HVAC Circuit Balancing Valve for Precise Pressure and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditioning systems for climate control are complex, expensive, and lack flexibility and sensitivity in balancing fluid flow and pressure, with mechanical systems being rigid and limited by valve characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A programmable automatic balancing system with a control valve that adjusts fluid flow based on input signals from pressure sensors in different sections of the system, allowing precise control of fluid flow through a check element that rotates along a predetermined path, enabling fine-tuned regulation of fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control circuit with individual valves and sensors is used for temperature control in multiple areas, then selective temperature control is achieved, but the system becomes extremely complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual control circuits into a single centralized control circuit that manages multiple valves. The control unit receives a single signal and distributes it to control multiple valves, thereby achieving selective temperature control across multiple areas while significantly reducing system complexity and cost compared to having separate control circuits for each valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a universal device that can manage multiple valves and serve multiple thermal zones simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single control circuit to perform what would otherwise require multiple dedicated control circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If a mechanical valve is used to balance pressure in the circuit, then pressure balancing is achieved, but the system becomes rigid and limited by mechanical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure-balancing valves with an electronically controlled valve system. The valve is actuated by an actuator that responds to electrical signals from the control unit, which in turn receives input from pressure sensors. This substitution of mechanical balance valves with electronically controlled valves provides programmable flexibility while maintaining reliable pressure balancing, overcoming the rigidity limitations of purely mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmable parameters stored in memory within the control unit to dynamically adjust valve positions based on varying system conditions. This allows the pressure balancing function to adapt to different operating scenarios by changing control parameters, thereby achieving both reliability in pressure balancing and flexibility in response to different conditions, which mechanical valves cannot provide.
3Productivity
If existing balancing systems are used, then flow rate control is achieved, but fine degree of sensitivity and precision control is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors continuously monitor the actual pressure in the circuit and send signals to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured pressure with the desired pressure (from stored reference values) and automatically adjusts the valve position to minimize the difference. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides fine sensitivity and precision control, allowing the system to maintain accurate flow rate control that responds dynamically to even small pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of mechanical balancing valves with electronically controlled valves enables much finer adjustment resolution. The electronic actuation system can position the valve with much greater precision than mechanical systems, allowing for a fine degree of sensitivity in flow rate control. The electronic control provides incremental adjustment capability that far exceeds the resolution of traditional mechanical balancing valves.
Data Source
AI summary
A conditioning plant comprises a general inlet, a general outlet, a circuit which sets the general inlet in fluid communication with the general outlet, a plurality of users arranged on the circuit, and a balancing system. The balancing system comprises a sensor for detecting at least a real value depending on a difference of intensity between upstream and downstream of the users, of at least a physical parameter of the fluid; the balancing system further comprises a flow regulating organ, and a control device connected to the sensor, acting on the flow regulating organ and configured for enabling memorization of at least a reference value of a same physical parameter of the fluid, comparing the reference value with the real value, commanding the regulating organ to regulate the fluid internally of the circuit such as to maintain the real value substantially aligned with the reference value.