Method and system for assessing energy performance of a pumping unit

Abstract

A method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit includes the steps of: obtaining a first value associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, the at least one pair of parameters being measured during testing of the pumping unit, the first value indicating the optimal operating state of the pumping unit. The method further includes the step of: obtaining a second value associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, the at least one pair of parameters being measured during initial verification of the operation of the pumping unit in a system where it is intended to be used, the second value indicating the initial operation of the pumping unit in the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, wherein the pumping unit includes a pump and an actuator component adapted to drive the pump to move. Background Technology

[0002] It has long been recognized that the operation of pumps, especially electric pumps, in their operating systems needs to be monitored to prevent malfunctions and system downtime. Malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors, such as structural defects in electric pump components or system-related problems (pipeline leaks, dynamic water level changes in the sump over time, etc.).

[0003] Therefore, various systems and related methods have been developed to monitor pump operation.

[0004] International application WO2020253926 discloses a computer-implemented system for controlling and monitoring a pump system. The system includes: at least one pump; a sensor adapted to provide signals characterizing the pump's operating state from mechanical, fluid, and electrical perspectives; and a control module arranged to control the pump's state in response to received signals. The system also envisions a digital module including an application programming interface (API) for processing data and an archive for receiving signals indicating the pump's operating state and storing the data. The digital module communicates with a chatbot agent configured to communicate with both the API and a user. Upon a user request, the chatbot agent uses the digital module's API to retrieve information from the archive to provide information about the pump's current or historical state and sends control signals to the pump system to set the pump to the requested operating state. The chatbot agent assists the user in identifying the correct control parameters to send control signals to the pump system to modify its operating state. The digital module can predict the pump's future operating conditions based on data from the archive or from the sensor, using machine learning algorithms or artificial intelligence.

[0005] International application WO2023 / 020998 illustrates another example of a method for monitoring electric pumps. This method aims to detect faults in centrifugal pumps, particularly blockages in the impeller components, and envisions assessing at least one harmonic of the current in the electric motor driving the pump. The method is based on the fact that mechanical damage to the pump or drive motor affects certain frequencies in the current spectrum. This method is implemented in a pump data processing unit or an external data processing unit. Furthermore, a system is disclosed that includes a pump implementing the above method to calculate a damage factor and transmit this damage factor to a cloud-based external unit via a gateway.

[0006] The solutions developed for monitoring pumps are primarily designed to check for pump malfunctions, but are not specifically designed to reduce energy consumption.

[0007] Patent application GB 2313197 discloses a method for evaluating pump performance, which envisions determining the pump's flow rate and measuring its head. The method then envisions comparing the flow rate and head results with flow rate and head data obtained under initial or optimal conditions. The step of determining the pump flow rate envisions acquiring the pump's power consumption information and reading the corresponding flow rate value from a curve provided by the manufacturer, followed by appropriate calculations to obtain a more accurate flow rate value.

[0008] The limitation of the disclosed method is its inability to provide sufficiently accurate evaluations. This is because the method requires assessing issues with the installed system to compare the power consumed with manufacturer-measured power or a manufacturer-provided power-flow curve, which can introduce errors. For example, any power losses in the system or other issues that might affect power consumption must be considered. Furthermore, the method assumes measuring the head, meaning that corresponding calculations must be performed based on the system pressure. This latter aspect can further introduce errors when evaluating pump performance.

[0009] Energy efficiency is of paramount importance in the industrial sector, especially in recent years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new pump monitoring solutions to minimize energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The objective of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by designing a method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, which allows for the optimization of energy consumption related to the management of a system in which the unit is installed.

[0011] Within this scope of the task, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, which provides monitoring operators with direct and easily understandable information so that any corrective measures can be taken to reduce energy consumption.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to design a method that can accurately evaluate the energy performance of a pumping unit.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to design a method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, which allows for an extension of the service life of the pumping unit.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for identifying any faults in a pumping unit.

