Flow control valves in heating and / or cooling systems

Abstract

To provide a flow rate regulation valve for regulating a flow rate in a heating system and / or a cooling system.SOLUTION: A flow rate regulation valve is formed of a first valve device having a first valve body (110), and a second valve device having a second valve body (210), the first valve device and the second valve device having three valve ports, respectively. The first valve body (110) and the second valve body (210) are arranged in a common valve accommodation part (10), the first valve body and the second valve body fluid-coupling a first valve port to a third valve port at a first valve body position, and coupling a second valve port to the third valve port at a second valve body position. The first valve body (110) and the second valve body (210) can be moved to the first valve body position or the second valve body position by an actuation device. Also, there is provided a system constituting a valve for heating and / or cooling. The valve is further used for detecting a leakage and measuring a consumption of heat and / or cold air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In particular, the present invention relates to a valve for regulating flow in a heating and / or cooling system. The present invention further relates to a heating and / or cooling system comprising at least one such valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Heating and / or cooling of buildings, especially office buildings, is energy intensive and incurs significant costs. Automatic monitoring and control of the heating and / or cooling systems installed in the building can significantly increase the efficiency during heating and / or cooling. However, for this purpose the heating and / or cooling systems must be equipped or retrofitted with complex sensing and control technology that can regulate the amount of heating and / or cooling medium in the building based on measured climatic parameters such as room temperature. Herein, the control technology consists not only of electronic calculation and control modules that evaluate the sensor signals and generate corresponding control commands on their basis, but also of valves (hydraulic valves) that are mounted in the heating and / or cooling circuits. These are appropriately switched depending on the received control commands in order to appropriately regulate and / or set the flow rate of heat and / or coolant in the heating and / or cooling circuits. In order to operate the valves, appropriate actuation mechanisms (actuators) must also be provided.

[0003] The installation of sensors and control technology components in cooling and / or heating systems is complex, since the individual components need to be connected to each other to ensure communication between them and their electrical supply, and the installation of valves with their actuation mechanisms is even more difficult, since the installation space is often very limited. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3143315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] From the document WO 02 / 06336 a compact six-way valve for flow regulation is known, which consists of two valve devices. The first valve device consists of three valve ports which are fluidly connected to the cooling circuit, the heating circuit and the supply flow passage of the consumer. In exactly the same way, the second valve device consists of three valve ports which are fluidly connected to the cooling circuit, the heating circuit and the return flow passage of the consumer. The two valve devices are each designed in the form of a ball valve, with two spherical valve bodies which are connected to one another via a further connecting element. Furthermore, the two spherical valve bodies each have a through passage consisting of two holes arranged perpendicular to one another. The two through passages allow for the optional connection of the consumer to the heating and cooling circuits. The design of the valve taught in the document WO 02 / 06336 is designed to be compact, but due to the spherical valve bodies its manufacture is complicated.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve for a heating and / or cooling circuit which is simple and economical to manufacture and which is provided for optionally coupling consumers (e.g. heating and / or cooling elements) to the heating and / or cooling circuit. In addition, a high integration of the valve components must be achieved to allow a compact design of the valve. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve for a heating and / or cooling system which is smart / cleverly designed and allows for independent or at least partially independent regulation of the flow rate of the cooling and / or heating medium.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve for a heating and / or cooling system that can independently recognize and signal a leak.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heating and / or cooling system that can be integrated into existing building management systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve at least one of the above objects, according to a first aspect, there is provided a valve for regulating a flow rate in a heating and / or cooling system, the valve comprising a first valve device having a first valve body and a second valve device having a second valve body, the first valve device and the second valve device each having at least three valve ports, the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged in a common valve housing, the two valve bodies of each valve device fluidly couple the first valve port and the third valve port in the first valve body position and the second valve port and the third valve port in the second valve body position, and are designed to be movable together to the first valve body position or the second valve body position by an actuator.

[0010] Thus, through articulation of both valve bodies into the first or second valve position, it is optionally possible to fluidly couple a consumer (heat consumer / cold consumer) coupled to the third valve port of each valve body to a heating circuit coupled to the first valve port of each valve body or to a cooling circuit coupled to the second valve port of each valve body. For the fluid coupling of the valve ports, each valve body can have at least one through-flow passage.

[0011] The two valve bodies can be designed and arranged to be movable in the common valve housing so that in the third valve position the third valve port of the respective valve device is fluidically (completely) separated from the first and second valve ports. In this valve position the valve is in an (absolute) shut-off position and no heating or cooling medium flows through the valve. The third valve position can be realized as a further valve position. According to one variant, the third valve position can be arranged between the first and second valve positions.

[0012] The two valve bodies can be part of a common valve body, which is preferably integrally designed, which can be accommodated in a common valve housing so as to be rotatable about its axis of rotation. In particular, the common valve body can be designed cylindrically (i.e. constructed as an integral cylinder). The integral construction of the two valve bodies allows for a particularly compact construction of the valve. Furthermore, the assembly of the valve is simplified due to the reduced number of valve components.

[0013] Alternatively, the two valve bodies can be designed as separate valve bodies, which can be mechanically connected to one another by a connecting element or directly. In particular, the two valve bodies can each be designed cylindrically (i.e. as two cylindrical bodies which are connected to one another directly or by a connecting element). The cylindrical design of the two valve bodies facilitates the manufacture and the movable mounting of the two valve bodies in a common valve housing.

