Circulating pump unit and solar thermal plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-thermal installations face errors in assembly and operation due to complex connections between temperature sensors and control devices, which complicates the setup and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A circulation pump assembly with an integrated control device and internal temperature sensor that regulates the pump's speed based on the medium's temperature, eliminating the need for external sensors and simplifying the installation by directly monitoring the temperature of the medium and indirectly determining the liquid storage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensors are connected to a control device in known solar-thermal installations, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but assembly errors and operational errors increase due to complex connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the temperature sensor directly into the circulation pump assembly, combining previously separate components (pump and temperature sensor) into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for external sensor connections to the control device, reducing connection complexity while maintaining temperature monitoring capability through the pump's integrated control unit.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are distributed throughout the solar-thermal installation, then comprehensive temperature monitoring is achieved, but assembly complexity and error proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides fluid circulation through the pump mechanism and simultaneously performs temperature monitoring through the integrated temperature sensor. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components (pump plus external temperature sensor), simplifying assembly while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring capability.
3Ease of operation
If temperature sensors are externally connected to control the circulation pump, then pump speed regulation is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is integrated directly into the circulation pump assembly, merging the pump motor control functionality with the pump mechanism itself. This integration allows the pump to be controlled based on temperature sensor readings without requiring separate external control wiring, thereby maintaining ease of operation while reducing system complexity and the number of external connections required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the setup and enhances operational reliability by integrating all necessary components, including the control device, electric drive motor, and temperature sensor within the pump assembly, reducing the risk of incorrect connections and allowing for efficient temperature monitoring and regulation.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor can for example however also be connected in a thermally conductive manner to a wall defining the flow path through the pump housing
Implementation Method 2
The electrical drive motor in the known manner drives at least one impeller of a centrifugal pump
Implementation Method 3
The electrical drive motor drives at least one impeller of a centrifugal pump
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation pump assembly (2) includes an electric drive motor (6) and a control device (10) integrated into the circulation pump assembly (2). At least one internal temperature sensor (16) is arranged in the circulation pump assembly (2) and detects the temperature of the medium delivered by the circulation pump assembly (6) and issues a corresponding temperature signal (42) to the control device (10). The control device (10) is configured, on the basis of the temperature signal (42) of the internal temperature sensor (16), to approximately determine the temperature of the liquid in a liquid storage means (26) which is connected to the circulation pump assembly (2) via a heating circuit (28).