[0015] According to the present invention, the objective can be achieved by the method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit according to claim 1, the system for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit according to claim 9, and the computer program according to claim 12.

[0016] A method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit using a computer includes the following steps: obtaining a first value associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, the at least one pair of parameters being measured during testing of the pumping unit, the first value indicating the optimal operating state of the pumping unit.

[0017] Preferably, the first value is measured during the testing of the pumping unit in accordance with procedures prescribed by current regulations. The method then envisions the following steps: obtaining a second value associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, said at least one pair of parameters being measured during initial verification of the operation of the pumping unit in the system to which it is intended to be used, the second value indicating the initial operation of the pumping unit in the system.

[0018] The step of obtaining a second value related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit during the initial verification of the operation of the pumping unit in the system enables the pumping unit to be "contextualized" in the system in a simple and accurate manner.

[0019] The method envisions comparing the first value with the second value and deriving a reference value that indicates the difference between the first value and the second value.

[0020] During the use of the pumping unit in the system, the method envisions continuously acquiring a third value related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit.

[0021] Finally, the method includes the following steps: continuously comparing the third value with the second value, and reporting an anomaly if the difference between the third value and the second value is greater than a determined reference value.

[0022] This method can optimize energy consumption because it envisions continuously comparing a third value and a second value, thereby having a reference value that must not be exceeded, the third value providing information about the operating point of the pumping unit.

[0023] It should be noted that the advantage of the method according to the invention lies in: obtaining a first value related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit measured during testing of the pumping unit, and obtaining a second value related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit measured during initial operational verification of the pumping unit in its intended system, and then comparing the second value with the first value. Obtaining reference values ​​by comparing the first and second values ​​makes the method simple and easy to implement, because by simply using these reference values, a third value of at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit obtained during the usage phase can be compared with the second value to obtain information about the energy performance of the pumping unit in the system. It should be noted that the obtained pumping unit parameters—for example, gauge pressure and flow rate for the second and third values—are sufficient to assess the correct operation of the system without requiring further information about the system, and therefore no in-depth understanding of the system is necessary. If the obtained pumping unit parameters include head and flow rate for the first value, gauge pressure and flow rate for the second and third values, and absorbed power, an assessment of the system's energy performance can be performed. This last point is important because reducing the number of parameters acquired lowers the likelihood of measurement errors, thus leading to more accurate assessments of energy performance.

[0024] Another aspect that needs to be emphasized is that the first parameter value of the pumping unit is used to interpret the parameter values ​​obtained during use by comparing these values ​​with the second parameter value to obtain a reference value. During use, operators can simplify operations by simply using the second and third parameter values ​​related to the pumping unit in the system.

[0025] Preferably, in the case of the first value, the parameters include the head and flow rate of the pumping unit.

[0026] Preferably, in the cases of the second and third values, the parameters include gauge pressure and flow rate. It is important to note that gauge pressure refers to the pressure measured by a sensor located at the delivery section of the pumping unit. The advantage of this is that these values ​​are obtained directly from the system. Therefore, operators do not need to use other data, such as system pressure drop, thereby reducing the possibility of errors in the data entry process or due to insufficient understanding of the system.

[0027] The method of this invention greatly simplifies the work of operators in verifying the operation of the pumping unit because it effectively provides information on potential deviations between the gauge pressure, flow rate, and preferably absorbed power values ​​collected by sensors present in the system and the same values ​​measured during the initial verification of the pumping unit's operation in the system. Such deviations can be caused by a variety of factors, such as wear and tear on the pump and / or motor.

[0028] Preferably, the parameters also include one or more of the following parameters: the absorption power of the pumping unit, temperature, and vibration state.

[0029] Advantageously, if an electric pump controlled by the device is used to change the speed of the motor component associated with the pump, the method envisions performing the steps of obtaining a first value and obtaining a second value at a first predetermined frequency, respectively, and further includes the step of processing the first and second values ​​by a similarity law to obtain corresponding first and second values ​​at a second frequency different from the first predetermined frequency.

