WO2004114039A1 - A fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor - Google Patents

A fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004114039A1
WO2004114039A1 PCT/GB2004/002683 GB2004002683W WO2004114039A1 WO 2004114039 A1 WO2004114039 A1 WO 2004114039A1 GB 2004002683 W GB2004002683 W GB 2004002683W WO 2004114039 A1 WO2004114039 A1 WO 2004114039A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
flow control
electrical
flow
control apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/002683
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lars Christian Fabricius
Original Assignee
S.A.V. United Kingdom Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by S.A.V. United Kingdom Limited filed Critical S.A.V. United Kingdom Limited
Priority to GB0523820A priority Critical patent/GB2416866B/en
Publication of WO2004114039A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004114039A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D7/00—Control of flow
    • G05D7/06—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D7/0617—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials
    • G05D7/0629—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means
    • G05D7/0635—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means by action on throttling means
    • G05D7/0641—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means by action on throttling means using a plurality of throttling means
    • G05D7/0664—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means by action on throttling means using a plurality of throttling means the plurality of throttling means being arranged for the control of a plurality of diverging flows from a single flow
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D7/00—Control of flow
    • G05D7/06—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D7/0617—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means

Definitions

  • a fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor
  • the invention relates to a fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor.
  • Fluid-flow control apparatus is included in many forms of equipment, including, for example, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment for controlling the environment in buildings, and there is a continuing need for improvements in such apparatus .
  • the invention provides a fluid-flow control apparatus including: an inlet port for conveying fluid into the fluid-flow control apparatus, a plurality of intermediate supply ports for supplying fluid to a plurality of fluid-receiving units, a plurality of intermediate return ports for receiving fluid returning from the fluid-receiving units, an outlet port for conveying fluid from the fluid-flow control apparatus, a plurality of fluid-flow regulating elements and fluid-flow metering elements connecting the intermediate supply and return ports to the inlet and outlet ports, for controlling and metering fluid-flow rates, at least one of the fluid-flow regulating elements being controllable by an electrical signal and at least one of the metering elements, in operation, providing an electrical signal, and an electrical monitor device which, • in operation, monitors the fluid-flow metering element or elements which, in operation, provides or provide an electrical signal.
  • the electrical monitor device may, of course, so operate as to indicate the value of a variable that is being monitored, for example, by displaying the value of the variable or a selected variable, possibly on command or on the selection of the variable the value of which is to be indicated.
  • the indication may be in a form that may be read by an operator or may be in a machine-readable form that may be exported.
  • the electrical monitor may so operate as to indicate a derived value such as, for example, energy consumption, derived from monitored values.
  • a derived value such as, for example, energy consumption
  • the invention permits equipment that includes the fluid-flow control apparatus to be easily checked at regular intervals, increasing the possibility of maintaining the equipment in the condition or conditions specified in its design, in contrast to existing equipment which remains more or less untouched following its completion and commissioning, until it malfunctions or it fails.
  • the fluid-flow control apparatus includes a main fluid-flow metering element in a return fluid-flow path leading to the outlet port, the main fluid-flow metering element, in operation, providing an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
  • the electrical monitor device provides an output indicative of fluid flow-rate in the fluid-flow metering element which, in operation, provides an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
  • One of the conditions specified in the design of the equipment is the overall fluid-flow rate with all regulating elements fully open and the condition of the apparatus may be easily checked by taking a reading of fluid-flow rate as signalled by the main fluid-flow metering element with all regulating elements fully open, requiring the electrical monitor device to display the fluid-flow rate as signalled by the main fluid-flow metering element.
  • the fluid-flow control apparatus includes a first temperature-sensing element in an inlet fluid-flow path leading from the inlet port, the first temperature- sensing element, in operation, providing another electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
  • the fluid-flow control apparatus includes a second temperature-sensing element in a return fluid-flow path leading to the outlet port, the second temperature- sensing element, in operation, providing a further electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
  • the electrical monitor device provides an output indicative of energy consumption in the fluid-flow control apparatus, dependent on the signals from the first and second temperature sensing elements and the main fluid- flow metering element.
  • a condition that is obtainable from the equipment when it is operating at the fluid-flow rate specified in its design, following its installation and commissioning, is the energy consumption based on the overall fluid-flow rate and the temperature difference between the inlet-fluid and the return-fluid temperatures.
  • the fluid-flow control apparatus includes respective secondary fluid-flow control elements in the fluid-flow paths leading to the intermediate supply ports, the secondary fluid-flow control elements being electrically controllable and, in operation, being controlled from outside the apparatus.
  • the fluid-flow control apparatus includes an electrical controller connected to respective secondary fluid-flow control elements in the fluid-flow paths leading to the intermediate supply ports, the secondary fluid-flow control elements being electrically controllable and, in operation, being controlled by the electrical controller.
