Test Bench Fluid Conditioning With Dual Bypass Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditioning devices for test benches are inadequate in enabling dynamic operation with rapid changes in fluid state variables, particularly flow rate, and often require significant energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A conditioning device with a first bypass line for setting a constant flow rate and a second bypass line for variable flow rate, combined with electrically controllable actuators and flow measuring devices, allows for highly variable control of fluid flow over a wide range, including zero flow, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional conditioning device is used, then the fluid can be conditioned to certain state variables, but dynamic operation with rapid changes in flow rate is only inadequately possible
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is segmented into multiple independent bypass lines (first bypass line with constant flow rate, second bypass line with variable flow rate), each controlled by separate actuators. This segmentation allows rapid switching between different flow paths to achieve fast dynamic response while keeping each control module relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable flow rates through electrically controllable actuators (such as variable speed pumps or control valves) in the bypass lines, enabling rapid transition between different operating states. The variable flow rate in the second bypass line specifically provides dynamic adaptability to meet changing test requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the flow rate is reduced to zero at the fluid outlet, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement accuracy of the flow rate may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass lines act as intermediary flow paths that allow recirculation of conditioned fluid. By routing fluid through the bypass lines with flow measuring devices, the system can maintain accurate flow measurements even when the outlet flow rate is reduced to zero, as the flow measurement occurs in the bypass path rather than at the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct outlet flow measurement with flow measurement in the bypass lines, using electrically controllable actuators and electronic flow measurement systems. This substitution allows for more precise measurement control and enables the outlet flow to be reduced to zero while maintaining measurement capability through the bypass path measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bypass lines with actuators are added, then variable control of fluid flow rate over a wide range is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass lines and actuators serve multiple functions: the first bypass line provides constant flow rate control, the second bypass line provides variable flow rate control, both lines enable recirculation of conditioned fluid, and both incorporate flow measurement capabilities. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive flow control and measurement in a unified system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a conditioning device (1) for conditioning a fluid, said conditioning device having a simple construction and being used to facilitate an operation which is as dynamic as possible with rapid changes of a state variable in a state variable value range that is as variable as possible. A first bypass line (3) is provided for setting a specified flow rate of the fluid in the first bypass line (3), said first bypass line connecting a first fluid line (2) bypass outlet (3A), which lies between a fluid inlet (2E) and a conditioning unit (K), to a first fluid line (2) bypass inlet (3E), which lies between the conditioning unit (K) and a fluid outlet (2A). A second bypass line (4) is provided for setting a variable flow rate of the fluid in the second bypass line (4), said second bypass line connecting a second fluid line (2) bypass outlet (4A), which lies between the first bypass outlet (3A) and the conditioning unit (K), to a second fluid line (2) bypass inlet (4E), which lies between the at least one conditioning unit (K) and the first bypass inlet (3E). A first flow rate measuring device (5) is provided in the fluid line (2) between the first bypass inlet (3E) and the second bypass inlet (4E), and a first actuator (6), preferably an electrically actuatable actuator, is provided in the fluid line (2) between the first bypass inlet (3E) and the fluid outlet (2A) or between the fluid inlet (2E) and the first bypass outlet (3A) in order to change the flow rate of the fluid.