Flow rate modulation-based fluid state recovery system

Abstract

The present invention relates to fluid transfer technology, and more specifically, to a fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation that actively solves problems such as flow rate reduction, cavitation, and air lock occurring during the process of transferring a fluid in a gas-liquid mixed state or containing bubbles by variably controlling the drive output of a pump or the flow resistance of a flow control member over time. The fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation according to the present invention comprises: a pump that pumps and transfers a fluid; a sensing unit that detects the transfer state of the fluid through the pump; a judgment unit that determines whether the fluid transfer is normal using the detection result of the sensing unit; and a control unit that variably controls the driving output of the pump to induce abnormal flow in the fluid while substantially maintaining the fluid transfer function when the judgment unit determines that it is defective.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid transfer technology, and more specifically, to a fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation that actively solves problems such as flow rate reduction, cavitation, and air lock occurring during the process of transferring a fluid in a gas-liquid mixed state or containing bubbles by variably controlling the drive output of a pump or the flow resistance of a flow control member over time. Background Technology

[0003] When transferring a fluid in a gas-liquid mixture or one containing bubbles, problems such as a sudden drop and instability in flow rate due to bubble inflow, performance degradation and equipment damage caused by cavitation, inability to transfer fluid due to air lock, and a decrease in Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) occur.

[0004] To solve these problems, measures such as installing gas-liquid separators, reducing or stopping pump speeds, and operating multiple pumps in redundancy are used.

[0005] However, this method has limitations, such as failing to fundamentally solve the bubble problem and merely avoiding it, increasing the complexity and cost of the fluid transfer system structure, and hindering miniaturization due to the addition of large separation devices.

[0006] In particular, in fluid transfer systems with closed-loop structures or long or complex inflow paths, even if bubbles move upward due to buoyancy, they may fail to reach the storage section and remain in the middle of the path. This can lead to the formation of a 'loop trapping' condition where bubbles repeatedly re-enter the pump. In this case, simple pump stoppages or dual pump switching methods fail to effectively remove the bubbles and only induce temporary positional shifts, resulting in a problem of continuously recurring degradation of fluid transfer performance. This problem is not fundamentally resolved by existing gas-liquid separators, pump stoppages, or redundant operation methods, and acts as a factor increasing costs during system operation as follows.

[0007] If the aforementioned loop trapping condition persists, bubbles are repeatedly reintroduced into the pump, leading to sustained flow rate instability. Furthermore, the retention of bubbles within the closed loop structurally degrades heat exchange performance, and the accumulation of abnormal conditions causes pump impeller cavitation damage and reduced system availability. Particularly in environments where a closed-loop structure is essential—such as chemical recirculation loops in semiconductor process equipment, liquid cooling systems in data centers, and electrolyte circulation loops in water electrolysis devices—this issue can directly lead to system performance degradation and reduced production yield.

[0008] Conventionally, to resolve the problem of bubble retention within the closed loop mentioned above, various companies across the industry have attempted methods such as pressure difference-based separation using membranes, degassing using vacuum and heating, and pressure fluctuation attenuation methods that reduce pump pulsation pressure. However, these methods all correspond to approaches that passively separate and remove bubbles or pressure fluctuations, and allow for accumulation in environments where the re-entry rate exceeds the separation rate. The present invention is a structurally different, active induction-based solution structure that reduces the adhesion of bubbles and induces their detachment from the flow path by actively inducing abnormal flow based on the rate of change of flow velocity through temporally variable control of the pump's driving output or flow resistance.

[0010] In particular, in high-heat cooling systems, if these problems accumulate, the following economic losses may occur.

[0011] Reduced flow rate due to air bubble entrainment necessitates an increase in pump output to maintain the same cooling performance, which can lead to an increase in energy consumption of approximately 20–30%. Furthermore, reduced flow rate and heat transfer performance caused by air bubble entrainment can lower system efficiency by approximately 20–50%, which can directly result in increased energy costs and degraded equipment performance. In data centers and semiconductor processes, stopping pumps or shutting down the system to remove air bubbles can result in operational losses ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of won per single event.

[0012] Reduced flow rates and degraded heat transfer performance caused by air bubble entrainment in data centers and high-precision cooling systems have been reported in numerous studies and industrial cases, and are known to have a significant impact on system performance. In particular, since real-time recovery during operation is not easily achieved with conventional methods, temporary shutdowns or reliance on redundant equipment are often unavoidable. Among currently commercialized technologies, no technology capable of real-time recovery from air bubble circulation problems occurring in closed-loop structures has been identified during normal operation.

[0013] Conventional fluid control technology primarily focuses on maintaining a constant flow rate or pressure and does not include mechanisms to actively restore the reduction in Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) caused by bubble entrainment or negative pressure environments. In particular, conventional output control methods have limitations as they rely on passive avoidance techniques, such as reducing or stopping output to protect equipment in the event of abnormal conditions.

[0015] European Patent EP0665024A1, as prior art, includes a method for releasing bubbles by changing the rotational speed of a centrifugal pump once or intermittently at startup or at a specific point in time, but does not include a fluid state restoration mechanism through repetitive or continuous modulation during normal operation.

[0016] Another prior art, Chinese Patent CN105986864A, focuses on generating a pulse output of a constant period for the purpose of precise control of flow rate or improvement of energy transfer efficiency.

