Hydrodynamic Machine Control for Working Medium Fill Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrodynamic machines face issues with insufficient working medium supply in the reservoir, leading to low fill levels due to leaks or incorrect filling, resulting in increased discharge and inadequate lubrication during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method for detecting pressure changes in the working medium reservoir to determine the fill level, allowing for a warning or preventing activation until a sufficient level is reached, using existing pressure sensors to apply control pressure and compare pressure values or curves with reference limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working medium supply decreases due to leaks or incorrect filling, then the fill level in the working medium reservoir becomes too low, but this leads to increased discharge of working medium and insufficient lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the fill level of the working medium reservoir in advance before it becomes critically low. The control device monitors the quantity of working medium and issues warnings or prevents machine activation before lubrication failure occurs, allowing preventive maintenance to be performed while the system is still operational or during scheduled downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the fill level of the working medium reservoir and using this information to control machine operation. The control device receives feedback about the working medium quantity and adjusts system behavior accordingly, either by warning the operator or preventing activation, thereby maintaining reliable lubrication conditions.
2Reliability
If a fill level detection system is implemented to prevent low working medium levels, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the existing control device of the hydrodynamic machine to perform multiple functions: its original control functions plus the additional function of monitoring working medium fill level. The control device is designed to handle both machine operation control and reservoir level monitoring, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the control device to monitor its own operational conditions (working medium fill level) and make decisions about machine activation based on this self-diagnosis. The system serves itself by detecting potential problems and preventing operation under unfavorable conditions without requiring external monitoring systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures proper functioning and lubrication of hydrodynamic machines by detecting low fill levels and preventing operation until sufficient medium is available, utilizing existing sensors without additional equipment, thus maintaining equipment efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a bladed primary wheel (1) and a bladed secondary wheel (2), which together form a working chamber (3), are designed to transfer drive power hydrodynamically from the primary wheel (1) to the secondary wheel (2) by forming a working medium circuit (8) in the working chamber (3)
Implementation Method 2
a control pressure is applied to the working medium supply (4) in order to force the working medium from the working medium supply (4) into the working chamber (3), wherein a pressure increase in the working medium reservoir (5) is detected, at least indirectly, and a fill level of the working medium supply (4) in the working medium reservoir (5) is determined as a function of the detected pressure increase
Implementation Method 3
the working medium may at the same time serve as a lubricant for the hydrodynamic machine, for example for lubrication of the bearings
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a hydrodynamic machine, including the steps of: providing a hydrodynamic machine which includes a bladed primary wheel and a bladed secondary wheel, which together form a working chamber, which can be filled with a working medium from a working medium supply contained in a working medium reservoir, to transfer drive power hydrodynamically from the bladed primary wheel to the bladed secondary wheel by forming a working medium circuit in the working chamber; applying a control pressure to the working medium supply in order to force the working medium from the working medium supply into the working chamber; detecting, at least indirectly, a pressure increase in the working medium reservoir, when the control pressure is applied to the working medium supply; and determining, as a function of the pressure increase that has been detected, a fill level of the working medium supply in the working medium reservoir.