Fluid Process Variable Estimation Using Multi-Actuator Maps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining process variables in fluid power systems are either expensive due to sensor usage or imprecise when relying solely on actuator maps, lacking sufficient accuracy for effective regulation and control.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates process variables by integrating the characteristics of multiple actuators in a computational model, using their respective characteristic maps to determine derivative variables, which are then combined to achieve precise process variable determination without the need for separate sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect process variables, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the sensor measurement by calculating the process variable through a computational model that integrates characteristic maps from multiple actuators. Instead of physically measuring the process variable with a sensor, the system computes an equivalent value based on actuator behavior, thereby eliminating the need for additional physical sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/sensor-based measurement system with a computational/mathematical system. The physical sensor detection is substituted by a calculation model that uses characteristic maps and actuator operating variables to determine the process variable, transforming a hardware-based solution into a software-based solution.
2Device complexity
If only actuator characteristic maps are used to calculate process variables, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the characteristic maps of multiple actuators into a single computational model. By integrating information from several actuator characteristic maps simultaneously, the system achieves higher measurement precision than would be possible with a single actuator map, while still maintaining the simplicity of a calculation-based approach without physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional dimension to the calculation by incorporating multiple actuator characteristic maps into the computational model. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to cross-validate and refine the process variable determination, improving accuracy by considering relationships across multiple actuators rather than relying on a single actuator's characteristic map.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators with characteristic maps are integrated in a computational model, then measurement precision is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal computational model that can handle multiple types of actuators and their respective characteristic maps through a unified mathematical framework. This multi-functional approach allows the system to process different actuator types (pumps, valves, compressors) using the same basic calculation structure, managing complexity through standardization rather than requiring separate calculation methods for each actuator type.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the value of a process variable (P) for process control in a process chain of a fluid system (10) in which a process medium is guided, a first actuator (22) and a second actuator (42) being arranged in the process chain and being fluidically connected, a first operating variable (B1) being associated with the first actuator (22) and a second operating variable (B2) being associated with the second actuator (42), and a first map (K1) based on the first operating variable (B1) being associated with the first actuator (22), and a second map (K2) based on the second operating variable (B2) being associated with the second actuator (42), characterised in that the value of the process variables (P) different from the operating variables (B1, B2) is determined using the values of the first operating variable (B1) and of the second operating variable (B2) and of a computing model (M) which comprises the first map (K1) and the second map (K2).