Method and devices for controlling a fluid transportation network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transportation networks face complexity in installation due to the need for multiple sensors in each consumer, leading to inefficiencies in balancing and energy usage, particularly in dynamic systems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure invariant regulating system is implemented in each zone of the network, with processing units controlling pressure-independent branches and pumping power to maintain optimal valve positions and energy efficiency, using a single flow sensor and reducing hardware overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed in each consumer for flow measurement and balancing, then measurement precision and balancing accuracy are improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow measurement function from individual consumer-level sensors to a single central flow sensor that measures the total flow in the supply line. This central measurement approach eliminates the need for multiple distributed sensors while maintaining the capability to derive individual zone flow information through calculation based on known valve characteristics and pressure data.
Solution Approach 2:
The central flow sensor serves multiple purposes: measuring total system flow, enabling dynamic balancing calculations, monitoring system performance, and providing data for energy optimization. This single sensor replaces multiple specialized sensors that would otherwise be needed at different locations for similar measurement functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional balancing methods with multiple pressure connection points are used for each compensating organ, then hydraulic balancing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure measurement functions into a single pressure sensor located in the supply line. Instead of requiring multiple pressure connection points distributed throughout the system, the central pressure sensor provides sufficient data when combined with flow measurements and valve characteristics to calculate pressure drops and achieve hydraulic balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control unit that acts as an intermediary, processing data from the single pressure sensor and flow sensor to calculate and determine the flow distribution across all zones. This control unit performs the complex calculations that would otherwise require multiple direct pressure measurements at each consumer.
3Ease of operation
If valves are adjusted to extreme positions (fully open or fully closed) to simplify control, then ease of operation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary pumping power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic valve positioning that continuously adjusts valve opening degrees based on real-time flow measurements, pressure data, and zone requirements. Instead of static extreme positions, the system optimizes valve positions dynamically to maintain efficient flow distribution, ensuring valves operate in the optimal range for energy efficiency while still providing simple automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the central flow sensor and pressure sensor to continuously monitor actual flow distribution and adjust valve positions accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents energy waste by automatically optimizing valve settings based on actual system conditions, eliminating the need for manual extreme positioning while maintaining energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transportation network (1) comprises a plurality of parallel zones (Z1, Z2), fed by a common supply line (L), with a regulating zone valve (V1, V2) in each zone (Z1, Z2) for regulating a flow of fluid (ϕ1, ϕ2) through the respective zone (Z1, Z2). A processing unit (RE) receives valve positions (pos1, pos2) of the regulating zone valves (V1, V2) and determines and sets an adjusted valve position for a line valve (VE) arranged in the supply line (L), depending on the valve positions (pos1, pos2) of the regulating zone valves (V1, V2). A processing unit (RE) further receives a measurement of a total flow of fluid (ϕtot) through the supply line (L) and determines and sets adjusted valve positions for the regulating zone valves (V1, V2), depending on the measurement of the total flow of fluid (ϕtot) through the supply line (L).