[0014] In each of the two valve bodies, the through-flow passage can be configured to fluidly connect the first valve port to the third valve port in the first valve position and to fluidly connect the second valve port to the third valve port in the second valve position. The through-flow passages of the two valve bodies can also be designed to (completely) separate the third valve port from the first valve port and the second valve port in the third valve position. In this way, the above-mentioned blocking position is achieved.

[0015] The through-flow passages of each (cylindrical) valve body can be formed inside the respective valve body (e.g. in the cylinder if the valve body has a cylindrical design). The through-flow passages of each valve body can have two flow openings on the outside of the valve body (e.g. on the cylinder periphery if the valve body has a cylindrical design) that are arranged at an angular interval of substantially 90° from each other. Other angular intervals of the two flow openings are also conceivable.

[0016] Within each valve body, the through passages can be arranged in an imaginary plane extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the respective valve body. If two valve bodies are integrated into one valve body, the two through passages can be in two imaginary planes extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the respective valve bodies, said planes having the same axial spacing as the axial spacing of the valve orifices of the two valve bodies from each other. Thus, upon actuation (rotation) of the common valve body, the two through passages can be brought into alignment (and therefore fluidly coupled) with the respective valve orifices of the first and second valve devices.

[0017] Regardless of whether the two valve bodies described herein are embodied as separate valve bodies or as part of a common valve body (e.g., an integrated embodiment), the through-flow passage of each valve body can have at least two flow passage portions, which can be realized as holes.

[0018] At least two flow passage portions of each through passage can be arranged in mutually opposite imaginary planes so that they meet each other at an angle of more than 90° inside the respective valve body. In other words, the two flow passage portions of each through passage are arranged at an angle of more than 90° to each other. Furthermore, the at least two flow passage portions can emerge at an inclined angle toward the exterior of the valve body. Due to the at least two flow passage portions described herein being arranged obliquely (i.e. non-orthogonal) to each other, an overall through passage with improved flow is present. This is because the individual flow passage portions do not form right-angle junctions in the through passage and transition more gently, so that the heating and / or cooling medium can flow through the valve with less flow resistance. Thus, the flow rate can be increased, and the turbulence and pressure difference in the valve can be significantly reduced, and the noise generation in the valve can be significantly reduced.

[0019] The valve receiving part can be designed as a hollow cylinder and can have at least a cylindrical receiving space for movably receiving the two valve bodies. The hollow cylindrical valve receiving part or the cylindrical receiving space can have a cylindrical inner wall cooperating with both valve bodies such that the fluid can flow through the two through-flow channels only when the valve openings of the two valve bodies are in contact. The advantage of the cylindrical design of the valve body and the valve receiving part described herein is that the valve according to the invention can be manufactured substantially more simply and economically than other valve designs, such as, for example, ball valve designs, and nevertheless operates accurately. The two valve bodies can be mounted substantially more easily, attached to the receiving part and fluid-tightly sealed against the outside, compared to a comparable ball valve.

[0020] As mentioned above, the two valve bodies can be moved together by an actuator. For this purpose, the valve can be equipped with an actuator, which can be integrated into the valve housing or (directly) attached to it. The actuator can have a motor or a stepper motor for moving (rotating) the two valve bodies continuously or stepwise. The motor or stepper motor can be mechanically coupled to the two valve bodies by a rotation shaft arranged along the common rotation axis of the two valve bodies.

[0021] An actuator is provided for reciprocating (rotating) the two valve bodies between the first and second valve positions. If the valve has a third valve position (e.g., a shut-off position), an actuator can also be provided for moving (rotating) the two valve bodies to the shut-off position, if desired.

[0022] The actuation of the rotary shaft and thus of the two valve bodies between the abovementioned valve body positions can be performed continuously or stepwise. In particular, an actuation device can be provided for moving (rotating) the two valve bodies to any desired intermediate position between the first and second valve positions in order to regulate the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium. A motor or stepper motor can be directly coupled to the rotary shaft in order to allow a compact construction.

[0023] The valve may further comprise a sensor device. In particular, the sensor device may be attached and / or integrated in the valve (valve housing). The sensor device may be provided for measuring the temperature and / or the flow rate (and / or flow velocity) of a fluid (heating and / or cooling medium) flowing through the valve. For this purpose, the sensor device may comprise at least one temperature sensor provided for measuring the temperature of the fluid flowing through the valve. The at least one temperature sensor may be arranged in or in the vicinity of the first valve device.

[0024] According to the exploded view, the sensor arrangement can include at least two temperature sensors, a first temperature sensor can be disposed in or adjacent to the first valve arrangement to measure the temperature of the heating and / or cooling medium as it flows through the first valve arrangement, and a second temperature sensor can be disposed in or adjacent to the second valve arrangement to measure the temperature of the heating and / or cooling medium as it flows through the second valve arrangement.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to the at least one temperature sensor, the sensor arrangement may comprise at least one flow sensor arranged to measure the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the valve. The at least one flow sensor may be arranged in or near the first valve arrangement and / or in or near the second valve arrangement. From the difference between the measured flow rate (volumetric flow rate) and the measured temperature of the fluid flowing through the valve, the amount of heat and / or cold used may be determined.

