Integrated Venturi Valve Assembly for Hydronic Flow Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydronic heating and cooling systems require multiple valves for balancing and flow control, which are costly and often inaccurately balanced using standard ball valves, leading to inefficient energy use and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly incorporating a check valve, venturi, and shutoff valve to provide accurate flow control and measurement, preventing backflow and allowing for precise balancing and throttling of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple different valves are used for balancing and flow control, then flow control accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (check valve, balance valve, and isolation valve) into a single integrated valve body. The valve assembly includes a check valve element, a balance valve element with flow measurement capability, and an isolation valve element, all housed within one compact unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components from three or more to one, simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining accurate flow control capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard off-the-shelf ball valve is used, then cost is reduced, but flow control accuracy and balancing ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly provides multiple functions within a single device: flow measurement capability through a venturi, accurate flow control through a balance valve with adjustment mechanism, isolation capability through an integration valve, and backflow prevention through a check valve. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, providing accurate balancing ability while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to installing multiple specialized valves.
3Reliability
If flow control valves are installed to prevent backflow, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve element is integrated within the same valve body as the balance and isolation valve elements. This unified design provides backflow prevention capability while avoiding the need for a separate standalone check valve installation, thereby maintaining system reliability without proportionally increasing device 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 enables a balanced and efficient heating system, reducing energy costs and ensuring consistent comfort by accurately controlling fluid flow and preventing unwanted backflow, thereby optimizing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi is disposed within the flow passage between the check valve and the shutoff valve
Implementation Method 2
A check valve is disposed within the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a flow passage extending therebetween. A check valve is disposed within the flow passage. A shutoff valve is disposed within the flow passage. A venturi is disposed within the flow passage between the check valve and the shutoff valve. A fluid system into which the valve assembly is installed is also disclosed.