[0030] The method also envisions comparing the third value with a predetermined value that defines the performance range of the pumping unit, the predetermined value including a minimum flow rate (Q). min Maximum flow (Q) max The pumping unit operates at maximum hydraulic efficiency with a flow rate (Q). BEP The pumping unit operates at 75% of the flow rate measured at maximum hydraulic efficiency (Q). PL（部分负荷） The flow rate (Q) is 110% of the flow rate measured at maximum hydraulic efficiency by the pumping unit. OL（过负荷） ).

[0031] The above steps can easily verify whether the pumping unit is in Q PL and Q OL It operates within the optimal energy consumption range. Furthermore, it can be verified whether the pumping unit's operating flow rate is close to the maximum performance flow rate Q. BEP .

[0032] Preferably, the method includes the step of defining curves for the first value and the second value, respectively.

[0033] Preferably, the method includes the step of defining a polynomial equation associated with a trend line fitted to the curves for the first value and the second value, respectively.

[0034] Preferably, the method also envisions displaying, via a user interface, a third and second value of the pumping unit's parameters at a predetermined time, particularly gauge pressure, flow rate, and preferably, the absorbed power.

[0035] Preferably, the third value represents the operating point of the pumping unit at a predetermined time.

[0036] Preferably, the method envisions displaying the operating point at a predetermined time and a trend line fitted to the curve of the second value of the pumping unit via the user interface. Displaying the data via the user interface helps the operator understand the data.

[0037] Preferably, the method envisions displaying, in real time, a trend line fitted to the third value and the curve with respect to the second value via the user interface.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a system for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, the system comprising a sensor device configured to measure values ​​associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit.

[0039] Preferably, the system includes a transmission device configured to transmit the values ​​measured by the sensor device to a processing device.

[0040] Preferably, the system includes the processing device configured to perform the aforementioned steps of the method, particularly the following steps: acquiring a first value and a second value; comparing the first value with the second value and deriving a reference value indicating the difference between the first value and the second value; during the use phase of the pumping unit, continuously acquiring a third value associated with at least one pair of parameters, continuously comparing the third value with the second value, and reporting an anomaly if the difference is greater than the determined reference value.

[0041] Preferably, the processing device is contained within a cloud platform.

[0042] Preferably, the sensor device includes at least one flow sensor and at least one pressure sensor.

[0043] The sensor device may also include a temperature measurement sensor and / or a sensor for measuring the vibration state of the pump or the motor component that drives the pump.

[0044] Preferably, the system further includes sensor devices for measuring the following parameters: power factor, current asymmetry, isolation, phase sequence, and phase loss. In the case of a submersible electric pump, the system also includes a device for monitoring whether the waterproofing of the motor housing has failed. If an electric pump is used, the system may also include a control device for changing the speed of the electric motor component driving the electric pump.

[0045] Preferably, the system includes a user interface accessible to an operator responsible for managing the system equipped with the pumping unit. This user interface may be an interface of an electronic device that communicates with the processing unit, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

[0046] Preferably, the user interface can display a third value of the pumping unit parameters in real time, particularly the gauge pressure and flow rate at a predetermined time, which represents the operating point of the pumping unit, as well as a trend line related to the second value of the pumping unit.