[0026] According to the developed view, the sensor arrangement may include at least two flow sensors, a first flow sensor may be arranged in or near the first valve arrangement for measuring the flow rate and / or flow speed of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing in the first valve arrangement, and a second flow sensor may be arranged in or near the second valve arrangement for measuring the flow rate and / or flow speed of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing in the second valve arrangement. From the detected flow rate difference between the first and second valve arrangements, a leak in the consumer circuit may be inferred.

[0027] The valve may further comprise a control device. In particular, the control device may be attached to and / or integrated in the valve. The control device may be arranged to read and / or evaluate sensor data (temperature measurements and / or flow values) provided by the sensor device. The control device may also be provided for actuating an actuator (using a control command generated by the control device). Triggering of the actuator may be based on the captured sensor data and / or further external sensor data and the control command. To perform the control and evaluation operations described herein, the control device may comprise at least one processing device, at least one storage device and / or at least one communication interface.

[0028] As described above, the incorporation of the control device and the sensor device into the valve makes the valve a smart valve capable of controlling itself. It can independently adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve based on the measured flow rate and / or temperature values. The communication paths between the sensor device, the control device and the actuator device are short because these devices are configured on and / or integrated with the valve, and most of the wiring between the components is also omitted and / or reduced. The external wiring of the smart valve can be limited to a few and / or one data line for power supply and external communication (e.g., with an external temperature sensor and / or a building control center).

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for heating and / or cooling, comprising a heating circuit for supplying heat, a cooling circuit for supplying cold air, and the above-mentioned valves for optionally (fluidly) coupling the heating and cooling circuits to consumers, which can be heat and / or cold air consumers (e.g. an air conditioning system).

[0030] The consumer can be coupled to a third valve port of the two valve devices of the valve. The heating circuit can be coupled to a first valve port or a second valve port of the two valve devices of the valve. The cooling circuit can be coupled to a second valve port or a first valve port of the two valve devices of the valve. The coupling of the heating circuit, the cooling circuit and the consumer to the valve as described herein makes it possible to selectively couple the consumer to the heating circuit and the cooling circuit. The valves can independently control the optional coupling of the consumer to the heating circuit or the cooling circuit, for example based on sensor data.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for measuring an amount of heat and / or cooling supplied to a consumer, the method being carried out with a valve as described above designed to fluidly couple the consumer to an optional heating and / or cooling circuit, the method comprising the steps of measuring a temperature of a heating and / or cooling medium flowing through a first valve arrangement of the valve and supplied to the consumer, measuring a temperature of a heating and / or cooling medium flowing through a second valve arrangement of the valve and conducted away from the consumer, measuring a flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the first valve arrangement and / or measuring a flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the second valve arrangement, establishing a temperature difference between the measured temperature of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the first valve arrangement and the measured temperature of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the second valve arrangement, and determining an amount of heat and / or cooling to supply to the consumer from the established temperature difference and the measured flow rates.

[0032] The measurements of the temperatures of the heating and / or cooling medium in the two valve arrangements and the measurements of the flow rates of the heating and / or cooling medium in the first and / or second valve arrangements can be performed substantially continuously or semi-continuously (at regular intervals in time, recursively). In particular, the temperature and flow measurements from the cooling medium can be recorded separately from the temperature and flow measurements from the heating medium, so that the consumed amounts of heat and cold can be determined separately. The recording of the sensor measurements can be performed, for example, based on the valve position (first valve position, second valve position).

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for detecting a leak in a heating and / or cooling circuit, the method being carried out using the above-mentioned valve designed to fluidly couple a consumer to the heating and / or cooling circuit, the method comprising the steps of measuring a flow rate of heating and / or cooling medium flowing through a first valve arrangement and supplied to the consumer, measuring a flow rate of heating and / or cooling medium flowing through a second valve arrangement and conducted away from the consumer, and determining that there is a leak if the difference between the flow rates measured at the first and second valve arrangements exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0034] If the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the method may further include automatically switching the valve to a shutoff position and / or generating and outputting a leak warning signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a three-dimensional view of a valve according to the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4(a), (b) and (c) are further representations of a valve according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for measuring the amount of heat and / or cold delivered to a consumer using the valve described above. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a further flow diagram illustrating a method for detecting leaks in a heating and / or cooling circuit using one of the valves described above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the following, reference is made to figures 1a and 1b. Figure 1a shows a three-dimensional view of a valve 1 according to the invention. Figure 1b shows a cross-sectional view of the valve 1 shown in figure 1a.

[0037] The valve 1 is designed for flow regulation in a heating and / or cooling system. In particular, the valve 1 can be fluidly coupled to a heating and / or cooling circuit, for example, in order to supply heat or cold at will to a consumer device (for example a heating and / or cooling element installed in a building).

[0038] The heating and cooling circuits are shown purely by arrows 91, 93, 95 and 97 in Fig. 1a. The consumer circuits are shown purely by arrows 92, 94 in Fig. 1a. The heating and cooling circuits can be, for example, conventional heating and cooling circuits installed in a building to supply heat or cold to heating and / or cooling elements installed in the building. As heating and / or cooling medium, any medium suitable for the transport of heat and / or cold can be used. For example, water or other fluids with a high heat capacity can be used for the transport of heat and / or cold.