  • the controller is operable to open all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements fully, for permitting a check to be made on the overall fluid-flow rate through the apparatus when all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements are fully open.
  • the controller includes respective electrical signal-input ports for connection to temperature sensors which are located at the fluid-receiving units, the temperature sensors, in operation, providing electrical signals to the electrical controller which, in operation, controls the secondary fluid-flow control elements in accordance with the electrical signals.
  • the electrical controller includes respective electrical signal-output ports for connection to fan motors which are located at the fluid-receiving units, for controlling fans at fluid-receiving units.
  • the fans are include din heat-exchange runits.
  • the apparatus is operable to check the overall fluid-flow rate with all of the fluid-flow regulating elements fully open, as an indication of its condition.
  • the controller is operable to close all but a selected one of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and to adjust the open one of the secondary fluid- flow control elements over its full range. This feature permits the performance of the secondary fluid-flow control elements to be checked, one at a time.
  • the electrical controller is combined with the electrical monitor device.
  • a basic diagnostic operation may be carried out by fully opening all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and checking on the overall fluid flow rate as indicated by the main fluid-flow metering element.
  • further diagnostic operations may be carried out on an installation including the embodiment by closing all but one of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and investigating the performance of the one open secondary fluid-flow control element by moving it over its full operating range and noting the corresponding variation in flow rate as indicated by the main fluid-flow metering element.
  • the invention also provides a fluid-flow control network, including a plurality of the above fluid-flow control apparatus that include electrical controllers and a supervisory electrical controller connected to the electrical controllers in the network, wherein the supervisory electrical controller exercises overall electrical control of the network by way of the electrical controllers in the network.
  • the supervisory electrical controller is operable to retrieve information from an electrical monitor device by way of an electrical controller or from the electrical monitor devices by way of the electrical controllers of the fluid-flow control apparatus.
  • the supervisory electrical controller is operable to override an electrical controller or the electrical controllers to operate selected electrically controlled modulating valves or the electrically controlled modulating valves of the fluid-flow control apparatus.
  • the supervisory electrical controller is operable to override a controller or the controllers to operate selected fan units or the fan units .
  • the supervisory electrical controller is operable to interrogate a selected controller or selected controllers or all of the controllers, in order to obtain the output information from a selected temperature sensor or selected temperature sensors or all of the temperature sensors.
  • the working fluid of the fluid-flow control apparatus is a non-compressible fluid, for example, water.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first air- conditioning installation including a fist embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second air- conditioning installation including a second embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third air- conditioning installation including a third embodiment of the invention.
  • the first air-conditioning installation includes an electrical monitor device 1 and a fluid-flow control module 2 connected to other components of the air-conditioning installation.
  • the electrical monitor device 1 and the fluid-flow control module 2 represent the first embodiment of the invention.
  • the fluid-flow control module 2 shown in Fig. 1 includes four intermediate supply ports 203 to 206 and four intermediate return ports 207 to 210.
  • the intermediate supply and return ports 203 to 210 are connected to four heat-exchanger units 16 to 19.
  • the heat-exchanger units 16 to 19 include respective temperature sensors 20 to 23 and respective fan units .
  • the fan units are controlled remotely by way of a control connection 24.
  • the sensors 20 to 23 may be thermostats which generate electrical output signals indicative of respective differences between desired temperatures and the actual temperatures at the positions of the sensors 20 to 23, the output signals being monitored remotely by way of a sensing connection 25, the actual temperatures being controllable by controlling fluid flow into the heat exchanger units 16 to 19.
  • the fluid-flow control module 2 includes four electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d which control fluid flow into the heat exchanger units 16 to 19, the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, ⁇ b, 6c and 6d being remotely controlled by way of control connections 26 and 27.
  • the connection 27 provides a fixed supply voltage which may be 24 V or 240 V ac and the connection 26 serves to energise the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, as required, by closing the appropriate current path through the electrical part of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
  • the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d control the supply of fluid to the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 by way of the intermediate supply ports 203 to 206 of the fluid-flow control module 2.
  • the fluid-flow control module 2 also includes a main inlet port 201 which leads incoming fluid to an inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4. Fluid leaving the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4 passes through a main isolation valve 8 and, thereafter, a strainer 10 followed by the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
  • the manifold assembly 11 of the double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d takes the return fluid flow to a return-fluid temperature sensor 5 which is followed by a fluid-flow metering unit 3 and, thereafter, a differential pressure control valve 9 which is provided with a differential pressure link to the outlet port of the strainer 10. Fluid leaving the differential pressure control valve 9 passes to the main outlet port 202 of the fluid-flow control module 2.
