Temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The viscosity of fluids used in temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatuses increases with temperature decreases, leading to flow rate detection errors and a risk of fluid freezing in pipes, especially when brine is used, due to the limitations of normal flow rate sensors.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus with a heat exchanger, supply and return tubes, a flow rate adjustable pump, and multiple detection means: a precise flow rate sensor and a less affected flow switch, along with a temperature sensor to switch control based on fluid temperature, ensuring accurate flow rate control and preventing freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a normal flow rate sensor is used to detect fluid flow rate, then the detection precision is high under normal temperature conditions, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when fluid temperature decreases and viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two different flow rate detection means: a normal flow rate sensor for high-precision detection under normal temperature conditions, and a flow switch for reliable detection under low temperature conditions. Each detection device serves its optimal function based on temperature conditions, ensuring both precision and reliability across the full operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part switches between different flow rate detection methods based on temperature parameter changes. When temperature is high, the normal flow rate sensor is used; when temperature decreases and viscosity increases, the system switches to the flow switch. This parameter-based switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the detection method to the current operating conditions.
2Measurement precision
If pump control is based on flow rate sensor detection results when fluid temperature is low, then flow rate adjustment precision is maintained, but the fluid may freeze in the pipes due to insufficient circulation amount
Solution Approach 1:
The control part receives feedback from both the flow rate sensor and the flow switch, and switches between control modes based on temperature conditions. Under low temperature conditions, the flow switch provides feedback on minimum flow rate achievement, ensuring sufficient circulation to prevent freezing while maintaining appropriate control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively switches to flow switch-based control before freezing can occur. By detecting temperature trends and switching detection methods in advance, the system ensures minimum circulation requirements are met, cushioning against the harmful effect of fluid freezing before it can happen.
3Device complexity
If only a single flow rate detection means is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different temperature conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system incorporates two different types of flow rate detection means, each optimized for different temperature conditions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to both normal and low temperature conditions effectively, resolving the contradiction between complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different flow rate detection methods based on operating conditions. The control part activates the appropriate detection means according to temperature and viscosity conditions, making the detection system adaptable rather than static, thus achieving versatility without permanent complexity.
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 apparatus effectively controls the pump to prevent fluid freezing in pipes by switching detection methods based on temperature, maintaining accurate flow rate detection and efficient operation across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger that transfers heat supplied from a refrigerant to the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The pump is arranged in the supply tube or the return tube... cause a fluid for temperature adjustment to be circulated
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus that causes a fluid for temperature adjustment to be circulated between a heat exchanger that transfers heat supplied from a refrigerant to the fluid, and an object to be adjusted for temperature that uses the heat of the fluid, the temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus being able to prevent the fluid from freezing. A temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus is provided with a heat exchanger that transfers heat supplied from a refrigerant to a fluid for temperature adjustment, a supply tube through which the fluid flows from the heat exchanger toward an object to be adjusted for temperature, a return tube through which the fluid returning from the object to be adjusted for temperature flows, a flow rate adjustable pump, a flow sensor, a flow switch, a temperature sensor, and a control part. The flow switch, in comparison with the flow sensor, is able to detect flow rate changes with coarser precision, and is less affected in detection accuracy by viscosity changes in the fluid. On the basis of the temperature of the fluid detected by the temperature sensor, the control part switches between pump control based on the detection results of the flow sensor and pump control based on the detection results of the flow switch.