Patent Description:
Hydraulic systems, e.g. district heating or district cooling systems and other closed loop liquid based energy distributed grids in need of drainage or deaeration, are equipped with low points and high points, wherein the low points are located in the lowest parts of the system and the high points are located in the highest parts of the system. In the low points, fluid may accumulate, and in the high points, air may accumulate. Therefore, in the low points, the fluid may be diverted. i.e. drainage may be performed, and in the high points, the air may be diverted, i.e. deaeration may be performed.

Today, drainage and deaeration of a hydraulic system is typically performed manually by operators. A drawback with this solution is that the operators need to travel from one point to another in order to drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic systems can be large in size and the drainage or deaeration points can be located at a distance from each other, both in an area perspective but also in a height perspective. Further, drainage or deaeration usually needs to be repeated several times before it is completed. Moreover, poorly completed drainage can provide for scalding for people working with the system and poorly completed deaeration can provide for that air will circulate within the system which can lead to damages and bad function of e.g. pumps in the hydraulic system.

Even if it is known how to drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system, these solutions can be further improved.

<CIT> discloses a switchable drainage and plugging integrated supporting structure of water-rich tunnel. The switchable drainage and plugging integrated supporting structure comprise a tunnel supporting structure, a water plugging system and a water drainage system combined together. An original tunnel supporting measure is reinforced, the system consisting of the water drainage system, the water plugging system and a central control system is utilized to achieve turning on and off of a remote slotted hole water drainage valve according to an external water pressure monitoring result, accordingly tunnel water drainage and plugging work conditions are switched or water discharging amount is controlled. Accordingly, damage of a ground surface water system due to tunnel water drainage is decreased, and meanwhile the safety of a tunnel structure is ensured.

<CIT> discloses a deaeration device including a vent structure with a porous material capable of swelling when moistened such that the vent structure can inhibit liquid from escaping while allowing for the removal of gases from liquids. The deaeration device is integrated into a blood chamber of an extracorporeal circuit. The blood chamber may further include sensor components for actively performing measurements on the blood while the deaeration device passively removes air from the blood. In an embodiment, the blood chamber may be an optical blood chamber including an optical measurement sensor that performs measurements used in a determination of a hematocrit level in the blood.

It is an object of the present invention to solve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

According to a first aspect, a valve assembly for drainage or deaeration of a hydraulic system is provided. The valve assembly comprising a valve, a valve assembly controller and a sensor. The valve comprising a first side and a second side. The first side is configured to be connected to the hydraulic system. The second side is connected to a mouth piece. The valve is configured to be set in an open state or in a closed state. Upon the valve is set in the open state, fluid in the hydraulic system is free to pass the valve from the first side to the second side. The valve assembly controller comprising a transceiver and a valve assembly control circuit. The transceiver is configured to receive a control signal indicating a start of drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system. The valve assembly control circuit is configured to execute a valve control function and a drainage or deaeration function. The valve control function is configured to set the valve in the open state or in the closed state. The drainage or deaeration function is configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the valve control function to set the valve in the open state. The sensor is configured to monitor the mouth piece to obtain sensor data pertaining to a type of fluid leaving the mouth piece upon the valve is set in the open state, wherein the type of fluid is heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system or air.

By the present valve assembly, the drainage or deaeration in the hydraulic system may be remotely controlled. Hence, an operator does not need to travel between the different drainage or deaeration points within the hydraulic system, instead, the drainage or deaeration can be done in a remote way by using the valve assembly controller and the sensor in combination. The sensor may be configured to work as the operator's senses, e.g. eyes and/or ears, in order to monitor the drainage or deaeration.

By the present valve assembly, a more accurate and efficient solution for drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system may be achieved. Thus, by the present valve assembly, it may not be the operator's experience that will determine whether the drainage or deaeration is completed or not, but analysis of sensor data from the sensor that monitors the mouth piece. Further, the present valve assembly may not only be used when the system needs to be drainage or deaeration, but also when the valves need to be exercised. Thus, the valves need to be exercised every now and then in order to be in good condition. In addition, the valves constitute weak points within the hydraulic system and by the present valve assembly, these can be controlled in a better and more efficient way.