[0017] Another prior art, U.S. Patent US6364623B1, includes a structure for restoring bubbles by modulating the stroke after detecting bubbles in a piston (reciprocating) pump; however, this is limited to piston pumps in specific fields such as HPLC and does not include a configuration for restoring the fluid state by repeatedly modulating the output in real time during normal operation in general fluid transfer means, including rotary pumps.

[0018] Another prior art, U.S. Patent US3981618A, is a control method for fire pumps that periodically oscillates the rotational speed around the maximum speed for the purpose of maintaining maximum discharge pressure and protecting the engine and pump when engine overspeed conditions occur. Although US3981618A uses the common expression "speed oscillation," this involves changing the speed in an avoidant manner to prevent the engine from being overloaded, and does not intentionally create abnormal flow to discharge air bubbles within the fluid.

[0019] Another prior art, Korean Patent KR20150040220A, describes a method for discharging residual bubbles within a filter device out of a filter through a stepwise supply method in a semiconductor process processing fluid supply system, in which the processing fluid is supplied at a first flow rate and then increased to a second flow rate that is larger than the first. KR20150040220A increases the flow rate once in a single direction, and this control structure is fundamentally different from inducing abnormal flow by repeatedly modulating the output during normal operation. Furthermore, the target component is not a single filter but the entire loop.

[0020] Another prior art, European Patent EP2196678A1, describes a sensorless method for detecting cavitation or backflow conditions in variable-speed drive pumps by using changes in the RMS values ​​of the AC components of the torque estimate (T_est) and rotational speed estimate (n_est) of a frequency converter as characteristics. EP2196678A1 is a sensorless method intended only to protect the pump by detecting abnormal conditions and does not restore fluid transfer. The problem to be solved

[0022] The present invention is developed to solve the problems of the prior art. While the prior art is limited to avoiding or detecting abnormal conditions in fluid transfer, the present invention aims to provide a fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation that actively reshapes and restores the internal fluid state while maintaining normal operation.

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a flow rate modulation-based fluid state restoration fluid transfer system that eliminates bubble retention and restores the fluid transfer state by changing the physical state of the fluid through active modulation of the pump output, rather than simply avoiding bubbles or gas-liquid mixing states within the fluid.

[0024] The present invention aims to resolve structural problems caused by the blockage of bubble circulation within the closed loop, namely flow rate instability due to the re-entry of bubbles into the pump, reduced heat exchange efficiency, pump cavitation damage, and reduced system availability, in real time while maintaining normal operation. means of solving the problem

[0026] The fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to the present invention for solving the above problems is

[0027] A fluid transfer means comprising a pump for pumping fluid, a pipe connected to the pump through which the fluid is transferred, and a control member provided in the pipe to control the flow rate of the fluid being transferred;

[0028] A sensing unit that detects the fluid transfer state in the above fluid transfer means;

[0029] A judgment unit that determines whether fluid transfer is normal using the detection result of the above-mentioned detection unit;

[0030] It comprises a control unit that controls the pump or the control member to induce abnormal flow caused by the rate of change of fluid velocity while the fluid transfer function is substantially maintained when the above-mentioned judgment unit determines that it is defective.

[0032] And the 'induction of abnormal flow by the rate of change of flow velocity' by the control of the above-mentioned control unit is characterized by being repeatedly performed until it is determined to be normal by the above-mentioned judgment unit, and

[0034] The above pump, piping, or regulating member is characterized by having a collection space formed therein that collects bubbles and can discharge the collected bubbles to the outside.

[0036] To induce abnormal flow by the rate of change of flow velocity, the pump is characterized by variable control of its drive output to repeat a pattern of output reduction and restoration.

[0038] The variable control of the driving output of the above pump is characterized by repeating a primary output reduction to induce bubble movement, a secondary output reduction to induce bubble concentration and separation, maintaining a low output to induce bubble discharge, and increasing the output to remove residual bubbles and restore to the rated output.

[0040] The above-mentioned judgment unit makes a judgment based on a learning-based algorithm, and the algorithm is characterized by adaptively setting variable control conditions for the driving output of the pump according to the fluid state.

[0042] The above pump is characterized by including a first pump for maintaining the flow rate of the fluid being transported, and a second pump whose driving output is variably controlled to restore the fluid transport state. Effects of the invention

[0044] The fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation according to the present invention ensures the stability of fluid transfer by removing bubbles to prevent cavitation and airlock phenomena, and can restore the flow rate and energy efficiency reduction caused by bubbles in real time during operation. As such, it can structurally reduce operating costs resulting from space loss, energy loss, and operational interruptions that occur in conventional methods, and is a system capable of reducing costs and miniaturization through the simplification of the fluid transfer system structure, making it a highly useful invention for industrial development. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid transfer system for fluid state restoration based on flow rate modulation according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a cross-section of a pump. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating bubble generation, output modulation, and restoration in a pump. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output modulation waveform and a flow recovery timeline. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the fluid state restoration operation based on flow rate modulation. FIG. 6 is a diagram of the coordinated control configuration of the fluid transfer means. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0047] Hereinafter, a fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0049] Before describing the fluid transfer system based on flow velocity modulation for fluid state restoration according to the present invention in more detail,

[0050] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments (aspects or examples) are to be described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation according to the present invention includes a fluid transfer means (10), a sensing unit (20), a judgment unit (30), and a control unit (40).

