Flow control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control systems for heating and cooling systems are limited by pressure dependence and accuracy issues, particularly at varying pressure conditions and low flow rates, restricting their applicability range.
Innovation Solution
A flow control system featuring a static flow sensor with a wave propagation measurement principle, such as ultrasonic sensors, and an equal-percentage orifice adjusting system, allowing for pressure-independent control of medium flow over a wide range, with the sensor positioned outside the flow chamber to minimize interference and avoid calibration needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow sensors are used inside the flow chamber, then flow measurement is possible, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to turbulence and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is extracted from the flow chamber and positioned in the return line, removing it from the harmful turbulent flow environment while still enabling accurate flow measurement through static pressure differential detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses static pressure sensors as intermediaries to indirectly measure flow rate by detecting pressure differentials across the orifice, avoiding direct measurement in the turbulent flow zone
2Speed
If dynamic orifice adjustment is implemented, then flow control responsiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where the controller continuously monitors flow sensor output and automatically adjusts the orifice position to maintain the desired flow rate, improving responsiveness while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms with an electronically controlled orifice adjustment system driven by feedback from the flow sensor, achieving faster response times with simpler mechanical components
3Device complexity
If pressure-dependent flow control is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but flow control accuracy deteriorates under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes pressure-dependent mechanical flow control with an electronically controlled system that uses flow sensors and a controller to actively compensate for pressure variations, maintaining simplicity while achieving pressure-independent flow control accuracy
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 system achieves accurate and wide-range flow control, compensating for large pressure differences and maintaining performance across various conditions without the need for calibration, ensuring consistent energy delivery and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor for sensing an actual medium flow through the pipe part and outputting an electrical signal indicative of the sensed actual medium flow, having a static measurement principle based on a wave propagating in the medium
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a flow control system for controlling a flow of a medium passing through a pipe part of a pipe system via which the medium is distributed from a common source to a plurality of consumer devices. The flow control system comprises a flow sensor for sensing an actual medium flow through the pipe part, a controller in communicative connection with the flow sensor and provided for evaluating the electrical signal indicative of the sensed actual medium flow with a value representing a set medium flow and an orifice adjusting system in communicative connection with the controller and provided for adjusting the adjustable orifice in response to the control signal received from the controller. The flow sensor is arranged outside the flow chamber and has a static measurement principle based on a wave propagating in the medium.