Flowrate determination system and method for a flow control valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems with electronic, flow-sensing, remotely configurable valves face increased complexity and expense due to the need for flow sensors, leading to inefficiencies and higher operating costs, and existing mechanical and electronic pressure independent control valves require manual reconfiguration for seasonal changes and real-time monitoring is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with integrated pressure and displacement sensors, a controller, and a machine learning module to determine flowrate without direct flowrate measurement, enabling real-time adjustments and automated seasonal adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow sensors are added to determine flowrate through the valve, then flowrate measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure sensors and displacement measurements as intermediary variables to indirectly determine flowrate through calculation, avoiding the need for direct flow sensors. The controller computes flowrate based on the relationship between pressure differential, valve position, and system characteristics, serving as a mediator between measurable quantities and the desired flowrate information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic flow sensors with a computational approach using pressure measurements and displacement data. Instead of using specialized flow-sensing components, the system substitutes a controller that calculates flowrate from other measurable parameters, eliminating the need for complex flow sensing hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration is implemented for seasonal changes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controller that automatically adjusts valve operation based on seasonal conditions and system performance data. The system self-configures by receiving outdoor temperature data and flowrate measurements, then autonomously modifies control parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to seasonal changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses outdoor temperature sensors to detect seasonal changes in advance and proactively adjusts valve operation before performance degradation occurs. By monitoring temperature trends and pre-adjusting control parameters based on predicted seasonal conditions, the system performs preliminary adaptation actions that prevent the need for reactive manual reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If real-time flowrate monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure sensors and valve position sensors as intermediary measurement devices that provide data for calculating flowrate in real-time. Instead of installing complex flow meters, the system uses readily available pressure and position measurements as mediators to derive continuous flowrate information through computational relationships embedded in the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical flow measurement devices with an electronic computational system that calculates flowrate from pressure and position data. The controller continuously computes flowrate based on real-time sensor inputs, replacing the need for physical flow sensing mechanisms while achieving equivalent or superior measurement precision.
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
Enhances energy efficiency, reduces operating costs, and improves occupant comfort by maintaining consistent flowrates and reducing manual intervention, while providing real-time building analytics.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to obtain pressure measurements within the valve body
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to obtain displacement measurements of the valve stem
Implementation Method 3
determine a flowrate based at least on the pressure measurements from the first sensor and the displacement measurements from the second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device for controlling flow in a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system is shown. The flow control device includes a valve body including an inlet path, an outlet path, a valve member, and a valve stem coupled to the valve member. The flow control device includes a first sensor configured to obtain pressure measurements within the valve body, a second sensor configured to obtain displacement measurements of the valve stem, and a controller including a processing circuit configured to determine a flowrate based at least on the pressure measurements from the first sensor and the displacement measurements from the second sensor.