Adjustable Orifice Differential Pressure Meter for HVAC Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differential pressure meters in heating and cooling systems have limited detection ranges and minimum detectable differential pressure values, making them unsuitable for fine adjustments and accurate flow rate measurements, especially at low flow rates, and they often suffer from integration issues and fluid-tightness problems in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A differential pressure meter with a variator that adjusts the geometric characteristics of the orifice, such as diameter and shape, to expand the detection range and improve resolution, integrated with a compact and fluid-tight design suitable for seamless integration into heating and cooling systems, allowing for accurate flow rate measurement and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a calibrated orifice is used for flow rate measurement, then the device is affordable and compact, but the amplitude of the range of detectable flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variator mechanism that dynamically changes the geometric characteristics of the orifice (such as diameter and shape) to adapt the measurement range. This allows the same device to measure both low and high flow rates by adjusting the orifice configuration, thereby expanding the amplitude of the detectable flow rate range while maintaining affordability and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the orifice (diameter, shape) through the variator to expand the measurement range. By modifying these physical parameters, the device can detect a wider amplitude of flow rates, from low to high values, without sacrificing the affordability and compact design of the calibrated orifice approach.
2Ease of manufacture
If a vortex precession meter is used, then the device is affordable and compact, but the minimum detectable flow rate is too high and accuracy at low flow rates is unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a variator to dynamically adjust the orifice geometry, enabling accurate measurement at low flow rates. By changing the orifice configuration to suit low flow conditions, the device achieves satisfactory accuracy in the low flow range while maintaining its affordability and compact design, overcoming the limitations of vortex precession meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the orifice through the variator to optimize measurement accuracy at low flow rates. This parameter adjustment allows the device to detect and measure low flow rates accurately, addressing the minimum detectable flow rate limitation of vortex precession meters while keeping the device affordable and compact.
3Measurement precision
If an ultrasound flow meter is used, then measurement accuracy and detectable flow rate range are improved, but cost and footprint increase and integration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow measurement function into a compact assembly that includes the variator and orifice within a differential pressure meter housing. This segmentation allows the device to achieve accurate measurements through multiple orifice configurations while maintaining a compact footprint and reducing integration complexity compared to ultrasound flow meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement device that can handle both low and high flow rates through the variator mechanism. This multi-functional capability, combined with the compact differential pressure meter design, provides accurate measurements across a wide range while avoiding the high cost and integration difficulties of ultrasound technology.
4Device complexity
If the orifice geometric characteristics are fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the detection range amplitude is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variator mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the orifice geometric characteristics. This dynamic capability allows the device to expand its detection range amplitude while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through the use of movable components within the differential pressure meter assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of adjustability to the orifice design by incorporating the variator. This transformation from fixed to adjustable geometry expands the detection range amplitude without significantly complicating the overall device structure, as the variator integrates within the existing differential pressure meter housing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a wider range of detectable flow rates, including low flow rates, high resolution for precise control, and ensures fluid-tightness, enhancing system performance and energy efficiency by enabling accurate flow regulation and integration into management systems.
Implementation Method 1
the meter detects the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of this narrow section
Implementation Method 2
A differential pressure meter with a variator that adjusts the geometric characteristics of the orifice, such as diameter and shape
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly installable in an air conditioning and/or heating system of a room. The assembly comprises a body (7) having an inlet opening (7a), an outlet opening (7z) and at least one channel (70) which places the inlet opening (7a) in fluid communication with the outlet opening (7z). An orifice is arranged in the body (7) and is shaped in such a way that when a flow runs through the channel (70) between the inlet opening (7a) and the outlet opening (7z), a pressure difference is generated between the first region (7p) and the second region (7s) within the body (7), the first region (7p) being located upstream of the orifice, the second region (7s) being located downstream of the orifice. The assembly further comprises a meter (1) for detecting said pressure difference and a variator of at least one geometric feature of the orifice, the variator being able to arrange the orifice in a plurality of different configurations, each corresponding to a respective geometric feature of the orifice. The present invention further relates to a control method of the assembly and to an air conditioning and/or heating system of a room comprising the assembly.