GB2437075A

GB2437075A - A multi-tier distribution assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2437075A
Application number: GB0607440A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lars Christian Fabricius
Original assignee: V United Kingdom Ltd SA
Current assignee: V United Kingdom Ltd SA
Priority date: 2006-04-12
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2007-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-12
Also published as: GB2437075B; GB0607440D0

Abstract

A multi-tier fluid distribution assembly which includes a first fluid distribution component 1 including a fluid inlet port 1g a plurality of fluid outlet ports 1a-1h and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected. The assembly further includes a first two-port flow control valve 3a one fluid inlet port of which is connected to a first of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, and a second two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which is connected to a second of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component. A second fluid distribution component 2 includes at least tow fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the first two-port flow control valve. A third fluid distribution component 32 includes at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the second two-port flow control valve. The first and second two-port flow control valves and the second and third fluid distribution components occupy positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

Description

A multi-tier fluid distribution assembly The invention relates to a

multi-tier fluid distribution assembly which, in use, forms a part of a fluid distribution module.

A fluid distribution module is a combination of a plurality of selected components for effecting fluid control, fluid metering and fluid distribution, which serves as a controller for the supply of a working fluid, usually a liquid, for example water, to a plurality of terminal units which, with the controller, form an air-conditioning installation, for example.

The invention provides a multi-tier fluid distribution assembly including: a first fluid distribution component including a fluid inlet port, a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected, a first two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which is connected to a first of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which is connected to a second of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the first two-port flow control valve, and a third fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the second two-port flow control valve, the first and second two-port flow control valves and the second and third fluid distribution components occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

Preferably, the first and second two-port flow control valves include respective integral differential pressure controllers.

Preferably, the first and second two-port flow control valves are motorised valves.

Ideally, the second and third fluid distribution components together include the same number of fluid outlet ports as the number of fluid outlet ports as are available at the first fluid distribution component, when in operation without the second and third fluid distribution components.

In one arrangement, the second fluid distribution component includes at least three fluid outlet ports.

One assembly includes: a third two-port flow control valve the inlet port which is connected to a third of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a fourth fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the third two-port flow control valve, the third two-port flow control valve and the fourth fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

Another assembly includes: a fourth two-port flow control valve the fluid inlet port of which is connected to a fourth of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a fifth fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the fourth two-port flow control valve, the fourth two-port flow control valve and the fifth fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

Yet another assembly includes: a fifth two-port flow control valve the fluid inlet port of which is connected to a fifth of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a sixth fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the fifth two-port flow control valve, the fifth two-port flow control valve and the sixth fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

A further assembly includes: a further two-port flow control valve the fluid inlet port of which is connected to a further one of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a further fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the further two-port flow control valve, the further two-port flow control valve and the further fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

Preferably, in the further assemblies, the two-port flow control valves include respective integral differential pressure controllers.

Preferably, in the further assemblies, the two-port flow control valves are motorised valves.

The invention also provides a multi-zone fluid distribution module including an assembly as defined above, further including a return-flow-receiving component including a plurality of inlet ports, an outlet port and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected wherein, in use, the inlet ports of the return-flow-receiving component are connected to the outlet ports of respective ones of heat exchanging elements to which fluid is provided by the fluid distribution components of the multi-tier fluid distribution assembly.

Preferably, the module includes a plurality of two-port flow regulating valves the outlet ports of which are connected to respective ones of the inlet ports of the return-flow-receiving component.

Preferably, the module includes a plurality of two-port metering elements connected to meter the flow of fluid into respective ones of the inlet ports of the return-flow-receiving component.

The invention may be implemented by means of a fluid distribution component sub-assembly which, in use, is connected to a first fluid distribution component including a fluid inlet port, a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected, the fluid distribution component sub-assembly including: a first two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which, in use, is connected to a first of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which, in use, is connected to a second of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port, in use, being connected to the outlet port of the first two-port flow control valve, and a third fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port, in use, being connected to the outlet port of the second two-port flow control valve, the components of the sub-assembly, in use, occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

Preferably, in the sub-assembly, the first and second two-port flow control valves include respective integral differential pressure controllers.