[0047] Preferably, the user interface may also display information about the number of operating hours of the pumping unit and / or the total number of starts and / or the number of starts that occur within a predetermined time interval, preferably one hour.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions that, when run by an electronic computer, cause the electronic computer to perform the following steps: acquiring a first value and a second value; comparing the first value with the second value and deriving a reference value indicating the difference between the first value and the second value; and, during the use phase of the pumping unit, continuously acquiring a third value associated with at least one pair of parameters and continuously comparing the third value with the second value, and reporting an anomaly if the difference is greater than the determined reference value. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The details of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit according to the invention, an example of which is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A block diagram of the method according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two curves showing the relationship between the pumping unit's head / gauge pressure and flow rate under different operating conditions, and two curves showing the relationship between the power absorbed by the electric pump and flow rate under different operating conditions; Figure 4 Two curves are shown that are obtained under different operating conditions and are related to the pumping unit's head / gauge pressure as a function of flow rate. The curves indicate the operating point of the pumping unit at a predetermined time and some characteristic points of the pumping unit's performance range. Figure 5 Two curves are shown, obtained under different operating conditions, relating the power absorbed by the electric pump to the flow rate, with the operating point of the electric pump at a predetermined time marked. Figure 6 The curves showing the relationship between the gauge pressure of the pumping unit and the flow rate are shown, indicating the operating point of the pumping unit at a predetermined time and some characteristic points of the performance range of the pumping unit. Figure 7 The curve showing the relationship between the power absorbed by the electric pump and the flow rate is shown, with the operating point of the electric pump marked. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Referring specifically to these figures, the overall diagram is represented by 1 to indicate the steps of the method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit according to the present invention.

[0051] A pumping unit is a unit that includes a pump and an actuator component, wherein the actuator component is used to drive the pump. The actuator component can be, for example, an endothermic motor, a hydraulic motor, or an electric motor.

[0052] Preferably, this method is applicable to monitoring and managing electric pumps, i.e., pumping units comprising a pump and an electric motor component for driving the pump. Obviously, this method can also be applied to other types of pumping units.

[0053] In the following description, the term "electric pump" refers to a pumping unit that includes an electric motor and a pump.

[0054] The method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit is implemented using a computer.

[0055] The method first envisions obtaining initial values ​​for at least one pair of pumping unit parameters, which are measured during testing of the pumping unit (step a). This testing is preferably conducted in the pump manufacturer's testing laboratory. Best practice is to perform the test according to the UNI EN ISO 9906 standard procedure.

[0056] Figures 2 to 5 The first value, represented by a diamond symbol, indicates that the pumping unit is in optimal operating condition.

[0057] The first value is provided to the customer by the manufacturer, and the first value is related to the pumping unit selected by the customer based on their system requirements.

[0058] The method then envisions obtaining second values ​​associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, wherein these parameters were measured during initial verification of the operation of the pumping unit in the system to which it is intended to be used. In practice, the pumping unit is installed in the system to which it will be used and operationally verified, and the aforementioned second values ​​are measured (step b). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The symbols in the middle are represented by circles and triangles, respectively.

[0059] The second value can verify how the system and the pumping unit interact through mutual influence, and thus, the impact of the system on the pumping unit can be assessed.

[0060] For the first value, this parameter includes the head ( Figure 2 and Figure 4 (represented by H) and flow rate ( Figures 2 to 7 (represented by Q). For the second value, this parameter includes the gauge pressure measured at the delivery section of the pumping unit ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 (represented by H) and flow rate ( Figures 2 to 7(represented by Q). For electric pumps, parameters may also include the power consumed as the flow rate varies (Q). Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 (denoted by P). The above parameter values ​​are measured by a dedicated sensor (not shown in the figure) and collected for subsequent processing.

[0061] It should be noted that, Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The value represented by the symbol H must be interpreted differently for the first and second values. For the first value, the value H refers to the total head, which is defined as the difference in energy possessed by the fluid between the pump's delivery port and suction port.

[0062] For the second value, the value H refers to the delivery gauge pressure, because the operator responsible for verifying the operation of the pumping unit in the system will obtain the value measured by the pressure sensor installed at the delivery section of the pumping unit. The advantage of using the delivery gauge pressure value is that these values ​​are obtained directly from the system. This avoids the operator using other data, such as system pressure drop, thus reducing the probability of errors, such as errors during data entry or due to insufficient understanding of the system.

[0063] In the following disclosure, the term "head" is used for the first value, and the term "gauge pressure" is used for the second value and the third value, which will be explained below. These terms should be interpreted according to the limitations given above.

[0064] Advantageously, corresponding curves are defined for the first and second values, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, curve 1 represents the first value, and curve 2 represents the second value.