Further, by using the present valve assembly, the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system may be performed during a shorter period of time compared to if manually drainage or deaeration the hydraulic system. Thus, by spending less time on drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic system may be operational for longer time periods.

The sensor may comprise a camera configured to capture images of the mouth piece.

The sensor may further comprise an illuminator configured to illuminate the mouth piece.

The sensor may comprise a tactile sensor. The tactile sensor may be configured to detect whether fluid is present in the mouth piece.

The sensor may comprise an electric sensor. The sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor.

The sensor may comprise a detection means. The detection means may be configured to detect a trace element. The trace element may be blended in the fluid. The trace element may be added in the hydraulic system.

The sensor may be configured to be set in a sleeping mode or in a monitoring mode.

The valve assembly control circuit may further be configured to execute a sensor control function configured to set the sensor in the sleeping mode or the monitoring mode. The drainage or deaeration function may further be configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the sensor control function to set the sensor in the monitoring mode.

The transceiver may be configured to transmit the sensor data.

The valve assembly control circuit may further be configured to execute an analyze function configured to analyze the sensor data in order to determine whether the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system may be completed. The analysis may be performed by running the sensor data through a neural network that may be trained to determine whether the drainage or deaeration is completed.

The analyze function may further be configured to, upon the analyze function has concluded that the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system is completed, generate a completion signal. The valve control function may be configured to set the valve in the closed state based on the completion signal, wherein the transceiver may be configured to transmit the completion signal.

According to a second aspect, a drainage or deaeration system for drainage or deaeration of a hydraulic system is provided. The drainage or deaeration system comprising a server and a valve assembly. The server is configured to transmit a control signal indicating a start of drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system. The valve assembly comprising a valve, a valve assembly controller and a sensor. The valve comprising a first side and a second side. The first side is connected to the hydraulic system. The second side is connected to a mouth piece. The valve is configured to be set in an open state or in a closed state. Upon the valve is set in the open state fluid in the hydraulic system is free to pass the valve from the first side to the second side. The valve assembly controller comprising a transceiver and a valve control function. The transceiver is configured to receive the control signal. The valve assembly control circuit is configured to execute a valve control function and a drainage or deaeration function. The valve control function is configured to set the valve in the open state or closed state. The drainage or deaeration function is configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the valve control function to set the valve in the open state. The sensor is configured to monitor the mouth piece to obtain sensor data pertaining to a type of fluid leaving the mouth piece upon the valve is set in the open state, wherein the type of fluid is heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system or air. The valve assembly controller may further be configured to transmit the sensor data to the server, and wherein the server comprises a server control circuit. The server control circuit may be configured to execute an analyze function. The analyze function may be configured to analyze the sensor data in order to determine whether a drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system is complete. The analysis may be performed by running the sensor data through a neural network trained to determine whether the drainage or deaeration is completed.

The analyze function may further be configured to, upon the analyze function have concluded that the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system is completed, generate a completion signal. The server may be configured to transmit the completion signal to the valve assembly controller. The valve assembly controller may be configured to receive the completion signal. The valve control function may be configured to set the valve in the closed state based on the completion signal.

The valve assembly control circuit may further be configured to execute a sensor control function configured to set the sensor in a sleeping mode or a monitoring mode. The drainage or deaeration function may further be configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the sensor control function to set the sensor in the monitoring mode. The sensor control function may be configured to set the sensor in the sleeping mode based on the completion signal.

The above-mentioned features of the valve assembly according to the first aspect, when applicable, apply to the drainage or deaeration system of the second aspect as well. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

According to a third aspect, a method for drainage or deaeration of a hydraulic system is provided. The method comprising setting a valve in an open state. The valve may be set in the open state based on a control signal indicating a start of drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system. Upon the valve is set in the open state, fluid in the hydraulic system is free to pass the valve from a first side of the valve to a second side of the valve. The first side is connected to the hydraulic system and the second side is connected to a mouth piece. The method further comprising monitoring the mouth piece. The mouth piece is monitored by means of a sensor in order to obtain sensor data pertaining to a type of fluid leaving the mouth piece upon the valve is set in the open state, wherein the type of fluid is heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system or air.

