A differential pressure control valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face inefficiencies due to pressure fluctuations, requiring two valves for reliable fluid flow and differential pressure regulation, increasing costs and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with an integrated differential pressure regulator, allowing selection of fluid sources and regulation of flow and pressure in a single valve, combining the functions of a three-way valve and a Pressure Independent Control Valve (PICV).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two valves (control valve and PICV) are used to regulate flow and differential pressure, then flow regulation reliability is improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a control valve and a differential pressure regulator into a single integrated valve unit. The control valve body houses both the inlet selection mechanism and the differential pressure regulator, eliminating the need for separate PICV installation. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining dual-function reliability while reducing device complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a control valve for selective fluid source connection and a differential pressure regulator for maintaining constant pressure differential. The single valve unit provides flow regulation, source selection, and pressure compensation capabilities, making it a multi-functional device that replaces two separate valves.
2Reliability
If two valves are used for flow and pressure regulation, then pressure independent control is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the differential pressure regulator within the control valve body, the patent eliminates the need for separate installation of two valves and their interconnecting piping. The unified design reduces installation steps, connection points, and commissioning time while maintaining pressure independent control functionality.
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
This solution reduces energy consumption, lowers pump noise, and decreases initial installation costs by integrating two valves into one, while maintaining reliable fluid flow and pressure regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a differential pressure regulator, said regulator cavity being arranged downstream of the inlet selection element and upstream of the outlet... a constant differential pressure can be maintained across said inlet selection element
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid passage in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the second inlet, wherein the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the regulator cavity when the inlet selection element connects the first inlet to the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A control valve (100) for selectively regulating a fluid flow to a device, such as a heating or cooling convector, said control valve (100) comprising a first inlet (101) adapted to be connected to a first fluid source, a second inlet (102) adapted to be connected to a second fluid source, an outlet (103) adapted to be connected to the device, an inlet selection element (110) arranged downstream of the first and the second inlets (101, 102) and upstream of the outlet (103), wherein said inlet selection element (110) is moveable between a first position in which the first inlet (101) is in fluid communication with the outlet (103) and a second position in which the second inlet (102) is in fluid communication with the outlet (103), and a regulator cavity (130) adapted to accommodate a differential pressure regulator (200), said regulator cavity (130) being arranged downstream of the inlet selection element (110) and upstream of the outlet (103), and further comprising a first fluid passage (121) in fluid communication with the first inlet (101), and a second fluid passage (122) in fluid communication with the second inlet (102), wherein the first fluid passage (121) is in fluid communication with the regulator cavity (130) when the inlet selection element (110) connects the first inlet (101) to the outlet (103) and the second fluid passage (122) is in fluid communication with the regulator cavity (130) when the inlet selection element (110) connects the second inlet (102) to the outlet (103), whereby, when a differential pressure regulator (200) is located in said regulator cavity (130), a constant differential pressure can be maintained across said inlet selection element (110).