Parallel Valving Elements for Pressure Differential Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems in hydronic heat transfer systems face challenges in efficiently regulating pressure differentials across loads, often requiring large, complex valves that are costly and difficult to manufacture, and may not effectively maintain desired pressure differentials due to varying fluid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple valving elements in parallel, each with a common driving pressure source, that selectively opens or closes to regulate fluid flow between an inlet and outlet, allowing for precise control of pressure differentials by comparing detected pressure differences to a set point and adjusting accordingly, with the ability to easily machine and scale up valve size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large valving element is used to regulate pressure differentials, then the valve can provide sufficient flow capacity, but the valve becomes difficult to machine and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large valve into multiple smaller valving elements (first, second, and third valving elements) that operate in parallel. Each smaller element is easier to machine and manufacture individually, while collectively they provide the required flow capacity. The valving elements are positioned at different radial locations in the conduit, allowing independent fabrication and assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If a single large valving element is used, then flow capacity is sufficient, but the stroke length becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into multiple smaller elements distributed around the conduit perimeter, each element requires a shorter stroke to achieve the necessary flow modulation. The parallel arrangement allows the system to achieve equivalent flow control with reduced individual stroke lengths compared to a single large valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional large valve to a multi-dimensional arrangement of smaller valves distributed around the conduit circumference. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows reduced stroke length while maintaining overall flow capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple valving elements are used in parallel, then manufacturing cost and machining ease improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent valving elements into a unified system controlled by a single actuator. The actuator simultaneously controls all valving elements through mechanical linkage, merging the control function and reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling all valving elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators for each valve element, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If existing valve systems are used, then pressure differential regulation is attempted, but the systems fail to effectively maintain desired pressure differentials due to varying fluid flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions valving elements at different radial locations within the conduit, allowing each element to respond to local flow conditions. This local positioning enables better adaptation to varying fluid flow rates and more effective maintenance of desired pressure differentials across different operating conditions.
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
This solution enables efficient regulation of pressure differentials with reduced stroke requirements, lower manufacturing costs, and easier machining, allowing for larger valve sizing with multiple smaller elements that collectively function like a single larger valve, thereby improving flow control and maintaining desired pressure differentials effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The valve activation system is configured to supply a common driving pressure to the plurality of valving elements. The common driving pressure is configured to initiate at least one of the opening or closing of the plurality of valving elements or to initiate the other of the opening or closing of the plurality of valving elements.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for regulating a pressure differential includes a plurality of valving elements and a valve activation system. Each of the plurality of valving elements are configured to selectively allow and restrict at least a portion of a flow of fluid between an inlet and an outlet of a conduit through a respective opening and closing of each respective valving element. The valve activation system is configured to supply a common driving pressure to the plurality of valving elements. The common driving pressure is configured to initiate at least one of the opening or closing of the plurality of valving elements or to initiate the other of the opening or closing of the plurality of valving elements.