Apparatus and method for regulation and balancing of a thermal system
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal plant regulation systems lack versatility, adaptability, and effectiveness in maintaining optimal temperature, flow rate, and pressure for diverse plant types and terminals, with rigid structures that fail to adjust to transient conditions and user needs.
Innovation Solution
A regulation apparatus and method utilizing a differential pressure regulator, three-way selection valve, and two-way zone valve, allowing for dynamic balancing and adjustable flow control, with selectable pressure difference and flow rate modes, and integrated energy metering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If static balancing valves are used to distribute heating water to different floors, then pressure distribution is improved, but the system cannot adapt to transient conditions and dynamic flow changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static balancing valves with dynamic control valves that can automatically adjust their opening degree based on real-time flow conditions. The control system continuously monitors flow rates and pressure differentials, modifying valve positions dynamically to maintain optimal distribution across all floors during both steady-state and transient operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow meters and pressure sensors that provide continuous feedback to a control unit. This feedback loop enables the control system to detect deviations from desired flow conditions and automatically adjust the control valves to correct imbalances, ensuring adaptive response to changing plant conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If the plant is designed for maximum load conditions, then peak demand is met, but energy consumption increases during partial load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the flow rate of heating water to match the actual thermal demand of the plant. During partial load conditions, the system reduces flow rates automatically, preventing energy waste while ensuring sufficient heat supply. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to operate at maximum capacity continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies operational parameters such as flow rate, temperature, and valve opening degree based on real-time demand assessment. By changing these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed maximum settings, the plant achieves optimal energy efficiency across varying load conditions while meeting heating requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple regulation devices are installed throughout the plant, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a centralized control unit that integrates multiple control functions into a single system. This control unit manages multiple valves and sensors through a unified interface, coordinating their operation to achieve precise flow control without requiring each device to be independently complex. The system performs balancing, flow regulation, and monitoring functions through this multi-functional controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines several regulation functions into an integrated control architecture. Rather than having separate standalone devices for each control function, the patent merges flow measurement, pressure monitoring, and valve control into a coordinated system managed by a single control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
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
Enables adaptable, efficient, and optimal regulation of fluid circulation in thermal plants, ensuring consistent temperature, flow rate, and pressure, while facilitating energy consumption monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a differential pressure regulator, comprising: an internal duct, intended to be traversed by the fluid intercepted by the regulator; a high-pressure inlet, in communication with a flow of fluid having a specific pressure; a low-pressure inlet, in communication with a respective flow of fluid having a specific pressure; the differential pressure regulator being configured for varying or modulating the passage of fluid through the internal duct in a manner such to maintain constant the pressure difference value between the high-pressure inlet and the low-pressure inlet
Implementation Method 2
a three-way selection valve, comprising: a first inlet/outlet terminal, intended to be placed in fluid communication with a point of the plant or of the apparatus; a second inlet/outlet terminal, intended to be placed in fluid communication with a respective point of the plant or of the apparatus; a third inlet/outlet terminal, intended to be placed in fluid communication with a respective point of the plant or of the apparatus; the three-way selection valve being configured for selectively placing in fluid communication: the first inlet/outlet terminal with the second inlet/outlet terminal, simultaneously closing the third inlet/outlet terminal, in accordance with a first operating position, or the first inlet/outlet terminal with the third inlet/outlet terminal, simultaneously closing the second inlet/outlet terminal, in accordance with a second operating position
Implementation Method 3
a two-way zone valve, comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a passage duct, extended between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and intended to be traversed by the fluid intercepted by the two-way zone valve and circulating from the inlet to the fluid outlet; the two-way zone valve being configured for allowing the circulation of a flow of fluid through the passage duct equal to a specific flow rate value selectable for the zone valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (1), in order to regulate the circulation of a fluid in a thermal plant (100), comprising a differential pressure regulator (2), a three-way selection valve (10) and a two-way zone valve (30). The apparatus can be installed according to a plurality of installation modes, in which: the differential pressure regulator intercepts the delivery circuit (M) or the return circuit (R) of the plant; the two-way zone valve intercepts the delivery circuit or the return circuit; the three-way selection valve is operatively interposed between the delivery circuit and the return circuit; a first inlet/outlet terminal (11 ) of the three-way selection valve is placed in fluid communication with a high-pressure inlet (3) or a low-pressure inlet (4) of the differential pressure regulator; a second inlet/outlet terminal (12) of the three-way selection valve is in fluid communication with a point of the delivery circuit or of the return circuit; a third inlet/outlet terminal (13) of the three-way selection valve is in fluid communication with a respective point of the return circuit, if the second inlet/outlet terminal is in communication with the delivery circuit, or of the delivery circuit, if the second inlet/outlet terminal is in communication with the return circuit.