Preferably, in the sub-assembly, the first and second two-port flow control valves are motorised valves.

A first and a second multi-tier fluid distribution assembly in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a first multi-zone fluid distribution module including the first multi-tier fluid distribution assembly and Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a second multi-zone fluid distribution module including the second multi-tier fluid distribution assembly.

Referring to Fig. 1, the first multi-tier fluid distribution assembly 100 includes a first fluid distribution component 1 having a fluid inlet port ig, seven fluid outlet ports la to if and lh and an elongate chamber to which all of the ports are connected.

The fluid inlet port of a first fluid flow control component 3a is connected to the outlet port la. The fluid inlet port 2a of a second fluid distribution component 2 is connected to the outlet port of the first fluid flow control component 3a. The second fluid distribution component 2 has three fluid outlet ports 2b, 2c and 2d which are connected to receive fluid from the fluid inlet port 2a.

A basic form of the first fluid flow control component 3a is a two-port control valve alone. An alternative form of the first fluid flow control component 3a would include a two-port control valve and a differential pressure controller. The alternative form of the first fluid flow control component 3a may be a two-port control valve with an integral differential pressure controller. A motorised valve may serve as either the basic form or either alternative form of the first fluid flow control component 3a.

The second fluid distribution component 2 is connected to supply working fluid to three terminal units 4, 5 and 6.

The fluid outlet port 2b of the second fluid distribution component 2 is connected to the fluid inlet port of the terminal unit 4, the fluid outlet port 2c is connected to the fluid inlet port of the terminal unit 5 and the fluid outlet port 2d is connected to the fluid inlet port of the terminal unit 6. It follows that the terminal units 4, 5 and 6 receive working fluid the flow rate of which is controlled by the first fluid flow control component 3a which serves as a common flow rate controller.

The fluid outlet port if of the first fluid distribution component assembly 100 is connected to supply working fluid to the fluid inlet port of a fourth terminal unit 14.

The fluid inlet port of a second fluid flow control component 3d is connected to the outlet port id. The fluid inlet port 32a of a third fluid distribution component 32 is connected to the outlet port of the second fluid flow control component 3d. The third fluid distribution component 32 has two fluid outlet ports 32b and 32c which are connected to receive fluid from the fluid inlet port 32a.

A basic form of the second fluid flow control component 3d is a two-port control valve alone. An alternative form of the second fluid flow control component 3d would include a two-port control valve and a differential pressure controller. The alternative form of the second fluid flow control component 3d may be a two-port control valve with an integral differential pressure controller. A motorised valve may serve as either the basic form or either alternative form of the second fluid flow control component 3d.

The third fluid distribution component 32 is connected to supply working fluid to two terminal units, which are not shown. The fluid outlet port 32b of the third fluid distribution component 32 is connected to the fluid inlet port of one of the two terminal units and the fluid outlet port 32c is connected to the fluid inlet port of the other of the two terminal units. It follows that the two terminal units receive working fluid the flow rate of which is controlled by the second fluid flow control component 3d which serves as a common flow rate controller.

The fluid outlet ports ib, ic and le of the first fluid distribution component 1 are not required and are blanked off or otherwise shut off. The fluid outlet port lh, when open, serves as a through-port permitting the flushing of the first fluid distribution component 1. In the normal operation of the first multi-zone distribution module, the outlet port lh is blocked by an internal isolation valve 24 and has no function.

Working fluid, usually a liquid such as water, from the terminal unit 4 is returned by way of a metering unit 8 and a regulating unit 9 to an inlet port 7a of a return-flow-receiving component 7, from which the working fluid passes through an overall metering unit 17 and an overall regulating unit 18 to an outlet line 28.

