Dynamic Pump Switch-Off Level Control for Sewage Volume Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewage pumping stations face challenges in efficiently utilizing available container volume and maintaining reliable operation under changing inflow conditions, often resulting in unnecessary loss of useful volume and risk of air inclusion due to fixed switch-off levels.
Innovation Solution
The device adjusts pump switch-off levels dynamically based on the inflow volume, using sensors to measure the rise time of the liquid level and continuously determine the inflow quantity, allowing for flexible adjustment of switching points to optimize container utilization and prevent air inclusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed switch-off levels are used to prevent air inclusion during large inflows, then pump reliability is improved, but container volume utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switch-off level adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adapts the switch-off level based on detected inflow conditions: during large inflows, the switch-off level is set higher to prevent air inclusion, while during small inflows, it is set lower to maximize container volume utilization. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for reliability when needed and for volume efficiency when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of switch-off level based on inflow conditions. The control device detects inflow characteristics and adjusts the switch-off level parameter accordingly - raising it during turbulent large inflows to ensure reliable pump operation, and lowering it during calm small inflows to improve container volume utilization. This parameter adaptation resolves the technical contradiction between reliability and volume efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If switch-off levels are set high to account for turbulence during large inflows, then air inclusion is prevented, but container volume utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the switch-off level based on real-time detection of inflow conditions. During large inflows with turbulence, the switch-off level is raised to prevent air inclusion. During small inflows without turbulence, the switch-off level is lowered to maximize container volume utilization. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between preventing air inclusion and utilizing container volume efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically detects inflow conditions and self-adjusts the switch-off level without manual intervention. The system monitors inflow characteristics and autonomously optimizes the switch-off level to prevent air inclusion when necessary while maximizing volume utilization when conditions allow, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
3Device complexity
If fixed switch-on and switch-off levels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect inflow conditions and feeding this information back to the control device, which then adjusts the switch-off level accordingly. The control device continuously monitors inflow characteristics and adapts the switching levels in real-time, providing the system with adaptability to changing operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs multiple functions: it detects inflow conditions, determines appropriate switch-off levels based on detected conditions, controls pump switching, and maximizes container volume utilization. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to various operating conditions without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device comprising a liquid container (16) with one or more pumps (14), a control unit (18) which switches one or more pumps (14) on or off depending on the liquid level in the container (16), and one or more sensors (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) connected to the control unit (18) for detecting one or more liquid levels, in particular the switch-on and switch-off levels of the pumps (14), and a method for operating such devices or systems equipped therewith. During operation, the device adjusts the switch-off level of at least one of the pumps (14) (Fig. 4).