[0054] The above fluid transfer means (10) includes a pump (11) for pumping fluid, a pipe (12) connected to the inlet (111) and outlet (112) of the pump (11) for transferring fluid, and a control member (13) provided in the pipe (12) for controlling the flow rate of the fluid being transferred.

[0055] The above-mentioned regulating member (13) may be a valve, a variable orifice, a variable venturi, a variable strainer, a bypass loop connected in parallel with the main flow path, a variable back pressure regulator, an air chamber, etc. The above-mentioned regulating member (13) may include any means capable of varying the flow resistance within the piping (12) over time, and the above-mentioned configurations are exemplary.

[0056] The present invention variably controls the driving output of the pump (11) or variably controls the flow rate (i.e., flow resistance) of the fluid being transported in the pipe (12) through the control member (13) to induce abnormal flow caused by the rate of change (dv / dt) of the fluid being transported, and accordingly, a pressure gradient is re-formed in the fluid, and then the bubble adhesion force is reduced so that the bubble is removed and the NPSH is actively restored.

[0057] Variable flow rate control of the above-mentioned control member (13) can be achieved through valve opening modulation, orifice cross-sectional area modulation, venturi cross-sectional area modulation, strainer pressure modulation, bypass loop flow rate modulation, back pressure modulation of back pressure regulator, air chamfering force modulation, etc.

[0058] When the above pump (11) maintains a rated operating state while variably controlling the flow rate of the control member (13), it may be advantageous in terms of the lifespan and heat burden of the pump (11). Additionally, when the flow rate of the control member (13) is variably controlled while variably controlling the driving output of the pump (11), the effect of the rate of change of flow velocity (dv / dt) is amplified, allowing fluid transfer to be restored more quickly.

[0060] The above pump (11) is configured to transport fluid through a pumping action and to variably control the driving output.

[0061] Here, the driving output is driving energy for transporting fluid and may include not only the rotational speed or torque of a rotary pump, but also the operating cycle, stroke, or compression speed of a reciprocating pump. Accordingly, the fluid transport means of the present invention can be applied not only to rotary pumps such as centrifugal pumps and gear pumps, but also to reciprocating pumps including diaphragm pumps.

[0062] A pipe (12) is connected to each of the inlet (111) and outlet (112) of the pump (11), and the pipe connected to the inlet (111) is introduced to the destination, and the pipe connected to the outlet (112) is introduced to the destination, thereby transporting fluid from the source to the destination.

[0063] In fluid transfer, bubbles adhere to the inner wall of the pump (11) and the inner wall of the pipe (12), causing problems. The pump (11) according to the present invention solves the problem by variably controlling the driving output to remove bubbles attached to the inner wall of the pump (11) or the inner wall of the pipe (12).

[0064] The pump (11) may be configured such that an inlet (111) is located in the upper direction of the housing, and a collection space may be formed inside the pump (11) so that bubbles (1) can move upward and be collected. The internal structure of the housing induces bubbles (1) to move upward due to changes in fluid inertia and pressure gradient that occur when the output of the pump (11) is modulated, and allows the moved bubbles to be discharged to the outside through the inlet (111) or a separate discharge path.

[0065] A collection space in which bubbles (1) are collected and discharged to the outside can be formed in a pipe (12) or a control member (13) in addition to the pump (11).

[0067] The above-mentioned sensing unit (20) detects the fluid transfer state. Here, the fluid transfer state can be detected at the pump (11) and can also be detected at the pipe (12). That is, the above-mentioned sensing unit (20) can be provided at the pump (11), the pipe (12), or both.

[0068] The fluid transfer state detected by the above-mentioned sensing unit (20) may be flow rate, pressure, current, torque, vibration, etc.

[0070] The judgment unit (30) determines whether the fluid transfer state detected by the detection unit (20) is normal. That is, the judgment unit (30) determines an abnormal state based on the tendency or variation pattern of the fluid transfer state changing relative to a normal state. The judgment may be based on pattern analysis including the rate of change, variability, or frequency characteristics over time, rather than absolute values.

[0071] Here, the pattern being analyzed may be a temporal periodic change pattern of the current or voltage of the drive motor, a periodic pulsation pattern of the outflow side pressure, a specific frequency band vibration or acoustic pattern of the pump (11) or piping (12), a time pattern of instantaneous flow rate, a periodic fluctuation pattern of power consumption, etc.

[0072] The method for identifying these signal patterns is as follows: (a) Amplitude ratio: Amplitude variation in the range of 10–80% relative to the rated signal, (b) Frequency band: Significant peak occurrence in the 0.2–100 Hz band when the output modulation period is within the range of 0.01–5 seconds, (c) Abnormal flow characteristics: Asymmetric peak patterns occurring during the dv / dt increase interval, (d) Power consumption: Power consumption variation characteristics appearing during the abnormal flow induction interval, (e) Synchronization: Time delays between the analyzed patterns are synchronized within a certain range. These characteristics are distinguished from simple pulsation (e.g., natural pulsation of a reciprocating pump).

[0073] State determination is not limited to whether a specific sensor value exceeds a threshold, but can be performed by comprehensively analyzing the interrelationships of multiple physical quantities or temporal change patterns. It includes a sensorless method (based on back EMF or current patterns).

[0074] State determination is performed based on one or more of the flow rate reduction rate (dQ / dt), pressure change rate (dP / dt), or current fluctuation pattern.

