intelligent controller 5, driving the valve stem to move the valve disc upwards or downwards, adjusting the flow area between the valve disc and the valve seat. The actuator has a manual function, a PID control cycle that can be set to 3 seconds, a total operating time of 9 seconds, and provides a valve position feedback signal.

[0025] The ultrasonic energy meter 7 is integrated into the system and works in conjunction with the intelligent controller 5. It uses the ultrasonic time-of-flight method to measure the flow rate and calculates the energy value by combining the data from the temperature sensor. The energy calculation formula is: Q=qm×(h1-h2), where qm is the mass flow rate and h1 and h2 are the enthalpy values ​​of the supply and return water, respectively.

[0026] During system operation, users set target parameters via Bluetooth or RS485 communication interface. The intelligent controller 5 collects temperature signals from the supply water temperature sensor 1 and return water temperature sensor 2 in real time, and simultaneously collects pressure signals from the supply water pressure sensor 4 and return water pressure sensor 3. It calculates temperature difference, pressure difference, and energy values ​​using a built-in AI algorithm. Based on the set operating mode, the controller performs opening control, return temperature control, temperature difference control, back pressure control, pressure difference control, or flow control, outputting corresponding control signals to the electric regulating valve body 6 to achieve intelligent regulation of pipeline flow and energy. The entire system has a self-diagnostic function, capable of detecting sensor anomalies, valve malfunctions, and other conditions, and providing feedback to the user through the display screen and communication interface.

[0027] During installation, ensure that the pressure-independent energy regulating valve is installed horizontally, the arrow on the valve body is aligned with the direction of water flow in the pipeline, a filter is installed at the inlet, the straight pipe section is required to be no less than 10 times the pipe diameter before water inlet and no less than 5 times the pipe diameter after water outlet, and the maximum tilt angle is no more than 30 degrees to ensure measurement accuracy and system stability.

[0028] The working principle of this embodiment:

[0029] The working principle of this intelligent control valve is based on multi-sensor data fusion, AI algorithm processing, and closed-loop control feedback mechanism to achieve intelligent energy management of pipeline fluid.

[0030] After system startup, the intelligent controller 5 synchronously acquires signals from four sensors via a dedicated connection cable: Water supply temperature probe 1 and return water temperature probe 2, based on the DS18B20 digital temperature sensor principle, transmit temperature data to the intelligent controller 5 via single-bus digital communication, achieving a sampling accuracy of ±1.0%; Water supply pressure probe 4 and return water pressure probe 3 employ piezoresistive sensors, converting pipeline pressure into voltage signals which are input to the controller's analog acquisition circuit. All sensor data are synchronously acquired according to a default sampling period of 60 seconds to ensure data consistency.

[0031] After receiving sensor data, the AI ​​program algorithm module built into the intelligent controller 5 first performs data preprocessing and filtering, and then executes the corresponding calculation process according to the user-set working mode. In temperature difference control mode, the system calculates the supply and return water temperature difference as supply water temperature minus return water temperature; in pressure difference control mode, the system calculates the supply and return water pressure difference as supply water pressure minus return water pressure; in energy control mode, combined with the flow data measured by the ultrasonic energy meter 7 using the time difference method, the system calculates the real-time energy value according to the energy calculation formula Q=qm×(h1-h2), where qm is the mass flow rate, and h1 and h2 are the enthalpy values ​​of the supply and return water, respectively.

[0032] The AI ​​algorithm module compares the calculation results with the user-defined target value and generates a control strategy through the built-in PID control algorithm unit. The PID algorithm's P-value proportional coefficient (default 150), I-value integral coefficient (default 45), D-value derivative coefficient (default 200), and control cycle (default 3 seconds) can all be adjusted according to system characteristics. Based on the magnitude of the deviation, its trend, and historical data, the algorithm calculates the optimal valve opening adjustment and converts it into a corresponding voltage control signal.

