Venturi Constriction Control for Reaction Chamber Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermo-chemical or electro-chemical energy conversion machines face challenges in precisely controlling the flow rate of reactants into a reaction chamber to achieve desired power outputs, as existing methods lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically adjust the cross-sectional area of the constriction through which the fluid passes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a conical element within a Venturi tube to adjust the cross-sectional area of the constriction, controlled by an actuator and a controller, which maps target power outputs to desired cross-sectional area values, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize fluid flow rates based on upstream and downstream pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cross-sectional area of the constriction is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed constriction with a movable conical element that can dynamically adjust the cross-sectional area of the constriction. The conical element is positioned within the Venturi tube and can move along the flow direction, changing the effective flow area in real-time based on control signals, thus achieving precise flow rate control while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conical element is moved to adjust the constriction area, then the flow rate control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a movable conical element as a mediator between the control system and the fluid flow. This conical element serves as the intermediary component that translates control signals into physical flow area adjustments, enabling flexible flow rate control without requiring complex direct control mechanisms on the fluid path itself.
3Ease of operation
If a movable conical element is used to adjust the constriction, then real-time flow control is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the constriction area through the movement of the conical element. Instead of manufacturing multiple fixed-area constrictions, the system changes the effective flow area parameter dynamically by adjusting the position of the conical element, thereby achieving real-time control while avoiding the need to manufacture and assemble multiple different constriction components.
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 approach enables precise control of fluid flow rates, ensuring consistent power output by dynamically adjusting the constriction area, thereby optimizing energy conversion efficiency and kinetic energy production in machines like internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a constriction (10) through which the fluid passes. If the target value for the size of the cross-sectional area of the constriction is higher than a current value of the size of the cross-sectional area of the constriction, the size of the cross-sectional area of the constriction through which the fluid passes is increased
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Provided is a system for controlling a flow of a fluid into a reaction chamber of a machine and a corresponding method. The system comprises a Venturi tube through which the fluid is to be fed into the reaction chamber and a conical element, wherein a size of a cross-sectional area of a constriction formed by the Venturi tube can be adapted by positioning the conical element relative to the constriction. The system further comprises an actuator which is configured to position the conical element, wherein the actuator is controlled by a controller that is configured to map a target power output of the machine onto a target value for the size of the cross-sectional area of the constriction.