[0039] The valve 1 comprises a first valve device 100 and a second valve device 200. The first valve device 100 has three ports 101, 102, 103. The second valve device 200 also has three ports 201, 202, 203 (see FIG. 1a). Thus, the valve 100 is a six-way valve with three valve ports in the first valve device 100 and three valve ports in the second valve device 200.

[0040] The valve 1 further comprises a valve housing 10, which has an inner chamber 20 (see FIG. 1b) for housing at least one valve body, as will be explained in more detail below. The valve housing 10 is designed as a common valve housing for the two valve devices 100, 200. In other words, the two valve devices 100, 200 are integrated into one valve by means of the common valve housing 10. This integration allows a particularly compact construction of the valve 1. Furthermore, the integrated housing 10 simplifies assembly, since the number of valve components is reduced.

[0041] In the valve 1 shown in figures 1a and 1b, the valve housing 10 is of a hollow cylindrical design. It should be understood that other valve housings 10 deviating from a hollow cylindrical shape are also conceivable.

[0042] The ports 101, 102, 103 of the first valve device 100 are arranged on the hollow cylindrical enclosure 12 of the valve housing 10. The ports 101, 102, 103 of the first valve device 100 are arranged here at a first axial height on the hollow cylindrical enclosure 12 and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by an angular distance of (approximately) 90°. In exactly the same way, the ports 201, 202, 203 of the second valve device 200 are arranged on the hollow cylindrical enclosure 12 of the valve housing 10. The ports 201, 202, 203 of the second valve device 200 are arranged at a second axial height on the hollow cylindrical enclosure 12 and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other by an angular distance of (approximately) 90°. The two axial heights are selected such that the ports 101 , 102 , 103 of the first valve device 100 are offset relative to the ports 201 , 202 , 203 of the second valve device 200 by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the valve housing 10 .

[0043] The valve 1 further comprises a first valve body 110 and a second valve body 210 (see FIG. 1b). The first valve body 110 is associated with the first valve device 100. In exactly the same way, the second valve body 210 is associated with the second valve device 200. The first valve body 110 and the second valve body 210 are each designed cylindrically. The first valve body 110 and the second valve body 210 are rotatably mounted and accommodated in the cylindrical interior 20 of the valve housing 10, so that the two valve bodies 110, 210 can rotate about a common axis 33. The common axis 33 corresponds to the axis of the cylindrical interior 20 and coincides with the axis of the two cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210. Furthermore, the two valve bodies 110, 210 are arranged axially rearward of each other in the internal chamber such that the rotatable first valve body 110 can fluidly cooperate with the ports 101, 102, 103 of the first valve device 100, and the rotatable second valve body 210 can fluidly cooperate with the ports 201, 202, 203 of the second valve device 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0044] The two cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210 can be designed as separate cylindrical elements that are mechanically connected to one another, for example by a coupling element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the two cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210 are directly connected (coupled) to one another or are part of a common, integrally designed cylindrical valve body that is rotatably mounted in the inner chamber 20. The implementation of a common valve housing 10 and a common, integrally designed cylindrical valve body 110, 210 accommodated in the valve housing 10 allows a compact, stable and economical construction of the six-way valve.

[0045] Each of the cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210 has a through-flow passage 120, 220 (see FIG. 1b). The through-flow passage 120, 220 of each valve body 110, 210 is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the respective valve body 110, 210. Furthermore, each of the through-flow passages 120, 220 of each valve body 110, 210 has two flow passage openings arranged at an angular interval of (approximately) 90° on the envelope of the respective cylindrical valve body 110, 210 (see FIG. 2 Depending on the rotational position of the two cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210 relative to the housing 10, the two flow passage openings of each valve body 110, 210 can be aligned with the first valve port 101, 201 and the third valve port 103, 203 of the first valve device 100 and the second valve device 200, respectively (hereinafter referred to as the first valve position). Alternatively, the two flow passage openings of each valve body 110, 210 can be aligned with the second valve port 102, 202 and the third valve port 103, 203 of the first valve device 100 and the second valve device 200, respectively (hereinafter referred to as the second valve position).

[0046] Thus, in the first valve position, the through passage 120 of the first cylindrical valve body 110 fluidly couples the valve port 101 to the third valve port 103 of the first valve arrangement 100. Furthermore, the through passage 220 of the second valve body 210 fluidly couples the first valve port 201 to the third valve port 203 of the second valve arrangement 200. In the second valve position, the through passage 120 of the first valve body 110 fluidly couples the second valve port 102 to the third valve port 103 of the first valve arrangement 100 (this valve position is shown in FIG. 2b by way of example), and the through passage 220 of the second valve body 210 fluidly couples the second valve port 202 to the third valve port 203 of the second valve arrangement 200. Thus, with the described valve 1, for example, the first ports 101, 201 are coupled to a heating circuit and the second ports 102, 202 of the two valve devices 100, 200 are coupled to a cooling circuit, it is optionally possible to fluidly couple a consumer coupled to the third valve ports 103, 203 of the two valve devices 100, 200 to the heating circuit and the cooling circuit. The valve ports 101, 102, 103 of the first valve device 100 may here be occupied by the supply flow paths of the cooling circuit, the heating circuit and the consumer (see arrows 91, 92, 95). The valve ports 201, 202, 203 of the second valve device 200 may thus be coupled to the return flow paths of the cooling circuit, the heating circuit and the consumer (see arrows 93, 94, 97). The reverse arrangement is also contemplated, where the return flow paths are coupled to the ports (101, 102, 103) of the first valve arrangement 100 and the supply flow paths are coupled to the ports (201, 202, 203) of the second valve arrangement 200.

