Electromagnetic Throttle Valve With Blowdown for Compressor Capacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throttle valves in fluid compressors, particularly in rotary screw compressors, are unreliable and require frequent maintenance due to their mechanical components, leading to inefficiencies in capacity control and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
An electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) is introduced, utilizing an electromagnet to actuate the valve plate, allowing partial opening and closing, and a blowdown system to manage pressure, with a control system balancing electromagnetic, biasing, and gravitational forces for precise modulation and capacity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used in throttle valves, then the valve can be actuated and controlled, but the reliability decreases and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation components (solenoids, springs, linkages) with an electromagnetic actuator that uses magnetic fields to directly move the valve plate. This electromagnetic system eliminates mechanical wear points and reduces maintenance while improving reliability and enabling precise partial opening control.
2Productivity
If traditional throttle valves are used, then capacity control can be achieved, but operational stability deteriorates due to mechanical wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator provides stable, wear-free operation for capacity control. The magnetic field actuation maintains consistent performance over time without the degradation associated with mechanical wear, ensuring operational stability while enabling precise modulation of the valve opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuator system is designed to be self-lubricating and maintenance-free, with no mechanical contacts that require lubrication or adjustment. The system maintains its operational characteristics throughout its service life without external intervention.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical throttle valves are used, then valve operation can be controlled, but maintenance requirements increase due to component wear
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical actuation components with an electromagnetic system, the patent eliminates wear-prone mechanical parts such as solenoid contacts, spring mechanisms, and linkage joints. This results in a valve that requires minimal maintenance and is easier to repair, as the electromagnetic actuator has fewer moving parts and no lubrication requirements.
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 EMTV provides reliable and efficient capacity control, reduces maintenance needs, and enhances operational stability by using magnetic forces for precise valve positioning and pressure management, with integrated prognostic capabilities for system health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an electromagnet to actuate the valve plate
Implementation Method 2
a blowdown system to manage pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid compressor system having an electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) that utilizes magnetic forces supplied by an electromagnet to actuate the opening and closing of the valve. The fluid compressor system may include a control system that controls the position of a valve plate of the EMTV, allowing the EMTV to fully or partially actuate to a plurality of intermediate positions depending on a current supplied to the electromagnet by the control system. The control system may control a location of the valve plate with reference to the electromagnet by balancing the forces acting on the valve plate, such as electromagnetic forces supplied by the electromagnet, biasing forces supplied by biasing components, and gravitational forces acting on the valve plate. The EMTV may include a blowdown system configured to release a pressure within the fluid compressor system when the inlet on the EMTV is closed.