  • Other forms of regulating valve may be used at the position of the differential pressure control valve 9.
  • the installation shown in Fig. 1 is commissioned, following its completion, to provide the design-specified overall fluid-flow rate for the installation.
  • the double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are set for balanced flow through the heat exchanger units 16 to 19, delivering the design- specified overall fluid-flow rate, with the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d fully open.
  • fluid delivery to the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 is controllable by the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
  • the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4, the return-fluid temperature sensor 5 and the flow unit 3 generate electrical signals dependent on the fluid-flow rate and temperature change.
  • the electrical signals go to the electrical monitoring device 1 to which the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4, the return-fluid temperature sensor 5 and the flow unit 3 are electrically connected by connection lines 28 and 29.
  • the electrical monitor device in operation, receives the signals from the fluid-flow metering unit 3 and displays the fluid flow-rate as indicated by the signals, that fluid flow-rate being the overall fluid flow-rate.
  • the electrical monitor device in operation, also receives the signals from the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4 and the return-fluid temperature sensor 5 along with the signals from the fluid-flow metering unit 3.
  • the temperature difference between the inlet fluid and the return fluid along with the fluid-flow rate is information that enables the electrical monitor device 1 to compute the energy consumption of the installation and the electrical monitor device 1 computes and displays a value for the energy consumption for the installation.
  • the energy consumption of the installation is noted at commissioning, at which time the overall fluid flow rate and the inlet-return temperature difference are regarded as having been set to the design-specified values for the installation.
  • a basic "health check" of the installation may be made at any time by obtaining a read-out of the overall fluid- flow rate from the electrical monitor device 1 for comparison with the design-specified overall fluid-flow rate for the installation.
  • a further "health-check" of the installation may be made at any time by taking an energy consumption reading from the electrical monitor device 1 for comparison with the energy consumption level noted at the time of commissioning the installation.
  • the electrical monitor device 1 may be positioned remotely from the fluid-flow control module 2, preferably at a readily accessible office location.
  • the fluid-flow control module 2 shown in Fig 1 also includes a first isolation valve 12 and a second isolation valve 14, both of which are two-port control valves, linking the four electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d to the manifold assembly 11 of the double- regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d.
  • the first and second isolation valves 12 and 14 permit the inlet and outlet fluid-flow paths to be joined for flush- through during initial set-up and, on completion of set-up, to be isolated for normal operation.
  • Also included with the isolation valves 12 and 14 are a drain cock 13 and an air vent 15, which may be an automatic air vent.
  • the second air-conditioning installation includes the electrical monitor device 1, the fluid-flow control module 2 and, additionally, an electrical controller 101, connected to other components of the air-conditioning installation.
  • the electrical controller 101 in operation, controls the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d by way of a control connection line 103, one electrical terminal of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d being directly energised through the voltage supply line 27 providing either 24 V ac or 240 V ac.
  • the electrical controller 101 in operation, also monitors the sensors 20 to 23 at the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 by way of the connection line 104 and, further, controls the fans of the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 by way of the connection line 102.
  • the electrical monitor device 1, the fluid-flow control module 2 and the electrical controller 101 represent the second embodiment of the invention.
  • the installation shown in Fig. 2 is commissioned, following its completion, by setting the double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d for balanced flow through the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 with the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d fully open. Thereafter, fluid delivery to the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 is controllable by the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d now under the control of the controller 101.
  • the electrical controller 101 controls the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d by acting as a switch on the control line 103, current flowing through the electrical elements of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, as commanded by the electrical controller 101, from the 24 V ac or 240 V ac supply provided on the supply line 27.
  • An alternative arrangement is the connection of one electrical terminal of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d to ground and the switching of the 24 V ac or 240 V supply by means of the electrical controller 101.
  • the controller 101 modulates the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d in response to signals from the sensors 20 to 23, which are usually thermostats indicating a difference between a desired temperature and the actual temperature at the locations of the sensors 20 to 23.
  • the controller 101 closes the respective one of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d progressively as the signal from a sensor moves towards zero, in order to improve comfort control and to minimise temperature overshoot and undershoot and, subsequently, maintains the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d at the respective settings required to maintain the sensor signals at substantially zero.
  • the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 permits a "health check" of the installation at any time following its commissioning by the use of the electrical monitor device 1, at the basic level to check the overall fluid-flow rate and, further, to check the energy consumption as is disclosed above.