[0047] Switching from the first valve position to the second valve position and / or from the second valve position to the first valve position can be easily performed by a common rotation of the two cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210. Based on the arrangement of the openings of the two through-flow passages 120, 220 in the two valve bodies 110, 210 and the arrangement of the ports 101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 203 of the two valve devices 100, 200, a rotation of 90° in one direction (for example, clockwise) is sufficient to switch the valve 1, for example, from the first valve position to the second valve position. In exactly the same way, the valve 1 can be switched from the second valve position to the first valve position by a rotation of 90° in the opposite rotation direction (thus counterclockwise). It is also conceivable to rotate the two valve bodies 110, 210 to an intermediate position of 45°, in which case the ports of both valve devices 100, 200 are separated from each other and thus reach the (absolute) shut-off position.

[0048] It is further conceivable to gradually change the rotational position of the two valve discs 110, 210 in either the first or second valve position in order to control the flow of fluid through the valve 1.

[0049] To optionally rotate the two valve bodies 110, 210 to the first or second valve position or to the shut-off position, the valve 1 can be equipped with an actuator (not shown in Figures 1a and 1b). The actuator can be mounted at one of the two axial ends of the valve housing 10. The actuator and / or its motor can be (directly) coupled to the rotating shaft 30. The mounting of the actuator at the axial end of the valve housing 10 and the coupling to the rotating shaft 30 allows a compact valve design.

[0050] The actuator can actuate (rotate) the two valve bodies 110, 210 simultaneously by means of the rotating shaft 30. If necessary, the actuator (and / or the actuator's motor) can rotate the two valve bodies 110, 210 to the first valve position or the second valve position or to a blocking position, so that the consumer coupled to the third port 103, 203 can be optionally coupled to the cooling circuit or to the heating circuit or completely isolated from both circuits. The triggering of the actuator can be realized by an external control device. However, preferably, the control device is attached to or integrated in the valve housing 10 in order to realize the smart valve 1. Also, in Figs. 1a and 1b, the control device is not shown.

[0051] In relation to figures 2a, 2b and 2c, valve 1a will be described, which represents an exploded view of valve 1 of figures 1a and 1b. Figure 2a is an isometric view, figure 2b is a horizontal section through the first valve device 100, and figure 2c is a plan view from above. In the following, valve components which are identical or similar in structural design and function to those of valve 1 are given the same reference numbers. To avoid repetition, these components will not be described again. Rather, reference is made to the above description in relation to figures 1a and 1b. In particular, valve 1a has an actuating device and a control device as described in relation to figures 1a and 1b, even if these devices are not shown in the drawings. The actuating device is attached to the valve housing 10, as described in relation to valve 1 above. The control device is attached to the valve housing 19 or is integrated in the valve housing 1a. Valve 1a is again configured as a smart valve.

[0052] 2b and 2c, the design of the through-channels 110, 210 of both valve devices 100, 200 is first described. In Fig. 2b and 2c, only the through-channel 120 is shown. However, the through-channel 220 of the second valve device 200 (not shown in Fig. 2b and 2c) has the same structural and functional characteristics as the through-channel 120 of the first valve device 100. Each of the through-channels 120, 220 is constituted by two channel portions 112a, 112b. The two channel portions 112a, 112b can be realized in the form of holes in the respective valve bodies 110, 210. The two channel portions 112a, 112b extend obliquely with respect to the central axis of the ports 101, 102, 103 and / or 201, 202, 203 and are arranged opposite each other in the valve body 110 so as to meet at an angle of more than 90° inside the respective cylindrical valve body 110, 210. Thus, the two flow passage portions 112a, 112b exit each of the cylindrical valve bodies 110, 210 at an angle (e.g., at an angle of about 30° to the normal to the envelope surface) in the envelope surface of the respective cylindrical valve body 110, 210 (not parallel to the normal to the envelope surface as in the conventional configuration where the two flow passage portions are arranged perpendicular to each other). This arrangement of the flow passage portions 112a, 112b has the advantage that the fluid can flow through the two valve bodies 110, 210 with less flow resistance and turbulence. Thereby, the flow rate through the valve 1a can be optimized. Also, turbulence and pressure differences are reduced by the flow passage design as described. Furthermore, noise generation in the valve 1a is reduced.

[0053] The design of the two through passages 120, 220 described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c can also be applied to the valve 1 of Figures 1a, 1b.

[0054] The valve 1a of Figures 2a to 2c differs from the valve 1 of Figure 1a mainly in that a sensor device 50 is additionally integrated into the valve 1a.

