Method for configuring a pump, pump configured by implementing the method, and system comprising such a pump

Abstract

The method (101) comprises: (101) reading an identifier of a first pump; (102) searching the identifier in a table matching the identifier of the pump with a corresponding pump type code; (104) retrieving from the table a pump type code corresponding to the identifier; (106) inputting the pump type code into a second pump; storing a plurality of pump performance curves in the second pump. The method (101) further comprises: (108) selecting at least one set of pump performance curves corresponding to the pump type code among the plurality of pump performance curves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for configuring a pump. This disclosure also relates to a pump designed to be configured by implementing this method. This disclosure further relates to a system including such a pump.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of pumps and methods for configuring such pumps, particularly circulating pumps for hydraulic systems, heating or hot water circulation systems. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, to replace the first pump in a hydraulic system with a second pump to be connected, maintenance personnel must first perform a configuration procedure that involves analyzing the first pump to obtain its operating parameters and then configuring the second pump based on those parameters. Because hydraulic systems have many different configurations, there may be numerous sets of possible operating parameters, which complicates the configuration procedure.

[0004] Some known replacement pumps (second pumps) are available with a given number of pump profiles for users to choose from. However, these pump profiles are typically only approximations of the actual operating parameters of the first pump to be replaced. This complicates the configuration process and can potentially reduce the efficiency and even lifespan of the hydraulic system. Furthermore, pump manufacturers or distributors must supply a large number of pumps with diverse characteristics to ensure users can correctly configure the second pump.

[0005] A large number of pump profiles are needed for the replacement pump to mimic the numerous possible operating parameters of all existing first pumps. However, providing such a large number of pump profiles would require the second pump to be equipped with expensive memory to store the enormous amount of data. Furthermore, configuring the second pump and finding the appropriate profile among the vast number of profiles can be a lengthy and complex process for maintenance personnel. This might require an expensive and cumbersome user interface to help users navigate through all the pump profiles.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a simplified configuration method and a more versatile replacement pump, while maintaining reasonable pump cost, maintainability and / or footprint. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The first objective of this invention is to provide a universal method for configuring a pump that is easy to operate and allows for the replacement of many existing pumps, while the cost, maintainability, and / or footprint of the pump are reasonable. According to this objective, a method for configuring a pump, preferably a circulating pump, is provided, comprising: - Read the identifier of the first pump. - Search for the identifier in the table that matches the pump identifier with the corresponding pump type code. - Retrieve the pump type code corresponding to the identifier from the table. - Enter the pump type code into the second pump. In this process, multiple pump performance curves are stored in the second pump, and The method also includes: - Select at least one set of pump performance curves from the plurality of pump performance curves that corresponds to the pump type code.

[0008] Therefore, the first pump can be easily analyzed, and the multiple pump performance curves stored in the second pump make it possible to simulate a large number of first pumps. Preferably, the first pump can be the pump to be replaced, and the second pump can be the replacement pump. The first or second pump can be a pump that drives a mixing circuit, a boiler pump, or a stand-alone circulation pump located outside the boiler or other equipment for circulating water in a heating system.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: configuring a second pump to operate according to the set of pump performance curves.

[0010] Thus, once the second pump is configured, it can operate like the first pump, for example, in a hydraulic system.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the multiple pump performance curves may include multiple data points, including: - The motor speed of the second pump motor, - Predefined maximum motor speed - Predefined minimum motor speed - The head value of the second pump, and - Motor power limits: At a given head value, the speed of each motor is lower than the corresponding motor power limit. Selecting at least one set of pump performance curves may include associating the head value with the motor speed value.

[0012] Therefore, such values ​​can define many pump performance curves for controlling the second pump. The motor speed is preferably given in rpm.

[0013] In some implementations, the predefined minimum and maximum values ​​of the motor speed may differ from the boundaries applicable in the global configuration of the pump in other operating modes.

[0014] According to an alternative to the foregoing embodiments, the plurality of pump performance curves may include i) a mathematical model, ii) a motor speed value of the second pump's motor, and iii) a motor power limit; and selecting at least one set of pump performance curves may include applying the mathematical model to the motor speed value of the pump's motor to calculate the pump's head value, at which each motor speed value is lower than the corresponding motor power limit value.

