Compact Ball Balancing Valve With Nested Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic balancing valves in heating and cooling systems have large dimensions, especially in large-scale systems, due to the integration of differential pressure regulators and flow rate regulators, leading to increased energy consumption and inefficient temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A compact automatic balancing valve design featuring a ball shutter with an axial through channel and a radial channel, where the differential pressure regulator is positioned below the flow regulator, reducing overall dimensions and allowing for efficient flow control through the rotation of the ball valve between 180° positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic balancing valves integrate differential pressure regulators and flow rate regulators in sequence with axially aligned ball shutters, then flow control functionality is improved, but the overall dimensions in the longitudinal direction increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the differential pressure regulator from a sequential axial arrangement to a position immediately beneath the flow regulator, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than extending the longitudinal axis. This dimensional reorganization maintains all flow control functionalities while significantly reducing the overall longitudinal dimensions of the valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential pressure regulator is nested within the valve body structure directly below the flow regulator, with the ball shutter's axial through channel positioned to receive and integrate with the regulator components. This nesting arrangement allows multiple regulatory functions to coexist in a compact configuration rather than requiring sequential placement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shutters are made axially movable in vertical direction instead of using ball shutters, then flow regulation is achieved, but the dimensions in height increase considerably and motor actuation becomes more burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the shutter axially in the vertical direction, the patent inverts the approach by maintaining the ball shutter's rotational motion around a horizontal axis while positioning the regulator beneath it. The axial through channel of the ball shutter aligns vertically with the outlet channel, achieving flow regulation through rotation rather than vertical translation, thereby reducing height dimensions and motor actuation burden.
3Area of stationary object
If large scale automatic balancing valves are installed in heating and cooling systems, then system coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated differential pressure regulator continuously monitors the pressure differential across the valve and automatically adjusts the flow rate through the ball shutter to maintain optimal flow conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent temperature control across large-scale heating and cooling systems, preventing energy waste from temperature variations while covering extensive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic balancing valve performs self-regulation of flow rates without requiring external control systems or manual adjustments. The differential pressure regulator automatically compensates for pressure variations and maintains design flow rates, enabling large-scale systems to operate efficiently with reduced energy consumption and without additional control infrastructure.
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 compact design reduces energy consumption by maintaining temperature consistency and optimizing fluid flow rates, while allowing for easy operation and reduced vertical dimensions, enhancing the valve's functionality and efficiency in large-scale systems.
Implementation Method 1
a ball shutter (20) having an axial through channel (21) with the axis perpendicular to the rotation axis (S) of the ball (20)... The ball (20) is installed between two seats (24)... that ensure the hydraulic seal between the inlet and outlet channels (11 and 12)
Implementation Method 2
a differential pressure regulator (30) and a flow rate regulator (20) are provided... wherein a bellows membrane (35) separates the inner volume regulator in a first chamber (31) hydraulically connected to the inlet channel (11) and a second chamber (32) hydraulically connected to the radial channel (22) of the ball (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic balancing valve is described provided with a valve body having at least one inlet channel and an outlet channel for a heat transfer fluid, wherein the flow regulation is carried out by a ball shutter having an axial through channel with axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ball. The ball valve has at least one radial channel aligned with the rotation axis of the ball and is connected to the axial through channel. The radial channel has an outlet port having a circular cross-section which hydraulically connects the axial through channel of the ball with the outlet channel of the valve.