[0055] The sensor device 50 comprises a first temperature sensor 52a and a first flow rate sensor 54a. The first temperature sensor 52a and the first flow rate sensor 54a are arranged on or in close proximity to the third valve port 103 (the consumer supply flow path) of the first valve device 100. By means of the first temperature sensor 52a and the first flow rate sensor 54a, it is possible to determine (preferably in real time) the temperature and the flow rate (volume flow rate) of the cooling and / or heating medium. Based on the measured temperature and the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium, the control device can readjust the current heating and / or cooling output if the setpoint value of the room temperature set in the consumer device or in a room thermostat, for example, deviates from the measured actual value. This The readjustment is performed by generating a corresponding control signal for the actuator, which is designed to change the valve position of the two valve bodies 110, 210 depending on the captured control signal. This change can consist, for example, of switching both valve bodies 110, 210 from a first valve position to a second or third valve position and / or of a gradual change in their position when both valve bodies 110, 210 are in the first or second valve position. A gradual change in the position of the valve bodies 110, 210 allows a (proportional) adjustment of the flow of the heating and / or cooling medium, thereby making a separate hydraulic equalization unnecessary.

[0056] The sensor arrangement 50 of the valve 1a may also comprise a second temperature sensor 52b and a second flow sensor 54b. The second temperature sensor 52b and the second flow sensor 54b are disposed on or adjacent to the third valve port 203 (the consumer return flow path) of the second valve arrangement 200.

[0057] The temperature sensors 52a, 52b can be arranged downstream of the respective flow sensors 54a, 52b. Commercially available temperature sensors can be used as the temperature sensors 52a, 52b. Commercially available flow sensors can also be used as the flow sensors 54a, 52b. However, an indirect flow measurement is also conceivable. In this case, at least the flow sensor 54a at the supply channel opening can be a heating element that is held at a set temperature Tsoll that can deviate from the actual temperature Tist (measured by the temperature sensor 52a) of the flowing fluid by a value ΔT (so that Tsoll=Tist+ΔT). The thermal energy carried away by the valve body is directly proportional to the temperature difference ΔT and the flow rate (volumetric flow rate) of the fluid in the valve body 1a. Thus, the flow rate (and therefore the volumetric flow rate) of the fluid flowing through the valve 1a can be determined by measuring the amount of heat transferred from the valve body.

[0058] By comparing the flow values ​​measured by the flow sensors 54a, 54b at the valve port 103 (supply flow path) and at the valve port 203 (return flow path), a deviation (difference) between the measured flow rates in the valve supply flow path and in the valve return flow path can be established. This comparative evaluation can be performed substantially in real time at the valve 1a by the control device. If the established difference value exceeds a predefined tolerance value (threshold value), this is indicative of a leak in the circulation between the two flow measurement points. In this case, the control device can automatically switch the valve 1a to the shut-off position. Furthermore, a warning signal can be generated and output (e.g. in the building's control center).

[0059] The control device can determine the amount of heat and / or cold supplied to the consumer through a comparison of flow and temperature values ​​at the valve ports 103 and 203. The amount of heat and / or cold used can be measured by the control device over a desired period of time. In particular, with the smart valve 1a described herein it is possible to establish the consumption of heat and cold separately.

[0060] With reference to the flow diagram of Fig. 3, a method for measuring the amount of heat and / or cold supplied to a consumer will now be further described. The method is implemented by the above-mentioned valve 1a designed to fluidly couple the consumer to the heating and / or cooling circuit, optionally. The method comprises steps S30, S32, S34, S36 and S38, which are described in more detail below.

[0061] Method step S30 comprises measuring the temperature of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the first valve arrangement 100 of valve 1a and supplied to the consumer. Method step S30 can be performed by the sensor arrangement 50 of valve 1a, in particular by a temperature sensor 52a arranged in the first valve arrangement 100.

[0062] Method step S32 comprises measuring the temperature of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the second valve arrangement 200 of the valve 1a and conducted away from the consumer. This method step can be performed by the above-mentioned sensor arrangement 50, in particular by the temperature sensor 52b arranged in the second valve arrangement 200.

[0063] Method step S34 comprises measuring the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium through the first valve arrangement 100. Additionally or alternatively, step S34 may also comprise measuring the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium through the second valve arrangement 200. The flow rate measurement is performed by the above-mentioned sensor arrangement 50, in particular by means of one of the two flow sensors 54a, 54b or by means of both flow sensors 54a, 54b.

[0064] Method step S36 comprises establishing a temperature difference from the two measured temperatures. In particular, method step S36 comprises establishing a temperature difference from the measured temperature (temperature value) of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the first valve arrangement and the measured temperature (temperature value) of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the second valve arrangement. Method step S36 can be performed by the above-mentioned control device (and / or a processing device of the above-mentioned control device). Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the measured temperature and flow values ​​are communicated to an external computing device (e.g. by a communication module built into or integrated in the valve 1a).

[0065] Method step S38 comprises determining the amount of heat and / or cold to be supplied to the consumer from the established temperature difference and the measured flow rate, which step can be performed by the control device described above or by an external computing device.

[0066] The above-mentioned steps S30, S32 and S34 can be performed substantially simultaneously. In particular, the above-mentioned steps S30, S32 and S34 can be performed substantially continuously or at predetermined time intervals. The measured temperature values ​​of the fluid in the first valve device 100 and in the second valve device 200, as well as the measured flow rate values ​​in the first valve device and / or the second valve device 100, 200 can be stored in an external storage device or alternatively in a storage device provided in the control device (placed in an intermediate storage). It is understood by those skilled in the art that the measured values ​​must be digitized for storage (and further processing). The conversion of the analog sensor values ​​into digital measurement data can be performed in the control device or directly in the sensor (and / or sensors).