[0075] The above state determination unit (30) may include a learning-based algorithm and can adaptively set output modulation conditions according to the fluid state.

[0076] The above-mentioned judgment unit (30) makes a judgment based on a learning-based algorithm, and the algorithm can adaptively set variable control conditions for the driving output of the pump according to the fluid state. Here, the learning-based algorithm includes machine learning, adaptive control, statistical-based learning, etc.

[0078] The control unit (40), based on the state judgment or condition of the judgment unit (30), modulates the driving output of the pump (11) in time or modulates the flow resistance of the control member (13) in time to change the pressure gradient and inertia distribution of the fluid, thereby eliminating bubble retention in the fluid and restoring the fluid transfer state.

[0079] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation includes varying one or more of the magnitude, period, and rate of change of the driving output or flow resistance over time.

[0080] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation is performed within the allowable pressure range of the system and may be limited to prevent an excessive pressure rise.

[0081] The above-mentioned output modulation or flow resistance modulation is characterized by being performed to generate a flow velocity change rate (dv / dt) sufficient to induce unsteady flow in the fluid. That is, it is characterized by being performed to achieve the flow velocity change rate conditions necessary for reducing the interfacial adhesion of bubbles, and this differs in technical purpose and operating mechanism from variable flow rate control (VFD) for the purpose of simple flow rate control.

[0082] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation is performed continuously or repeatedly over time, intentionally increasing the rate of change of flow velocity (dv / dt) to induce abnormal flow, and actively removes bubbles by reshaping the fluid pressure gradient and inertia distribution.

[0083] The above-mentioned output modulation or flow resistance modulation forms may be Step-down & Recovery, Pulse Modulation, Stepped Profile, Sine, Sawtooth, Triangle, or Random / Adaptive time profiles.

[0084] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation may include being performed for a time interval of 0.01 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less within a range of 10 to 80% relative to the rated output or flow resistance.

[0085] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation is characterized by being performed not as a one-time operation, but repeatedly or continuously until the fluid transfer state is restored.

[0086] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation may be limited to be performed within the allowable pressure range of the piping and system. This is for the purpose of preventing water hammer caused by excessive dv / dt.

[0087] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation may be performed as a multi-stage output modulation sequence, each stage comprising different output reduction and restoration patterns to sequentially induce the movement, concentration, separation, and discharge of bubbles. For example, the above output modulation is characterized by being performed as a stepwise sequence including (a) a first output reduction step that induces bubble movement, (b) a second output reduction step that induces bubble concentration and separation, (c) a low output maintenance step that induces bubble discharge, and (d) an output increase step for removing residual bubbles and restoring to the rated value.

[0088] The control of the above control unit (40) can be implemented in the form of a control program or firmware without changing the hardware of the pump (11).

[0089] The above control program or firmware is a recording medium on which a program executable by a computer is recorded, and is characterized by including instructions that temporally modulate the driving output of a fluid transfer means to change the pressure gradient and inertia distribution of the fluid and restore the fluid state.

[0091] The above fluid transfer means (10) may include a closed-loop structure in which fluid circulates. The control unit (40) controls the pump (11) or the control member (13) to resolve flow rate instability caused by the circulation of bubbles within the closed loop or the re-entry of bubbles into the pump (11).

[0093] The above output modulation or flow resistance modulation is characterized by being performed while the fluid transport function is substantially maintained.

[0094] Here, "a state in which the fluid transfer function is substantially maintained" includes a state in which the allowable temperature range of the device to be cooled is maintained or the flow rate is maintained above a certain percentage of the system target value even while output modulation or flow resistance modulation is performed. For example, it may include a state in which 50% or more of the rated flow rate is maintained.

[0095] The present invention corresponds to 'Software-Defined Cooling,' which enables continuous system stability by restoring the fluid state while maintaining the system's continuous operation state, and improves system performance solely through control logic without altering the physical structure of the fluid transfer device. Accordingly, the present invention serves as a control layer applicable over existing hardware-based cooling systems and can be immediately applied to various fluid transfer systems.

[0097] In the present invention, the output modulation or flow resistance modulation is not simple speed control, but active control that physically changes the fluid's inertia and pressure gradient.

[0098] In the present invention, the output modulation or flow resistance modulation changes the driving output or flow resistance over time to transfer abnormal inertial energy to the fluid and induces unsteady flow due to the rate of change of flow velocity (dv / dt), thereby reshaping the pressure gradient within the fluid. Accordingly, the adhesion force of bubbles is reduced, and their detachment from the flow path is induced. The driving output includes not only the rotational speed and torque change of the rotary pump (11), but also the operating cycle and stroke change of the reciprocating pump (11).

[0099] The change in pressure according to the change in flow velocity over time can be expressed as follows.

[0100] ΔP ≈ ρ · L · (dv / dt)

[0101] ρ: fluid density, L: flow path length, dv / dt: rate of change of flow velocity over time

[0102] The above formula qualitatively indicates that changes in inertial pressure may occur due to output modulation or flow resistance modulation, and the actual bubble removal effect may vary depending on fluid viscosity, flow path shape, bubble size, and operating conditions. The above relationship is supported by the Water Hammer and unsteady flow theories (Joukowsky, 1898; Wylie & Streeter, "Fluid Transients", 1978).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 5, the fluid state restoration operation flow based on flow velocity modulation in the present invention undergoes the process of detecting fluid transfer state (S10) → detecting defects (S20) → modulating output or flow resistance (S30) → changing pressure gradient (S40) → reducing bubble adhesion force (S40) → separating bubbles (S40) → moving to a dischargeable position by buoyancy and flow (S40) → external discharge (S40) → restoring flow rate (S50).

