Working On a Project...

[Daharen]

TL;DR: Looking for 'smart' 1/4" valves that can take one flow, and change it to one of two alternate loops electronically (I can custom make the system that signals the loop change, I just need valves that when they get current swap loops). 

So this computer build has become my hobby, and I basically kinda throw money at it like most young adults throw money at going to clubs and drinking every weekend. That is to say, cost is not an issue before I go on.

Also... What I'm doing is stupid overkill for what I'm gaining, thus I'm refraining from posting the 'exact' project. If it works, I'm definitely posting it on here, I think after it's done most people will think its cool. Tends to be my experience that people criticize overkill projects in the planning stages, but give rave reviews once it's already executed.

Basically, I need electronic valves that will switch water alter the flow of water to alternate loops within the system depending on a signal I send to them. They don't need to themselves be 'smart' but they do need to be electronic so that I can configure a secondary system that connects to them to automate the switching. I already know that I can do this project with manual valves, but I will need about eight of them in order to make this system work. 

Now I've found industrial grade smart home products that work with Zwave and Zigbee designed for house plumbing that could be modified for this purpose, but they are neither aesthetically pleasing, nor designed for what I'm looking for obviously. They are functionally 'too smart' and by virtue of that too high latency, as well as the fact that I pay a 'very' significant premium for a product that doesn't do what I really want. I'm fine with the cost (These sorts of valve's usually cost like 1k a piece when not discounted), but not for a product that doesn't look good, and doesn't do what I want.

To that end, if the product doesn't exist, or if there is no small form factor, reasonable looking part, I'm looking for a part that could either be modded to look good (Paint job, or whatever), or alternatively a manufacturer that I could pay for custom parts if anyone has any recommendations. This project will already require that I outsource a fair amount of machining and other things, so as I said it's not really important how costly it is. Also frankly, once I'm done with this thing I will be using it for not only this build, but all future builds, so it's a one time stupid investment for a really cool outcome on all my computers for now to hopefully forever (Barring occasional maintenance, repair, and replacement of defective or worn out parts). 

Anyway, if I 'must' provide more details I will... But I'm hoping this is enough to get the general idea of what I'm looking for.

[Daharen]

If I can modify this:
https://www.hydroma.eu/diverter-valve-3-way-25481.html

With this:
https://www.micromo.com/2224a003sr-22e-102-1-mg03.html#

I think I might have what I need... Just want to get a second opinion to see if it looks like the right size, and if that sort of modification seems possible?

[Daharen]

Scratch that, had to have the valve custom made... Good thing there are places that do that; however, it's the same principle, just with a 180 degree ball diverter, and G1/4"' 6/32 Thread on all three ends, without the handle so the motor can be directly attached without modification. Also picked a smaller DC motor that has a high gearhead ratio to allow 'reasonable speed' of switching settings, without taking up a ton of room, and allowing the direction of rotation to be altered by changing the current polarity, which would be necessary to turn the valve both directions. It will actually be about the same size as a normal valve fitting, but with added features. I'll just have to make the device that controls them remotely do the polarity switching so it doesn't make them too large... That shouldn't be TOO hard though... 

If anyone finds any solutions that require less work, I'd love to hear them, but this does seem like it's what I was looking for... Thanks to the people who read this post anyway. 

Custom Valves:
https://www.specialtymfg.com/configurator-3-way-metal-ball-valve/

Micro Motors:
https://www.micromo.com/1512u003sr-112-1.html

[For Science!]

2 hours ago, Daharen said:

 

Four solenoid ball valves. Maybe two is enough.

 

https://modmymods.com/alphacool-solenoid-valve-chrome-17358.html

[Daharen]

On 4/12/2019 at 1:08 AM, For Science! said:

Four solenoid ball valves. Maybe two is enough.

 

https://modmymods.com/alphacool-solenoid-valve-chrome-17358.html

That is awsome, and WAY cheaper than my solution even though I'll have to buy two for each cross instead of one (The motor alone that I was looking at cost $110.00 before I even purchase the Y valves). Saved me a ton of money, I just need to get a controller now or make one myself and pair it to windows power profiles to change the flow between loops.