  • the controller 101 permits diagnostic checks to be performed on the installation through the control of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
  • the control range of the electrically controlled modulating valve 6a may be checked by closing the other electrically controlled modulating valves 6b, 6c and 6d and noting the flow range shown by the flow unit 3 as the electrically controlled modulating valve 6a is adjusted over its full range of travel. Similar checks may be performed in respect of the other electrically controlled modulating valves 6b, 6c and 6d. An investigation of the control module .2 and the remainder of the installation would follow if any irregularity is found. Diagnostic checks involving a particular heat exchanger unit 16 to 19 would, advantageously, be carried out when the particular heat exchanger unit is not in use.
  • the electrical monitor device 1 and the electrical controller 101 may be positioned remotely from the fluid- flow control module 2, preferably, at a readily accessible office location.
  • the third air-conditioning installation includes an electrical controller and monitor 301, which combines the functions of the electrical monitor device 1 and electrical controller 101 of Fig. 2, and the fluid-flow control module 2, connected to other components of the air-conditioning installation.
  • the electrical controller and monitor 301 and the fluid-flow control module 2 represent the third embodiment of the invention.
  • the manner of operation and the check and diagnostic facilities offered by the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 are the same as for the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.
  • the electrical controllers 101 and 301 may be connected to a supervisory electrical controller which "supervises" the electrical controllers 101 and 301 and is operable to (i) retrieve information from the electrical monitor device 1 by way of the electrical controllers 101 and 301, (ii) override the electrical controllers 101 and 301 to operate the valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, (iii) override the controllers 101 and 301 to operate the fan units 16 to 19 and (iv) interrogate the controllers 101 and 301 in order to obtain the output information from the temperature sensors 20 to 23.
  • a supervisory electrical controller which "supervises" the electrical controllers 101 and 301 and is operable to (i) retrieve information from the electrical monitor device 1 by way of the electrical controllers 101 and 301, (ii) override the electrical controllers 101 and 301 to operate the valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, (iii) override the controllers 101 and 301 to operate the fan units 16 to 19 and (
  • the communication path between the controller 101 of Fig. 2 and a supervisory controller is provided by the network connection line 105, shown in Fig. 2.
  • the communication path between the controller 301 of Fig. 3 and a supervisory controller is provided by the network communication line 105, shown in Fig. 3.
  • the supervisory controller may be the main controller in a Building Management Supervisory (BMS) installation that includes the above embodiments of the invention.
  • BMS Building Management Supervisory

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Control Of Non-Electrical Variables (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

A fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor device which, in operation, monitors a fluid-flow metering element or elements which, in operation, provides or provide an electrical signal.

Description

A fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor
The invention relates to a fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor.
Fluid-flow control apparatus is included in many forms of equipment, including, for example, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment for controlling the environment in buildings, and there is a continuing need for improvements in such apparatus .
The invention provides a fluid-flow control apparatus including: an inlet port for conveying fluid into the fluid-flow control apparatus, a plurality of intermediate supply ports for supplying fluid to a plurality of fluid-receiving units, a plurality of intermediate return ports for receiving fluid returning from the fluid-receiving units, an outlet port for conveying fluid from the fluid-flow control apparatus, a plurality of fluid-flow regulating elements and fluid-flow metering elements connecting the intermediate supply and return ports to the inlet and outlet ports, for controlling and metering fluid-flow rates, at least one of the fluid-flow regulating elements being controllable by an electrical signal and at least one of the metering elements, in operation, providing an electrical signal, and an electrical monitor device which, • in operation, monitors the fluid-flow metering element or elements which, in operation, provides or provide an electrical signal. The electrical monitor device may, of course, so operate as to indicate the value of a variable that is being monitored, for example, by displaying the value of the variable or a selected variable, possibly on command or on the selection of the variable the value of which is to be indicated. The indication may be in a form that may be read by an operator or may be in a machine-readable form that may be exported.
Additionally or alternatively, the electrical monitor may so operate as to indicate a derived value such as, for example, energy consumption, derived from monitored values. The invention permits equipment that includes the fluid-flow control apparatus to be easily checked at regular intervals, increasing the possibility of maintaining the equipment in the condition or conditions specified in its design, in contrast to existing equipment which remains more or less untouched following its completion and commissioning, until it malfunctions or it fails.
Preferably, the fluid-flow control apparatus includes a main fluid-flow metering element in a return fluid-flow path leading to the outlet port, the main fluid-flow metering element, in operation, providing an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
Preferably, the electrical monitor device provides an output indicative of fluid flow-rate in the fluid-flow metering element which, in operation, provides an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
One of the conditions specified in the design of the equipment is the overall fluid-flow rate with all regulating elements fully open and the condition of the apparatus may be easily checked by taking a reading of fluid-flow rate as signalled by the main fluid-flow metering element with all regulating elements fully open, requiring the electrical monitor device to display the fluid-flow rate as signalled by the main fluid-flow metering element.