[0065] This method also envisions processing each curve to generate a trend line that fits to that curve. Then, for the first and second values, the coefficient values ​​of the polynomial that analytically describes the relative trend line are obtained. Figures 2 to 5 In the diagram, the trend lines associated with the corresponding polynomial equations are labeled as polynomial 1 corresponding to the first value and polynomial 2 corresponding to the second value.

[0066] The next step envisions comparing the first value with the second value and deriving a set of reference values ​​that correspond to the domains of the first and second values, respectively (step c). The domain refers to a predetermined range of flow values ​​within which both the first and second values ​​are defined.

[0067] Specifically, the difference between the first and second values ​​is calculated. For the head / gauge pressure and flow rate values, the equal flow pressure difference between the first and second value curves within the defined domain is calculated. The recorded pressure difference is used to define polynomial 3, not shown in the figure, which includes reference values. Specifically, the coefficients of polynomial 3 are calculated as the difference between the coefficients of polynomial 1 and polynomial 2. These reference values ​​are used not only to evaluate the energy performance of the pumping unit but also to evaluate the efficiency of the system and / or the pumping unit.

[0068] The steps described above allow for the calibration of a system equipped with a pumping unit and define reference values ​​that will be used in subsequent operational sections. More specifically, the second value and polynomial 2 represent the optimal operating condition of the pumping unit within its system, while polynomial 3 allows for the correlation between the performance of the pumping unit in the system and the performance of the pumping unit as measured by the manufacturer in its testing laboratory, thereby explaining the energy performance of the pumping unit during its use.

[0069] This method envisions continuously acquiring a third value (step d) related to paired pump parameters during the usage phase of the pumping unit in the system.

[0070] For the third value, the parameters are gauge pressure and flow rate, where the delivery gauge pressure is measured by a pressure sensor device installed at the pump delivery section.

[0071] Finally, the method envisions continuously comparing the third value with the second value to verify the degree of deviation between the performance of the pumping unit in operation and the performance measured during the initial verification of the pumping unit's operation in the system. If the deviation from the second value is greater than a predefined reference value, an operational anomaly is reported (step e). It should be noted that the deviation from the second value may be due to different system operating methods, normal wear and tear over time, and any abnormal conditions that occur during operation.

[0072] The exception is reported automatically, for example, through information displayed on the user interface.

[0073] These parameters are measured using a special sensor device, as detailed below.

[0074] The third value, related to the gauge pressure and flow rate parameters, indicates the operating point of the pumping unit; therefore, this third value needs to be compared with the corresponding second value in the parameters. This allows for the assessment of the deviation of the operating point from the second value.

[0075] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7These graphs illustrate the trends of gauge pressure and absorption power with flow rate, respectively. The operating point (symbol x) of the pumping unit, measured at a predetermined time, is also marked in the graphs. Polynomial 2 is also shown, analytically describing the relative trend line fitted to the curve of the second value. The method aims to calculate the deviation of the operating point relative to polynomial 2 and assess whether this deviation exceeds a predetermined reference value.

[0076] The method also envisions comparing a third value, namely the operating point of the pumping unit at a predetermined time, with predetermined values ​​that limit the performance range of the pumping unit. These predetermined values ​​include: minimum flow rate Q. min Maximum flow rate Q max The maximum efficient flow rate Q of the pumping unit BEP（最佳效率点） At the maximum efficiency flow rate Q BEP Under these conditions, the pumping unit operates at maximum hydraulic efficiency; flow rate Q PL（部分负荷） At this flow rate, the pumping unit operates at 75% of the flow rate measured at maximum hydraulic efficiency; flow rate Q OL（过负荷） At this flow rate, the pumping unit operates at 110% of the flow rate measured at maximum hydraulic efficiency. The maximum efficiency flow point Q is determined according to the instructions and regulations of the European Commission and the relevant US regulatory bodies. BEP The percentages of 75% and 110% are used to identify the optimized / high-efficiency operating areas of the pumping unit for energy-saving purposes.

