Radiator balancing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiator balancing devices fail to maintain a desired heating medium temperature drop over radiators while ensuring the return temperature does not exceed values required to prevent condensation in boilers, especially in systems with high supply temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The radiator balancing device incorporates first and second thermal expansion elements within the supply and return flow paths, respectively, which adjust the valve plunger's position relative to the valve seat, dynamically controlling the mass flow of the heating medium to maintain the desired temperature drop and prevent excessive return temperatures, using a piston and stop elements to limit thermal expansion impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a radiator balancing device is used to maintain desired temperature drop, then heating efficiency is improved, but the return temperature may exceed condensation values in high supply temperature systems
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two thermal expansion elements that respond to different temperature parameters (supply temperature and return temperature) to dynamically adjust the valve opening, changing the flow parameter to maintain appropriate temperature drop while preventing excessive return temperatures that would cause condensation
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal expansion elements provide thermal feedback from the supply and return flow paths, allowing the valve to automatically adjust based on actual temperature conditions. The first thermal expansion element responds to supply temperature changes while the second responds to return temperature, creating a feedback control system that prevents condensation
2Temperature
If thermal expansion elements are added to dynamically adjust flow, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal expansion elements are self-actuating components that automatically respond to temperature changes without requiring external power, control systems, or manual adjustment. The material's inherent thermal expansion property provides the actuation force, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention directly utilizes the thermal expansion property of materials to create the actuating mechanism. The thermal expansion elements expand or contract in response to temperature changes, directly translating thermal energy into mechanical movement of the valve plunger, thereby controlling flow based on temperature 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 dynamically adjusts the heating medium flow to maintain the desired temperature drop across radiators while preventing return temperatures from exceeding condensation values, ensuring efficient operation in systems with varying supply temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal expansion element (22), wherein an expansion status of the first thermal expansion element (22) depends from a temperature of the heating medium within the supply flow path (20)
Implementation Method 2
a second thermal expansion element (23), wherein an expansion status of the second thermal expansion element (23) depends from a temperature of the heating medium within the return flow path (21)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Radiator balancing device comprising: a housing (15), a first thermal expansion element (22), a second thermal expansion element (23), a valve (24) and a piston (26). The housing (15) defines a supply flow path (20) and a return flow path (21). The expansion status of the first thermal expansion element (22) depends from the temperature of the heating medium within the supply flow path (20). The expansion status of the the second thermal expansion element (23) depends from the temperature of the heating medium within the return flow path (21). The valve (24) has a valve seat (25) provided within the return flow path (21) of the housing (15) and a valve plunger (27), wherein a change in the thermal expansion status of the second thermal expansion element (23) causes a change in the relative position between the valve plunger (27) and the valve seat (25). The piston (26) is positioned between the first and the second thermal expansion elements (22, 23), wherein the piston (26) acts in combination with the two thermal expansion elements (22, 23) in such a way that a change in the thermal expansion status of the first thermal expansion element (22) impacts the position of the second thermal expansion element (23) and thereby the relative position between the valve plunger (27) and the valve seat (25) of the valve (24).