[0067] In particular, the measured temperature and flow values ​​that can be associated with the cooling medium can be stored separately from the measured temperature and flow values ​​associated with the heating medium. Thus, although the heating medium and the cooling medium flow through the same valve 1a, it is possible to determine and record the amounts of cold and heat separately from each other.

[0068] A method for detecting leaks in a heating and / or cooling circuit will now be described with reference to the flow diagram of Figure 4. This method is implemented by the valve 1a described above and comprises method steps S40, S42 and S44 which are described in more detail below.

[0069] Method step S40 comprises measuring the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the first valve arrangement 100 of the valve 1a and supplied to the consumer. The measurement of the flow rate is performed by the above-mentioned sensor arrangement 50, in particular by the above-mentioned flow sensor 54a arranged in the first valve arrangement 100.

[0070] Step S42 comprises measuring the flow rate of the heating and / or cooling medium flowing through the second valve arrangement 200 of the valve 1a and conducted away from the consumer. This method step can also be performed by the above-mentioned sensor arrangement 50, in particular by the above-mentioned flow sensor 54b arranged in the second valve arrangement 200.

[0071] Step S44 of the method involves determining the presence of a leak if the difference between the flow rates measured at the first valve arrangement 100 and the second valve arrangement 200 exceeds a predefined threshold (tolerance). Step S44 can be performed by a control device provided in the valve 1a described above. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that step S44 is performed by an external computing device.

[0072] Method steps S40 and S42 can be performed substantially simultaneously. In particular, the above-mentioned method steps S40 and S42 can be performed consecutively or at predetermined time intervals. Method step S44 can be performed immediately after method steps S40 and S42 in order to realize the detection of the leak as in real time as possible.

[0073] If in method step S44 it is determined that the difference between the two flow rates in the supply and return flow paths (i.e. in the first valve arrangement 100 and the second valve arrangement 200) exceeds a predefined threshold, the method may further comprise the step of automatically switching the valve to a shut-off position. This step is then performed by a control device implemented in the valve 1a, which outputs a corresponding actuation command for an actuator of the valve. In response to the received actuation command, the actuator switches the valve 1, 1a to the shut-off position.

[0074] If in step S44 it is determined that a leak exists in the heating and / or cooling circuit, the method may further include generating and outputting a leak warning signal, which may consist of an acoustic signal, a light signal, or another signal for the building control center.

[0075] The methods described in relation to Figures 3 and 4 can be carried out substantially in parallel (simultaneously) by the sensor device 50 described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c. In short, the temperature sensors 52a, 52b and the flow sensors 54a, 54b suitably measure the temperature in the supply and return flow directions and the flow rate of the fluid in the supply and return flow directions, so that from these measurement data both the amount of heat and / or cold air and possible leaks in the heating and / or cooling circuits can be determined.

[0076] The design of the valve described herein has the following advantages: The cylindrical design of the two valve bodies allows a particularly simple, economical and compact construction of the six-way valve, which can be well installed in heating and / or cooling systems, even with limited installation space. The use of cylindrical valve bodies also allows them to be combined into one cylindrical valve body. For example, no connecting members are required to connect the two valve bodies as required, as with spherical valve bodies. In addition, unlike six-way valves using spherical valve bodies, the valve housing can be designed simply. Thus, for example, the valve housing can be designed to accommodate the two valve bodies in the form of a cylindrical housing. Furthermore, through the design of the flow paths of the two valve bodies described herein, the flow behavior of the fluid in the valve can be clearly optimized.

[0077] The integration of the control device, the sensor device and the actuator device in the valve makes the valve a smart valve. It can also be controlled and / or regulated substantially independently based on the measured sensor data. The communication of the valve with external devices (e.g. computing devices and further sensors) can remain limited to a minimum. Furthermore, the valve can be installed to measure the amount of heat and / or cold used. The amounts of heat and cold used can be determined separately. Furthermore, the valve can be used to recognize and prevent leaks in the fluid circuit. The valve according to the invention thus represents a significant contribution to safety in air conditioning technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1,1a…Flow rate adjustment valve 10...Valve housing 50…Sensor device 52a, 52b...Temperature sensor 54a, 54b...Flow rate sensor 91,93…Cooling circuit 95,97…Heating circuit 101, 102, 103; 201, 202, 203...valve opening 100...First valve device 110…First valve body 112a, 112b...flow path portion 120, 220...Through passage 200...Second valve device 210...Second valve body

Claims

1. A valve (1, 1a) for regulating flow in a heating and / or cooling system, comprising: a first valve device (100) having a first valve body (110); a second valve device (200) having a second valve body (210); The first valve device (100) and the second valve device (200) each have three valve ports (101, 102, 103; 201, 202, 203); the first valve body (110) and the second valve body (210) are arranged in a common valve housing (10), and the first and second valve bodies are designed to fluidly couple a first valve port (101, 201) to a third valve port (103, 203) in a first valve body position, and to fluidly couple a second valve port (102, 202) to the third valve port (103, 203) in a second valve body position; the first valve body (110) and the second valve body (210) are movable together to the first valve body position or the second valve body position by an actuator; The system further includes a sensor device (50) for acquiring at least one of a temperature and a flow rate of at least one of the heating and cooling mediums flowing through the flow rate control valve (1, 1a), the sensor device (50) being attached to at least one of the third valve ports (103, 203). A flow rate control valve (1, 1a).

