Temperature control valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure independent control valves in HVAC systems are prone to mechanical failures, affected by dust and dirt, and are expensive due to the complexity and cost of their components, necessitating a more reliable and cost-effective flow regulation method.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control valve system that uses temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet of a heat exchanger to adjust the valve position based on temperature differentials, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical regulators and providing a non-intrusive, electronic flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pressure independent control valves are used to regulate flow, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to mechanical regulators and differential pressure regulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure independent control valve system with an electronic control system. A control valve with an electronic actuator receives control signals from a controller that monitors temperature differential across the heat exchanger. This electronic system substitutes the complex mechanical differential pressure regulator and regulating valve combination, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining flow control precision through electronic sensing and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature sensors to create an electronic representation (copy) of the thermal state across the heat exchanger. By measuring inlet and outlet temperatures and calculating the temperature differential, the system creates an informational copy of the flow condition, which then drives the electronic actuator to adjust flow. This informational copy replaces the need for complex mechanical pressure sensing and regulation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If pressure independent control valves are used, then flow regulation reliability is improved, but susceptibility to mechanical failure and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve components that are susceptible to dust and dirt contamination with an electronic control system. The electronic actuator and control electronics are sealed and protected from contamination, while the temperature sensors can be positioned to monitor flow conditions without being directly exposed to contaminating particles. This substitution reduces the impact of harmful contaminants on system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure flow conditions through temperature differential rather than direct mechanical contact with the fluid stream. This intermediary measurement approach allows the control system to regulate flow without mechanical components being directly exposed to contaminating dust and dirt particles in the fluid.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure independent control valves are used, then flow control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical components (differential pressure regulator, precision regulating valve) with more cost-effective electronic components. The electronic actuator and control electronics, along with temperature sensors, provide comparable or superior flow control capability at lower manufacturing cost. The electronic system eliminates the need for precision-machined mechanical pressure regulation components, reducing material and manufacturing expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive temperature sensors to create an electronic representation of flow conditions, replacing the need for expensive mechanical pressure sensing and regulation mechanisms. By copying the thermal state information and using it to drive electronic control, the system achieves precise flow control capability through low-cost electronic components rather than expensive mechanical parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a heat exchanger configured to circulate a working fluid therethrough, a valve configured to regulate a flow rate of the working fluid through the heat exchanger, and a valve controller configured to modify a valve position control signal received from an external controller, separate from the valve controller, based on a temperature differential of the working fluid entering and exiting the heat exchanger.