Mesh-Connected Electronic Pumps for Flow Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid distribution networks face challenges in detecting and responding to anomalies such as pipe leaks or improper mixing, which can lead to inefficiencies and losses, due to the limitations of traditional monitoring systems that rely on localized sensors and lack real-time communication between pumps.
Innovation Solution
A system of electronic pumps connected via a mesh network that shares measurements and operational parameters to detect anomalies using reference keys and threshold parameters, allowing for immediate adjustments in pump operations to address issues like pipe leaks or flow rate imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional localized sensor monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but anomaly detection capability and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electronic pumps into a coordinated network where each pump shares sensor data and operational parameters with others. This merging allows the system to detect anomalies like pipe leaks and improper mixing more reliably by comparing data across multiple locations, while distributing the monitoring functionality across existing pump devices rather than adding separate centralized monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor measurements from each pump are transmitted to other pumps in the network, and operational parameters are adjusted based on this feedback. This enables real-time anomaly detection and automatic response, improving reliability while using the existing pump control systems to handle the feedback processing.
2Loss of time
If real-time communication between pumps is implemented, then response time to anomalies is reduced, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits sensor measurements and operational parameters at periodic intervals rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while still enabling timely anomaly detection. The periodic communication allows the system to respond quickly to changes in fluid properties or flow conditions while minimizing the time that communication systems are active.
3Measurement precision
If more sensors are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each electronic pump a multi-functional node that performs both fluid pumping and anomaly detection functions. The sensors attached to each pump monitor multiple parameters including fluid properties, flow rates, and pressure, allowing a single device to serve multiple purposes. This approach improves measurement precision across the network without requiring separate dedicated sensor installations.
4Ease of operation
If centralized monitoring system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information from localized measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into distributed intelligence units at each pump location, where local sensors and processors analyze measurements in real-time. Each pump maintains autonomy to detect and respond to local anomalies, preserving detailed localized information while simplifying overall system operation through decentralized decision-making. This segmentation allows local rapid response without requiring constant centralized intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining a set of operational parameters of a first electronic pump, a first set of measurements collected by a first electronic pump sensor, and a second set of measurements collected by a second electronic pump sensor of a second electronic pump. The method also includes sending the second set of measurements from the second node to the first node, determining a set of state representations based on the measurement data, and determining whether a flow between the first electronic pump and the second electronic pump is in an anomalous state based on the set of state representations and a library of values. The method also includes changing a pump operation in response to a determination that the flow is in the anomalous state.