The method may further comprise determining, by analyzing the sensor data, whether the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system may be completed. Upon drainage or deaeration may be determined to be completed, the valve may be set in a closed state and a completion signal may be transmitted.

The above-mentioned features of the valve assembly according to the first aspect and/or the above-mentioned features of the drainage or deaeration system of the second aspect, when applicable, apply to the method of the third aspect as well. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiments of the invention. The figures are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention is shown.

In connection with <FIG> a valve assembly <NUM> will be discussed. The valve assembly <NUM> is configured to drainage or deaeration of a hydraulic system <NUM>. The valve assembly <NUM> is configured to be connected to the hydraulic system <NUM>. The hydraulic system <NUM> may be any hydraulic system known in the art. As non-limiting examples, the hydraulic system <NUM> may be a radiator circuit, a district heating system, a district cooling system or a combined district heating and cooling system. The hydraulic system <NUM> may be arranged to transfer energy from one part of the hydraulic system <NUM> to another by transporting heat transfer fluid within the hydraulic system <NUM>. The heat transfer fluid may be pressurized. Preferably, the heat transfer fluid is a heat transfer liquid. The hydraulic system <NUM> may be equipped with a plurality of low points and high points. A low point may be located in the lowest portions of the hydraulic system <NUM>. A low point may be arranged in such way that heat transfer fluid in the hydraulic system <NUM> may be accumulated in the low point. A valve assembly <NUM> may be configured to drainage at a low point. A high point may be located in the highest portions of the hydraulic system <NUM>. A high point may be arranged in such way that air may be accumulated in the high point. A valve assembly <NUM> may be configured to deaeration at a high point. The drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> will be discussed in more detail further below.

The valve assembly <NUM> comprises a valve <NUM> and a mouth piece <NUM>. The valve <NUM> comprises a first side <NUM>. The first side <NUM> is configured to be connected to the hydraulic system <NUM>. Thus, the valve assembly <NUM> and the hydraulic system <NUM> may be connected by the first side <NUM> of the valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> further comprise a second side <NUM>. The second side <NUM> is configured to be connected to the mouth piece <NUM>. Thus, the valve <NUM> may be arranged between the hydraulic system <NUM> and the mouth piece <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may be set to be in an open state. Upon the valve <NUM> may be in the open state, the valve <NUM> may be configured to allow fluid flowing from the hydraulic system <NUM> to the mouth piece <NUM>, via the valve <NUM>. Thus, upon the valve <NUM> is in the open state, the valve <NUM> may allow fluid to leave the hydraulic system <NUM> through the mouth piece <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may be in the open state during drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may be set to be in a closed state. Upon the valve <NUM> is in the closed state, fluid flowing from the hydraulic system <NUM> is hindered to pass the valve <NUM>. Thus, upon the valve <NUM> may be in the closed state, the valve <NUM> may hinder the fluid to leave the hydraulic system <NUM>. Thus, the valve <NUM> may be configured to control fluid that may be leaving the hydraulic system <NUM> through the mouth piece <NUM> via the valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may not be able to be in the open state and the closed state at the same time. Alternatively, or in combination, the valve <NUM> may be configured to be set in any other state than the open state or the closed state, for example in a partly open state. However, the valve <NUM> may only be configured to be set in one state at the time. Hence, the valve <NUM> may be set in different degrees of openness. The more open the valve <NUM> is set to be the more fluid may flow via the valve <NUM>. The open state may have different open modes.