[0015] Therefore, applying such a mathematical model allows for the generation of a large number of undefined pump performance curves based on a finite number of predefined values ​​or operating parameters, which in turn requires only a small amount of memory. Furthermore, this mathematical model also enables the realization of deceleration curves with relevant power limitations.

[0016] In some implementations, the mathematical model may consist of mathematical expressions or equations that model appropriate values ​​for motor speed and power limits. For example, the mathematical model may include at least one hydraulic affinity law.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the set of pump performance curves may include three or more pump performance curves, and the motor speed value may be associated with the head value such that the three or more pump performance curves are substantially equidistant, more preferably equidistant, in a graph representing the points of the three or more pump performance curves, such as a head-flow graph, at motor speeds close to or equal to zero.

[0018] Therefore, such equidistant pump performance curves can help users predict pump behavior when switching between three or more pump performance curves.

[0019] Optionally, the graph can show the relationship between head and motor speed (rpm-H), similar to a head-flow rate graph (QH). Furthermore, a zero motor speed corresponds to the valve downstream of the pump being closed, which can be used as a convenient reference point in the graph. The graph can be a line graph or a scatter plot.

[0020] As an alternative to the foregoing embodiments, the motor speed value may be associated with the head value such that the three or more pump performance curves in the diagram are spaced apart in a manner that causes the spacing between the three or more pump performance curves to increase or decrease when the motor speed is close to or equal to zero.

[0021] This increase or decrease in spacing can provide the user with a logarithmic pump behavior when switching between the three or more pump performance curves.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the set of pump performance curves may include one to nine pump performance curves, preferably two to five, and more preferably three or more.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the selection of at least one set of pump performance curves can be performed by actuating a user interface, preferably arranged on a second pump, the user interface including a single button, such as a touch button, a non-touch button, or a haptic button, the button preferably configured to shuffle increments in numbers displayed on the user interface, each increment incrementing by one.

[0024] Therefore, the user interface can be compact and easy to operate.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: displaying the pump type code on a display configured to display two or three symbols, preferably two symbols, such as numbers or hexadecimal symbols, the display preferably being arranged on a second pump.

[0026] Therefore, displaying it this way on the monitor can be very simple, while also helping users browse various pump performance curves.

[0027] In some implementations, the display may be configured to show two symbols, and the multiple pump performance curves may have dozens or hundreds of sets of pump performance curves.

[0028] Therefore, the amount of data to be stored in the second pump can be fixed, for example, a relatively small amount. The second pump may include a small-capacity memory.

[0029] In some implementations, each set of pump performance curves may include a limited number of pump performance curves, such as three.

[0030] In some implementations, the set of pump performance curves may be defined, for example, by calculation, when a user requests specific performance characteristics of the pump. Alternatively, all sets of pump performance curves may be defined, for example, by calculation, when a second pump is first configured for service.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the reading can be performed using a reading device, preferably a handheld reading device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and the reading device may include a software application configured to: - Used to perform operations on searching for identifiers in the table. - Used to retrieve the pump type code from the table, and / or - Used to input the pump type code into the second pump, the reading device and the second pump have corresponding communication ports suitable for sharing data.

[0032] Therefore, the user can quickly read the identifier of the first pump using the reading device.

[0033] As an alternative to handheld reading devices, the reading device can be a fixed reading device, such as a fixed RFID reader or a fixed computer.

[0034] As an alternative to using a reading device, users can visually search for identifiers in paper forms or web pages with URLs linking to the database. The user can then retrieve the pump type code.

[0035] In some implementations, the identifier can be an optically readable identifier. For example, the identifier can be selected from the group consisting of: barcodes, QR codes, product identification numbers, serial numbers, and product trade names. Some of these identifiers can be read visually. As an alternative to optically readable identifiers, the identifier can be a tag that can be read by electromagnetic waves, particularly radio waves, such as an RFID tag.

