Hydraulic valve device and centrifugal pump assembly including such hydraulic valve device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact heating systems for smaller buildings lack advanced functionality in hydraulic valve devices, which limits their efficiency and flexibility in switching heating medium flows between heating circuits and heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic valve device with a rotatable valve element and separate sealing portions for each inlet port, allowing for variable mixing ratios and the integration of a bypass valve to manage differential pressure, enabling flexible configuration and optimized flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sealing portion is used to close both inlet ports, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility of the valve device are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is divided into two separate sealing portions (first sealing portion and second sealing portion), each independently capable of closing a respective inlet port. This segmentation allows the valve to handle multiple flow paths and configurations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable valve element with two sealing portions serves multiple functions: it can close either inlet port independently, allow both ports to remain open, or create variable mixing ratios by partially closing ports. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If the valve element moves perpendicular to the openings of inlet ports, then the sealing contact is simplified, but the integration with pump-driven operation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the valve element perpendicular to the inlet port openings (the conventional approach), the invention moves the valve element parallel to the openings. This inverted approach allows the pump-driven flow to effectively actuate the valve while maintaining proper sealing contact between the sealing portions and valve seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element is actuated by hydraulic forces from the pump-driven flow rather than mechanical linkages. The flow direction and pressure differential created by the pump naturally move the valve element parallel to the inlet port openings, achieving automated operation that is both simple and effective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both inlet ports are always open, then the flow flexibility is maximized, but the ability to switch between heating circuits and heat exchanger is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element can dynamically adjust between multiple positions: fully open (both ports), partially closed (variable mixing ratios), or fully closed (one port at a time). This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize flow control efficiency for different operating conditions while maintaining the ability to switch between heating circuits and heat exchanger.
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
The solution enhances the functionality and efficiency of compact heating systems by allowing for variable flow switching and preventing overheating, while maintaining a compact and integrated design.
Implementation Method 1
The valve element is arranged and provided for selectively closing one of the first and the second inlet ports. Thus, it is possible to switch the fluid flow between a flow through the first inlet port and a flow through the second inlet port.
Implementation Method 2
EP 3 376 049 discloses an integration of such a valve device into the heating pump device such that the valve element of the valve device is shifted between two possible valve positions by use of the water flow produced by the pump.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic valve device includes a first inlet port (20) and a second inlet port (22) and a valve element (24) for selectively closing one of the first and the second inlet port. The valve element (24; 24′) is rotatable between two valve positions such that a surface of the valve element is moved in a direction parallel to openings of the inlet ports. The valve element includes two separate sealing portions (72, 74), a first sealing portion (72) for closing the first inlet port and a second sealing portion (74) for closing the second inlet port. The two sealing portions are arranged such that in a first valve position a first sealing portion closes the first inlet port and in a second valve position a second sealing portion closes the second inlet port. A centrifugal pump device includes such hydraulic valve device.