The valve assembly <NUM> comprises a sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to communicate with a valve assembly controller <NUM> of the valve assembly <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to monitor the mouth piece <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to obtain sensor data, wherein the sensor data may be pertaining to a type of fluid that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. The type of fluid may be heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system. The type of fluid may be air. The sensor data may comprise data relating to the fluid that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. According to one non-limiting example, the data may be related to what type of fluid that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> and if the type of fluid that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> may change during the drainage or deaeration. According to yet one non-limiting example, the data may be related to similar data that an operator's senses may be able to obtain. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to monitor the type of fluid such that the sensor <NUM> may obtain data when the fluid transit from one phase to another, e.g. when the fluid transit from the heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system to air or vice versa. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to be in a monitoring mode or in a sleeping mode. Upon the sensor <NUM> is in the monitoring mode, the sensor <NUM> monitors the mouth piece <NUM> and thus, obtain sensor data. Upon the sensor <NUM> is in the sleeping mode, the sensor <NUM> is not able to obtain the sensor data. The sensor <NUM> may not be able to be in the monitoring mode and the sleeping mode at the same time. As a non-limiting example, the sensor <NUM> may be in the monitoring mode when the valve <NUM> is in the open state. As yet non-limiting example, the sensor <NUM> may be in the sleeping mode when the valve <NUM> is in the closed state. Upon the valve <NUM> is in the closed state, the fluid is hindered from leaving the mouth piece <NUM> and thus, there is no sensor data pertaining to the fluid leaving the mouth piece <NUM> to obtain. The sensor <NUM> may comprise a camera. The camera may be configured to capture images of the mouth piece <NUM>. The images may be in the form of a video stream. The camera may be an IR-camera, a camera configured to capture visible light, or a camera configured to capture both visible light and IR. The sensor <NUM> may further comprise an illuminator, wherein the illuminator is configured to illuminate the mouth piece <NUM>. The illuminator may be an IR-illuminator, an illuminator emitting visible light, or an illuminator configured to emit both visible light and IR. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a microphone. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a tactile sensor. The tactile sensor may be configured to detect whether the fluid is present in the mouth piece <NUM>. If the fluid is present in the mouth piece <NUM>, it should be understood that the fluid is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensor <NUM> may comprise an electric sensor. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a magnetic sensor. The electric sensor may be configured to detect whether it is fluid or air that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. The magnetic sensor may be configured to detect whether it is fluid or air that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensor <NUM> may comprise a detection means. The detection means may be configured to detect a trace element. As a non-limiting example, the trace element may be Pyranine. The trace element may be blended in the fluid. The trace element may be added in the hydraulic system <NUM>. If the detection means detect the trace element, it should be understood that the fluid is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> and hence, the detection means may obtain sensor data. The trace element may be any trace element that may be added to the hydraulic system <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination, the trace element may be any trace element that may be added to the fluid. Thus, the detection means may be configured to detect any trace element present in the hydraulic system <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination, the detection means may be configured to detect any trace element present in the fluid.

Although discussed separately, any combination of the sensors and/or detection means may be used to achieve the purpose of obtaining sensor data. Thus, the sensor <NUM> may be any sensor configured to detect and/or measure and/or determine presence of fluid and/or air in the mouth piece <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may comprise more than one sensor feature. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to obtain sensor data from one sensor or detection means. The sensor <NUM> may be configured to obtain sensor data from more than one sensor and/or detection means. Thus, there may be a combination of sensors within the valve assembly <NUM>.

The valve assembly controller <NUM> is configured to control the valve assembly <NUM>. The valve assembly controller <NUM> may be configured to control the valve <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>. The valve assembly controller <NUM> will be discussed in more detail in connection with <FIG>.

One or more valve assemblies <NUM> may be connected to a specific hydraulic system <NUM>. According to one example, the hydraulic system <NUM> may be connected to as many valve assemblies <NUM> as there is low points and/or high points in the hydraulic system <NUM>. Thus, the number of valve assemblies <NUM> may depend on the number of low points and/or high points. By this arrangement, there may be one valve assembly controller <NUM> configured to control one valve assembly <NUM>. Thus, by this arrangement, there might be the same numbers of valves <NUM>, mouth pieces <NUM>, valve assembly controllers <NUM> and sensors <NUM> as the number of low points and/or high points. Alternatively, or in combination, there might be one valve assembly controller <NUM> configured to control more than one valve assembly <NUM>.

Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustration in <FIG>, but there can be any number of valve assemblies <NUM> connected to the hydraulic system <NUM> in order to provide for an efficient and flexible drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>.

In connection with <FIG> the valve assembly controller <NUM> configured to control the valve assembly <NUM> will be discussed in more detail. The valve assembly controller <NUM> comprises a transceiver <NUM>, a valve assembly control circuit <NUM> and a memory <NUM>.

