초록 ▼

A fluid flow control device (1) comprising at least one valve, the or each valve being controlled by an electrically-operate e actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling the actuators and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means (27), wherein the device (1) includ

A fluid flow control device (1) comprising at least one valve, the or each valve being controlled by an electrically-operate e actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling the actuators and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means (27), wherein the device (1) includes an electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity from the flow of fluid in the control device to operate the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28). The device does not require an external electricity supply as it generates its entire electricity requirement locally. The device (1) may also receive instructions wirelessly to control the at least one valve.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A fluid flow control device comprising at least one valve, the at least one valve including an input port (11), an outlet port (31), and an exhaust outlet (14), the at least one valve being controlled by an electrically-operable actuator (32), a control means (27) for c

The invention claimed is: 1. A fluid flow control device comprising at least one valve, the at least one valve including an input port (11), an outlet port (31), and an exhaust outlet (14), the at least one valve being controlled by an electrically-operable actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling one or more of the actuators (32) and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means, wherein the device includes an electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity from the flow of fluid in the control device (1) to operate one or more of the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28), wherein a fluid flow from the exhaust outlet (14) of the at least one valve acts on the electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity. 2. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the device (1) receives fluid from a fluid flow supply line (8). 3. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the communication means (28) operates wirelessly. 4. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the fluid flow supply line (8) is a pneumatic line. 5. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the fluid flow supply line (8) is a hydraulic line. 6. The fluid flow control device according to claim 3, in which the communication means (28) operates using radio frequency wireless communication. 7. The fluid flow control device according to claim 3, in which the communication means (28) operates wirelessly using the Bluetooth standard. 8. The fluid flow control device according to claim 3, in which the communication means (28) operates wirelessly using the ZigBee standard. 9. The fluid flow control device according to claim 3, in which the communication means (28) operates wirelessly using the Wi-Fi standard. 10. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the electrical power generation means (5) uses the fluid flow from the fluid flow supply line (8) to generate electricity. 11. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the control means (27) includes an initial power source that provides the power to operate one or more of the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28) until the flow of fluid from the exhaust (14) of the valve or valves is sufficient to cause the power generation means (5) to generate electricity. 12. The fluid flow control device according to claim 11, in which the initial power source is a pre-charged battery. 13. The fluid flow control device according to claim 11, in which the initial power source is a vessel of compressed fluid that is adapted to be exhausted through the power generation means (5) to generate electricity initially. 14. The fluid flow control device according to claim 11, in which the initial power source is rechargeable. 15. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the device includes a selection valve (12) that has two inputs (9, 13) and one output (15) to the power generation means (5), the first input (9) receives fluid flow from the fluid flow supply line (8) and the second input (13) receives fluid from the exhaust (14) of the at least one valve, the selection valve (12) being adapted to select which of the inputs (9, 13) is in communication with the power generation means (5). 16. The fluid flow control device according to claim 15, in which the selection valve (12) is actuated by a solenoid (29). 17. The fluid flow control device according to claim 16, in which the selection valve (12) is controlled electronically to select which fluid flow is used to generate electricity in the device (1). 18. The fluid flow control device according to claim 15, in which the selection valve (12) is biased so that by default the fluid flow supply line (8) is in communication with the power generation means (5). 19. The fluid flow control device according to claim 16, in which the solenoid (29) of the selection valve (12) is supplied with power from the power generation means (5). 20. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the power generation means (5) comprises a turbine (7) that is connected to an electrical generator (19). 21. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the power generation means (5) is connected to an accumulator (6) such that the accumulator (6) stores the electrical power generated by the power generation means (5). 22. The fluid flow control device according to claim 21, in which the accumulator (6) is a capacitor. 23. The fluid flow control device according to claim 21, in which the accumulator (6) is a rechargeable battery. 24. The fluid flow control device according to claim 21, in which a rectifier (22) rectifies the electrical output from the power generation means (5) before it enters the accumulator (6). 25. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the device (1) controls the flow of water. 26. The fluid flow control device according to claim 1, in which the device (1) controls the flow of a gas.