Degassing device for a solar heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar heating systems face issues with gas removal, as heated fluid can boil and exit the circuit, leading to unwanted depletion, pressure loss, and hazardous situations due to the inefficiency of existing degassing devices in managing vapor phases.
Innovation Solution
A degassing device with a valve actuator system that automatically opens to release gas below a threshold temperature but closes to prevent vapor exit when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level, using a combination of a float-operated valve and a temperature-activated mechanism to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automatic degassing device is used to remove gas from the closed heating circuit, then gas removal efficiency is improved, but vapor phase heating fluid may exit the circuit causing depletion and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring temperature as a critical parameter and using it to control valve operation. When temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold (indicating vapor phase), the valve closes to prevent fluid loss. When temperature is below the threshold (liquid phase), the valve opens to allow gas removal. This dynamic parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by adapting system behavior to the actual physical state of the heating fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the heating fluid temperature and provides this information to the valve actuator. The actuator uses this feedback to automatically adjust the valve position - opening when temperature indicates liquid phase (allowing gas removal) and closing when temperature indicates vapor phase (preventing fluid loss). This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to respond automatically to changing conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the valve is manually opened for gas removal, then gas can be removed from the circuit, but the system requires manual intervention and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic control system that performs gas removal without manual intervention. The temperature sensor continuously monitors the heating fluid state, and the valve actuator automatically opens or closes the valve based on temperature readings. This eliminates the need for manual operation while effectively removing gas accumulation, resolving the contradiction between harmful gas buildup and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. Instead of requiring manual valve operation, the system uses a temperature sensor and valve actuator to automatically control valve positioning based on real-time temperature measurements. This substitution of manual mechanical control with an automated sensing and actuation system resolves the contradiction by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining effective gas removal.
3Loss of substance
If the valve remains closed to prevent fluid loss, then system integrity is maintained, but gas cannot be removed from the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the valve position dynamic rather than static. The valve automatically transitions between open and closed states based on real-time temperature conditions. When temperature is below the threshold (liquid phase), the valve opens to allow gas removal. When temperature exceeds the threshold (vapor phase), the valve closes to prevent fluid loss. This dynamic adaptation to changing system conditions resolves the contradiction between gas removal and fluid retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (temperature) to control valve behavior. The system monitors temperature as the key parameter and changes valve position in response to temperature threshold crossings. Below the threshold, the valve opens for gas removal; above the threshold, the valve closes for fluid retention. This parameter-driven control strategy resolves the contradiction by enabling both gas removal and fluid retention at different operational 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
Prevents vapor from exiting the circuit, maintaining system integrity and safety by effectively managing gas release based on temperature, thereby preventing fluid loss and hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a valve actuator device arranged for automatically opening the valve for allowing gas to exit the closed fluid circuit when an amount of the gas present in the degassing device is more than a predetermined threshold amount
Implementation Method 2
the valve actuator device is further arranged for automatically closing the valve for preventing gas and/or heating fluid, e.g. in the vapour phase, to exit the closed fluid circuit when the temperature of the gas and/or heating fluid is above a predetermined threshold temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar heating system comprising a closed heating fluid circuit with a solar collector for heating therein the heating fluid using solar power. The solar heating system further comprises a degassing device comprising a valve and a valve actuator device arranged for automatically opening the valve for allowing gas to exit the closed fluid circuit when an amount of the gas present in the degassing device is more than a predetermined threshold amount, wherein the valve actuator device is further arranged for automatically closing the valve for preventing gas and/or heating fluid to exit the closed fluid circuit when the temperature of the gas and/or heating fluid is above a predetermined threshold temperature.