Hydraulic Network Balancing Using Single-Sensor Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic network balancing methods require multiple pressure connection points and complex sensor installations, making them inefficient for dynamic balancing and prone to installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer system that determine static flow capacity values of hydraulic network zones by recording measurement data sets with varying valve positions and calculating characteristic parameters using flow capacity values, reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure connection points and complex sensor installations are used for hydraulic network balancing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow measurement function from individual consumer branches and consolidates it into a single flow sensor located in the supply line. This single sensor measures the total flow entering the hydraulic network, which is then used to calculate flows in all branches through mathematical relationships, eliminating the need for multiple flow sensors at each consumer
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow sensor in the supply line serves a universal function for the entire hydraulic network. Its measurement is used not only for total flow monitoring but also for calculating individual branch flows, determining characteristic parameters of all zones, and enabling dynamic balancing of the entire system through centralized control
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure connection points are installed for each compensating organ, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized control unit as an intermediary that performs mathematical calculations to derive individual branch flows from the single total flow measurement. This control unit acts as a mediator between the single flow sensor and the multiple regulating valves, automatically computing the necessary information without requiring manual measurements at each branch
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the single flow sensor continuously measures total flow, the control unit calculates individual branch flows and compares them with target values, and regulating valves are automatically adjusted based on these comparisons. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic balancing without complex manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If separate sensors are included in each consumer for determining flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow measurement functions into a single flow sensor located in the supply line. Instead of having separate flow sensors in each consumer branch, the system combines all flow measurement into one centralized sensor, reducing the total number of sensors from N (where N is the number of consumers) to just 1, while still enabling determination of individual branch flows through mathematical relationships
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic network (1) having plural parallel zones (Z1, Z2) with a regulating valve (V1, V2) in each zone for regulating a flow of fluid (φ1, φ2) through respective zones. Characteristic parameters of the hydraulic network (1) include static flow capacity values (Kex,a, Kex,b) of the zones. Measurement data sets are recorded which include a determined value of a hydraulic system variable of the hydraulic network (1), e.g. the total flow (φtot) or the system pressure (ΔP), and valve positions of the regulating valves (V1, V2) set for the determined value of the hydraulic system variable. The characteristic parameters are calculated from plural measurement data sets, by grouping related measurement data sets, which include the same value of the hydraulic system variable but different valve positions, and by using the flow capacity (Kvalve,a, Kvalve,b) of the regulating valves (V1, V2) at the valve positions included in the data sets.