Dual Pump Duty-Ratio Control for Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing booster pump systems face inefficiencies and excessive energy consumption due to the lack of precise control over multiple pumps, particularly when one pump malfunctions, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual pump smart control system that differentially controls the operation of first and second pumps based on operating times, simultaneous operations, and duty ratios, using a controller with modules to determine normal operation and adjust driving parameters to prevent overload and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple pumps are connected in parallel to ensure sufficient fluid supply, then the required supply of fluid is ensured, but the system may operate pumps with excessively high flow rate causing unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of pump operations based on real-time fluid supply demands. The controller adjusts which pumps operate and at what capacity levels, transitioning from static parallel operation to dynamic demand-responsive operation. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring sufficient fluid supply only when needed while avoiding excessive flow rates and energy consumption during lower demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (flow rate, pump activation status) based on varying conditions. By monitoring fluid supply demands and adjusting pump parameters accordingly, the system maintains adequate fluid supply while optimizing energy consumption, preventing the scenario where pumps operate at excessively high flow rates when not needed.
2Productivity
If dual pumps are operated to respond to flow rate changes, then operational efficiency is improved, but pump malfunction may occur due to load concentration and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary assessment of pump operating conditions, including monitoring operating times and detecting potential fatigue or load concentration issues before they lead to malfunction. By proactively identifying and addressing these conditions, the system maintains operational efficiency while preventing pump failures through early intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of pump operational status, including operating times and performance metrics. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to detect load concentration and fatigue conditions, adjusting pump operations to maintain reliability while preserving operational efficiency through data-driven control decisions.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but it is difficult to ensure the required supply or discharge of fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages pump activation, monitors operating conditions, detects fatigue or load concentration, and adjusts operational parameters. This multi-functional control system enables the dual pump setup to operate efficiently and reliably while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated intelligence rather than mechanical complexity.
4Ease of operation
If pumps are operated without precise control, then ease of operation is improved, but excessive flow rate and unnecessary energy consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated controller management that monitors fluid supply demands and adjusts pump operations without manual intervention. This maintains ease of operation by eliminating complex manual control while achieving precise energy optimization through autonomous decision-making based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes operational parameters based on monitored conditions, automatically adjusting pump flow rates and activation status to match actual demand. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity through automated parameter adjustment rather than manual control, while preventing excessive energy consumption through precise parameter optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual pump smart control system. The operating time and the number of simultaneous operations are analyzed and compared with a reference time and a reference number, so that a controller determines whether or not the operation is normal. Afterwards, the driving of a first pump and the driving of a second pump are differentially controlled depending on whether or not the operation is determined to be normal by the controller. Thus, a malfunction caused by the concentration of load at a specific pump is prevented. Accordingly, the dual pump smart control system precisely controls the driving of the dual pumps and enables the pumps to operate efficiently.