Flow control valve and hydronic system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydronic systems, such as hybrid heat pumps, require multiple flow control devices to manage fluid flow efficiently, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in operation and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A single flow control valve with two modulatable orifices that can replace multiple valves, allowing for fluid distribution to both condenser and hydronic reheat coils using a single actuator, enabling cooling, heating, dehumidification, and idle modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple flow control devices are used to manage fluid flow in hybrid heat pumps, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow control functions into a single valve body with multiple orifices (first orifice for cooling mode, second orifice for heating mode). This merging approach maintains precise flow control for different modes while reducing the total number of devices from multiple separate valves to one integrated valve, thereby resolving the contradiction between control precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow control valve is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different orifices based on operational mode. The first orifice controls fluid flow during cooling operation, while the second orifice controls flow during heating operation. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized valves, reducing system complexity while maintaining mode-specific control precision
2Ease of operation
If multiple flow control devices are used in hydronic systems, then flow distribution control is improved, but system manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow distribution control functions into a single manufacturable valve component. By integrating the first orifice, second orifice, and switching mechanism into one valve body, the system reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes, assembly steps, and quality control checkpoints, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining precise flow distribution control for different operational modes
3Reliability
If continuous fluid flow is maintained in hydronic loops, then system reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control by enabling the valve to switch between different orifices based on operational mode requirements. During idle periods or when specific modes are not needed, the valve can close or restrict flow through the inactive orifice, reducing unnecessary fluid circulation and energy consumption while maintaining system reliability by ensuring proper flow is available when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control valve comprises three orifices. Each of the three orifices is connectable to a fluid conduit, respectively. Each of two orifices of the three orifices is modulatable between a closed mode in which that orifice is substantially closed, and an open mode in which that orifice is open. Each of the two orifices is also modulatable between the closed mode and the open mode while the other one of the two orifices is in the closed mode. Depending on the application, the orifices may be used as inlets or outlets and in different combinations of inlets and outlets. A hydronic system that includes the flow control valve is also described.