Integrated Flow Control Device for Autonomous HVAC Valve Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC systems rely on separate building control systems for flow-dependent control of valves, which can be inefficient and inflexible, and do not allow for autonomous control of valves within the system.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a one-piece flow tube, integrated flow measurement system, and electronic circuit that generates actuator control signals for autonomous valve control, including a control signal output terminal for direct actuator control and a communication module for receiving control commands from a building or cloud-based system, enabling flexible and efficient control of valves without relying on external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate building control systems are used for flow-dependent valve control, then system compatibility and control capability are improved, but system complexity and response time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow measurement system, electronic circuit for generating control signals, and control signal output terminal into an integrated flow control device. This merging eliminates the need for separate building control systems while maintaining control capability, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a flow measurement device and as an autonomous control unit that can directly actuate valves. This universal design provides control capability without requiring additional separate control systems, addressing the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate building control systems are used for valve control, then control flexibility is improved, but response time and autonomy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flow measurement and control signal generation functions into a single integrated device, the patent eliminates intermediate communication steps with external control systems. The electronic circuit directly generates control signals from flow measurements, enabling immediate response and autonomous operation while maintaining control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is designed to be self-sufficient, with the electronic circuit autonomously generating control signals based on flow measurements without requiring external control system intervention. This self-service capability reduces response time while maintaining flexible control through the integrated design.
3Extent of automation
If integrated flow measurement and control systems are used, then autonomous control and response speed are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by merging multiple functions (flow measurement, signal processing, and control signal generation) into a single integrated device with a unified structure. The flow tube incorporates both the measurement path and the electronic circuit, creating an autonomous control system that does not increase overall device complexity despite enhanced automation capabilities.
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
Enables autonomous and flexible control of HVAC system valves, allowing for immediate response to flow measurements and external data, improving system efficiency and enabling retrofitting of existing installations with advanced control functions.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic flow measurement system further comprises an electronic circuit connected to the acoustic transceivers and configured to calculate the flow rate of the volumetric flow of fluid through the flow tube from ultrasonic transit times on the measurement path
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device (1) for an HVAC fluid transportation system comprises a flow tube (10) formed in one piece, a flow measurement system (11) integrated with the flow tube (10) and configured to measure a volumetric flow of fluid (ϕ) through the flow tube (10), and an electronic circuit (12) arranged in a fixed fashion on the flow tube (10) and connected electrically to the flow measurement system (11). The flow control device (1) further comprises a control signal output terminal (13) attached to the flow tube (10) and connected to the electronic circuit (12). The electronic circuit (12) is configured to generate and apply on the control signal output terminal (13) an actuator control signal, using the volumetric flow of fluid (ϕ) measured by the flow measurement system (11), for an actuator actuating a valve of the HVAC fluid transportation system (2) arranged outside the flow tube (10) of the flow control device (1).