Fluid control measuring device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow measurement devices are expensive and have limited turndown ratios, making them ineffective for accurately measuring low fluid flows, particularly in HVAC systems, leading to energy inefficiency and poor comfort control.
Innovation Solution
A flow measurement and control system using a multi-stage damper with a variable orifice plate and actuator assembly, incorporating new formulas and techniques to address contradictions in fluid flow phenomena, enabling precise measurement and control of fluid flows with a high turndown ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but cost is prohibitively expensive and turndown ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is segmented into multiple independent dampers (first damper, second damper, third damper) that can operate independently across different flow ranges. Each damper handles a specific portion of the total flow range, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision across the entire range without requiring expensive specialized equipment for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampers are arranged in a nested configuration where the second damper is positioned within the flow path of the first damper, and the third damper is positioned within the flow path of the second damper. This nesting allows compact arrangement of multiple measurement and control functions within a single device structure, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow measurement devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but turndown ratio is limited to less than 10:1
Solution Approach 1:
The total flow range is segmented into multiple sub-ranges, each handled by a specific damper. The first damper handles high flow rates, the second damper handles medium flow rates, and the third damper handles low flow rates. This segmentation enables the system to achieve a turndown ratio greater than 100:1 while maintaining measurement precision in each segment by using dampers optimized for their specific flow ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different dampers based on the current flow rate requirements. The control system activates the appropriate damper (first, second, or third) depending on whether the flow is high, medium, or low, allowing the device to adapt to a wide range of flow conditions while maintaining accurate measurement precision across the entire turndown range.
3Ease of operation
If HVAC systems operate without accurate low flow measurement, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption increases and comfort control is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-damper system with automatic control capability enables the HVAC system to self-regulate flow rates based on actual demand. The control system automatically selects and adjusts the appropriate damper (first, second, or third) to match the required flow rate, eliminating the need for manual intervention while reducing energy consumption by preventing needless operation and improving comfort control through precise flow regulation.
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 provides accurate and economical measurement and regulation of fluid flows, reducing energy consumption and enhancing comfort control in HVAC systems by achieving a high turndown ratio, allowing for precise control of fluid volumes and velocities.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a pressure differential across the orifice plate
Implementation Method 2
defining a variable opening that amplifies a velocity pressure of the fluid flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2D
Figure 2E~2F
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring and controlling fluid flow include an orifice plate defining a variable opening. The orifice plate includes an outer assembly comprising a central opening and an inner assembly extending through the central opening. The flow device regulates high and very low volumes of fluid with precision, inexpensively, with superior acoustics, reduced energy, and simpler design. The high turndown device permits use at lower velocities, thereby reducing noise generation and eliminating need for sound-attenuating liners. The high rangeability device combines several part numbers into fewer parts, thereby streamlining product portfolios. In some cases, cost benefits associated with the flow device allow equipment to be scaled back 100:1 rather than 10:1, providing energy savings, fewer product variations, simple and more robust applications. The device meets new and old building fresh air, comfort and energy codes. The flow device can be engineered, selected, and sized without sophisticated software programs.