Multi-port variable expansion plunger valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face challenges in efficiently controlling refrigerant flow rates and pressure drops across expansion valves, leading to suboptimal cooling performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port variable expansion plunger valve with axially movable inserts and blind outlet passages, allowing for differential flow rates and pressure drop control through precise alignment of inlet and outlet ports, and utilizing electronic or pneumatic controllers to manage plunger movement for flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional expansion valve is used to control refrigerant flow, then the valve structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision and pressure drop control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple independent outlet passages (first, second, third outlet passages) with different flow characteristics. Each outlet passage can be independently controlled by corresponding inlet ports, allowing precise control of total refrigerant flow rate by combining different passage configurations. This segmentation enables fine-tuned flow control without requiring a completely complex valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs movable plugs (first plug, second plug, third plug) that can axially move to dynamically adjust the opening area of inlet ports. This dynamic adjustment capability allows continuous variation of flow rates through each outlet passage, providing precise flow control. The dynamic positioning of plugs enables adaptive response to changing system conditions while maintaining control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlet passages with different flow rates are provided, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple outlet passages are integrated into a single valve body, with each passage serving different flow rate requirements. The first outlet passage handles high flow rates, the second handles medium flow rates, and the third handles low flow rates. This multi-functional design allows the valve to adapt to various operating conditions and refrigerant flow requirements within a single device, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple separate valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure nests multiple control mechanisms within a compact arrangement. Inlet ports are positioned to align with specific outlet passages, and movable plugs are nested within the valve body to control multiple passages simultaneously. This nested configuration allows complex multi-rate flow control functionality to be achieved within a relatively compact and integrated valve structure, minimizing space requirements while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the insert moves axially to control flow, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet ports and outlet passages are pre-aligned during manufacturing at predetermined positions. The first inlet port is pre-aligned with the first outlet passage, the second inlet port with the second outlet passage, and the third inlet port with the third outlet passage. This preliminary alignment ensures that when plugs move to specific positions, the correct ports align automatically, reducing the need for high-precision dynamic alignment during operation and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plugs act as intermediaries between the control mechanism and the fluid flow. The plugs translate axial movement into precise control of inlet port openings, mediating the relationship between simple linear actuator movement and complex multi-port flow distribution. This intermediary function allows ease of operation through simple plug movement while the pre-designed port geometries and alignments handle the precision requirements, decoupling operational simplicity from manufacturing precision demands.
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 precise control of refrigerant flow rates and pressure drops, enhancing cooling performance and energy efficiency by allowing for fine-tuning of flow and pressure relationships, and supporting reversible flow in refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured for biasing the insert in the upstream direction within the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed is a valve 200 having: a body 210 that has an upstream end 220 and a downstream end 230; an inlet orifice 240; a plurality of passages 250 including: a first outlet passage 250al extending into the body from the downstream end 230 to a location intermediate the upstream end 220 and the downstream end 230 of the body 210; an inlet passage 250b extending into the body 210 from the upstream end 220 of the body 210, the plurality of passages 250 extending along mutually parallel axes 255, wherein the axes 255 are offset radially and/or circumferentially from each other; and the inlet passage 250b being formed in an insert 270 configured for axially moving to: fluidly engage with the first outlet passage 250al to define a continuous fluid passage between the upstream end 220 and the downstream end 230 of the body 210, wherein: an output flow rate through the body 210 increases or decreases depending on an axial location of the insert 270.