Preferably, the fluid-flow control apparatus includes a first temperature-sensing element in an inlet fluid-flow path leading from the inlet port, the first temperature- sensing element, in operation, providing another electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
Preferably, the fluid-flow control apparatus includes a second temperature-sensing element in a return fluid-flow path leading to the outlet port, the second temperature- sensing element, in operation, providing a further electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
Preferably, the electrical monitor device provides an output indicative of energy consumption in the fluid-flow control apparatus, dependent on the signals from the first and second temperature sensing elements and the main fluid- flow metering element.
A condition that is obtainable from the equipment when it is operating at the fluid-flow rate specified in its design, following its installation and commissioning, is the energy consumption based on the overall fluid-flow rate and the temperature difference between the inlet-fluid and the return-fluid temperatures. The inclusion of an electrical monitor device that receives signals from the main fluid- flow metering element, the first temperature-sensing element and the second temperature-sensing element and calculates the energy consumption, on the basis of the three received signals, permits the execution of a further check on the condition of the equipment. In one embodiment, the fluid-flow control apparatus includes respective secondary fluid-flow control elements in the fluid-flow paths leading to the intermediate supply ports, the secondary fluid-flow control elements being electrically controllable and, in operation, being controlled from outside the apparatus.
In an alternative embodiment, the fluid-flow control apparatus includes an electrical controller connected to respective secondary fluid-flow control elements in the fluid-flow paths leading to the intermediate supply ports, the secondary fluid-flow control elements being electrically controllable and, in operation, being controlled by the electrical controller.
Preferably, the controller is operable to open all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements fully, for permitting a check to be made on the overall fluid-flow rate through the apparatus when all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements are fully open.
Preferably, in the alternative embodiment of the fluid- flow control apparatus, the controller includes respective electrical signal-input ports for connection to temperature sensors which are located at the fluid-receiving units, the temperature sensors, in operation, providing electrical signals to the electrical controller which, in operation, controls the secondary fluid-flow control elements in accordance with the electrical signals.
Preferably, in the alternative embodiment of the fluid- flow control apparatus, the electrical controller includes respective electrical signal-output ports for connection to fan motors which are located at the fluid-receiving units, for controlling fans at fluid-receiving units.
Preferably, the fans are include din heat-exchange runits.
As is indicated above, the apparatus is operable to check the overall fluid-flow rate with all of the fluid-flow regulating elements fully open, as an indication of its condition.
Checks involving the fluid-flow regulating elements being set at positions other than maximum are also desirable and, preferably, in the alternative embodiment of the fluid- flow control apparatus, the controller is operable to close all but a selected one of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and to adjust the open one of the secondary fluid- flow control elements over its full range. This feature permits the performance of the secondary fluid-flow control elements to be checked, one at a time.
In another alternative embodiment of the fluid-flow control apparatus, the electrical controller is combined with the electrical monitor device. In both alternative embodiments, a basic diagnostic operation may be carried out by fully opening all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and checking on the overall fluid flow rate as indicated by the main fluid-flow metering element. In both alternative embodiments, further diagnostic operations may be carried out on an installation including the embodiment by closing all but one of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and investigating the performance of the one open secondary fluid-flow control element by moving it over its full operating range and noting the corresponding variation in flow rate as indicated by the main fluid-flow metering element.
The invention also provides a fluid-flow control network, including a plurality of the above fluid-flow control apparatus that include electrical controllers and a supervisory electrical controller connected to the electrical controllers in the network, wherein the supervisory electrical controller exercises overall electrical control of the network by way of the electrical controllers in the network.
In a first network, the supervisory electrical controller is operable to retrieve information from an electrical monitor device by way of an electrical controller or from the electrical monitor devices by way of the electrical controllers of the fluid-flow control apparatus. In a second network or additionally in the first network, the supervisory electrical controller is operable to override an electrical controller or the electrical controllers to operate selected electrically controlled modulating valves or the electrically controlled modulating valves of the fluid-flow control apparatus. In a third network, or additionally in the first or second network, the supervisory electrical controller is operable to override a controller or the controllers to operate selected fan units or the fan units .
In a fourth network or additionally in the first, second or third network, the supervisory electrical controller is operable to interrogate a selected controller or selected controllers or all of the controllers, in order to obtain the output information from a selected temperature sensor or selected temperature sensors or all of the temperature sensors.
Preferably, the working fluid of the fluid-flow control apparatus is a non-compressible fluid, for example, water.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first air- conditioning installation including a fist embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second air- conditioning installation including a second embodiment of the invention and
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third air- conditioning installation including a third embodiment of the invention.
Referring to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, the first air-conditioning installation includes an electrical monitor device 1 and a fluid-flow control module 2 connected to other components of the air-conditioning installation. The electrical monitor device 1 and the fluid-flow control module 2 represent the first embodiment of the invention.