[0077] Comparing the third value, representing the operating point of the pumping unit at a predetermined time, with key performance indicators of the pumping unit is crucial for obtaining different types of information, such as information about the pumping unit's energy consumption, performance, and proper usage. Of particular importance is that the pumping unit should always operate at its maximum flow rate Q. max With minimum flow Q min They operate between these points to avoid reliability issues with the pumping unit itself.

[0078] If the operating flow rate of the pumping unit is close to the flow rate Q BEP This indicates that it is operating at maximum efficiency; while the flow rate Q PL Q OL The operating range of the pumping unit is defined in order to achieve optimal energy consumption.

[0079] The method also envisions automatically reporting detected anomalies after comparing a third value with a value that limits the performance range of the pump.

[0080] If the system is equipped with an electric pump controlled by a device for changing the speed of the motor components associated with the pump, the method envisions performing steps a and b at a first predetermined frequency and processing the first and second values ​​by a similarity law to obtain corresponding first and second values ​​at a second frequency different from the first predetermined frequency (step f).

[0081] The present invention also relates to a system for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, which is not shown in the figures.

[0082] The system includes a sensor device configured to acquire values ​​related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, including the gauge pressure and flow rate of the pumping unit.

[0083] The sensor device includes at least one flow sensor and at least one pressure sensor. The sensor device may include an electricity meter. If an electricity meter is used, in addition to the flow rate and meter pressure values, the values ​​of a first flow rate and a second flow rate, as well as the power value, are also collected, as previously described (see [link to previous description]). Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 ).

[0084] The sensor device may include a temperature measurement sensor and / or a sensor for measuring the vibration state of the pump or the motor component that drives the pump.

[0085] The sensor device is arranged in the system where the pumping unit is installed and is configured to transmit measured parameter values ​​of the pumping unit parameters to the system processing unit, preferably via a dedicated transmission device. This transmission device may include a data acquisition and transmission router.

[0086] In the case of using an electric pump, the system may also include a control device for changing the speed of the electric motor components adapted to drive the electric pump.

[0087] The system includes the processing apparatus described above for performing steps a to e of the method.

[0088] According to one implementation, the processing device is part of a cloud platform. The platform includes at least one archive containing parameter values ​​of the pumping unit, specifically first, second, and third values.

[0089] It is conceivable that the system includes a user interface accessible to an operator responsible for managing the system equipped with the pumping unit. This user interface could be an interface to an electronic device that communicates with the processing unit, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

[0090] The user interface can display the third value of the pumping unit's parameters in real time, especially the gauge pressure and flow rate at predetermined times, which represent the operating point of the pumping unit, as well as a trend line related to the second value of the pumping unit (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0091] The user interface allows for the real-time display of more parameters, such as temperature, current, voltage, power, power factor, current asymmetry, isolation measurement, phase sequence, phase loss, and pump vibration status, provided that the corresponding sensor devices are present in the system.

[0092] In addition, information on the operating hours of the pumping unit and / or the total number of starts and / or the number of starts that occur at predetermined time intervals, preferably within one hour, can be displayed on the user interface.

[0093] The interface also provides access to previous information about the system, indicating the efficiency status of each quantity measured by the sensor devices discovered during operation.

[0094] The system also includes an electrical control panel, which preferably includes a power meter.

[0095] Another object of the present invention is a computer program containing instructions that, when run by an electronic computer, will execute steps a to e of the method.

[0096] The method, the subject of this invention, achieves the goal of optimizing energy consumption because it envisions continuously comparing a third value measured at a certain moment, indicating the operating point, with a second value, or better yet, with a trend line fitted to these second values, thereby providing a usable reference value. Monitoring that the pumping unit operates within acceptable reference values ​​means that the pumping unit not only meets sustainability requirements in terms of energy consumption but is also operating correctly.

