Valve system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic valve controllers in gas turbine engines face high operational temperatures, leading to component failure and increased costs due to thermal cycling, and existing solutions like remote mounting incur additional costs and latency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a thermoelectric cooler surrounding the valve controller to actively manage temperature by transferring heat between the controller and the ambient environment, using the Peltier effect to cool or heat as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the valve controller is mounted remotely from the high-temperature environment, then the valve controller temperature is reduced, but additional costs and latency are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
A thermoelectric cooler is introduced as an intermediary device between the valve controller and the high-temperature environment. This cooler actively manages thermal transfer, allowing the controller to remain in its optimal temperature range while eliminating the need for remote mounting and associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal parameters of the valve controller environment are actively modified using a thermoelectric cooler. By changing the temperature parameter through active cooling, the system allows the controller to operate in an optimal thermal range without requiring physical relocation or complex thermal protection measures
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal protection measures are implemented for the valve controller, then component lifespan is extended, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooler serves as an active intermediary that prevents thermal damage to the valve controller. Rather than using passive thermal protection measures that add complexity, the cooler actively manages heat transfer, extending component lifespan through controlled thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical thermal protection systems are replaced with an electronic thermoelectric cooling system. This substitution uses electrical energy to drive the Peltier effect, providing more precise and reliable thermal management with reduced mechanical complexity
3Reliability
If long routing lines are used for valve control, then thermal protection is improved, but control latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooler acts as a local thermal management intermediary at the valve controller location. This eliminates the need for long routing lines that would be required to provide thermal protection remotely, thereby reducing control latency while maintaining reliable thermal protection
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
This solution reduces the operating temperature of the valve controller, increases component lifespan, saves costs by eliminating the need for thermal protections and long routing lines, and improves control latency by allowing direct mounting and efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
using the Peltier effect to cool or heat as necessary
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A valve system (12) includes a valve, a valve controller (30), a thermoelectric cooler (40), and a controller (20). The valve is configured to open and close a control device in response to a working fluid. The valve controller (30) controls the flow of the working fluid through the valve. The thermoelectric cooler (40) surrounds the valve controller transfers heat between the valve controller and an ambient environment. The controller (20) directs a current to drive the thermoelectric cooler (40).