Integrated Triple-Duty Valve for Hydronic Flow Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydronic heating and cooling systems require multiple valves for balancing and flow control, which are costly and often inaccurately assembled using standard ball valves, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort issues due to lack of proper flow balancing and backflow prevention.
Innovation Solution
A triple-duty valve assembly incorporating a check valve, venturi, and shutoff valve (preferably a ball valve) that allows for accurate flow measurement and control, preventing backflow and enabling precise balancing of fluid flow, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate valves are used for flow control, backflow prevention, and flow measurement, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valves (flow control valve, check valve, and flow measurement device) into a single integrated valve assembly. The body houses all three functional components working together, eliminating the need for multiple separate installations while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs flow control, backflow prevention, and flow measurement. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized valves, reducing system complexity while improving reliability through integrated functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard off-the-shelf ball valves are used for flow control, then cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision and flow balancing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates a specifically designed flow control valve with precise internal geometry and adjustable mechanisms tailored for accurate flow balancing. Rather than using a generic ball valve throughout, the design provides localized precision components where accurate flow control is critical, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly includes adjustable parameters such as variable flow coefficients and可调 flow restrictions that allow precise calibration of flow rates. These parameter adjustments enable accurate flow balancing that standard fixed-geometry ball valves cannot achieve, while the overall assembly remains cost-effective compared to multiple specialized valves.
3Reliability
If flow control valves are added to prevent gravity flow and backflow, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve and flow control valve are merged into a single integrated assembly rather than being separate components. The body houses both valves in series, allowing them to work together as one unit to prevent backflow and control gravity flow, maintaining reliability while reducing the number of separate parts to install and maintain.
4Measurement precision
If accurate flow measurement devices are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement device is integrated within the valve assembly body rather than being a separate external instrument. The venturi flow meter or similar measurement mechanism is incorporated into the flow path, allowing accurate flow measurement without requiring additional piping or separate mounting, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing added 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 valve assembly ensures balanced heating, reduces energy costs, and prevents damage from unwanted fluid direction, providing accurate flow control and measurement for improved system efficiency and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi is disposed within the flow passage between the check valve and the shutoff valve
Implementation Method 2
the check valve, when opened, allows fluid flow from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening, and restricts flow from the outlet opening toward the inlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A valve assembly (100) is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a valve body (101) having an inlet opening (102), an outlet opening (104), and a flow passage extending (106) therebetween. A check valve (120) is disposed within the flow passage. A shutoff valve (160) is disposed within the flow passage. A venturi (140) is disposed within the flow passage between the check valve (120) and the shutoff valve (160). A fluid system into which the valve assembly (100) is installed is also disclosed.