Fog Generator Valve Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fog generators face challenges in achieving high ejection capacity and maintaining fog temperature within a desired range while being energy-efficient and environmentally acceptable, particularly in security applications where unpredictable power availability and variable heat exchanger capacity are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fog generator using a vessel with compressed propellant gas and a valve with proportional orifice resistance to control the fog generating fluid flow rate, independent of vessel pressure, and optionally adjusting flow rate based on expelling fog temperature, ensuring consistent fog production and optimal heat exchanger utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compressed propellant gas is used to drive fog generating fluid into the heat exchanger, then high ejection capacity and pressure are achieved, but the fog generating fluid flow rate decreases as the propellant gas volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor detects the vessel pressure and provides feedback to the valve controller, which adjusts the valve's orifice resistance proportionally to maintain constant flow rate despite changing propellant gas volume
Solution Approach 2:
The valve's orifice resistance is dynamically adjusted during operation based on real-time pressure conditions, transitioning from a static valve to a dynamically controlled flow regulation system
2Productivity
If the heat exchanger temperature is increased to improve fog ejection performance, then fog can be ejected with desired force and volume, but energy consumption increases and risk of toxic substance formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor monitors the expelling fog temperature and provides feedback to the valve controller, which adjusts the fog generating fluid flow rate to maintain optimal temperature and minimize energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the fog generating fluid flow rate parameter based on temperature conditions to optimize the balance between ejection performance and energy efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchanger temperature is too low, then energy consumption is reduced, but the fog droplet size increases and fog tends to condensate too easily
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor and valve controller work together to detect temperature drops and increase the fog generating fluid flow rate, preventing droplet enlargement and condensation through active feedback control
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional temperature control methods are used to maintain constant heat exchanger temperature, then fog temperature stability is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of actively heating to maintain constant temperature, the system uses feedback from the temperature sensor to adjust the fog generating fluid flow rate, passively maintaining temperature stability through flow regulation rather than continuous energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the heat exchanger temperature to naturally vary while using feedback control on the flow rate to compensate, letting the system self-regulate temperature through flow adjustment rather than active thermal management
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 solution enables high ejection capacity with consistent fog temperature and reduced energy consumption, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art by maintaining a stable fog flow rate and temperature range, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
in the heat exchanger, the fog generating fluid is heated and transformed into fog generating fluid steam
Implementation Method 2
a vessel that contains a fog generating fluid and a compressed propellant gas for driving the fog generating fluid from the vessel into a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
the valve has a proportional orifice resistance such that the fog generating fluid flow rate is controlled by varying said valve's orifice resistance proportionally to the vessel pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a fog generator comprising a vessel that contains a fog generating fluid and a propellant gas for driving the fog generating fluid from the vessel into a heat exchanger which transforms the fog generating fluid into steam and is connected with the vessel, and a valve positioned between the vessel and the heat exchanger, characterized in that the propellant gas is a compressed gas and that the valve is adapted for controlling the fog generating fluid flow rate.