Balancing valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic balancing systems in buildings are limited by the need for centralized processing and remote communication, which reduces reliability and makes adjustments difficult due to signal interference and the complexity of hydraulic interactions, requiring advanced knowledge and dedicated software.
Innovation Solution
An automatic dynamic balancing method that allows balancing valves to operate independently, adjusting to hydraulic conditions without a centralized system, using local processing to measure and adapt flow rates and pressure differentials, and communicate with a central unit to reduce losses and quantify energy gains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If centralized processing systems with remote communication are used to coordinate balancing valve settings, then network diagnostics and parameter adjustment capabilities are improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to signal interference and communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized balancing control system into independent autonomous balancing valves, each capable of self-regulation. Each valve operates independently with its own control logic, eliminating reliance on centralized communication while maintaining network-wide balancing functionality through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
Each balancing valve is equipped with autonomous control capabilities that allow it to self-regulate flow based on local pressure differential measurements. The valves perform self-diagnosis and self-adjustment without requiring external communication, making the system more reliable while maintaining diagnostic functionality.
2Ease of operation
If wireless remote communication is used between balancing valves and central processing unit, then system flexibility and remote adjustment capability are improved, but signal intensity deteriorates due to walls and partitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the balancing valve operation, making communication optional rather than essential. The valves can operate independently without communication, and communication is only used when needed for initial setup or monitoring, eliminating signal loss issues while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure differential measurements as an intermediary physical quantity that reliably transmits hydraulic network state information without requiring electromagnetic communication signals. This physical measurement medium is不受干扰 by walls and partitions, providing robust information transfer.
3Measurement precision
If specialized software and advanced hydraulic knowledge are required for balancing valve adjustment, then measurement and adjustment precision are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control where balancing valves continuously measure pressure differentials and automatically adjust their opening to maintain optimal flow rates. This eliminates the need for manual measurement and adjustment by specialists, reducing complexity while maintaining precision through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with automated electronic control systems. The balancing valves use electronic sensors and actuators to automatically regulate flow based on pressure measurements, eliminating the need for specialized manual adjustment tools and expertise while maintaining high precision.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple signals pass through walls and partitions of various thicknesses, then centralized control coverage is improved, but signal intensity and reliability deteriorate considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function across multiple independent balancing valves distributed throughout the hydraulic network. Each valve operates autonomously within its local zone, eliminating the need for signals to traverse multiple walls and partitions. This distributed architecture maintains wide coverage while ensuring reliable local operation.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The valve (1) has a measurement unit for measuring characteristics of fluid passing through the valve. A control unit positions a flap gate (2) of the valve. A data storing unit stores intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the valve. An independent processing unit is arranged to realize automatic balancing of the parameters from values of the characteristics of the fluid measured by the measuring unit. The processing unit exchanges and modifies the balancing data at the end of adaptation and diagnosis of a hydraulic distribution network (5). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for automatic static balancing of hydraulic conditions of thermal regulation units integrated into a branch of a hydraulic network (2) a method for automatic dynamic balancing of input pressure of thermal regulation units integrated into a branch of a hydraulic network.