[0106] FIG. 3 conceptually shows the process of normal, faulty, output modulation, and restoration of the fluid transfer state in the pump (11), and FIG. 4 shows an example of an output modulation waveform and a flow rate recovery timeline.

[0108] The present invention confirmed the following through actual experiments.

[0109] (1) When the rotational speed of the pump (11) is lowered or the power is cut off, the bubbles move and accumulate upward, and in a structure where the inlet (111) is located upward, discharge into the chamber is easy.

[0110] (2) The bubble removal effect is significantly improved with repeated modulation rather than with one-time output changes (repeated abnormal flow → gradual decrease in bubble adhesion)

[0111] (3) When bubbles are generated, flow rate, flow velocity, and hydraulic pressure decrease, and collision noise occurs → Abnormal state can be determined by the pattern of change in multiple physical quantities

[0112] (4) Since the bubble separation and discharge speed depends on fluid viscosity, discharge port size, and chamber shape, the output modulation conditions (number of times, period, rate of change) are set variably according to system conditions.

[0114] Experimental Example ― Results of Applying a Stepped Output Modulation Sequence

[0115] The inventor measured the change in flow rate by applying a stepwise output modulation sequence after introducing bubbles during the operation of a centrifugal pump (11) (rated 60 L / min). When bubbles were introduced, the flow rate decreased to a level of approximately 20 to 30 L / min, and it was confirmed that it finally recovered to a level of 56 to 59 L / min as a result of sequentially applying the output modulation sequence. This result experimentally proves that the fluid state can be restored in real time during operation by output modulation.

[0116] It was confirmed that the power reduction pattern upon bubble incorporation appears as a change characteristic within a certain threshold range, and can be utilized as a sensorless trigger to determine the bubble incorporation state based on the temporal change pattern. Power and pressure signals resulting from output modulation can be identified as temporal patterns through an external measurement device.

[0118] While existing technologies rely on passively avoiding or separating bubbles, the present invention provides an Active Recovery mechanism that actively restores the fluid state through output modulation. Unlike existing technologies that treat bubble generation as an exceptional situation, the present invention is a technology that actively controls the distribution of gaseous and liquid phases within a fluid based on the premise that bubbles are present. It can be applied to various fluid transport environments, including 2-phase cooling systems, and can be extended into a 'Fluid State Recovery Control Platform' that is not limited to a specific structure.

[0120] The fluid transfer system of the present invention can be applied to the transfer of electrolyte in an electrolysis device. In this case, the output modulation is characterized by promoting the escape of bubbles formed on the electrode surface to restore the electrochemical reaction interface.

[0122] The present invention enables coordinated control by a plurality of pumps (11). That is, it may include one or more first pumps (10A) that maintain the fluid flow rate, and one or more second pumps (10B) that restore the fluid transfer state through drive output modulation when the fluid transfer state is poor. This is a coordinated control structure in which another pump compensates for the flow rate while the output modulation is being performed. FIG. 6 is a diagram relating thereto, in which a coordinated control unit (40A) controls the switching of dynamic roles.

[0124] Below, application examples by industry to which the present invention is applicable will be described.

[0125] 1. Example 1: Data Center Liquid Cooling System (CDU)

[0126] (1) System configuration

[0127] Primary Cooling Loop (Facility Water System, FWS): Facility cooling water loop

[0128] Secondary Cooling Loop (Technology Cooling System, TCS): Server rack direct cooling loop

[0129] Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU): Plate heat exchanger, circulation pump, controller

[0130] Cooling Targets: CPU Cold Plate, GPU Cold Plate, Rear Door Heat Exchanger (RDHx)

[0131] (2) Application form

[0132] The fluid transfer means of the present invention corresponds to a secondary cooling loop circulation pump of the CDU, and the output modulation control unit is implemented in a CDU built-in controller or a data center BMS (Building Management System).

[0133] (3) Specialization conditions

[0134] Operating conditions: Continuous operation (24 / 7), minimum downtime tolerance

[0135] Fluid: Pure deionized water + glycol mixture (20–35%) Server TDP: General CPU 250–350W, AI GPU 1.2kW (based on GB200), 50–130kW per rack

[0136] Allowable pressure range: 50 psi or higher (High Head Pressure)

[0137] (4) Output modulation control characteristics

[0138] Perform bubble evacuation within the secondary loop without server downtime

[0139] Flow restoration time target: Within 30 seconds

[0140] Modulation waveform: Step sequence

[0141] In the case of a dual pump configuration (N+1), the coordinate control unit (40A) of the present invention is applied.