The fluid-flow control module 2 shown in Fig. 1 includes four intermediate supply ports 203 to 206 and four intermediate return ports 207 to 210. The intermediate supply and return ports 203 to 210 are connected to four heat-exchanger units 16 to 19. The heat-exchanger units 16 to 19 include respective temperature sensors 20 to 23 and respective fan units . The fan units are controlled remotely by way of a control connection 24.
The sensors 20 to 23 may be thermostats which generate electrical output signals indicative of respective differences between desired temperatures and the actual temperatures at the positions of the sensors 20 to 23, the output signals being monitored remotely by way of a sensing connection 25, the actual temperatures being controllable by controlling fluid flow into the heat exchanger units 16 to 19.
The fluid-flow control module 2 includes four electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d which control fluid flow into the heat exchanger units 16 to 19, the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, βb, 6c and 6d being remotely controlled by way of control connections 26 and 27. The connection 27 provides a fixed supply voltage which may be 24 V or 240 V ac and the connection 26 serves to energise the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, as required, by closing the appropriate current path through the electrical part of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. The electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d control the supply of fluid to the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 by way of the intermediate supply ports 203 to 206 of the fluid-flow control module 2.
The fluid-flow control module 2 also includes a main inlet port 201 which leads incoming fluid to an inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4. Fluid leaving the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4 passes through a main isolation valve 8 and, thereafter, a strainer 10 followed by the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
Fluid leaves the fluid-flow control module 2 by way of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d and circulates through the heat-exchanger units 16 to 19, returning to the fluid-flow control module 2 by way of the intermediate return ports 207 to 210 which lead to four double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d, forming a manifold assembly 11. The manifold assembly 11 of the double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d takes the return fluid flow to a return-fluid temperature sensor 5 which is followed by a fluid-flow metering unit 3 and, thereafter, a differential pressure control valve 9 which is provided with a differential pressure link to the outlet port of the strainer 10. Fluid leaving the differential pressure control valve 9 passes to the main outlet port 202 of the fluid-flow control module 2. Other forms of regulating valve may be used at the position of the differential pressure control valve 9.
The installation shown in Fig. 1 is commissioned, following its completion, to provide the design-specified overall fluid-flow rate for the installation. During commissioning, the double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are set for balanced flow through the heat exchanger units 16 to 19, delivering the design- specified overall fluid-flow rate, with the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d fully open. Thereafter, fluid delivery to the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 is controllable by the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. The inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4, the return-fluid temperature sensor 5 and the flow unit 3 generate electrical signals dependent on the fluid-flow rate and temperature change. The electrical signals go to the electrical monitoring device 1 to which the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4, the return-fluid temperature sensor 5 and the flow unit 3 are electrically connected by connection lines 28 and 29.
The electrical monitor device 1, in operation, receives the signals from the fluid-flow metering unit 3 and displays the fluid flow-rate as indicated by the signals, that fluid flow-rate being the overall fluid flow-rate.
The electrical monitor device 1, in operation, also receives the signals from the inlet-fluid temperature sensor 4 and the return-fluid temperature sensor 5 along with the signals from the fluid-flow metering unit 3.
The temperature difference between the inlet fluid and the return fluid along with the fluid-flow rate is information that enables the electrical monitor device 1 to compute the energy consumption of the installation and the electrical monitor device 1 computes and displays a value for the energy consumption for the installation. The energy consumption of the installation is noted at commissioning, at which time the overall fluid flow rate and the inlet-return temperature difference are regarded as having been set to the design-specified values for the installation. A basic "health check" of the installation may be made at any time by obtaining a read-out of the overall fluid- flow rate from the electrical monitor device 1 for comparison with the design-specified overall fluid-flow rate for the installation. A further "health-check" of the installation may be made at any time by taking an energy consumption reading from the electrical monitor device 1 for comparison with the energy consumption level noted at the time of commissioning the installation. The electrical monitor device 1 may be positioned remotely from the fluid-flow control module 2, preferably at a readily accessible office location.
The fluid-flow control module 2 shown in Fig 1 also includes a first isolation valve 12 and a second isolation valve 14, both of which are two-port control valves, linking the four electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d to the manifold assembly 11 of the double- regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d. The first and second isolation valves 12 and 14 permit the inlet and outlet fluid-flow paths to be joined for flush- through during initial set-up and, on completion of set-up, to be isolated for normal operation. Also included with the isolation valves 12 and 14 are a drain cock 13 and an air vent 15, which may be an automatic air vent.