[0036] A second object of this disclosure is to provide a pump, preferably a circulating pump, which includes a display and is designed to be configured by implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein multiple pump performance curves are stored in the pump.

[0037] Therefore, this pump can be more versatile than known pumps when replacing the first pump, while maintaining reasonable cost, maintainability and / or footprint.

[0038] Preferably, the pump includes features of a second pump implemented in the first objective. The pump may advantageously include any, some, or all of the features of the aforementioned second pump. The pump may include a user interface, which may include or be adjoined by a display.

[0039] A third object of this disclosure is to provide a system comprising the pump and a reading device, preferably a handheld reading device.

[0040] Therefore, this system can help users quickly and easily replace pumps by implementing a method based on the first objective.

[0041] In this disclosure, the words “including,” “contains,” “has,” and their derivatives should be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive. The term “and / or” used in the context of “X and / or Y” should be interpreted as “X” or “Y” or “X and Y.” The adverb “substantially” can be interpreted as including a range of positive or negative 10% relative to a given value. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention will be described below, particularly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some of the foregoing objects, embodiments, and implementations of the invention, wherein: - Figure 1This is a schematic flowchart of a method for configuring a pump according to the present invention; - Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention, the system comprising, according to the present invention, using Figure 1 The replacement pump configured by the Chinese method; - Figure 3 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pump performance curve (head versus speed) of the replacement pump; - Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 2 More pump performance curves for medium-sized pumps (head versus speed). Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A method 101 for configuring a second pump 21 based on a first pump 1 is shown. Figure 2 A system 201 according to the invention is shown, which includes a pump 21. Method 101 can be performed to replace a first pump 1, such as a faulty pump, in a hydraulic system with a second pump 21 to be connected to the hydraulic system. In this example, the first pump 1 and the second pump 21 can be pumps that drive a mixed liquid circuit.

[0044] The first pump 1 and the second pump 21 may each include an impeller (not shown) for moving the liquid. Figure 2 As shown, the first pump 1 and the second pump 21 may be equipped with a first motor 2 and a second motor 22 for driving their respective impellers. The first pump 1 and / or the second pump 21 may include a first pump controller 4 and / or a second pump controller 24 designed to control the first motor 2 or the second motor 22 respectively; however, the old pump (the first pump) to be replaced may not have a pump controller.

[0045] The second pump 21 may also include a pump housing (not shown) for housing various components, particularly the impeller. The pump motor 22 may be arranged inside or outside the pump housing. The pump controller 24, memory, and sensors may be arranged inside or outside the pump housing. The pump controller 24 may be configured to feedback control the rotational speed of the pump motor 22, thereby feedback controlling the output flow rate of the second pump 21.

[0046] When put into use, the second pump 21 can be configured according to the following description. Figure 1 The described method 101 is used for configuration. Method 101 is preferably performed to configure the second pump 21 such that the second pump 21 can reproduce or mimic the operating behavior of the first pump 1. Method 101 can be easily performed in the field near the first pump 1.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, method 101 includes: - 102) Read identifier 3 of the first pump 1, - 104) Search for identifier 3 in the table that matches the identifiers of each pump with the corresponding pump type codes. - 106) Retrieve the pump type code corresponding to identifier 3 from the table. - 108) Enter the pump type code into the second pump 2.

[0048] Identifier 3 can be located within or above the first pump 1. The pump type code can be included in a table, which can be stored in appropriate storage space.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, identifier 3 may include an optically readable identifier, such as a QR code. Reading identifier 3 102 can be performed using a handheld reading device, such as a smartphone 51 with a camera. Smartphone 51 is part of system 201. Smartphone 51 may include a software application configured to: - An operation used to search for identifier 3 (104) in a table. - Operations for retrieving the 106 pump type code from the table, and - Used for inputting pump type code 108 into the second pump 21. To allow input of pump type codes, smartphone 51 and second pump 21 may have corresponding communication ports suitable for sharing data.

[0050] like Figure 3-4 The multiple pump performance curves shown are stored in the second pump 21. The storage of the pump performance curves can be done at the factory or at the distributor before performing method 101.

