Installation and Data Acquisition Study to Test Circuit Solver TRV Devices

Abstract

A Circuit Solver Thermostatic Recirculation Valve (TRV) manufactured by Therm-Omega-Tech Company is a self-actuating thermostatic recirculation valve which automatically and continuously maintains the end of each domestic hot water supply line at the specified water temperature. This simple inline valve completely eliminates the need for time consuming and expensive manual balancing procedures and equipment. Therm-Omega-Tech is a major supporter for Sam Houston State University (SHSU) whose goal is to extend academic studies for future engineering technology students. A group of engineering technology students and residence life office staff have been challenged with a multi-year instrumentation project. The study started in May 2012 and continues to challenge young minds after multiple phases of the project have been completed. Students were given multiple tasks to install circuit solver TRV valves in university dorms to test the valves. The first task was to work with an engineering firm to learn the required design work. After approval of the design work, students worked with plumbers to install circuit solver-TRV valves to university dorms. Following the installation, data acquisition devices were identified and purchased to determine the temperature of the water at several locations (bathtub, restroom, and kitchen) in the university apartment complex. Wireless transceivers are used to report this data to a main server computer for further datamining. All the collected data were analyzed and findings were reported to Therm-Omega-Tech for future investigation by the engineering technology students.