Working fluid, usually a liquid such as water, from the terminal units 5, 6 and 14 is returned to the outlet line 28 by way of the overall metering unit 17 and the regulating unit 18. Associated with and connected to the terminal units 5, 6 and 14 are, respectively, the metering units 10, 12 and 15, the regulating units 11, 13 and 16 and the inlet ports 7b, 7c and 7f of the return-flow-receiving component 7 The working fluid from the two terminal units which are not shown is returned to the outlet line 28 by way of the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18.

Associated with and connected to these two terminal units are, respectively, metering units 33 and 35, regulating units 34 and 36 and the inlet ports 7d and 7e of the return-flow-receiving component 7.

The components 7 to 13, 15 and 17 to 27 belong to the first multi-zone fluid distribution module as does the first fluid multi-tier distribution assembly 100.

The components 17 to 27 are as follows: * an overall metering component 17.

* an overall flow regulating valve 18.

* an inlet isolation valve 19.

* a strainer 21 and associated pressure indicators 20 and 22.

* a first drain valve 23 and a second drain valve 25.

* the internal isolation valve 24.

* a gas venting component 26 and associated isolation valve 27.

The first multi-zone fluid distribution module serves as a commissioning and control module in an air conditioning installation, in a building, in which there are six terminal units including the terminal units 4, 5, 6, 14 and the two terminal units which are not shown, usually fan-coil units, supplied with a working fluid, usually a liquid such as water, for controlling the temperature in the vicinity of the terminal units, in respective parts of the building.

The provision of the four terminal units 4, 5, 6 and 14 and the additional two terminal units, which are not shown, corresponds to the provision of a first fluid distribution component 1 having six fluid outlet ports la to if. Normally, the four terminal units 4, 5, 6 and 14 and the two which are not shown are located in respective separate offices in the building and require independent working fluid settings.

The multi-tier fluid distribution assembly shown in Fig. 1 represents the form of an installation that corresponds to a change in the internal building arrangements. In the change referred to, the previously separate offices, in which are located the terminal units 4, 5 and 6, become a common office space requiring a first common working fluid setting and the two terminal units which are not shown require a second common working fluid setting..

The common working fluid setting for the terminal units 4, 5, and 6 is provided by the multi-tier fluid distribution assembly including the first fluid flow control component 3a and the second fluid distribution component 2, connected as shown, to distribute working fluid from the outlet port la of the first fluid distribution component 1. The second common working fluid setting for the two terminal units which are not shown is provided by the second fluid flow control component 3d and the third fluid distribution component 32.

The ports ib, ic and le are blanked off.

The second and third fluid distribution components 2 and 32 may include up to six outlet ports. That is, the second and third fluid distribution components 2 and 32 may together include up to the same number of outlet ports as the number of outlet ports la to if of the first fluid distribution component 1. Thus the second and third fluid distribution components together may include the same number of fluid outlet ports as the number of fluid outlet ports as are available at the first fluid distribution component 1, when in operation without the second and third fluid distribution components 2 and 32.

The required working fluid distribution pattern in which there are zones differing in size from one another is provided by the first multi-zone fluid distribution module.

Further, changes in the relative sizes of the zones are accommodated by changes at the multi-zone distribution module, without needing to access the ceiling space in which the terminal units are located.

The first multi-zone fluid distribution module permits the commissioning, control and modification of the air conditioning installation from a control area in which the first multi-zone fluid distribution module is located. The first multi-zone fluid distribution module includes components permitting the flushing and balancing of the air conditioning installation during its commissioning, in addition to the components for normal operation.

The provision of the first multi-zone fluid distribution module is unconventional in that it results in the need for a greater amount of conduits than a more conventional approach which would indicate that modifications be effected adjacent to the terminal units.

A fluid distribution component sub-assembly including the first and second fluid flow control components 3a and 3d and the second and third fluid distribution components 2 and 32 may be provided for connection, in use, adjacent to the first fluid distribution component 1, in order to provide the multi-tier fluid distribution assembly 100.