[0051] Method 101 also includes: - 110) Select at least one set of pump performance curves from the plurality of pump performance curves that corresponds to the pump type code. Therefore, method 101 allows for rapid analysis of the first pump 1, followed by selection of a set of pump performance curves. Method 101 can be used to replace the second pump 21, which can mimic the behavior of a large number of first pumps 1 that may need to be replaced.

[0052] Method 101 may also include: - 112) Configure the second pump 21 to operate according to the pump performance curve set. Once the second pump is configured, it can operate in the hydraulic system like the first pump.

[0053] The multiple pump performance curves may include data, including: - Motor speed value of motor 22 of the second pump 21, - Predefined maximum motor speed - Predefined minimum motor speed - The head value of the second pump 21, and - Motor power limits: At a given head value, the speed of each motor is less than the corresponding motor power limit.

[0054] Selecting a set of 110 pump performance curves can include: - 114) Associate the head value with the motor speed value.

[0055] Such values ​​can define many pump performance curves for controlling the second pump 21.

[0056] Figure 3-4 The high-pump performance curves for group 300 are shown in scatter plots. Figure 3 ) and low pump performance curve group 310 ( Figure 4 Both groups 300 and 310 can be selected to configure the second pump 21 via the aforementioned selected operation 110.

[0057] For each group 300 and 310, Figure 3-4 Both figures show the relationship between the head and the flow rate supplied by the second pump 21. The head H is in meters [m], and the flow rate Q is in cubic meters per hour [m³]. 3 The unit is [ / h]. The motor speed of the first motor 2 or the second motor 22 can be expressed in revolutions per minute [rpm]. The flow rate can be considered proportional to the motor speed of the second motor 22. Figure 3-4 In the example, the head H can range from 0 to 9 m, while the flow rate Q can range from 0 to 4 m³. 3 / h.

[0058] The present invention, particularly method 101, is not limited to small circulating pumps, as it can also be used to configure larger pumps that may be more powerful or provide higher head and / or faster rotation speed than the second pump 21.

[0059] Group 300 may include three high-pump performance curves 301, 302, and 303 (thick black lines), and group 310 may include three low-pump performance curves 311, 312, and 313 (thick black lines). Flow rate can be correlated with head, such that the high-pump performance curves 301, 302, and 303 are equally spaced when the flow rate is zero. Figure 3 Viewed along the longitudinal axis. Similarly, flow rate can be correlated with head, causing the low-flow pump performance curves 311, 312, and 313 to be equally spaced when the flow rate is zero. Figure 4 The view is taken along the longitudinal axis. Zero flow corresponds to a closed valve.

[0060] Motor power limits, which may be included in multiple pump performance curves, can help shape high pump performance curves 301, 302, and 303, especially in... Figure 3 On the right. In contrast, the low-pump performance curves 311, 312, and 313 can be selected to provide a relatively constant or as constant as possible head across all flow rates, rather than reaching motor power limits.

[0061] exist Figure 3-4 In the figure, more possible pump performance curves are represented by point series 304 and 314, respectively.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the selection of the pump performance curve set can be achieved through an actuated user interface 26. The user interface 26 is preferably arranged on the second pump 21. The user interface 26 may include a single button 28, which enhances the compactness of the user interface 26. The button 28 can be configured to increment the numbers displayed on the display 29 of the user interface 26 by one for each increment.

[0063] Method 101 may also include: - 116) Display the pump type code, such as two numbers "12", on display 29. Display 29 may be arranged on the second pump 21.

[0064] After group 300 or 310 has been selected, usually automatically, from multiple performance curves corresponding to the pump type code matching identifier 3 of the first pump 1, and after pump performance curves 301, 302, 303 or 311, 312, 313 have been generated or calculated, the user can select a curve from the corresponding pump performance curves 301, 302, 303 or 311, 312, 313, such as curve 302.

[0065] In other words, a specific pump type code can "activate" pump performance curves 301, 302, and 303, from which the user can then select via a suitable pump interface (e.g., a single button). Different pump type codes (e.g., another alternative case) can activate different pump performance curves, such as curves 311, 312, and 313, from which the user can select via the pump interface.

