Method and devices for equalizing a group of consumers in a fluid transport system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport systems require multiple sensors and pressure connection points for each consumer to achieve balanced fluid distribution, leading to complexity and an inability to dynamically balance the system.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a common flow sensor to determine the momentary total throughput and a balancing factor, allowing for dynamic balancing of consumers by adjusting motorized regulating valves without separate sensors for each consumer, enabling automatic and continuous balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and pressure connection points are installed for each consumer, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single flow sensor installed in the main supply line. This single sensor measures the total flow to the consumer group, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and pressure connection points at each consumer location, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow sensor in the main supply line serves multiple consumers simultaneously, performing the measurement function for the entire consumer group rather than requiring dedicated sensors for each individual consumer. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of components needed
2Device complexity
If static balancing methods are used with fixed compensation organs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic balancing by continuously measuring the total flow with the single flow sensor and automatically adjusting the balancing valve positions based on real-time flow conditions. This allows the system to adapt to changing flow requirements and consumer demands, transforming the static balancing approach into a dynamic, self-adjusting system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the flow sensor measurements as feedback to continuously monitor and adjust the balancing valve positions. The measured total flow information is used to determine appropriate valve settings, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal balancing conditions despite changing system conditions
3Measurement precision
If separate sensors are installed in each consumer, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function for multiple consumers into a single flow sensor installation in the main supply line. This eliminates the need to install and configure multiple separate sensors at various consumer locations, significantly simplifying the installation process while still providing the necessary flow measurement data for balancing purposes
Data Source
AI summary
For the purpose of balancing (S3) a group of consumers in a fluid transport system in which each consumer is configured with a motorized regulating valve for the purpose of regulating the flow through the consumer, characteristic data for the consumer is saved (S2) which determines a valve position of the corresponding regulating valve for the target throughput through each consumer. A momentary total throughput through the group of consumers is determined (S32) by means of a common throughput sensor, and based on the momentary total throughput and a sum of the desired target throughputs through the consumers, a balancing factor is determined (S34). By setting (S31) the valve positions of the corresponding regulating valves based on the characteristic data and the balancing factor, a dynamic balancing of the consumers is carried out.