2. 2. The flow control valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1, characterized in that in each of the two valve bodies (110, 210), a through passage (120, 220) is formed which, in a first valve position, fluidly connects the first valve port (101, 201) and the third valve port (103, 203), and, in a second valve position, fluidly connects the second valve port (102, 202) and the third valve port (103, 203).

3. The flow rate control valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the two valve bodies (110, 210) are part of a common valve body accommodated in the common valve accommodating portion (10) which is rotatable around its rotation axis.

4. 3. The flow metering valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the two valve bodies (110, 210) is designed cylindrically.

5. The flow control valve (1, 1a) according to claim 2, characterized in that the through passage (120, 220) of each valve body (110, 210) is formed inside the valve body, and the through passage (120, 220) of each valve body (110, 210) has two flow passage ports arranged on the outside of the valve body (110, 210) at an angular interval of approximately 90 degrees from each other.

6. The flow control valve (1, 1a) according to claim 2, characterized in that the through passage (120, 220) of each valve body (110, 210) has at least two passage portions (112a, 112b) arranged in a horizontal plane that merge into each other inside the corresponding valve body (110, 210) at an angle greater than 90 degrees.

7. In the flow rate control valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1, The flow control valve (1, 1a) further comprises the actuator, and is characterized in that the actuator is coupled to the two valve bodies (110, 210) and moves the two valve bodies (110, 210) together to the first valve position, the second valve position or the shut-off position.

8. 8. A flow regulating valve (1, 1a) according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a stepper motor arranged to move the two valve bodies (110, 210) stepwise according to the desired flow rate.

9. 2. The flow regulating valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device (50) for measuring at least one of the temperature and the flow rate comprises at least one temperature sensor (52a, 52b) and / or at least one flow rate sensor (54a, 54b) arranged in or near the first valve device (100) and / or in or near the second valve device (200).

10. In the flow rate control valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1, The flow rate control valve (1, 1a) further comprises a control device that controls an actuator that operates the two valve bodies (110, 210) based on at least one of sensor data and an external control command.

11. A heating circuit (95, 97) for heating; A cooling circuit (91, 93) for cooling; 2. A heating and / or cooling system comprising a flow regulating valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1 for the optional connection of the heating circuit (95, 97) and the cooling circuit (91, 93) with a consumer device.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the consumer device is connected to the third valve port (103, 203) of the two valve devices (100, 200), and the heating circuit (95, 97) and the cooling circuit (91, 93) are connected to at least one of the first valve port (101, 201) and the second valve port (102, 202) of the two valve devices (100, 200).

13. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the flow regulating valve (1, 1a) is operable on the basis of at least one of sensor data and external control data such that the flow regulating valve (1, 1a) optionally couples / disconnects the consumer to / from the heating circuit (95, 97) or the cooling circuit (91, 93).

14. 1. A method for measuring at least one of the amounts of heat and cold supplied to a consumer, which is carried out using a metering valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1, said metering valve being arranged to couple said consumer to at least one of a heating circuit (95, 97) and a cooling circuit (91, 93), comprising the steps of: measuring the temperature of at least one of the heating and cooling media flowing through the first valve device (100) of the flow control valve (1, 1a) and supplying the heating and cooling media to the consumer; a step performed remote from the consumer, of measuring the temperature of at least one of the heating and cooling media flowing through the second valve device (100) of the flow control valve (1, 1a); measuring the flow rate of at least one of the heating and cooling media through the first valve arrangement (100) and / or measuring the flow rate of at least one of the heating and cooling media through the second valve arrangement (200); establishing a temperature difference between the measured temperature of at least one of the heating and cooling media flowing through the first valve arrangement (100) and the measured temperature of at least one of the heating and cooling media flowing through the second valve arrangement (200); and determining at least one of the amount of heat and cold delivered to a consumer from the established temperature difference and the measured flow rate.

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the measurement of the temperature of at least one of the heating and cooling media in the two valve arrangements (100, 200) and the measurement of the flow rate of at least one of the heating and cooling media in at least one of the first valve arrangement (100) and the second valve arrangement (200) are performed substantially continuously.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein temperature and flow measurements resulting from the heating medium are recorded separately from temperature and flow measurements resulting from the cooling medium so that the amounts of heat and cold consumed can be determined separately.

17. 1. A method for detecting leaks in at least one of a heating and cooling circuit (91, 93, 95, 97), which is carried out using a flow regulating valve (1, 1a) according to claim 1, said flow regulating valve being arranged in fluid communication with a consumer, and optionally with at least one of said heating circuit (95, 97) and said cooling circuit (91, 93), comprising the steps of: Measuring the flow rate of at least one of the heating and cooling media through the first valve device (100) and delivered to a consumer; a step performed remote from said consumer, of measuring the flow rate of at least one of said heating and cooling media through said second valve device (200); determining that a leak exists if a difference in the flow rates measured at the first valve arrangement (100) and the second valve arrangement (200) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising at least one of the steps of automatically switching the flow regulating valve to a shutoff position and generating and outputting a leak alarm signal.

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