Electromagnetic Throttle Valve Blowdown for Precise Compressor Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional throttle valves in fluid compressor systems are unreliable and require frequent maintenance due to their mechanical components, which can lead to inefficiencies in capacity control and system operation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an electro-magnetic throttle valve (EMTV) that uses magnetic forces to actuate the opening and closing of the valve plate, allowing for controlled partial opening and closing, and is integrated with a control system that balances electromagnetic, biasing, and gravitational forces to modulate the compressor system's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical throttle valves are used, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the mechanical components lead to frequent failures and high maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical throttle valve components (springs, diaphragms, linkages) with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic motor directly drives the throttle plate through a mounting plate and shaft connection, eliminating mechanical compression elements that are prone to failure. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic actuation resolves the contradiction by improving reliability while reducing maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional mechanical throttle valves are used, then the valve structure is simple, but capacity control precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity control precisionVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuation system replaces mechanical spring-based throttling with controlled electromagnetic motor rotation. The motor's rotational position directly controls the throttle plate opening angle, enabling precise capacity control through electrical signal modulation rather than mechanical force balance. This allows for variable capacity control while maintaining a relatively simple overall valve structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls fluid capacity by changing the rotational position parameter of the electromagnetic motor, which directly adjusts the throttle plate opening angle. This parameter-based control (electrical angle/position) replaces mechanical force parameters (spring pressure, diaphragm deflection), enabling precise and variable capacity control without complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If traditional mechanical throttle valves are used, then the valve can operate, but incomplete closure causes fluid leakage and efficiency loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid leakage lossVSAvoidclosure completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuation system provides controlled, precise rotation of the throttle plate to achieve complete closure positions that mechanical spring systems cannot guarantee. The electromagnetic motor can hold the throttle plate at exact angular positions, ensuring the sealing surface fully contacts the valve seat to prevent fluid leakage, thereby eliminating energy loss while maintaining reliable closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for adaptive operation based on real-time sensor data, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the fluid compressor system.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet configured to actuate the valve plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

balances electromagnetic, biasing, and gravitational forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11994232B1Electro-magnetic throttle valve with integrated blowdown conduit

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC

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.