Components of the first multi-zone fluid distribution module may lie within a peripheral enclosure which includes ports for receiving incoming and outgoing conduits for the working fluid. All of the components may lie within the peripheral enclosure or, alternatively, one or more of the components may be located outside the peripheral enclosure, still occupying positions adjacent to the other components m the peripheral enclosure. For example, the fluid distribution sub-assembly including the fluid flow control component 3a and 3d and the second and third fluid distribution components 2 and 32 may be located either within the peripheral enclosure or outside the peripheral enclosure, occupying positions adjacent to the other components in the peripheral enclosure and, in particular, the first fluid distribution component 1.

Referring to Fig. 2, the second multi-tier fluid distribution assembly 500 includes a fourth fluid distribution component 51 having a fluid inlet port 51k, eleven fluid outlet ports Sla to 5lj and 511 and, in addition, an elongate chamber to which all of the ports are connected.

The fluid inlet port of a first differential pressure controller 55 is connected to the outlet port 51a. The fluid inlet port of a first two-port control valve 54 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the first differential pressure controller 55. The fluid inlet port 52a of a fifth fluid distribution component 52 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the first two-port control valve 54. The fifth fluid distribution component 52 has three fluid outlet ports 52b, 52c and 52d which are connected to receive fluid from the fluid inlet port 52a.

The first two-port control valve 54 may be combined with the differential pressure controller 55 in the form of a two-port control valve with an integral differential pressure controller and may be motorised.

The fifth fluid distribution component 52 is connected to supply working fluid to three terminal units, which are not shown. The fluid outlet port 52b of the fifth fluid distribution component 52 is connected to the fluid inlet port of a first of the three terminal units, the fluid outlet port 52c is connected to the fluid inlet port of a second of the three terminal units and the fluid outlet port 52d is connected to the fluid inlet port of the third of the terminal units. It follows that the first, second and third terminal units receive working fluid the flow rate of which is controlled by the differential pressure controller 55 which serves as a flow rate controller common to the three terminal units. The first two-port control valve 54 serves as an isolation valve by which the fifth fluid distribution component 52 may be cut off from the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Working fluid, usually a liquid, usually water, from the first of the three terminal units is returned by way of a first metering unit 78a and a first regulating unit 79a to an inlet port 77a of a return-flow-receiving component 77, from an outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to an overall metering unit 17 and an overall regulating unit 18 to an outlet line 28.

Working fluid from the second of the three terminal units is returned by way of a second metering unit 78b and a second regulating unit 79b to an inlet port 77b of the return-flow-receiving component 77, from the outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

In respect of the third of the terminal units, the working fluid passes to the outlet line 28, the overall regulating unit 18, the overall metering unit 17 and the outlet port 77k, by way of a third metering unit 78c, a third regulating unit 79c and an inlet port 77c of the return-flow receiving component 77.

The fluid inlet port of a second differential pressure controller 58 is connected to the outlet port 51d of the fourth fluid distribution component 51. The fluid inlet port of a second two-port control valve 57 is connected to the fluid output port of the second differential pressure controller 58. The fluid inlet port 56a of a sixth fluid distribution component 56 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the second two-port control valve 57. The sixth fluid distribution component 56 has three fluid outlet ports 56b, 56c and 56d which are connected to receive fluid from the fluid inlet port 56a.

The second two-port control valve 57 may be combined with the second differential pressure controller 58 in the form of a second two-port control valve with an integral differential pressure controller and may be motorised.

