Feed Pump Flow Control via Pulsed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivery pumps typically operate within a limited speed range, restricting their ability to adjust flow rates effectively, especially at lower values, which is inadequate for applications like solar systems and fresh water modules that require extended control over liquid flow.
Innovation Solution
The method introduces three flow control ranges: continuous operation, pulsed operation with increased speed pulses, and pulsed operation with adjusted pulse intervals and pause times, allowing for extended flow rate control by varying speed and pulse intervals, enabling operation below the minimum speed and achieving smaller flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the feed pump operates continuously within a limited speed range, then the pump maintains stable operation, but the flow rate control range is restricted and cannot achieve extended control below the minimum speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by introducing intermittent pulsed operation modes where the pump alternates between running and idle states. The control device switches the pump between active pumping phases and idle phases, creating a periodic operation pattern that enables extended flow rate control below the continuous minimum speed while maintaining system stability through regulated cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static continuous operation to dynamic intermittent operation. The pump speed and operational state are dynamically adjusted through pulse amplitude modulation and duty cycle control, allowing the system to adaptively achieve various flow rates below the traditional minimum speed while maintaining operational stability through controlled transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feed pump operates intermittently in pulsed manner, then the flow rate control range is extended below minimum speed, but the operation becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements periodic action by establishing regulated pulse cycles with defined amplitude and duty cycle. The pump operates in repeated cycles of active pumping followed by idle phases, creating a periodic pattern that extends flow control range while maintaining operational stability through consistent cycling rather than random interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that during each active pulse phase, the pump delivers liquid continuously at the required flow rate. The intermittent idle phases are strategically controlled to maintain overall system functionality, ensuring that the useful pumping action continues effectively throughout the operational cycle rather than being completely interrupted.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating a pump (18; 64) for conveying a fluid, comprising an impeller (80) and an electronically commutated electric motor (70) for the rotary drive of the impeller (80), wherein the pump can be operated in a speed range of the impeller (80) between an upper speed (86) and a finite first lower speed (84; 108), is provided, comprising: - a first flow control range (88) in which the pump (18; 64) is operated continuously and the impeller (80) is driven continuously to rotate; - a second flow control range (90) in which the feed pump (18; 64) is operated intermittently and the impeller (80) is driven in pulsed rotation, wherein a pulse amplitude (92) of the rotation is greater than a finite second lower rotational speed (100; 110) and between rotational speed pulses there are pause times (94) with a rotational speed (n) of zero or at least approximately zero;- a third flow control range (106) in which the feed pump (18; 64) is operated intermittently and the impeller (80) is driven in pulsed rotation, wherein a pulse amplitude of the rotation is at the second lower speed (100; 110) and pause times with zero or at least approximately zero speed lie between speed pulses.;