Variable Orifice Flow Metering for HVAC Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differential pressure meters in heating and cooling systems have limited detection ranges, high minimum detectable differential pressure values, and poor integration with management systems, leading to flow losses and inaccurate flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A differential pressure meter with a wider detection range and lower minimum detectable differential pressure, designed for integration with heating and cooling systems, using a variator to adjust the orifice's geometric characteristics and a pressure differential meter to accurately measure and regulate flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If differential pressure meters are used in heating and cooling systems, then flow rate measurements can be obtained, but the detection range is limited and minimum detectable differential pressure values are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable geometry orifice that can dynamically adjust its opening size based on flow conditions. The orifice geometry is not fixed but can be modified to adapt to different flow rates, enabling the meter to maintain measurement accuracy across a wider detection range while addressing the limitation of high minimum detectable differential pressure values.
2Measurement precision
If differential pressure meters are used to measure flow rates, then flow control information is obtained, but integration with management systems is poor leading to flow losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the differential pressure meter with multiple functional capabilities including flow rate measurement, differential pressure detection, and direct integration interfaces with building management systems. The device serves multiple purposes simultaneously - measuring flow, detecting pressure differences, and providing control signals to regulators, thereby improving system integration reliability and eliminating flow losses associated with poor integration.
3Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement devices are used, then flow rate can be detected, but the devices have high cost, excessive footprint, and difficult integration in retrofits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (flow measurement, pressure detection, control signaling) into a single integrated differential pressure meter unit. This consolidation reduces the overall footprint compared to separate devices, simplifies integration into existing systems particularly in retrofit scenarios, and maintains accurate flow rate detection capabilities while reducing installation 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 solution provides accurate and stable flow rate measurements, enabling precise control of heating and cooling systems, reducing flow losses, and improving system performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sensitive element (3) accommodated in said casing (2) to divide the inner volume (200) of said casing (2) at least in a first chamber (4) and in a second chamber (5), a first surface (3d) of said sensitive element (3) being directed towards said first chamber (4), a second surface (3s) of said sensitive device (3) being directed towards said second chamber (5)
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly installable in an air conditioning and/or heating system of a room including a body (7) having an inlet opening (7a), an outlet opening (7z) and a channel (70) providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet openings (7a, 7z). An orifice in the body (7) and shaped such that when a flow runs through the channel (70) between the inlet opening (7a) and the outlet opening (7z), a pressure difference is generated between the first region (7p) and the second region (7s) within the body (7), the first region (7p) being located upstream of the orifice, the second region (7s) downstream of the orifice. The assembly includes a meter (1) for detecting the pressure difference and a variator of at least one geometric feature of the orifice, the variator being able to arrange the orifice in different configurations, each corresponding to a respective geometric feature of the orifice.