The sixth fluid distribution component 56 is connected to supply working fluid to a further three terminal units, which are not shown, those being a fourth, a fifth and a sixth terminal unit. The fluid outlet port 56b of the sixth fluid distribution component 56 is connected to the fluid inlet port of the fourth terminal unit, the fluid outlet port 56c is connected to the fluid inlet port of the fifth terminal unit and the fluid outlet port 56d is connected to the fluid inlet port of the sixth terminal unit. It follows that the fourth, fifth and sixth terminal units receive working fluid the flow rate of which is controlled by the second differential pressure controller 58. The second two-port fluid control valve 57 serves as an isolation valve, by which the sixth fluid distribution component 56 may be cut off from the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Working fluid from the fourth terminal unit is returned by way of a fourth metering unit 78d and a fourth regulating unit 79d to an inlet port 77d of the return-flow-receiving component 77, from an outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

Working fluid from the fifth terminal unit is returned by way of a fifth metering unit 78e and a fifth regulating unit 79e to an inlet port 77e of the urn_flow_reCeiVing component 77, from the outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

In respect of the sixth terminal unit, the working fluid passes to the outlet line 28, the overall regulating unit 18, the overall metering unit 17 and the outlet port 77k, by way of a sixth metering unit 78f, a sixth regulating unit 79f and an inlet port 77f of the urn_flow-receiving component 77.

The fluid inlet port of a third differential pressure controller 61 is connected to the outlet port 51g of the fourth fluid distribution component 51. The fluid inlet port of a third two-port control valve 60 is connected to the fluid output port of the third differential pressure controller 61. The fluid inlet port 59a of a seventh fluid distribution component 59 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the third two-port control valve 60. The seventh fluid distribution component 59 has two fluid outlet ports 59b and 59c which are connected to receive fluid from the fluid inlet port 59a.

The third two-port control valve 60 may be combined with the third differential pressure controller 61 in the form of a third two-port control valve with an integral differential pressure controller and may be motorised.

The seventh fluid distribution component 59 is connected to supply working fluid to an additional two terminal units, which are not shown, those being a seventh and an eighth terminal unit. The fluid outlet port 59b of the seventh fluid distribution component 59 is connected to the fluid inlet port of the seventh terminal unit and the fluid outlet port 59c is connected to the fluid inlet port of the eighth terminal unit. It follows that the seventh and eighth terminal units receive working fluid the flow rate of which is controlled by the third differential pressure controller 61. The third two-port fluid control valve 60 serves as an isolation valve, by which the seventh fluid distribution component 59 may be cut off from the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Working fluid from the seventh terminal unit is returned by way of a seventh metering unit 78g and a seventh regulating unit 79g to an inlet port 77g of the return-floW receiving component 77, from an outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

Working fluid from the eighth terminal unit is returned by way of an eighth metering unit 78h and an eighth regulating unit 79h to an inlet port 77h of the return-flow-receiving component 77, from the outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

The fluid inlet port of a fourth differential pressure controller 64 is connected to the outlet port 51j of the fourth fluid distribution component 51. The fluid inlet port of a fourth two-port control valve 63 is connected to the fluid output port of the fourth differential pressure controller 64. The fluid inlet port 62a of an eighth fluid distribution component 62 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the fourth two-port control valve 63. The eighth fluid distribution component 62 has two fluid outlet ports 62b and 62c which are connected to receive fluid from the fluid inlet port 62a.

The fourth two-port control valve 63 may be combined with the fourth differential pressure controller 64 in the form of a second two-port control valve with an integral differential pressure controller and may be motorised.

The eighth fluid distribution component 62 is connected to supply working fluid to a further two terminal units, which are not shown, those being a ninth and a tenth terminal unit. The fluid outlet port 62b of the eighth fluid distribution component 62 is connected to the fluid inlet port of the ninth terminal unit and the fluid outlet port 62c is connected to the fluid inlet port of the tenth terminal unit. It follows that the ninth and tenth terminal units receive working fluid the flow rate ofwhich is controlled by the fourth differential pressure controller 64. The fourth two-port fluid control valve 63 serves as an isolation valve, by which the eighth fluid distribution component 62 may be cut off from the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Working fluid from the ninth terminal unit is returned by way of a ninth metering unit 78i and a ninth regulating unit 79i to an inlet port 77i of the return-flow-receiving component 77, from the outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

Working fluid from the tenth terminal unit is returned by way of a tenth metering unit 78j and a tenth regulating unit 79j to an inlet port 77j of the return-flow-receiving component 77, from the outlet port 77k of which the working fluid passes to the overall metering unit 17 and the overall regulating unit 18 to the outlet line 28.

