Dynamic linear control methods and apparatus for variable speed pump control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive control schemes for hydronic heating and cooling systems and water booster pumping systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy consumption and operation costs, particularly in dynamic and unknown system configurations where zone flow rate signals or temperature signals may not be available or are costly to obtain.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a signal processor to determine a control set point based on a linear set point control curve derived from the adaptive set point control curve, allowing for efficient pump speed control by calculating pressure and flow rates using equations such as P*(t) = P0 * Q*(t) / Qmax + b0, where P0 is a constant pressure set point, Q*(t) is the requested flow rate, and b0 is a pressure threshold, without requiring all zone flow rate signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If adaptive control schemes are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to dynamic and unknown system configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The pump control system performs self-adjustment by automatically adapting the pressure set point to actual system conditions without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. The system monitors actual pressure and flow rate, compares them with target values, and autonomously modifies control parameters to optimize energy consumption while maintaining system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static to dynamic operation by continuously adjusting the pressure set point based on real-time system conditions. The pressure set point is no longer fixed but dynamically adapted to match actual system characteristics, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize energy efficiency throughout operation.
2Measurement precision
If zone flow rate signals are obtained for precise control, then control precision improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes readily available signals (pressure and general flow rate measurements) instead of requiring all zone flow rate signals. By focusing on key measurable parameters at critical points in the system, the solution achieves effective control without the complexity of comprehensive zone-level flow measurement and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure and flow rate measurements as intermediary variables to infer zone flow rate information without directly measuring each zone's flow rate. These intermediary measurements serve as proxies that provide sufficient information for control decisions, avoiding the need for direct, complex zone-level measurements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If adaptive control curves are used to match system characteristics, then energy efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs dynamic control curves that adapt to actual system characteristics rather than relying on fixed, pre-designed curves. The adaptive control curve is continuously adjusted based on real-time pressure and flow rate measurements, allowing the system to match actual system behavior and optimize energy efficiency without requiring complex static curve matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where actual pressure and flow rate measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust the control curve. This closed-loop feedback allows the control curve to adapt to changing system conditions and characteristics, maintaining energy efficiency without requiring manual intervention or complex pre-programming.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, such as a pump controller, features a signal processor configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a linear set point control curve based at least partly on an adaptive set point control curve related to fluid being pumped by a pump in a pumping system, and determine a control set point based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide a control signal containing information to control the pump based on the control set point determined.