[0097] The advantage of this invention lies in the continuous comparison between the operating point of the pumping unit and the flow rate that defines its performance range. This allows for easy verification of whether the pumping unit is operating at its optimal energy consumption level (Q). PL With Q OL It operates within a range between [specific values]. This information is provided to monitoring operators in a simple manner. Additionally, it allows verification that the workload is approaching the maximum performance workload Q. BEP .

[0098] It is important to note that the deviation of the pumping unit's operating point from the trend line described by the relative polynomial of the second value provides information about whether there is a problem with the pumping unit itself or the system in which it is located. If the operating point initially lies on the polynomial but gradually deviates from it over time, it may indicate a malfunction in the pumping unit or a problem with the system, such as wear, leakage, or damage to certain components.

[0099] This continuous monitoring achieves the goal of extending the service life of the pumping unit because it constantly verifies whether the pumping unit is operating at its optimal state, as close as possible to its maximum performance point. In fact, pumping unit failures often stem from poor management, or their shortened lifespan if the unit's performance is far from optimal. Ensuring the pumping unit operates at maximum efficiency means extending its service life and, assuming no structural defects, preventing failure.

[0100] The system described in the example can be modified and varied in many ways to meet different needs.

[0101] In practical applications of this invention, the materials, shape, and size used can be arbitrarily selected as needed.

[0102] Where reference marks are appended to the technical features mentioned in each claim, these reference marks are only used to enhance the understanding of the claims, and therefore they do not limit the scope of each element illustrated by these reference marks.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit using a computer, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: a. Obtain a first value associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, the at least one pair of parameters being measured during testing of the pumping unit, the first value indicating optimal operation of the pumping unit; b. Obtain a second value associated with at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit, the at least one pair of parameters being measured during initial verification of the operation of the pumping unit in the system in which the pumping unit is intended to be used, the second value indicating the initial operation of the pumping unit in the system; c. Compare the first value with the second value and derive a reference value that indicates the difference between the first value and the second value; d. During the usage phase of the pumping unit in the system, a third value related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit is continuously acquired; e. Continuously compare the third value with the second value, and report an anomaly if the difference between the third value and the second value is greater than a determined reference value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method is performed at a preset first frequency, and includes an additional step f following steps b and d: processing the first and second values ​​using a similarity law to obtain corresponding first and second values ​​at a second frequency different from the first predetermined frequency.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the case of the first value, the parameters include the head and flow rate of the pumping unit; in the cases of the second and third values, the parameters include gauge pressure and flow rate.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The parameters include one or more of the following: the absorption power of the pumping unit, temperature, and vibration state.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method also envisions comparing the third value with a predetermined value that defines the performance range of the pumping unit, the predetermined value including: minimum flow rate (Q min Maximum flow (Q) max The pumping unit operates at its maximum hydraulic efficiency with a flow rate (Q). BEP The pumping unit operates at a flow rate (Q) relative to 75% of the flow rate measured at maximum hydraulic efficiency. PL（部分负荷） The pumping unit operates at a flow rate (Q) that is 110% of the flow rate measured at maximum hydraulic efficiency. OL（过负荷） ).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes the step of defining curves for the first value and the second value, respectively.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The method envisions displaying, via a user interface, the third value of the parameters of the pumping unit and a trend line fitted to the curve of the second value of the pumping unit, the third value representing the operating point of the pumping unit at a predetermined time.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The method includes the step of defining a polynomial equation associated with a trend line fitted to the curves for the first value and the second value, respectively.

9. A system for evaluating the energy performance of a pumping unit, the system comprising: A sensor device configured to measure values ​​related to at least one pair of parameters of the pumping unit; A processing apparatus configured to perform steps a to e of the method according to claim 1; A transmission device configured to transmit the value measured by the sensor device to the processing device.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The sensor device includes at least one flow sensor and at least one pressure sensor.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The pumping unit is an electric pump, and the system includes a control device for changing the speed of the motor component of the electric pump.

12. A computer program comprising instructions that, when run by an electronic computer, cause the electronic computer to perform steps a to e of the method according to claim 1.

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