The transceiver <NUM> is configured to communicate with the valve <NUM>. The transceiver <NUM> is configured to communicate with the sensor <NUM>. The transceiver <NUM> is configured to communicate with any device suitable to receive or transmit a signal from/to the transceiver <NUM>. The communication path over which the communication is made may be wired or wireless. The communication may include data transfers, and the like. Data transfers may include, but are not limited to, downloading and/or uploading data and receiving or sending messages. The data may be processed by the valve assembly controller <NUM>. The processing may include storing the data in a memory, e.g. the memory <NUM> of the valve assembly controller <NUM>, executing operations or functions, and so forth. The transceiver <NUM> may be configured to receive a control signal. The control signal may indicate a start of the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>. The control signal may be transmitted from a drainage or deaeration operating server.

The valve assembly control circuit <NUM> is configured to carry out overall control of functions and operations of the valve assembly controller <NUM>. The valve assembly control circuit <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute program code stored in the memory <NUM>, in order to carry out functions and operations of the valve assembly controller <NUM>.

The memory may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory <NUM> may include a non-volatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for the valve assembly control circuit <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may exchange data with the valve assembly control circuit <NUM> over a data bus. Accompanying control lines and an address bus between the memory <NUM> and the valve assembly control circuit <NUM> also may be present.

Functions and operations of the valve assembly controller <NUM> may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g. lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g. the memory <NUM>) of the valve assembly controller <NUM> and are executed by the valve assembly control circuit <NUM> (e.g. the processor <NUM>). Furthermore, the functions and operations of the valve assembly controller <NUM> may be a stand-alone software application of form a part of a software application that carries out additional tasks related to the valve assembly controller <NUM>. The described functions and operations may be considering a method that the corresponding device is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may as well be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

The valve assembly control circuit <NUM> may be configured to execute a valve control function <NUM>. The valve control function <NUM> may be configured to set the valve <NUM> in the open state. The valve control function <NUM> may be configured to set the valve <NUM> in the closed state.

The valve assembly control circuit <NUM> may be configured to execute a drainage or deaeration function <NUM>. The drainage or deaeration function <NUM> is configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the valve control function <NUM> to set the valve <NUM> in the open state. Thus, upon the valve assembly controller <NUM> receive the control signal, the drainage or deaeration function <NUM> may instruct the valve control function <NUM> to set the valve <NUM> in the open state such as the drainage or deaeration may start.

The valve assembly control circuit <NUM> may be configured to execute a sensor control function <NUM>. The sensor control function <NUM> may be configured to set the sensor <NUM> in the monitoring mode. The sensor control function <NUM> may be configured to set the sensor <NUM> in the sleeping mode.

The drainage or deaeration function <NUM> may further be configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the sensor control function <NUM> to set the sensor <NUM> in the monitoring mode. Thus, upon the valve assembly controller <NUM> receive the control signal, the drainage or deaeration function <NUM> may instruct the sensor control function <NUM> to set the sensor <NUM> in the monitoring mode such as the sensor <NUM> may be able to obtain sensor data. The sensor data may be analyzed locally at the valve assembly controller <NUM>, see the discussion on the analyze function <NUM> below. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensor data may be analyzed remotely at a server <NUM>, see discussion in connection with <FIG>. Yet alternatively, or in combination, the sensor data may be analyzed by an operator controlling the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>. Upon the analyzing determine that the drainage or deaeration is completed, a completion signal may be transmitted to the valve assembly controller <NUM>. The completion signal may comprise information indicating the completed drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>. By drainage or deaeration being completed, it is meant that the drainage or deaeration has been successfully performed. Thus, the low points and/or high points in the hydraulic system <NUM> have been fully drainage or deaeration. That the drainage is completed may be determined by that the sensor <NUM> detects that air is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> instead of fluid. Thus, when starting the drainage, fluid is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. When air is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> instead, it may be determined that the drainage is completed. That the deaeration is completed may be determined by that the sensor <NUM> detects that fluid is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> instead of air. Thus, when starting the deaeration, air is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. When fluid is leaving the mouth piece <NUM> instead, it may be determined that the deaeration is completed.

