Advanced valve actuation system with integral freeze protection
First Claim
1. An HVAC valve and actuator assembly with integral freeze protection, the assembly comprising:
- a valve configured to control a flow of water or a water mixture into a water coil;
a valve actuator configured to control opening and closing of the valve;
a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the water or water mixture flowing through the valve;
a second temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of air surrounding the water coil;
a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate of the water or water mixture through the valve;
wherein the valve actuator includes a control module configured to receive data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and further configured to determine, based on data received from the flow meter and first and second temperature sensors, a likelihood that the water or water mixture in the water coil will freeze; and
wherein the valve actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the water or water mixture through the valve and water coil sufficient to prevent the water or water mixture in the water coil from freezing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A valve and actuator assembly includes a valve to control a flow of liquid into a coil, and an actuator to control the valve. The assembly includes a first temperature sensor to sense the temperature of liquid flowing through the valve, a second temperature sensor to sense the temperature of air surrounding the coil, and a flow meter to measure a flow rate of liquid through the valve. The actuator includes a module that receives data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and determines, based on data received from the flow meter and temperature sensors, a likelihood that the liquid in the coil will freeze. The actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the liquid through the valve and coil during a potential freeze condition. The minimum flow is sufficient to prevent the liquid in the coil from freezing.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An HVAC valve and actuator assembly with integral freeze protection, the assembly comprising:
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a valve configured to control a flow of water or a water mixture into a water coil; a valve actuator configured to control opening and closing of the valve; a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the water or water mixture flowing through the valve; a second temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of air surrounding the water coil; a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate of the water or water mixture through the valve; wherein the valve actuator includes a control module configured to receive data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and further configured to determine, based on data received from the flow meter and first and second temperature sensors, a likelihood that the water or water mixture in the water coil will freeze; and wherein the valve actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the water or water mixture through the valve and water coil sufficient to prevent the water or water mixture in the water coil from freezing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of operating a valve and actuator assembly with integral freeze protection, the method comprising the steps of:
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sensing a temperature of liquid flowing through an HVAC valve into an HVAC coil used to heat or cool a space; sensing a temperature of air surrounding the HVAC coil; measuring a flow rate of the liquid flowing through the HVAC valve; determining a likelihood, based on the sensed liquid and air temperatures and on the flow rate measurement, that the liquid in the HVAC coil will freeze; controlling the flow of liquid through the HVAC valve and HVAC coil to provide a minimum flow sufficient to prevent freezing of the liquid in the HVAC coil. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification