Method of configuring a centrifugal pump unit with variable rotational speed and associated configuration assistant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pump units often operate with unsuitable settings due to a lack of understanding of physical control relationships and hydraulic systems, leading to inefficient energy use and potential malfunctions, especially in systems like heating and cooling where incorrect settings can result in significant energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A configuration method and assistant that predefines controller configurations for specific system types and control modes, allowing for intuitive selection and adaptation of the centrifugal pump unit to match the hydraulic system, using a software-based configuration assistant to set application-specific controller configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centrifugal pump unit is equipped with multiple control types and operating modes to handle various system requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the pump unit is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of correct configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring controller configurations for different system types (heating, cooling, drinking water) and control types (pressure control, temperature control, volume flow control). The assignment stored in the configuration device contains pre-defined mappings between system types, control types, and appropriate controller configurations, allowing the pump to be quickly adapted to different applications without complex manual setup during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex pump control system. It provides a simplified interface where users only need to select their system type and desired control type, and the configuration device automatically determines and applies the appropriate controller configuration from the stored assignment, shielding users from the underlying complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration menu displays all possible operating modes and special settings simultaneously, then the user has access to complete functionality, but the ease of operation decreases due to overcrowded and confusing interface
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration interface is segmented into a multi-step process: first selecting system type, then selecting control type, and finally the appropriate controller configuration is automatically applied. This segmentation divides the complex configuration task into manageable steps, presenting only relevant options at each stage rather than overwhelming the user with all possible settings simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the selection of system type and control type as distinct preliminary steps before presenting controller configuration options. By taking out these selection steps and handling them first, the system can filter and present only the relevant controller configurations appropriate for the selected system and control types, reducing interface clutter
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of controller parameterization is made available to users, then the manufacturing precision and optimal adaptation to specific systems is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to requirement of specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically determining and applying the appropriate controller configuration based on the selected system type and control type. The configuration device performs the complex task of matching system requirements with optimal controller parameters without requiring user expertise, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high precision through pre-engineered assignments
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a configuration method for a speed-controllable centrifugal pump unit (2) in a hydraulic system (1), which can be used as intended for a large number of different types of system (A1-A5) and can be operated in a large number of different control types (B1-B5) with a corresponding control configuration . An operator specifies at least one of the system types (A1-A5) and/or one of the control types (B1-B5) for a configuration device (10), with the configuration device (10) having a stored, predefined assignment (17a) in which each of the System types (A1-A5) at least one of the control types (B1-B5) is assigned, as well as a large number of application-specific controller configurations (12), and the combinations of a system type and a control type contained in the assignment (17a) each with one of the controller configurations ( 12) are linked. The configuration device (10) selects the correspondingly linked controller configuration (17) according to this assignment (17a), depending on the specified system type and/or specified control type, and sets it on the centrifugal pump unit (2). The invention also relates to a software-based graphic configuration assistant (14) for carrying out the method and a centrifugal pump unit with such a configuration assistant and an arrangement of a centrifugal pump unit and a hand-held device with such a configuration assistant.