Remote Gas Pressure Regulator Control for Changing Network Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gas pressure regulating systems in gas networks require manual intervention for pressure adjustments, especially when hydrogen is introduced, which is inefficient and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A control device for a gas pressure regulator that includes an actuator, adapter, and communication device, allowing remote control and adaptation to changing pressure requirements, with features like actuators that convert electrical signals to mechanical movements and communication devices for signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment mechanism with spring and auxiliary pressure regulator is used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to changing pressure requirements is poor and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing pressure requirementsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based adjustment mechanism with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The actuator converts electrical signals to mechanical rotation to adjust the pressure regulator, enabling remote and automated pressure control while reducing the need for manual field intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary between the control system and the pressure regulator. This device receives control signals, transmits them to the actuator, and can display regulator status, facilitating remote monitoring and adjustment without requiring direct physical access to the regulator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual intervention by qualified specialists is required for pressure adjustment, then the operation reliability is maintained, but the productivity and response time to changing requirements are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse time to pressure adjustment requirementsVSAvoidease of pressure adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a system where the pressure regulator can be automatically adjusted and monitored without requiring qualified specialists to physically visit the site. The communication device and actuator system enable the regulator to serve itself by responding to control signals and displaying its own status information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device provides feedback functionality by displaying the current status of the pressure regulator and transmitting control signals bidirectionally. This allows operators to monitor pressure conditions and make adjustments based on real-time information, improving responsiveness to changing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 flexible and remote control of gas pressure regulators, adapting to changing network conditions, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness to fluctuations, especially in mixed gas operations.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator (110) which is designed to move the adjustment element (210)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4700526A1Control device and gas pressure control apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 WESTNETZ GMBH
  • EP4700526A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700526A1 patent drawing
  • EP4700526A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (100) for a gas pressure regulator (200) with an adjustment element (210) for controlling a pressure profile between a high-pressure area (310) and a low-pressure area (320) of a gas network (300), comprising: - an actuator (110) designed to move the adjustment element (210), - an adapter (120) connected to the actuator (110) and designed to be attached to a dome (220) in which the adjustment element (210) is arranged, - a communication device (130) designed to receive at least one control signal (10) for controlling the actuator (110) and to transmit it to the actuator (110), wherein the control signal (10) can be sent from a network controller (330) located at a distance from the communication device (130). The invention further relates to a gas pressure regulator (200).