Referring to Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings, the second air-conditioning installation includes the electrical monitor device 1, the fluid-flow control module 2 and, additionally, an electrical controller 101, connected to other components of the air-conditioning installation. The electrical controller 101, in operation, controls the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d by way of a control connection line 103, one electrical terminal of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d being directly energised through the voltage supply line 27 providing either 24 V ac or 240 V ac. The electrical controller 101, in operation, also monitors the sensors 20 to 23 at the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 by way of the connection line 104 and, further, controls the fans of the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 by way of the connection line 102. The electrical monitor device 1, the fluid-flow control module 2 and the electrical controller 101 represent the second embodiment of the invention.
As is the case for the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the installation shown in Fig. 2 is commissioned, following its completion, by setting the double-regulating valves and metering stations 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d for balanced flow through the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 with the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d fully open. Thereafter, fluid delivery to the heat exchanger units 16 to 19 is controllable by the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d now under the control of the controller 101. The electrical controller 101 controls the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d by acting as a switch on the control line 103, current flowing through the electrical elements of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, as commanded by the electrical controller 101, from the 24 V ac or 240 V ac supply provided on the supply line 27. An alternative arrangement is the connection of one electrical terminal of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d to ground and the switching of the 24 V ac or 240 V supply by means of the electrical controller 101.
The controller 101 modulates the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d in response to signals from the sensors 20 to 23, which are usually thermostats indicating a difference between a desired temperature and the actual temperature at the locations of the sensors 20 to 23. The controller 101 closes the respective one of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d progressively as the signal from a sensor moves towards zero, in order to improve comfort control and to minimise temperature overshoot and undershoot and, subsequently, maintains the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d at the respective settings required to maintain the sensor signals at substantially zero.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 permits a "health check" of the installation at any time following its commissioning by the use of the electrical monitor device 1, at the basic level to check the overall fluid-flow rate and, further, to check the energy consumption as is disclosed above.
In addition to allowing the checking of the overall fluid-flow rate (with all of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d fully open) , the controller 101 permits diagnostic checks to be performed on the installation through the control of the electrically controlled modulating valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. For example, the control range of the electrically controlled modulating valve 6a may be checked by closing the other electrically controlled modulating valves 6b, 6c and 6d and noting the flow range shown by the flow unit 3 as the electrically controlled modulating valve 6a is adjusted over its full range of travel. Similar checks may be performed in respect of the other electrically controlled modulating valves 6b, 6c and 6d. An investigation of the control module .2 and the remainder of the installation would follow if any irregularity is found. Diagnostic checks involving a particular heat exchanger unit 16 to 19 would, advantageously, be carried out when the particular heat exchanger unit is not in use.
The electrical monitor device 1 and the electrical controller 101 may be positioned remotely from the fluid- flow control module 2, preferably, at a readily accessible office location.
Referring to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings, the third air-conditioning installation includes an electrical controller and monitor 301, which combines the functions of the electrical monitor device 1 and electrical controller 101 of Fig. 2, and the fluid-flow control module 2, connected to other components of the air-conditioning installation. The electrical controller and monitor 301 and the fluid-flow control module 2 represent the third embodiment of the invention. The manner of operation and the check and diagnostic facilities offered by the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 are the same as for the embodiment shown in Fig. 2.
In the embodiments of the invention shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the electrical controllers 101 and 301 may be connected to a supervisory electrical controller which "supervises" the electrical controllers 101 and 301 and is operable to (i) retrieve information from the electrical monitor device 1 by way of the electrical controllers 101 and 301, (ii) override the electrical controllers 101 and 301 to operate the valves 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, (iii) override the controllers 101 and 301 to operate the fan units 16 to 19 and (iv) interrogate the controllers 101 and 301 in order to obtain the output information from the temperature sensors 20 to 23.
The communication path between the controller 101 of Fig. 2 and a supervisory controller is provided by the network connection line 105, shown in Fig. 2. Similarly, the communication path between the controller 301 of Fig. 3 and a supervisory controller is provided by the network communication line 105, shown in Fig. 3.
The supervisory controller may be the main controller in a Building Management Supervisory (BMS) installation that includes the above embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A fluid-flow control apparatus including: an inlet port for conveying fluid into the fluid-flow control apparatus, a plurality of intermediate supply ports for supplying fluid to a plurality of fluid-receiving units, a plurality of intermediate return ports for receiving fluid returning from the fluid-receiving units, an outlet port for conveying fluid from the fluid-flow control apparatus, a plurality of fluid-flow regulating elements and fluid-flow metering elements connecting the intermediate supply and return ports to the inlet and outlet ports, for controlling and metering luid-flow rates, at least one of the fluid-flow regulating elements being controllable by an electrical signal and at least one of the metering elements, in operation, providing an electrical signal, and an electrical monitor device which, in operation, monitors the fluid-flow metering element or elements which, in operation, provides or provide an electrical signal.
2. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a main fluid-flow metering element in a return fluid-flow path leading to the outlet port, the main fluid- flow metering element, in operation, providing an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
3. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrical monitor device provides an output indicative of fluid flow-rate in the fluid-flow metering element which, in operation, provides an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
4. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including a first temperature-sensing element in an inlet fluid-flow path leading from the inlet port, the first temperature-sensing element, in operation, providing an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
5. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, including a second temperature-sensing element in a return fluid-flow path leading to the outlet port, the second temperature-sensing element, in operation, providing an electrical signal to the electrical monitor device.
6. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electrical monitor device provides an output indicative of energy consumption in the fluid-flow control apparatus, dependent on the signals from the first and second temperature sensing elements and the main fluid-flow metering element.
7. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including respective secondary fluid-flow control elements in the fluid-flow paths leading to the intermediate supply ports, the secondary fluid-flow control elements being electrically controllable and, in operation, being controlled from outside the apparatus.
8. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including an electrical controller connected to respective secondary fluid-flow control elements in the fluid-flow paths leading to the intermediate supply ports, the secondary fluid-flow control elements being electrically controllable and, in operation, being controlled by the electrical controller.
9. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrical controller includes respective electrical signal-input ports for connection to temperature sensors which are located at the fluid-receiving units, the temperature sensors, in operation, providing electrical signals to the electrical controller which, in operation, controls the secondary fluid-flow control elements in accordance with the electrical signals.
10. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electrical controller includes respective electrical signal-output ports for connection to fan motors which are located at the fluid-receiving units, for controlling fans at the fluid-receiving units.
11. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the controller is operable to open all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements fully, for permitting a check to be made on the overall fluid-flow rate through the apparatus when all of the secondary fluid-flow control elements fully open.
12. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the controller is operable to close all but a selected one of the secondary fluid-flow control elements and to adjust the open one of the secondary fluid- flow control elements over its full range.
13. A fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the electrical controller is combined with the electrical monitor device.
14. A fluid-flow control apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings .
15. A fluid-flow control apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings .
16. A fluid-flow control apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings .
17. A fluid-flow control network, including a plurality of fluid-flow control apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, 15 or 16 and a supervisory electrical controller connected to the electrical controllers in the network, wherein the supervisory electrical controller exercises overall electrical control of the network by way of the electrical controllers in the network.
18. A flow control network as claimed in claim 17, wherein the supervisory electrical controller is operable to retrieve information from an electrical monitor device by way of an electrical controller or from the electrical monitor devices by way of the electrical controllers.
19. A flow control network as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the supervisory electrical controller is operable to override an electrical controller or the electrical controllers to operate selected electrically controlled modulating valves or the electrically controlled modulating valves.
20. A flow control network as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the supervisory electrical controller is operable to override selected controllers or all of the controllers to operate selected fan units or all of the fan units .
21. A flow control network as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the supervisory electrical controller is operable to interrogate a selected controller or selected controllers or all of the controllers in order to obtain the output information from a selected temperature sensor or selected temperature sensors or all of the temperature sensors .
PCT/GB2004/002683 2003-06-23 2004-06-23 A fluid-flow control apparatus including an electrical monitor WO2004114039A1 (en)

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GB0314599.2 2003-06-23

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101840239A (en) * 2010-05-31 2010-09-22 厦门市易洁卫浴有限公司 Water outlet control device and control method thereof
GB2528313A (en) * 2014-07-17 2016-01-20 Sav United Kingdom Ltd Fluid flow control apparatus for heating or cooling

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3047510A1 (en) * 1980-12-17 1982-07-22 Helmut Ing.(grad.) 7100 Heilbronn Sigler Computation of heating costs in blocks of flats - determining temp. differences and medium flow using computer system

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3047510A1 (en) * 1980-12-17 1982-07-22 Helmut Ing.(grad.) 7100 Heilbronn Sigler Computation of heating costs in blocks of flats - determining temp. differences and medium flow using computer system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101840239A (en) * 2010-05-31 2010-09-22 厦门市易洁卫浴有限公司 Water outlet control device and control method thereof
CN101840239B (en) * 2010-05-31 2012-07-25 厦门市易洁卫浴有限公司 Water outlet control device and control method thereof
GB2528313A (en) * 2014-07-17 2016-01-20 Sav United Kingdom Ltd Fluid flow control apparatus for heating or cooling
GB2528313B (en) * 2014-07-17 2021-03-10 Sav United Kingdom Ltd Fluid flow control apparatus for heating or cooling

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GB0314599D0 (en) 2003-07-30
GB2416866B (en) 2007-02-21
GB2416866A (en) 2006-02-08

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