Hence, the valve assembly control circuit <NUM> may be configured to execute an analyze function <NUM>. The analyze function <NUM> is configured to analyze the sensor data obtained by the sensor <NUM>. The analyze function <NUM> may be configured to analyze the sensor data obtained by the sensor <NUM> in order to determine whether the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> is completed. The analyze function <NUM> may be configured to analyze the sensor data by determine what type of fluid the sensor data pertain to. The type of fluid may be the heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system or air. Thus, the analyze function <NUM> may be configured to analyze whether it is the heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system or air that is leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. The analysis may be performed by running the sensor data through a neural network. The neural network may be trained to determine whether the drainage or deaeration is completed or not. The neural network may be trained to detect a transition between the fluid and air, or the other way around, in the mouth piece <NUM>. Thus, the neural network may be trained to detect the transition based on the sensor data. The neural network may be trained by one or more test sequences. In the test sequences, the time period for drainage or deaeration is pre-defined and the neural network may be trained to detect the pre-defined time period. Thus, if the neural network is trained to detect the pre-defined time period, the neural network may also be trained to determine when the drainage or deaeration may be completed. Thereinafter, parameters indicating that the drainage or deaeration is completed by the neural network may be transmitted to the analyze function <NUM>. The analyze function <NUM> is further configured to, upon the analyze function <NUM> and/or the neural network has concluded that the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> is completed, generate the completion signal. Thus, by analyzing the sensor data, the valve assembly controller <NUM> may be configured to determine whether the drainage or deaeration is completed.

The valve control function <NUM> may further be configured to, based on the completion signal, set the valve <NUM> in the closed state. The sensor control function <NUM> may further be configured to, based on the completion signal, set the sensor <NUM> in the sleeping mode.

Hence, the valve assembly controller <NUM> may receive the control signal indicating that a drainage or deaeration is to may start. Based on the control signal, the valve control function <NUM> may be instructed to set the valve <NUM> in the open state and the sensor control function <NUM> may be instructed to set the sensor <NUM> in the monitoring mode. Upon the sensor <NUM> is in the monitoring mode it obtains sensor data. The sensor data pertains to fluid emitted at the mouthpiece <NUM>. During the drainage or deaeration, the sensor <NUM> may transmit the obtained sensor data to the valve assembly controller <NUM>. The sensor data may be analyzed locally at the valve assembly controller <NUM> by the analyze function <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination the sensor data may be analyzed remotely at the server <NUM> discussed in connection with <FIG>. Yet alternatively, or in combination, an operator may analyze the sensor data. The sensor data may be images and/or sound depicting fluid leaving the mouth piece <NUM>. Upon the analyzing indicates that the drainage or deaeration is complete, the operator and/or the analyze function <NUM>, <NUM> may transmit a completion signal. Based on the completion signal, the valve control function <NUM> may be configured to set the valve <NUM> in the closed state and the sensor control function <NUM> may be configured to set the sensor <NUM> in the sleeping mode. Hence, the drainage or deaeration is completed and the hydraulic system <NUM> may be set in normal operation.

In connection with <FIG> a drainage or deaeration system <NUM> will be discussed. The drainage or deaeration system <NUM> is configured to drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>. The drainage or deaeration system <NUM> comprises a valve assembly <NUM> as discussed in connection with <FIG>, and a server <NUM>. In order to avoid undue repetition, references for the valve assembly <NUM> and the hydraulic system <NUM> are made to the above. The server <NUM> will be discussed in more detail in connection with <FIG>.

The server <NUM> comprises a transceiver <NUM>, a server control circuit <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The transceiver <NUM> and the memory <NUM> are arranged in the same way as the transceiver <NUM> and memory <NUM> discussed in connection with the valve assembly controller <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In order to avoid undue repetition, reference is made to the above.

The sever control circuit <NUM> is configured to carry out overall control of functions and operations of the server <NUM>. The server control circuit <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The processor <NUM> is configured to execute program code stored in the memory <NUM>, in order to carry out functions and operations of the server <NUM>.

