Circulation pump assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heating systems, existing circulation pump assemblies face energy losses due to the need to reduce the preliminary pressure provided by a circulation pump in a heating boiler, which is not efficiently managed, especially in systems with mixers that require different feed temperatures for various heating circuits.
Innovation Solution
A circulation pump assembly with two separate flow paths in the impeller allows for the pressure increase of fluids from two inlets with different pressure levels to the same end pressure, eliminating the need to reduce preliminary pressure at the inlet side of the mixer, thereby minimizing energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single flow path circulation pump assembly is used in heating systems with mixers, then the device complexity is reduced, but energy losses increase due to the need to reduce preliminary pressure at the mixer inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump assembly is segmented into two separate flow paths within a single pump unit. The first flow path receives fluid at a first inlet and the second flow path receives fluid at a second inlet, allowing independent pressure management for different heating circuits. This segmentation enables the pump to handle fluids with different preliminary pressures simultaneously, eliminating the need to reduce pressure at the mixer inlet and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple heating circuits with different temperature and pressure requirements through a single device. By incorporating two flow paths with separate inlets, the pump can simultaneously supply hot water to radiators and floor heating circuits, each with their own pressure characteristics, thereby eliminating the need for additional pressure reduction components and reducing overall system energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If preliminary pressure is reduced at the mixer inlet to match suction pressure, then the mixing valve can operate correctly, but the residual delivery head is destroyed and energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly segments the fluid handling into two independent flow paths, allowing the mixing valve to receive fluid at the appropriate pressure through the first flow path while the second flow path maintains its own pressure requirements. This segmentation eliminates the need to reduce pressure across the entire system, preserving the residual delivery head and minimizing energy loss while ensuring proper mixing valve operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second circulation pump assembly is added downstream of the mixing valve, then the heating circuit with reduced feed temperature can be supplied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of what would traditionally require a second circulation pump assembly into the first circulation pump assembly by creating a dual flow path system within a single pump unit. The first flow path handles the radiator circuit while the second flow path handles the floor heating circuit, both with their own inlets and pressure management. This merging approach provides the same adaptability as a two-pump system but with reduced device complexity and lower energy consumption.
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 design reduces energy losses by up to 30% in circulation pump assemblies, particularly in floor heating systems, by maintaining the same suction pressure across different heating circuits without the need for additional pressure reduction, enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The circulation pump assembly is a centrifugal pump assembly... The at least one impeller comprises at least one flow path in this flow connection and serves for the pressure increase of a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation pump assembly includes a first inlet (84), an outlet (80), an electric drive motor (30) and at least one impeller (68; 100) driven by the drive motor (30). The circulation pump assembly has at least one first flow path (26; 48) positioned in a connection between the first inlet (84) and the outlet (80) for increasing the pressure of a fluid. The circulation pump assembly has a second inlet (86). The at least one impeller (68; 100) has at least one second flow path (28; 50) for increasing the pressure of a fluid, which is positioned in a connection of the second inlet (86) to the outlet (80). A heating system is provided having a circulation pump assembly of this type.