[0033] The intelligent controller 5 sends a 0-10V standard control signal to the electric actuator inside the valve body 6 via its signal output circuit. Upon receiving the control signal, the electric actuator drives the reduction mechanism to move the valve stem up and down, thereby controlling the position of the valve disc relative to the valve seat and changing the flow cross-sectional area. The valve body 6 adopts an equal percentage flow characteristic design to ensure good adjustment accuracy at different opening degrees. Simultaneously, the electric actuator feeds back a 4-20mA valve position signal to the intelligent controller 5, achieving closed-loop control.

[0034] The ultrasonic energy meter 7 employs the time-of-flight measurement principle. It transmits and receives ultrasonic signals via an ultrasonic transducer installed on the pipeline, measuring the time difference between upstream and downstream propagation of the ultrasonic waves in the fluid. Combined with pipeline geometric parameters, it calculates the instantaneous flow rate. The intelligent controller 5 integrates the flow rate data with temperature data, calculating and displaying the system's energy exchange value in real time according to internationally standardized energy calculation methods.

[0035] The intelligent controller 5 displays key parameters such as current supply and return water temperature, pressure, temperature difference, pressure difference, flow rate, energy value, and valve opening in real time on an LCD screen. Users can access the system via Bluetooth or an RS485 communication interface (baud rate adjustable from 300-19200bps) to set parameters, switch operating modes, and query data. The system supports the ModBusRTU communication protocol for easy integration with a host computer system.

[0036] The intelligent controller 5 has a built-in comprehensive fault diagnosis function, which monitors the working status of each component in real time through the status register: monitoring whether the temperature sensor is abnormal, whether the pressure sensor is faulty, whether the valve is properly opening and closing, and whether the electric actuator has mechanical faults, etc. Once an abnormality is detected, the system will display the corresponding fault code on the display screen and report to the host computer through the communication interface, ensuring the reliability and maintainability of the system operation.

[0037] The entire working process forms a complete closed-loop control system, which achieves precise control and efficient utilization of pipeline fluid energy through continuous data acquisition, intelligent analysis, precise control and real-time feedback.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pressure-independent energy regulating valve, comprising a valve body (6), an intelligent controller (5), a sensor assembly, and an ultrasonic energy meter (7), characterized in that: The sensor assembly includes a water supply temperature sensor (1), a return water temperature sensor (2), a water supply pressure sensor (4), and a return water pressure sensor (3); the intelligent controller (5) is equipped with a microprocessor, an AI program algorithm module, an LCD display, a Bluetooth communication module, and a signal output circuit; an electric actuator is installed inside the valve body (6), the electric actuator is connected to the valve stem, and the valve stem is connected to the valve disc; the intelligent controller (5) is electrically connected to the water supply temperature sensor (1), the return water temperature sensor (2), the water supply pressure sensor (4), the return water pressure sensor (3), and the electric actuator respectively through connecting cables; the ultrasonic energy meter (7) is electrically connected to the intelligent controller (5).

2. The pressure-independent energy regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supply water temperature sensor (1) and the return water temperature sensor (2) both use DS18B20 digital temperature sensors, and the supply water pressure sensor (4) and the return water pressure sensor (3) both use piezoresistive pressure sensors.

3. The pressure-independent energy regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal output circuit of the intelligent controller (5) outputs a 0-10V or 4-20mA control signal to the electric actuator. The electric actuator has a valve position feedback function, and the feedback signal is transmitted to the intelligent controller (5).

4. The pressure-independent energy regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent controller (5) is equipped with an RS485 communication interface, and the AI ​​program algorithm module includes a PID control algorithm unit, which is equipped with adjustable P, I and D value parameters.

5. The pressure-independent energy regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body (6) is designed with equal percentage flow characteristics and is made of ductile iron. The electric actuator is equipped with a manual operation function.

6. The pressure-independent energy regulating valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic energy meter (7) adopts the ultrasonic time difference method measurement principle. The intelligent controller (5) is equipped with a working mode selection function. The working modes include opening control, temperature return control, temperature difference control, back pressure control, pressure difference control and flow control.

Images