[0142] (5) Expected effects

[0143] Preventing thermal runaway caused by bubbles, the most vulnerable risk in AI server data centers

[0144] Contributes to PUE optimization (prevents approximately 20–30% overconsumption of energy when bubbles are incorporated)

[0145] Can be immediately applied to existing CDUs as a software update

[0147] 2. Example 2: EV Battery Cooling Loop and Ultra-Fast Charger Integrated System

[0148] (1) System configuration

[0149] EV Battery Pack Cooling Loop: Circulation through cooling plates between battery cells

[0150] High-Power Charger (HPC) Cooling Loop: Cooling of charging cable and power module

[0151] Integrated Thermal Management (ITM)

[0152] Circulation pump (electric, coreless, or BLDC)

[0153] (2) Application form

[0154] Vehicle-mounted battery cooling pump control

[0155] Cooling pump control on the charger infrastructure side

[0156] (3) Specialization conditions

[0157] Operating conditions: Rapid change in thermal load during rapid charging (0 → 400kW in milliseconds)

[0158] Fluid: Coolant (glycol mixture) or dielectric liquid

[0159] Safety Requirement: Prevention of Thermal Runaway is the Top Priority

[0160] Space constraints: Miniaturization is essential for vehicle mounting.

[0161] (4) Output modulation control characteristics

[0162] Increased possibility of bubble incorporation at the start of rapid charging → Application of predictive output modulation

[0163] Preemptive bubble discharge upon receiving a charging session start signal from the charger to the vehicle

[0164] Execute sequence

[0165] Maintenance mode output modulation applied during low-power sections (while stopped)

[0166] (5) Expected effects

[0167] Ensuring safety through the proactive prevention of thermal runaway

[0168] Adding only control logic to existing hardware without increasing space or cost

[0169] Improvement in the stability of 400kW-class ultra-fast charging infrastructure

[0171] 3. Example 3: Semiconductor process equipment cooling unit

[0172] (1) System configuration

[0173] Wafer Processing Equipment: Photolithography, CMP, Etching, and Deposition Equipment

[0174] Process Cooling Unit (PCU)

[0175] Ultrapure water circulation pump

[0176] Temperature and flow rate precision control controller

[0177] (2) Application form

[0178] Output modulation control of the circulation pump within the PCU

[0179] Wafer chuck lower cooling channel flow control

[0180] (3) Specialization conditions

[0181] Fluid: Ultra Pure Water (UPW)

[0182] Temperature control precision: ±0.1°C

[0183] Bubble Sensitivity: Very High (1 bubble can cause wafer defect)

[0184] Operating rate: 24 hours continuously; process downtime directly leads to yield loss.

[0185] (4) Output modulation control characteristics

[0186] Setting the output modification prohibition zone during process (Critical Process Window)

[0187] Perform timing-synchronous output modulation during inter-process waiting periods (wafer replacement time, etc.).

[0188] Limit modulation amplitude to the ultra-fine range (80–95% range of rated output)

[0189] (5) Expected effects

[0190] Reduction of bubble-induced defects → Improvement in yield

[0191] Stabilization of Critical Dimension Management for Exposure Equipment

[0192] Bubble management possible without process interruption

[0194] 4. Example 4: HPLC and Medical Precision Fluid Transfer Device

[0195] (1) System configuration

[0196] High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Piston pump, solvent reservoir, separation column, detector

[0197] Medical infusion devices: diaphragm pumps, precision infusion lines

[0198] Dialysis devices: blood pump, dialer

[0199] (2) Application form

[0200] The present invention is also applicable to reciprocating piston pumps and diaphragm pumps, and is implemented through temporal modulation of the operating cycle, stroke, and compression speed.

[0201] (3) Specialization conditions

[0202] Flow rate precision: nL / min ~ mL / min units

[0203] Pulsation tolerance: Minimal (cause of detector signal noise)

[0204] Bubble sensitivity: Extremely high (microbubbles are also a problem)

[0205] (4) Output modulation control characteristics

[0206] Dual-piston synchronous control: While one piston's stroke is modulated, the other maintains a normal flow rate.

[0207] Low-modulation amplitude mode: Fine modulation within ±2% during normal measurement, deep modulation of ±20% or more upon bubble detection

[0208] Adaptive control by solvent type: Modulation cycle varies according to viscosity and gas solubility

[0209] (5) Expected effects

[0210] Ensuring baseline stability of HPLC detection signals

[0211] Improvement in medical infusion accuracy

[0212] Prevention of pump cavitation damage

[0214] 5. Example 5: Electrolysis System

[0215] (1) System configuration

[0216] Electrolytic cell (Alkaline Water Electrolysis, AWE or PEM Water Electrolysis, PEMWE)

[0217] Electrolyte circulation pump

[0218] gas-liquid separator

[0219] Electrolyte management system

[0220] (2) Application form

[0221] The fluid transfer means of the present invention corresponds to an electrolyte circulation pump, and output modulation is performed by modulation of the mechanical pump drive output rather than modulation of the electrolytic electrical input.

[0222] (3) Specialization conditions

[0223] Fluid: Strong alkaline electrolyte (AWE) or pure water (PEMWE)

[0224] Operating conditions: Continuous operation, pressure environment 1~70 bar

[0225] Bubble characteristics: H₂ and O₂ bubbles adhere to the electrode surface, reducing the effective reaction area.

[0226] (4) Output modulation control characteristics

[0227] Inducing a rate of change in flow rate for the purpose of promoting bubble escape from the electrode surface

[0228] Can be used in parallel with conventional pulsed electrolysis - Synergy of electrical input pulses and mechanical flow rate modulation

[0229] Adaptive modulation cycle adjustment in conjunction with electrolytic efficiency monitoring (voltage and current)

[0230] (5) Expected effects

[0231] Elimination of reduction in effective reaction area caused by bubble adhesion on electrode surface

[0232] Improvement in hydrogen production efficiency (cases of 20–30% efficiency improvement reported in similar mechanisms in prior studies)

[0233] Energy saving in large-scale hydrogen production systems

[0235] 6. Example 6: Immersion Cooling System

[0236] (1) System configuration

[0237] Dielectric fluid tank (single-phase or two-phase)

[0238] Servers and IT equipment completely submerged

[0239] Condenser (for 2-phase)

[0240] Circulation pump (single-phase) or steam management pump (two-phase)

[0241] (2) Application form

[0242] Single-phase immersion cooling: Output modulation applied to dielectric oil circulation pump

[0243] Two-phase immersion cooling: Output modulation applied to the condensate recirculation pump

[0244] (3) Specialization conditions

[0245] Fluid: Non-conductive dielectric (mineral oil, fluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon)

[0246] Viscosity: Higher than regular water (single phase)

[0247] Phase 2 Condition: Passive boiling → Active vapor management

[0248] (4) Output modulation control characteristics

[0249] Low-frequency modulation optimized for high-viscosity fluid environments (0.5–2 second cycle)

[0250] Active control of gas / liquid phase transfer patterns in a two-phase environment

[0251] Modulation waveform specialized for resolving bubble adhesion in condensate

[0252] (5) Expected effects

[0253] Relief of bubble adhesion in high-viscosity two-phase flow environments

[0254] Stabilization of heat transfer performance

[0255] Securing Applicability of Next-Generation AI Data Center Cooling Systems

[0257] 7. Example 7: Control signal transmission based on industrial communication protocol

[0258] (1) Configuration for applying communication protocols

[0259] A control signal between the state determination unit and the output modulation control unit of the present invention, or between the output modulation control unit and the fluid transfer means, may be transmitted through one or more of the following industrial standard communication protocols:

[0260] Modbus RTU / Modbus TCP / IP: The most general-purpose industrial protocol

[0261] PROFINET / PROFIBUS: Siemens-based automation environment standard

[0262] EtherCAT: High-speed real-time control environment

[0263] CANopen: Standards in the automotive and mobility sectors

[0264] OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture): Next-generation industrial IoT standard

[0265] BACnet: Building Automation System Standard

[0266] (2) Embodiment

[0267] After the status determination unit acquires measurement values ​​from the flow meter, pressure sensor, and current sensor, it transmits them to the output modulation control unit via the above protocol.

[0268] The output modulation control unit transmits a modulation command to the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) of the fluid transfer means via the above protocol.

[0269] Implemented as logic within a Distributed Control System (DCS) or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

[0270] (3) Technical effects

[0271] Fully compatible with standard interfaces of existing industrial equipment

[0272] It can be implemented solely by updating firmware or PLC logic without installing new hardware.

[0273] Ensuring interoperability with equipment from various manufacturers through compliance with industry standards

[0275] 8. Example 8: Data Center BMS·DCIM Integration

[0276] (1) Integrated configuration

[0277] The control logic of the present invention can be integrated and operated with the following management system of a data center:

[0278] BMS (Building Management System): Overall facility management

[0279] DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management): Data Center Infrastructure Management

[0280] BACnet Infrastructure Automation Protocol

[0281] SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): Network-based monitoring

[0282] Redfish API: Server Management Standard API (DMTF established)

[0283] (2) Embodiment

[0284] BMS / DCIM monitors the operating status (temperature, flow rate, pressure) of server racks and CDUs.

[0285] When an abnormal state is detected, the BMS / DCIM issues a modulation command to the output modulation control unit of the present invention.

[0286] Feedback the modulation results to the BMS / DCIM and reflect them on the integrated dashboard.

[0287] Operation in conjunction with data center PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) optimization logic

[0288] (3) Technical effects

[0289] Data center operators can manage cooling system health in an integrated manner from a single management interface

[0290] Implemented in a form compatible with OCP (Open Compute Project) Liquid Cooling guidelines

[0291] Compliance with hyperscale data center standard operating environment

[0293] 9. Example 9: Deployment based on pump driver API / SDK

[0294] (1) API-based deployment configuration

[0295] The output modulation control logic of the present invention can be implemented and distributed in the form of a software layer (API or SDK) that communicates with a driver (VFD) of a fluid transfer means.

[0296] REST API: HTTP-based universal web API

[0297] gRPC: High-performance RPC framework

[0298] WebSocket: Real-time bidirectional communication

[0299] Pump manufacturer proprietary SDKs: ABB SINAMICS, Grundfos, Moog CoreMotion, etc.

[0300] (2) Embodiment

[0301] A third-party control system (BMS, DCIM, AI-based cooling optimization system, etc.) issues an output modulation command via API

[0302] The output modulation control unit converts commands received via the API into a format that the driver of the fluid transfer means can interpret.

