Battery-Powered Valve Control via Dynamic Actuation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve control systems for remote and hazardous locations face challenges in efficiently and consistently operating valves due to varying environmental conditions, leading to energy wastage and reliability issues, as they often require high energy levels and wired connections.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered control system that includes a processing unit, capacitor, and pressure sensor to determine optimal energy application times based on valve states and environmental conditions, using wireless communication to adjust actuation periods and conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high energy levels are applied to operate valves in remote and hazardous locations, then valve operation reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuation period based on environmental conditions and valve state. The controller modifies the duration of energy application to the solenoid coil, applying energy for longer periods when conditions require it and shorter periods when conditions are favorable, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides feedback about the valve state and environmental conditions to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to determine when the valve has reached its target state and adjust subsequent energy application accordingly, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If fixed actuation periods are used for valve operation, then system complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using fixed actuation periods, the system employs dynamic adjustment of the actuation period based on real-time environmental conditions and valve state feedback. This allows the controller to optimize energy efficiency by adapting the energy application duration to actual operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter (actuation period) based on environmental conditions and valve state. The controller modifies the duration of energy application dynamically, extending or reducing the period as needed to achieve energy-efficient operation while maintaining reliable valve control.
3Reliability
If wired connections are used for valve control, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical wired connection with a wireless communication system. The controller receives actuation commands and transmits valve state information wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wiring to remote valve locations while maintaining system functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication acts as an intermediary between the control system and the remote valve. This intermediary enables power and control signals to be transmitted without physical connections, simplifying installation in remote and hazardous locations while maintaining reliable operation.
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 system ensures consistent valve operation while reducing energy consumption and enhancing reliability by dynamically adjusting actuation times based on valve states and conditions, minimizing energy expenditure and maintaining system functionality in remote and hazardous settings.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor may be charged with energy from a battery and the capacitor may be used to apply current to a coil of a solenoid latching valve
Implementation Method 2
Applying the energy to the valve may include applying current to a coil of a solenoid latching valve
Implementation Method 3
Determining the first state of the valve may include determining a pressure in an area adjacent to the valve, determining the first state of the valve based at least in part on the pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include receiving an instruction to actuate a valve. The method may also include receiving a first period of time. The method may also include applying energy to the valve for the first period of time. The method may also include comparing a first state of the valve with a state in the instruction. The method may also include determining a second period of time by increasing the first period of time. The method may also include applying energy to the valve for the second period of time. The method may also include determining that a second state of the valve matches the state in the instruction.