Functions and operations of the server <NUM> may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g. lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g. the memory <NUM>) of the server and are executed by the server control circuit <NUM> (e.g. the processor <NUM>). Furthermore, the functions and operations of the server <NUM> may be a stand-alone software application of form a part of a software application that carries out additional tasks related to the server <NUM>. The described functions and operations may be considering a method that the corresponding device is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may as well be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

The server <NUM> may be configured to transmit the control signal indicating a start of a drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>.

The server <NUM> may be configured to receive the sensor data from the valve assembly controller <NUM>. The server control circuit <NUM> may be configured to execute a second analyze function <NUM>. The second analyze function <NUM> is configured to analyze the sensor data in order to determine whether the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> is completed. The analysis may be performed by running the sensor data through the neural network. The neural network may be trained to determine whether the drainage or deaeration is completed. The second analyze function <NUM> is further configured to generate the completion signal. The server <NUM> may be configured to transmit the completion signal to the valve assembly controller <NUM>. Thus, the second analyze function <NUM> is performed in a similar way as the analyze function <NUM>. Upon the valve assembly <NUM> may be connected to the server <NUM>, the analysis of the sensor data may be performed in the server <NUM> instead of in the valve assembly controller <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination, the analyzing may be performed in both the server <NUM> and in the valve assembly controller <NUM>.

In addition to the above, the server <NUM> and the valve assembly controller <NUM> may communicate and thus, together perform the same functions as discussed in connection with <FIG>. The server <NUM> may be configured to communicate with one valve assembly <NUM>. The server <NUM> may be configured to communicate with more than one valve assembly <NUM>.

In connection with <FIG> a flow chart illustrating a method for drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> will be discussed. The method comprises the following steps. The steps may be performed in any suitable order.

Setting S502 the valve <NUM> in an open state. The step is based on the control signal, wherein the control signal may be indicating a start of drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM>. As being discussed above, upon the valve <NUM> is set in the open state, fluid in the hydraulic system <NUM> may be free to pass the valve <NUM> from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>. The first side <NUM> may be configured to be connected to the hydraulic system <NUM>. The second side <NUM> may be connected to the mouth piece <NUM>.

Monitoring S504, by means of the sensor <NUM>, the mouth piece <NUM>. Thus, by monitoring S504 the mouth piece <NUM>, sensor data pertaining to fluid that is leaving the mouth piece may be obtained. The sensor data may be obtained upon the valve <NUM> is set in the open state.

The method may further comprise one or more of the following steps. Determining S506, by analyzing the sensor data, whether the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> is completed. Upon the drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system <NUM> is completed, setting S508 the valve <NUM> in the closed state and transmitting the completion signal.

For example, the valve assembly <NUM> may comprise a battery powering one or more of the components of the valve assembly <NUM>. The battery may be exchangeable. Alternatively, or in combination, the battery may be chargeable.

The sensor <NUM> may comprise one or more of: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor.

The sensor may comprise a LIDAR. A LIDAR may give information about proximity alerts and measure speed of fluid ejected from the mouth piece <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A valve assembly (<NUM>) for drainage or deaeration of a hydraulic system (<NUM>), the valve assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a valve (<NUM>) comprising a first side (<NUM>) and a second side (<NUM>), the first side (<NUM>) is configured to be connected to the hydraulic system (<NUM>) and the second side (<NUM>) is connected to a mouth piece (<NUM>), wherein the valve (<NUM>) is configured to be set in an open state or in a closed state, wherein, upon the valve (<NUM>) is set in the open state, fluid in the hydraulic system is free to pass the valve (<NUM>) from the first side (<NUM>) to the second side (<NUM>);
a valve assembly controller (<NUM>) comprising a transceiver (<NUM>) configured to receive a control signal indicating a start of drainage or deaeration of the hydraulic system (<NUM>) and a valve assembly control circuit (<NUM>) configured to execute:
a valve control function (<NUM>) configured to set the valve (<NUM>) in the open state or closed state; and
a drainage or deaeration function (<NUM>) configured to, based on the control signal, instruct the valve control function (<NUM>) to set the valve (<NUM>) in the open state; and
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to monitor the mouth piece (<NUM>) to obtain sensor data pertaining to a type of fluid leaving the mouth piece (<NUM>) upon the valve (<NUM>) is set in the open state, wherein the type of fluid is heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic system or air.