Wireless Combination Valve With Embedded Sensing for Hydronic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydronic HVAC systems face issues with space inefficiency, increased system head loss, labor-intensive and inaccurate flow rate measurement, and electrical safety hazards due to hardwired power configurations for sensors in combination isolation and check valves.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly powered combination valve with embedded sensors for flow rate, pressure, and temperature measurement, which transmits data to system controls for continuous feedback, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing electrical wiring clutter and hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate flow measurement devices are permanently installed in the hydronic HVAC system, then flow rate verification is achieved, but the system takes up extra space and increases head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isolation valve, check valve, and flow measurement device into a single integrated combination valve assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate flow measurement devices that would occupy additional space and create extra head loss, while maintaining accurate flow rate measurement capabilities through integrated sensors.
2Measurement precision
If separate flow measurement devices are permanently installed in the hydronic HVAC system, then flow rate verification is achieved, but system head loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of flow measurement functionality into the combination valve assembly eliminates additional flow measurement devices that would create extra resistance and head loss in the system. The combined design ensures flow rate verification is achieved without the penalty of increased energy loss.
3Use of energy by moving object
If hardwired power source configuration is used for sensors in combination valve, then sensors can be powered, but electrical wiring clutter and safety hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hardwired electrical power delivery system with a wireless power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical electrical wiring connections to the sensors in the combination valve, thereby removing the associated wiring clutter and electrical safety hazards while maintaining continuous sensor operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electrical wiring is run to sensors in combination valve, then sensors can be powered, but electrical and mechanical safety hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system replaces the mechanical electrical wiring infrastructure, eliminating connection points that are vulnerable to moisture, dirt, and vibration. This substitution significantly improves system reliability and safety by removing the physical pathways through which environmental contaminants could compromise electrical connections.
5Use of energy by moving object
If electrical couplings are used to connect sensors to power source, then sensors can be powered, but connections are prone to failure and compromise over time
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission technology eliminates physical electrical couplings and connectors that are inherently prone to failure due to moisture ingress, corrosion, and mechanical stress from vibrations. By transmitting power wirelessly, the system achieves superior connection reliability with no physical contact points to degrade over time.
6Use of energy by moving object
If electrical wiring is run through sensor housing, then sensors can be powered, but ability to seal sensors hermetically is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system allows sensors to be hermetically sealed within the combination valve housing without requiring penetration openings for electrical wiring. This complete sealing capability protects the sensors from moisture and contaminants, significantly improving their long-term reliability and durability.
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 a compact, efficient, and safe HVAC system by eliminating the need for separate valves and electrical connections, ensuring optimal pump performance and reducing maintenance risks while enhancing energy savings and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an onboard wireless power receiver configured to receive wireless power signaling, and provide power to energize the combination of the one or more sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly powered system includes a wirelessly powered combination isolation valve and check valve for a hydronic system, having a positive shut-off isolation valve configured in the hydronic system to prevent fluid flow, including to allow for maintenance of the hydronic system, a check valve configured in the hydronic system to prevent backflow and gravity circulation which can harm the hydronic system, and a combination of one or more sensors configured to sense a corresponding combination of one or more pressure, temperature or flow measurements of the fluid flow in the hydronic system and provide sensor signaling containing information about the corresponding combination of the one or more pressure, temperature or flow measurements sensed of the fluid flow in the hydronic system; and an onboard wireless power receiver configured to receive wireless power signaling, and provide power to energize the combination of the one or more sensors.