Variable Valve Timing Control for Fluid Machine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid working machines with cyclically varying volumes and electronically controllable valves face accuracy and efficiency issues due to changes in fluid properties and component performance over time, leading to potential machine failure and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures properties of the fluid working machine during an earlier cycle to adjust the timing of valve opening or closing in subsequent cycles, using sensors and a timing regulator to optimize valve operation and adapt to varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed valve timing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to changes in fluid properties and component performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed valve timing to variable valve timing that adapts to changing operating conditions. The controller adjusts valve timing based on measured performance data from previous cycles, allowing the system to maintain precision despite variations in fluid properties and component wear over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring properties of the fluid working machine during operation and using this information to adjust valve timing in subsequent cycles. The controller continuously monitors performance and modifies timing parameters to compensate for drift, ensuring consistent fluid displacement accuracy.
2Reliability
If conservative valve timing is used, then reliability is improved by preventing valve failure, but productivity deteriorates due to reduced fluid displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring performance properties during earlier cycles and using this data to optimize valve timing before potential failures occur. The controller proactively adjusts timing parameters based on accumulated data, allowing the system to operate closer to optimal performance thresholds while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own performance and adjusting valve timing without external intervention. The controller uses measured properties from previous cycles to self-optimize timing parameters, balancing reliability and productivity autonomously.
3Ease of operation
If fixed timing is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to changing fluid properties and component performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ease of operation while improving adaptability through self-service automation. The controller automatically measures performance properties and adjusts valve timing based on measured data, eliminating the need for manual recalibration while adapting to changing fluid properties and component performance over time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid-working machine has a working chamber of cyclically varying volume, high and low pressure manifolds, and high and low pressure valves for regulating the flow of fluid between the working chamber and the high and low pressure manifolds respectively. A controller actively controls at least one said valve to determine the net displacement of working fluid of the working chamber on a cycle by cycle basis. At least one said valve is a variable timing valve and the controller causes the valve to open or close at a time determined taking into account one or more properties of the performance of the fluid working machine measured during an earlier cycle of working chamber volume. Properties of the opening or closing of a monitored valve may be taken into account. The variably timed valve may therefore be opened or closed at an optimum time to achieve efficient and reliable operation of the fluid-working machine. The magnitude of the opening or closing force applied to a valve member may also be varied.