Aquifer Pump Control via Real-Time Well Efficiency Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Managing the operation of multiple wells in an aquifer is challenging due to unpredictable interactions and responses to pumping variations, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, with overreliance on human judgment resulting in increased energy and equipment costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize an analysis computing device to receive water measurements from multiple sites, calculate well operational data, and generate pump operation signals based on aquifer objectives, incorporating graphical user interfaces for data analysis and advisory messages to optimize well efficiency and aquifer management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation by well operators is used, then operational experience and judgment are applied, but inefficiencies increase and energy and equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidenergy costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors aquifer conditions (water levels, pressures) and pump performance data, then feeds this information back to automatically adjust pump operations. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time optimization of energy consumption based on actual aquifer response, replacing manual operator judgment with data-driven automated control that reduces energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting pump operations based on monitored aquifer conditions and predefined objectives. The automated control system serves itself by analyzing data and making operational adjustments without requiring continuous human intervention, thereby reducing energy costs associated with manual operation while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual operation by well operators is used, then operational experience and judgment are applied, but equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidequipment costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors pump performance and aquifer conditions, providing feedback that enables precise control adjustments. This automated feedback loop reduces the need for expensive manual monitoring and analysis by operators, lowering equipment and operational costs while maintaining high operational efficiency through continuous data-driven optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation and human judgment with automated electronic control systems. The automated system uses sensors, processors, and control algorithms to manage pump operations, eliminating the need for expensive manual labor and reducing overall equipment costs associated with manual operation while improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual operation is used, then operator judgment is applied, but aquifer damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidaquifer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors aquifer conditions including water levels and pressures, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust pump operations. This real-time feedback control prevents excessive pumping that could damage the aquifer by automatically reducing or shutting off pumps when critical thresholds are approached, thereby protecting the aquifer while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates predefined safety thresholds and protective controls that act as preventive measures before aquifer damage can occur. By setting beforehand the maximum acceptable pumping rates and monitoring conditions, the system cushions against potential harm by automatically preventing operations that would exceed safe limits, thus protecting the aquifer from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8244499B2Methods and systems for managing aquifer operation

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 AQUIFER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing aquifer operation are included. An exemplary method includes receiving at an analysis computing device, one or more water measurements from a plurality of sites in an aquifer, wherein water measurements are received at a plurality of time points. A site may include one or more groundwater extraction wells. The method may further include calculating well operational data for at least one groundwater extraction well based on the water measurements, wherein the well operational data includes a well efficiency over a time period. Further, the method may include receiving an aquifer objective input via a graphical user interface presented on the analysis computing device. The method may further include generating a pump operation signal based on the well operational data and the aquifer objective input.