Differential Pressure Control Valve with Selectable Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Differential Pressure Control Valves (DPCVs) are limited to specific differential pressure ranges, failing to operate effectively across the broad range of 5 to 60 kPa, leading to inefficiencies in heating plants, increased stock requirements for retailers, and higher commissioning costs due to the need for multiple valve configurations and potential misalignment between design and actual operating pressures.
Innovation Solution
A DPCV design that incorporates a tubular body with a membrane-separated pressure measuring circuit and adjustable spring mechanisms, allowing operation across the entire 5-60 kPa range by selecting between the preload of a single inner spring or both inner and outer springs, ensuring constant differential pressure across varying flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DPCV is designed to operate in a specific differential pressure range, then it can provide reliable pressure control within that range, but it cannot operate effectively across the broad range of 5 to 60 kPa encountered in heating plants
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is segmented into an inner spring and an outer spring that can operate independently or in combination. The selection member allows switching between different spring configurations (inner spring only, outer spring only, or both springs together), enabling the valve to adapt to different differential pressure ranges while maintaining reliable control in each range
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system is made dynamically configurable through the selection member, which allows the mechanical configuration to change during commissioning and operation. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same valve to adapt to varying differential pressure conditions (5-30 kPa or 30-60 kPa) without sacrificing control reliability
2Reliability
If multiple DPCV configurations are maintained for different pressure ranges, then each configuration can be optimized for its specific range, but retailers must keep large stock and commissioning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single DPCV design incorporates multiple functions through the selectable spring system, allowing one valve model to replace multiple specialized valve models. The valve can be configured during commissioning to operate in low differential pressure range (5-30 kPa) or high differential pressure range (30-60 kPa), eliminating the need for retailers to stock multiple valve types and reducing commissioning complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve's operating parameters are made changeable through the selection member, which allows switching between different spring preloads and configurations. This parameter adjustability enables a single valve design to cover multiple operating conditions, reducing the need for multiple specialized valve models and simplifying inventory and commissioning
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
Enables efficient management of heating plants at partial loads, optimizing energy savings and comfort by maintaining constant differential pressure, reducing the need for multiple valve configurations and minimizing commissioning time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment system formed by two chambers, an upper chamber and a lower chamber, which are separated by a membrane. The upper chamber of such a valve is connected to the static balancing valve or in another point along the delivery line by means of a capillary tube, while the lower chamber is subjected to the pressure of the cold return branch
Implementation Method 2
A DPCV design that incorporates a tubular body with a membrane-separated pressure measuring circuit and adjustable spring mechanisms, allowing operation across the entire 5-60 kPa range by selecting between the preload of a single inner spring or both inner and outer springs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control valve for heating plants, in particular a Differential Pressure Control Valve (DPCV), comprising: - a body extending along a longitudinal axis placed in a fluid flow line at a first pressure, - a sleeve extending from the body, - an actuator member joined to said sleeve, whereby the actuator member comprises a shutter that can move downwards in contrast with preloaded elastic contrast means, said shutter being integral with a membrane, said membrane having an upper surface on which a fluid acts at a second pressure greater than said first pressure, and whereby the preloaded elastic contrast means comprise a first spring and a second spring, whereby said second spring may act individually according to a first operating mode or in parallel with said first spring according to a second operating mode, and whereby said first and second operating modes can be selected.