The fluid outlet ports 5lb, 51c, 5le, 51f, 51h and 51i of the fourth fluid distribution component 51 are not required and are blanked off or otherwise shut off. The fluid outlet port 511, when open, serves as a through-port permitting the flushing of the fourth fluid distribution component 51. In the normal operation of the second multi-zone distribution module, the outlet port 511 is blocked by an internal isolation valve 24 and has no function.

The components 17 to 19, 21, 24 to 27, 77 to 79 and 81 belong to the second multi-zone fluid distribution module as does the second multi-tier fluid distribution assembly 500.

The components 17 to 19, 21 and 24 to 27 are as defined above with reference to Fig. 1. The component 81 is an additional internal isolation valve.

The second multi-zone fluid distribution module, as does the first multi-zone fluid distribution module, serves as a commissioning and control module in an air conditioning installation in a building. The second multi-zone fluid distribution module serves ten terminal units, usually fan-coil units, supplied with a working fluid, usually a liquid, usually water, for controlling the temperature in the vicinity of the terminal units, in respective parts of the building.

The provision of ten terminal units corresponds to the provision of a fourth fluid distribution component 51 having ten fluid outlet ports 51a to 51j. In a basic form of the installation, the ten terminal units are located in respective separate offices in the building and require independent working fluid settings.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 2 represents a form of installation that corresponds to a change in which previously separate offices become common office spaces.

Three of the terminal units, say, are now located in a common office space and require a common working fluid setting. The common working fluid setting for these first three terminal units is provided by the inclusion of the fifth fluid distribution component 52, the first differential pressure controller 55 and the first two-port control valve 54, connected as shown, to distribute working fluid from the outlet port 51a of the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Three more of the terminal units, say, are now located in a common office space and require a common working fluid setting. The common working fluid setting for these three of the terminal units is provided by the inclusion of the sixth fluid distribution component 56, the second differential pressure controller 58 and the second two-port control valve 57, connected as shown, to distribute working fluid from the outlet port 51d of the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Two further terminal units, say, are now located in a common office space and require a common working fluid setting. The common working fluid setting for these terminal units is provided by the inclusion of the seventh fluid distribution component 59, the third differential pressure controller 61 and the third two-port control valve 60, connected as shown, to distribute working fluid from the outlet port 51g of the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

Another two terminal units, say, are now located in a common office space and require a common working fluid setting. The common working fluid setting for these two terminal units is provided by the inclusion of the eighth fluid distribution component 62, the fourth differential pressure controller 64 and the fourth two-port control valve 63, connected as shown, to distribute working fluid from the outlet port 51j of the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

The fluid distribution components 52, 56, 59 and 62 may, together, provide up to ten outlet ports, that is, the same number as there are outlet ports 51a to 51j from the fourth fluid distribution component 51.

The required working fluid distribution pattern, for accommodating a plurality of terminal units in a common office space, is provided by the second multi-zone fluid distribution module, without needing to access the ceiling space in which the terminal units are located.

The second multi-zone fluid distribution module, as does the first multi-zone fluid distribution module, permits the commissioning, control and modification of an air conditioning installation from a control area in which the second multi-zone fluid distribution module is located. The second multi-zone fluid distribution module forms a part of the air conditioning installation and includes components permitting the flushing and balancing of the air conditioning installation during commissioning of the installation, in addition to the components for normal operation.

Respective fluid distribution sub-assemblies including the respective fluid flow control component and the respective fluid distribution component may be provided for connection, in use, in positions adjacent to the fourth fluid distribution component 51, in order to provide the multi-tier fluid distribution assembly 500.

