Flow control device for an HVAC fluid transportation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems rely on external building control systems for flow control, which can be inflexible and require significant integration efforts, and are not capable of independent pressure-independent flow control.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a sensor module for measuring volumetric flow and a logic module that generates actuator control signals autonomously, allowing for flexible and efficient control of valves without relying on external systems, and can operate independently of pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow sensor is connected to an external building control system for flow control, then the system can utilize centralized control capabilities, but the system becomes inflexible and requires significant integration efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor, electronic circuit for generating actuator control signals, and valve actuator into a single integrated flow control device. This merging eliminates the need for complex integration with external building control systems while maintaining full control functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between control flexibility and integration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is designed to autonomously generate actuator control signals based on measured flow values without requiring external control system intervention. The device serves itself by internally processing flow measurements and automatically controlling the valve, thereby achieving flexibility without external integration complexity
2Extent of automation
If a flow sensor relies on external building control systems for flow control, then centralized monitoring is possible, but autonomous pressure-independent flow control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuit within the flow control device autonomously generates actuator control signals based on measured flow values, enabling the system to independently maintain pressure-independent flow control without relying on external building control systems. This self-service capability ensures both autonomous operation and reliable pressure-independent performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing HVAC installations are retrofitted with autonomous control functions, then control flexibility improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all control functions into a single flow control device that combines the flow sensor, electronic circuit, and actuator, the patent simplifies retrofit installation. The unified device requires minimal integration work with existing HVAC systems while providing full autonomous control functionality, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing installation complexity
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 flexible and efficient flow-dependent control of HVAC systems, allowing for autonomous operation and retrofitting of existing installations, with the ability to connect to various actuators and generate control signals based on real-time flow measurements, independent of pressure variations.
Implementation Method 1
the flow measurement system comprises a pair of acoustic transceivers (emitters/receivers) and acoustic mirrors which are integrated with the flow tube and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound to and from a measurement path arranged inside the flow tube. The ultrasonic flow measurement system further comprises an electronic circuit connected to the acoustic transceivers and configured to calculate the flow rate of the volumetric flow of fluid through the flow tube from ultrasonic transit times on the measurement path.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device for an HVAC fluid transportation system includes a sensor module and a logic module. The sensor module includes a flow measurement system to be connected with a flow tube and measures a volumetric flow of a fluid through the flow tube. The sensor module further includes a first electronic circuit connected electrically to the flow measurement system. The logic module is connected to the sensor module and includes a control signal output terminal and a second electronic circuit connected to the first electronic circuit. The second electronic circuit generates and applies on the control signal output terminal an actuator control signal, using the volumetric flow of the fluid measured by the flow measurement system, for an actuator, arranged outside the flow tube of the flow control device, to actuate a valve of the HVAC fluid transportation system.