Modular Flow Control Device for 4-Pipe Hydronic System Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydronic heating and cooling systems that use 4-pipe systems for simultaneous heating and cooling are costly to install and maintain, as they require extensive piping and valves that are difficult to access and service, compromising comfort and increasing installation expenses.
Innovation Solution
A modular liquid-based heating and cooling system with a flow control device that manages both chilled and heated liquids through a single set of riser lines, using control valves and secondary pumps to distribute the liquids to terminal devices based on zone requirements, reducing the need for extensive piping and improving maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 4-pipe system is used to deliver hot water and chilled water simultaneously, then comfort level is improved, but installation cost and piping complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hot water and chilled water distribution systems into a single pipe infrastructure. The flow control device integrates multiple functions (hot water control, chilled water control, and mixing) into one unit, eliminating the need for separate 4-pipe runs while maintaining simultaneous heating and cooling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device performs multiple functions: it controls hot water flow, controls chilled water flow, mixes the two temperatures, and distributes to terminal devices. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate valves and control mechanisms for each pipe line.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive piping is used in 4-pipe systems, then simultaneous heating and cooling is achieved, but installation expense and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges hot and chilled water distribution into a shared pipe network, reducing the total quantity of piping materials and labor required for installation while preserving the ability to deliver both hot and chilled water simultaneously to different terminal devices.
3Area of stationary object
If valves are located in the plenum above the ceiling for 4-pipe systems, then space is saved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed so that the flow control device can be accessed and serviced from accessible locations without requiring technicians to work in the plenum above the ceiling. The modular design allows for easy maintenance while maintaining compact space utilization.
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
The system allows for efficient and cost-effective delivery of both heating and cooling to individual zones with reduced piping requirements, improved maintenance access, and enhanced comfort, while using smaller, less expensive chillers and heat pumps, and reducing pumping power by up to 30%.
Implementation Method 1
The flow control device includes at least one first control valve in fluid communication with the riser chilled liquid supply line and the riser heated liquid supply line; at least one second control valve in fluid communication with the riser chilled liquid return line and the riser heated liquid return line
Implementation Method 2
a secondary pump which moves the chilled liquid through the flow control device and a secondary pump which moves the heated liquid through the flow control device
Implementation Method 3
In many building systems, the hydronic liquid is heated or cooled and then circulated through the building where it is channeled through air handlers that blow air through heat exchangers to heat or cool the air
Data Source
AI summary
A modular water based heating and cooling system for providing chilled or heated water to terminal devices in a building to heat/cool individual zones in the building. The system includes a flow control device in fluid communication with a riser chilled water supply line, a riser chilled water return line, a riser heated water supply line, and a riser heated water return line. The flow control device includes first control valves and second control valves. Terminal device supply lines extend from the flow control device and are connected to respective first control valves. Terminal device return lines extend from the flow control device and are connected to respective second control valves. The first control valves and the second control valves cooperate to supply required chilled water or heated water through the terminal device supply lines to terminal devices based on the cooling/heating requirements of the terminal devices.