Control valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric regulating valves in HVAC systems are unstable due to pressure fluctuations, require high-power actuators, and have poor precision, while existing PICVs face resistance and complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical dynamic balancing electric regulating valve with a first valve assembly that allows rotational flow rate presetting and axial flow rate regulation without a pressure-leading passage, combined with a second pressure difference balancing valve assembly for automatic pressure balancing and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional electric regulating valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision deteriorates due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two independent assemblies: a first valve assembly for flow rate presetting and a second valve assembly for pressure balancing. This segmentation allows each assembly to perform its specific function independently, improving flow rate control precision while managing structural complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical dynamic balancing mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the electric actuator and the valve plug. This mechanism automatically compensates for pressure fluctuations, enabling precise flow rate control without requiring complex electronic pressure compensation systems
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical dynamic balancing electric regulating valve is used, then flow rate control precision is improved, but the valve structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical dynamic balancing mechanism operates automatically using the fluid pressure itself to balance the valve plug. The system uses its own operating conditions (fluid pressure) to self-regulate, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems, thus improving precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flow rate presetting function and pressure balancing function into a single integrated valve body with two assemblies. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate valves, while maintaining high flow rate control precision through the mechanical balancing mechanism
3Ease of operation
If a PICV with valve stem limiting is used, then flow rate presetting is achieved, but the valve stem stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem functions are segmented: the first valve stem is dedicated to flow rate presetting through rotational movement of the slider, while the second valve stem handles pressure balancing. This separation eliminates the conflicting requirements of limiting and guiding functions, improving valve stem stability while maintaining presetting capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the valve stem to simultaneously perform limiting and guiding functions (which causes instability), the patent inverts the approach by using the valve body structure (valve seat with circumferential opening) to provide the limiting function, freeing the valve stem to专注于 guiding and actuation, thereby improving stability
4Reliability
If a PICV with high-power actuator is used, then pressure balancing is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical dynamic balancing mechanism uses the fluid pressure differential itself to drive the balancing action. The higher pressure fluid automatically pushes the valve plug to the position needed for balancing, eliminating the need for high-power actuators and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable pressure balancing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electric pressure compensation mechanisms with a purely mechanical dynamic balancing system. The mechanical structure automatically responds to pressure changes through force balance on the valve plug, eliminating the need for powered actuators and reducing energy consumption while maintaining pressure balancing reliability
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 stable and precise flow rate control, independent of system pressure, with reduced complexity and increased service life, while maintaining dynamic balancing functionality even without electricity.
Implementation Method 1
a slider, disposed inside the valve seat and being movable in a circumferential direction of the sidewall of the valve seat, in order to partially or completely block the opening in the sidewall of the valve seat in the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
a regulating valve plug, being in the shape of a cylinder having an opening at one end, being arranged to surround the valve seat concentrically, and being movable in the axial direction of the valve seat, in order to partially or completely block the opening in the sidewall of the valve seat in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
A mechanical dynamic balancing electric regulating valve enables the regulating valve to automatically balance the effect of system pressure on flow rate during actual operation of the system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Control valve. Provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control valve, comprising: a valve body (110), a first valve assembly (120) and a first valve stem (125). The first valve assembly comprises: a valve seat (121), fixed to the valve body, with a circumferentially extending opening (1212) being provided in a sidewall of the valve seat; a slider (123), disposed inside the valve seat (121) and being able to partially or completely block the opening (1212) in the sidewall of the valve seat in the circumferential direction, but being stationary relative to the valve seat (121) in an axial direction (Z); a regulating valve plug (124), being arranged to surround the valve seat (121) concentrically, and being able to partially or completely block the opening (1212) in the sidewall of the valve seat in the axial direction (Z) of the valve seat.