Multi-Port Heat Transfer Fluid Collector With Single Shut-Off Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer fluid collectors in heating and cooling networks require multiple shut-off valves for each port, leading to high electric power consumption, complex installations, and significant maintenance costs due to the need for numerous electric wires and actuators.
Innovation Solution
A collector design featuring a single shut-off valve positioned within a chamber that connects to multiple ports, allowing for efficient distribution of heat transfer fluid to various thermal zones, reducing the need for multiple actuators and simplifying installation by using a modular structure with coaxial coupling means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shut-off valves are installed for each port to enable independent control of thermal zones, then the ability to independently control different thermal zones is improved, but the electric power consumption and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple shut-off valve functions into a single shut-off valve located in the main duct. This single valve controls fluid distribution to multiple ports simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple individual valves and their associated actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control thermal zones independently through a centralized control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The single shut-off valve in the main duct is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls fluid flow to multiple different ports and serves multiple thermal zones simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized valves, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability
2Ease of operation
If multiple shut-off valves with servocontrol are installed for each port, then independent regulation of fluid flow to each port is improved, but the installed electric power and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individually controlled shut-off valves into a single shut-off valve in the main duct. This consolidation reduces the number of electric actuators from multiple to one, significantly lowering installed electric power requirements and operating costs while maintaining the capability to regulate fluid flow distribution to multiple ports through centralized control
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shut-off valves are installed for each port to enable diversified fluid distribution, then the ability to distribute fluid to different thermal zones is improved, but the installation complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple shut-off valves and their associated electric wiring into a single shut-off valve with centralized control. This consolidation dramatically reduces the number of electric wires and actuators required, simplifying both installation procedures and ongoing maintenance while preserving the system's ability to distribute fluid diversely to multiple thermal zones
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a collector (1) for distributing a heat transfer fluid in a heating and/or cooling and/or conditioning network, in particular of household and/or industrial type, said collector (1) comprising a housing (10) comprising: - a first terminal portion (11), open for the entry of the fluid into the collector (1); - a second terminal portion (12), open for the exit of the fluid from the collector (1); - a duct (13), which extends from said first terminal portion (11) to said second terminal portion (12) for the passage of the fluid in the housing (10) of the collector (1), wherein the collector (1) comprises a shut-off valve (20) positioned at least partly in the duct (13) and comprising a movable obstructor (21) for adjusting the opening and/or closing of a passage (14) in said duct (13). The peculiar feature of the present invention lies in the fact that said collector (1) comprises: - a chamber (30) that communicates with the duct (13) through said passage (14), in particular when the shut-off valve (20) is in a condition in which it opens said passage (14), and - a plurality of ports (40) that communicate with said chamber (30), in particular each port (40) being adapted to be associated with a respective branching pipe.