Flow Analysis of a Novel, Three-Way Cartridge Flow Control Valve

Abstract

Flow control valves are designed to maintain a constant flow rate regardless of pressure changes. However, standard, two-way design may cause significant energy losses due to the need to maintain high pressure in the supply line. In contrast, the proposed three-way valve allows the required flow rate to be obtained at a supply pressure slightly above the loading pressure. This work included building mathematical and simulation models, conducting numerical simulations in Ansys/Fluent and Matlab/Simulink environments, and verifying the results by initial test bench experiments on a valve prototype. The main contribution provided by the work concerns the proposal of a new valve solution and the estimation of its operational characteristics.