[0303] Applied to existing facilities in the form of firmware updates, cloud deployment, and OTA (Over-The-Air) updates

[0304] (3) Technical effects

[0305] Applicable to existing facilities through software deployment only, without hardware replacement

[0306] Building an integrated control layer for equipment from multiple manufacturers

[0307] Continuous algorithm improvement and feature expansion possible

[0309] 10. Example 10: Configuration Compatible with International Standards

[0310] (1) Applicable international standards

[0311] The system of the present invention can be configured to be compatible with the following major international standards:

[0312] IEC 61800-7: General communication interface for variable transmission systems

[0313] IEC 61131-3: PLC Programming Language Standard

[0314] ISO / IEC 30141: IoT Reference Architecture

[0315] ASHRAE TC 9.9: Data Center Thermal Management Guidelines

[0316] Open Compute Project (OCP) Liquid Cooling: Open Standard Liquid Cooling

[0317] IEEE 2030 Series: Smart Grid Interoperability

[0318] (2) Embodiment

[0319] The state determination and output modulation control parameters of the present invention are configured in a form conforming to the data format of the above standard specification.

[0320] Structure capable of obtaining standard specification-based certification

[0321] (3) Technical effects

[0322] Easy to obtain industry standard certification

[0323] Entry into markets requiring compliance with standard specifications (government, public sector, large corporations) is possible.

[0324] Ensuring interoperability between standard-based equipment

[0326] In describing the present invention above, a fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation having a specific shape and structure has been described with reference to the attached drawings; however, the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and changes by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0328] 1 : Bubble 10 : Fluid transfer means 10A: 1st pump 10B: 2nd pump 11 : Pump 111 : Inlet 112 : Outlet 12 : Piping 13 : Adjusting member 20 : Detecting part 30 : Judgment unit 40 : Control unit 40A: Coordination control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration comprising: a pump for pumping fluid, a pipe connected to the pump through which fluid is transferred, and a control member provided in the pipe to control the flow rate of the transferred fluid; a sensing unit for sensing the fluid transfer state in the fluid transfer means; a judgment unit for determining whether the fluid transfer is normal using the detection result of the sensing unit; and a control unit for controlling the pump or the control member to induce abnormal flow by the rate of change of fluid velocity while maintaining the fluid transfer function when the judgment unit determines that it is defective, wherein, for the ‘induction of abnormal flow by the rate of change of fluid velocity,’ the pump is driven by variable output control to repeat a pattern of output reduction and restoration, wherein the driving output variable control of the pump repeats a first output reduction to induce bubble movement, a second output reduction to induce concentration and separation of bubbles, maintaining a low output to induce bubble discharge, and an output increase to remove residual bubbles and restore to the rated value. Claim 2 A fluid transfer system for restoring a fluid state based on flow rate modulation according to claim 1, characterized in that the 'induction of abnormal flow by the rate of change of flow rate' by the control of the control unit is repeatedly performed until it is determined to be normal by the judgment unit. Claim 3 A fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to claim 1, characterized in that a collection space is formed in the pump, piping, or regulating member to collect bubbles and discharge the collected bubbles to the outside. Claim 4 A fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation, characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the 'state in which the fluid transfer function is maintained' is 50% or more of the rated flow rate. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to claim 4, characterized in that variable control of the driving output of the pump is performed within a range of 10% to 80% relative to the rated output. Claim 7 A fluid transfer system for fluid state restoration based on flow rate modulation according to claim 4, characterized in that a single modulation interval of the variable drive output control of the pump is 0.01 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. Claim 8 A fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the judgment unit determines an abnormal state by analyzing the temporal change pattern of the fluid transfer state detected by the sensing unit in the 0.2 Hz to 100 Hz band. Claim 9 A fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensing unit measures two or more signals among (a) a temporal periodic change in the current or voltage of the motor driving the pump, (b) periodic pulsation of the discharge side pressure of the fluid, (c) vibration or acoustics in a specific frequency band of the pump or the piping, (d) a time pattern of instantaneous flow rate, and (e) periodic fluctuation of power consumption. Claim 10 A fluid transfer system for fluid state restoration based on flow rate modulation, characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, signal transmission between two or more components among the sensing unit, the judgment unit, and the control unit is performed through one or more industrial communication protocols selected from Modbus, PROFINET, EtherCAT, CANopen, OPC UA, or BACnet. Claim 11 A fluid transfer system for fluid state restoration based on flow rate modulation, characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit is linked with one or more of a building management system (BMS) or a data center infrastructure management system (DCIM) to receive modulation commands and provide feedback on the results of modulation execution. Claim 12 A fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation, wherein, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the fluid transfer means comprises a closed-loop structure in which fluid circulates, and the control unit controls the pump or the regulating member to resolve flow rate instability caused by the circulating blockage of bubbles within the closed loop or the re-entry of bubbles into the pump. Claim 13 A fluid state restoration fluid transfer system based on flow rate modulation, characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the output modulation control logic of the control unit is implemented in the form of an API or SDK-based software layer that communicates with a driver of the fluid transfer means. Claim 14 A fluid transfer system for restoring a fluid state based on a flow rate modulation, characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the judgment unit makes a judgment based on a learning-based algorithm, and the algorithm adaptively sets variable control conditions for the driving output of a pump according to the fluid state. Claim 15 A fluid transfer system based on fluid state restoration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pump comprises a first pump for maintaining the flow rate of the fluid being transferred and a second pump for restoring the fluid transfer state by variable control of the driving output. Claim 16 A computer-readable recording medium having a program executable by a computer, comprising instructions for restoring a fluid state by changing the pressure gradient and inertia distribution of a fluid by temporally modulating the driving output or flow resistance of a fluid transfer means in a system according to claim 1.

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