Components of the second multi-zone fluid distribution module may lie within a peripheral enclosure which includes ports for receiving incoming and outgoing conduits for the working fluid. All of the components may lie within the peripheral enclosure or, alternatively, one or more of the components may be located outside the peripheral enclosure, positioned adjacent to components in the peripheral enclosure and, in particular, adjacent to the fourth fluid distribution component 51. For example, a fluid distribution sub-assembly including a fluid flow control component and a fluid distribution component may be located either within the peripheral enclosure or outside the peripheral enclosure, while not being far removed from the components within the peripheral member.

The provision of the second multi-zone fluid distribution module is unconventional in that it results in the need for a greater amount of conduits than a more conventional approach which would indicate that modifications be effected adjacent to the terminal units.

Claims

Claims 1. A multi-tier fluid distribution assembly including: a first

fluid distribution component including a fluid inlet port, a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected, a first two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which is connected to a first of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which is connected to a second of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the first two-port flow control valve, and a third fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the second two-port flow control valve, the first and second two-port flow control valves and the second and third fluid distribution components occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second two-port flow control valves include respective integral differential pressure controllers.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second two-port flow control valves are motorised valves.

4. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second and third fluid distribution components together include the same number of fluid outlet ports as the number of fluid outlet ports as are available at the first fluid distribution component, when in operation without the second and third fluid distribution components.

5. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second fluid distribution component includes at least three fluid outlet ports.

6. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, including: a third two-port flow control valve the inlet port which is connected to a third of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a fourth fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the third two-port flow control valve, the third two-port flow control valve and the fourth fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

7. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including: a fourth two-port flow control valve the fluid inlet port of which is connected to a fourth of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a fifth fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the fourth two-port flow control valve, the fourth two-port flow control valve and the fifth fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

8. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including: a fifth two-port flow control valve the fluid inlet port of which is connected to a fifth of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a sixth fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the fifth two-port flow control valve, the fifth two-port flow control valve and the sixth fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

9. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, including: a further two-port flow control valve the fluid inlet port of which is connected to a further one of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component and a further fluid distribution component including a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port being connected to the outlet port of the further two-port flow control valve, the further two-port flow control valve and the further fluid distribution component occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

10. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the two-port flow control valves include respective integral differential pressure controllers.

11. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the two-port flow control valves are motorised valves.

12. A first multi-tier fluid distribution assembly substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A second multi-tier fluid distribution assembly substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A multi-zone distribution module including a multi-tier distribution assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A multi-zone fluid distribution module including an assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further including a return-flow-receiving component including a plurality of inlet ports, an outlet port and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected wherein, in use, the inlet ports of the return-flow-receiving component are connected to the outlet ports of respective ones of heat exchanging elements to which fluid is provided by the fluid distribution components of the multi-tier fluid distribution assembly.

16. A module as claimed in claim 15, including a plurality of two-port flow regulating valves the outlet ports of which are connected to respective ones of the inlet ports of the eturn-flow-receiViflg component.

17. A module as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, including a plurality of two-port metering elements connected to meter the flow of fluid into respective ones of the inlet ports of the urn-f1ow-receiVing component.

18. A fluid distribution component sub-assembly which, in use, is connected to a first fluid distribution component including a fluid inlet port, a plurality of fluid outlet ports and a chamber to which all of the ports are connected, the fluid distribution component sub-assembly including: a first two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which, in use, is connected to a first of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second two-port flow control valve one fluid inlet port of which, in use, is connected to a second of the fluid outlet ports of the first fluid distribution component, a second fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port, in use, being connected to the outlet port of the first two-port flow control valve, and a third fluid distribution component including at least two fluid outlet ports and a fluid inlet port, the fluid outlet ports being connected to the fluid inlet port and the fluid inlet port, in use, being connected to the outlet port of the second two-port flow control valve, the components of the sub-assembly, in use, occupying positions adjacent to the first fluid distribution component.

19. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first and second two-port flow control valves include respective integral differential pressure controllers.

20. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the first and second two-port flow control valves are motorised valves.