Method for adjusting the operation of a pump system and arrangement of a pump system and electronics for carrying out the method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting the operation of power-controllable pump assemblies in hydraulic systems are complex and often result in imprecise adjustments, leading to inefficient energy use and noise issues due to the need for detailed knowledge of the system's design and operation, especially during retrofits where plans may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A method where the hydraulic power of a pump unit is adjusted by specifying a default value of a setting variable, such as the number of consumers or the area to be heated/cooled, allowing for automatic determination of characteristic values for delivery head and flow rate, enabling quick and simple plant-specific adjustments without requiring special calculations or prior knowledge of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic power is set high to avoid undersupplying consumers, then the reliability of heating/cooling supply is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and flow noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from complex hydraulic parameters (delivery head, flow rate) to simple building characteristics (area, number of floors). The electronics automatically calculate the optimal pump power settings based on these simple parameters, transforming the control approach from manual expert adjustment to automated parameter optimization based on building size.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed system knowledge is required for proper pump adjustment, then the manufacturing precision of the setting can be improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly performs self-adjustment through integrated electronics that automatically calculate the optimal settings based on building characteristics entered by the user. The system serves itself by converting simple input data (building area, floors) into precise pump control parameters without requiring external expert knowledge or manual calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics act as an intermediary between the simple building characteristics input and the complex pump control parameters. The electronics translate user-friendly inputs (area, floors) into the technical parameters needed for precise pump operation, bridging the gap between simple operation and precise control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions and curves are offered, then the adaptability of the pump system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of hydraulic calculations and control curve selection from the user interface. The electronics internally handle multiple control functions and curves, presenting only simple building characteristic inputs to the user. This separates the complex control logic from the simple user interaction.
4Ease of operation
If automatic measurement functions are integrated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing full automatic measurement of all hydraulic parameters, the patent uses partial automation based on simple building characteristics. The system accepts minimal user input (area, floors) and automatically determines pump settings, providing sufficient automation benefit without the complexity of comprehensive automatic measurement systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for setting the operation of a pump unit (1) whose output can be regulated in a hydraulic system of a building with a number of consumers supplied with heating or cooling capacity by the pump unit by specifying a default value (N1, N2, N3, F1, F2, F3) a setting variable (Nv, NR, F). This provides that the setting variable (Nv, NR, F) is the number (Nv) of consumers or a number (NR) of a corresponding countable unit, or the area (F) of the building to be heated or cooled, with the default value (N1, N2, N3, F1, F2, F3) the setting variable (NV, NR, F) from electronics (4) assigned to the pump unit (1) a characteristic value (Hnom) for the delivery head (H) and/or a characteristic value (Qnenn) for the flow rate (Q) of the pump unit (1) and the pump unit (1) as a function of the characteristic value (Hnenn) for the delivery head (H) or the characteristic value (Qnenn) for the flow rate (Q) or this both characteristic values (Qnenn, Hnenn) are controlled. The invention also relates to an arrangement (1, 4) consisting of the pump unit (1), in particular a centrifugal pump unit, and electronics (4) with which an operating setting of the pump unit (1) can be set by specifying a default value (N1, N2, N3, F1, F2, F3) of a setting variable (NV, NR, F) can be set at least indirectly, with the setting variable (NV, NR, F) being the number (NV) of consumers or a number (NR) of a countable unit corresponding thereto, or is the area (F) of the building to be heated or cooled, and the arrangement for carrying out the method is set up.