Centrifgual pump unit and method for adjusting the operation thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for setting the operation of centrifugal pump units in hydraulic systems are complex and prone to errors, requiring detailed calculations and knowledge of both system and pump characteristics to achieve energy-optimized performance, especially during initial commissioning and when switching between different operating modes.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for the direct and separate input of two default values defining an operating point, enabling the determination and setting of an operating curve and/or operating range limitation for the centrifugal pump unit, simplifying the adjustment process and eliminating the need for complex calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional methods for setting control curves are used (requiring detailed calculations and knowledge of system and pump characteristics), then energy-optimized performance can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy-optimized performanceVSAvoidadjustment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump control system automatically determines optimal control curves by measuring actual system operating parameters (flow rate, pressure, power consumption) and using this data to self-adjust the control curve settings. This eliminates the need for manual calculations and expert knowledge, allowing the system to optimize its own energy performance automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual operating parameters including flow rate Q, delivery head H, and power consumption P, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the control curve settings. The measured operating point is compared against the current control curve, and the system iteratively optimizes the curve parameters to minimize energy consumption while meeting system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If detailed knowledge of pump and system characteristics is required for setting, then accurate energy-optimized operation can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy-optimized performanceVSAvoidease of setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump control system automatically determines optimal control curves by measuring actual system operating parameters (flow rate, pressure, power consumption) and using this data to self-adjust the control curve settings. This eliminates the need for manual calculations and expert knowledge, allowing the system to optimize its own energy performance automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes (requiring knowledge of pump curves and system characteristics) with automated electronic control. Sensors measure operating parameters, and a control algorithm automatically calculates and adjusts the control curve, substituting complex manual procedures with automated electronic measurement and computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If fixed control curves are selected using detent rotary knobs, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoidcontrol curve setting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed control curves to dynamic adaptive control curves. The control curve parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of flow rate, delivery head, and power consumption. This allows the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and achieve optimal energy efficiency across a wide range of scenarios, rather than being limited to predetermined fixed curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous variation of control curve parameters (particularly the intersection point with the maximum pump curve) based on measured operating conditions. Instead of selecting from discrete fixed curves, the system dynamically changes curve parameters to optimize performance for the current operating point, achieving precision that cannot be obtained with fixed detent-based selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the control curve intersection point with maximum pump curve is set above nominal delivery head, then the pump can handle varying system conditions, but the system may be undersupplied in certain situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling varying system conditionsVSAvoidsystem supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors actual operating parameters including flow rate Q, delivery head H, and power consumption P, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the control curve settings. The measured operating point is compared against the current control curve, and the system iteratively optimizes the curve parameters to minimize energy consumption while meeting system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed control curves to dynamic adaptive control curves. The control curve parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of flow rate, delivery head, and power consumption. This allows the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and achieve optimal energy efficiency across a wide range of scenarios, rather than being limited to predetermined fixed curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3443228B1Centrifgual pump unit and method for adjusting the operation thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 WILO SE
  • EP3443228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3443228B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2e
  • EP3443228B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3g

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the operation of an electronically closed-loop or open-loop controlled centrifugal pump unit in a hydraulic system, in particular when the unit is used for the first time. According to said method at least two default values (Hset, Qset) defining an operating point (Bset) and comprising a first default value (Hset) for a first physical quantity (H) and a second default value (Qset) for a second physical quantity (Q), are input directly and separately of each other. From these default values (Hset, Qset) an operating curve (2a, 2b, 2c, 2e) and/or an operating range limit (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is then determined and set for the open-loop or closed-loop control of the centrifugal pump unit. This widens the possible uses of the pump unit to a large number of different applications. If the rated point of the hydraulic system is chosen as the operating point, the pump electronics system can set a closed-loop control curve that passes exactly through said rated point, such that the pump unit can be optimally adapted to the hydraulic system.