Method for controlling a circulating pump, and circulating pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating circulation pumps in systems with return temperature control face inefficiencies due to delayed speed increase, leading to boiler losses, as existing dynamic speed adjustment methods are not optimized for these systems.
Innovation Solution
The method adjusts the dynamic speed adjustment of the circulation pump based on the type of boiler control, temporarily deactivating it during heating phases with return temperature control to prevent delayed heat input and activating it during cooling phases for energy savings, using temperature gradient detection to determine the boiler's operating phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic speed adjustment with adaptive speed ramp is used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the speed increase is delayed causing boiler losses in return temperature control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the speed ramp adaptive and variable based on system conditions. The speed ramp is not fixed but adjusts dynamically according to whether the system is in heating or cooling phase, allowing optimal performance characteristics for each operational state. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fast response when needed (heating phase) and energy-saving slow response when appropriate (cooling phase).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of speed ramp characteristics based on the operational phase detected through temperature gradient analysis. By monitoring the temperature gradient and identifying heating versus cooling phases, the system modifies the speed adjustment parameters accordingly - using aggressive speed increases during heating phases to prevent boiler losses, and energy-efficient slow speed increases during cooling phases to reduce power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If manual speed adjustment is used for unregulated pumps, then the pump can be operated at different speed settings, but it predominantly operates at energy-inefficient levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the pump to automatically adjust its own speed based on real-time system conditions. The pump control system autonomously monitors temperature gradients, detects operational phases, and modifies speed settings without manual intervention. This eliminates the need for manual speed selection while ensuring the pump operates at energy-efficient levels by dynamically adapting to actual system demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring temperature gradients and using this information to adjust pump speed. The system detects the thermal state of the system and feeds this information back to the speed control, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes energy consumption based on actual operating conditions rather than relying on manual preset selections.
3Stress or pressure
If constant-pressure control is used, then the head is controlled to a constant value, but the speed adjustment does not optimize for varying flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static constant-pressure control to dynamic pressure control by making the target head variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the target head based on detected operational phases and system conditions, allowing the pump to operate optimally across varying flow conditions. This dynamic approach enables energy optimization by adapting the head setting to match actual system demands rather than maintaining a rigid constant value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed constant head value to a variable target head that adapts to system conditions. By monitoring temperature gradients and operational phases, the system modifies the target head parameter dynamically, enabling optimal energy consumption across different operating scenarios while maintaining adequate pressure control when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a heating circulating pump with a variable rotational speed in a hydraulic heating system, wherein the pump controller specifies the setpoint delivery head and adapts the rotational speed in order to achieve the setpoint delivery head, and wherein a dynamic rotational speed adjustment means is provided which sets the speed of the rotational speed change in a manner which is dependent on whether the setpoint delivery head is greater or less than the actual delivery head, and in a manner which is dependent on the performed controlling mode of the heating boiler.