[0066] Display 29 can be configured to display two characters. Figure 2 In the example, it is "12", and multiple pump performance curves can have dozens or hundreds of sets of pump performance curves. Figure 1-4 In the example, the pump performance curve set can be fully defined, for example, when the second pump 21 is first configured to serve.

[0067] As previously described, the second pump 21 includes a display 29 and is designed to be configured via method 101, with multiple pump performance curves stored in the second pump 21. Therefore, the second pump 21 can be versatile, while offering reasonable cost, maintainability, and / or footprint.

[0068] The present disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not limited to the foregoing purposes, aspects, embodiments, and implementations, most or all of which can be combined. Therefore, the present disclosure is readily adaptable to various modifications and rearrangements in terms of design and materials. It should be particularly noted that the invention can be modified with respect to any dimensional relationships, components, materials, dimensions, shapes, and uses set forth herein.

Claims

1. A method (101) for configuring a pump (21), preferably a circulating pump, the method (101) comprising: - (102) Read the identifier (3) of the first pump (1). - (104) Search for the identifier (3) in the table that matches the pump identifier with the corresponding pump type code. - (106) Retrieve the pump type code corresponding to the identifier (3) from the table. - (108) Input the pump type code into the second pump (21), Among them, multiple pump performance curves are stored in the second pump (21), and The method (101) further includes: - (110) Select at least one group of pump performance curves (300, 310) that corresponds to the pump type code from the plurality of pump performance curves.

2. The method (101) according to claim 1 further includes: (112) Configure the second pump (21) to operate according to the set of pump performance curves.

3. The method (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple pump performance curves include data, which includes: - The motor speed value of the motor (22) of the second pump (21), - The predefined maximum value of the motor speed. - The predefined minimum value of the motor speed. - The head value of the second pump (21), and - Motor power limits: For a given head value, the motor speed value is less than the corresponding motor power limit. Selecting the at least one set of pump performance curves (300; 310) includes associating the head value with the motor speed value.

4. The method (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The multiple pump performance curves include i) a mathematical model, ii) the motor speed value of the motor of the second pump (21), and iii) the motor power limit. The selection (110) of the at least one set of pump performance curves (300; 310) includes applying the mathematical model to the motor speed value of the pump's motor in order to calculate the pump's head value, wherein each motor speed value is less than the corresponding motor power limit at a given head value.

5. The method (101) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The pump performance curve set includes three or more pump performance curves (301, 302, 303; 311, 312, 313), and The motor speed value is associated with the head value such that in a graph representing the points of the three or more pump performance curves (301, 302, 303; 311, 312, 313), for example in a head-flow graph, when the motor speed is close to or equal to zero, the three or more pump performance curves (301, 302, 303; 311, 312, 313) are substantially equally spaced, more preferably equally spaced.

6. The method (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pump performance curve set (300; 310) includes one to nine, preferably two to five, and more preferably three pump performance curves.

7. The method (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The selection of at least one set of pump performance curves (300; 310) is performed by actuating a user interface (26), which is preferably arranged on the second pump (21). The user interface (26) includes a single button (28), such as a touch button, a non-touch button, or a haptic button. The single button (28) is preferably configured to increment the numbers displayed on the user interface (26) by one for each increment.

8. The method (101) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: The pump type code (116) is displayed on a display (29), which is configured to display two or three characters, preferably two, such as numbers or hexadecimal characters, and the display (29) is preferably arranged on the second pump (21).

9. The method (101) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The reading (102) is performed by a reading device (51), which is preferably a handheld reading device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The reading device (51) includes a software application, which is configured to: - Used to search for the identifier (104) in the table. - Used to retrieve the pump type code from the table, and / or - For operation of inputting the pump type code into the second pump, the reading device (51) and the second pump (21) have corresponding communication ports suitable for sharing data.

10. A pump (21), preferably a circulating pump, including a display (29), the pump (21) being configured to perform the method (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of pump performance curves are stored in the pump (21).

11. A system (201) comprising a pump (21) according to claim 10 and a reading device (51), preferably a handheld reading device.

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