Rotary Channel-Switching Valve for Reversible Heat Pump Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of heat exchangers in a heat pump system increases, the complexity of the configuration, occupied space, cost, and energy consumption also increase due to the need for multiple channel switching means to manage refrigerant flow in parallel and series connections.
Innovation Solution
A rotary type channel switching valve with multiple inlet/outlet ports and communication paths that can switch between parallel and series connections, using a valve body with specific rotation positions to allow or block communication between ports, and an actuator for efficient operation, reducing the need for multiple channel switching means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channel switching means are used to manage refrigerant flow in parallel and series connections, then the system can accommodate multiple heat exchangers, but the configuration complexity, occupied space, cost, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple channel switching functions into a single integrated valve body with multiple inlet/outlet ports. The valve body simultaneously manages refrigerant flow to multiple heat exchangers, enabling both parallel and series connections through a unified structure rather than separate switching components for each connection type.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a universal component that can switch between parallel and series connections, accommodate multiple heat exchangers, and manage refrigerant flow in various configurations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated switching means for each specific connection type or heat exchanger arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channel switching means are used to manage refrigerant flow, then various connection modes can be achieved, but the occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channel switching functions are merged into a single valve body structure with integrated ports and internal passages. This consolidation reduces the spatial footprint compared to having separate switching components for each channel or connection type.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves as a universal switching component that can achieve both parallel and series connections, as well as other configuration modes, within a single compact unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple dedicated components that would occupy additional space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channel switching means are used to manage refrigerant flow, then complex system configurations are possible, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel switching functions into a single valve body, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and installed. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to achieve complex system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve body design can accommodate multiple heat exchangers and various connection modes, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate switching components for each function. This reduces overall system cost while providing flexible configuration capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channel switching means are used to manage refrigerant flow, then comprehensive channel control is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple channel control functions are combined into a single valve body that can be actuated by one motor. This reduces the total energy consumption compared to having separate motors for each switching component, while maintaining comprehensive channel control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve body performs multiple channel switching functions simultaneously or sequentially with a single actuation mechanism, reducing the cumulative energy consumption that would result from multiple independent switching components each requiring their own actuation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
A channel-switching valve is provided, which can play a role of a plurality of channel switching means which are required when connecting a plurality of heat exchangers in parallel when a refrigerant is passed in a normal direction, and when connecting a plurality of heat exchangers in series when the refrigerant is passed in a reverse direction, for example, in a heat pump including the plurality of heat exchangers, and thereby, can realize simplification of a configuration of the heat pump, reduction in an occupied space, cost and energy consumption, and the like. A channel-switching valve includes a valve main body 20 provided with a valve chamber 21 having an upper side valve seat section 22A and a lower side valve seat section 22B, a valve body 30 which is rotated with an upper and a lower end surfaces of the valve body opposed to and in contact with the upper side valve seat section 22A and the lower side valve seat section 22B, an actuator 15 which rotationally drives the valve body 30, wherein a plurality of upper side inlet/outlet ports 11a to 14a and an upper side main port 25a are formed in the upper side valve seat section 22A, while a plurality of lower side inlet/outlet ports 11b to 14b which are paired with the plurality of upper side inlet/outlet ports 11a to 14a, and a lower side main port 25b which is paired with the upper side main port 25a are formed in the lower side valve seat section 22B, the valve body 30 is provided with communication paths 31 and 32 which can allow the respective ports paired at a top and bottom to communicate with each other, and the valve chamber 21 is divided into an upper chamber section 21 A and a lower chamber section 21B by the valve body 30.