Booster Pump Pressure Control Under Low Inlet Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure-boosting devices with booster pumps experience prolonged operation and high energy consumption when inlet pressure is low, leading to inefficient pressure maintenance and increased wear, as they run continuously at maximum power without achieving the desired outlet pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pump control method that dynamically adjusts the lower limit value for the outlet pressure based on the maximal outlet pressure achievable by the booster pump, reducing energy consumption and wear by switching the pump on only when the outlet pressure drops to a lowered lower limit value and switching it off after a defined time if the upper limit is not reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the booster pump runs continuously at maximum power to maintain outlet pressure, then the outlet pressure is maintained, but energy consumption and pump wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lower limit value for outlet pressure adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adapts the lower limit value based on the actual maximal outlet pressure achievable by the booster pump. This allows the system to optimize pump operation by switching off the pump when the adapted lower limit is reached, rather than running continuously to maintain a fixed higher pressure level, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the lower limit pressure value from a fixed constant to a variable that can be adapted based on system conditions. The control device modifies this parameter dynamically according to the booster pump's actual performance capabilities, enabling the system to operate efficiently by accepting a lower pressure threshold when the pump cannot achieve the originally desired pressure level.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the lower limit value for outlet pressure is reduced to allow pump shutdown, then energy consumption decreases, but the pressure level may fall below the originally demanded level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the lower limit pressure value from a fixed constant to a variable that can be adapted based on system conditions. The control device modifies this parameter dynamically according to the booster pump's actual performance capabilities, enabling the system to operate efficiently by accepting a lower pressure threshold when the pump cannot achieve the originally desired pressure level.
3Loss of time
If a maximal time duration is set for pump operation, then the pump is switched off after this duration, but the pump is immediately restarted if pressure is not reached, resulting in insignificant reduction of switch-on duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adapting the lower limit value before pump operation based on the actual maximal outlet pressure achievable. This preliminary adaptation prevents futile long pump running times by setting a realistic pressure target that can actually be achieved. The system performs this adaptation in advance using measured pressure data, so when the pump starts, it operates toward a achievable goal rather than an unattainable pressure level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by continuously measuring the actual maximal outlet pressure achieved by the booster pump and using this information to adapt the lower limit value. The control device receives feedback from pressure measurements and adjusts the pressure threshold accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that learns from actual system performance and optimizes operation based on real data.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump control method for controlling at least one booster pump (4). The method includes switching on the booster pump when a booster pump outlet pressure (24) drops to a lower limit value (26), and switching off the booster pump when the booster pump outlet pressure (24) reaches an upper limit value (28). The lower limit value (26) is reduced in a case, in which the maximal outlet pressure (24a) which can be reached on operation of the booster pump (4) lies below the lower limit value (26). A pressure-boosting device is also provided with which the pump control method can be carried out.