Method of operating a fluid system, fluid system and computer program product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid systems face challenges in maintaining precise control of working valves due to time-dependent and mode-dependent changes, such as plastic deformation of seals, which affect the opening position and fluid flow, leading to inaccurate valve operation over time and under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controller-connected sensor system that determines a deviation value from sensor signals of pressure and position sensors, using a mathematical model to adjust the control signal for the working valve, ensuring precise control by accounting for age-related and operating mode-related changes, without requiring test pulses or learning runs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a working valve is used to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the valve behavior changes over time due to seal deformation, leading to imprecise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor signals from pressure sensors and position sensors are continuously fed to the controller. The controller determines a deviation value comparing actual valve behavior with expected behavior, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the control signal, compensating for seal deformation and maintaining precise control throughout the valve's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter dynamically by adjusting the control signal based on the determined deviation value. This allows the system to adapt to time-dependent changes in valve characteristics, such as seal deformation, by modifying the actuation parameters in real-time to maintain the desired valve position and fluid flow control.
2Measurement precision
If traditional control methods are used without deviation compensation, then the system is simpler, but control accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from multiple sensors (pressure sensors at inlet and outlet, position sensor) and uses this information to determine a deviation value. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and correction of valve position accuracy without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically determining the deviation value from sensor signals and adjusting the control signal accordingly. This eliminates the need for external calibration equipment, test pulses, or learning runs, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision autonomously throughout operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If test pulses or learning runs are used to calibrate the valve, then initial accuracy is improved, but system operation is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of valve behavior during normal operation by continuously determining the deviation value from sensor signals. This preliminary action accumulates data about valve characteristics over time, enabling the system to adapt to changes without requiring separate calibration phases, test pulses, or learning runs that would interrupt productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by maintaining valve control precision throughout operation without interruptions. The deviation determination and control signal adjustment occur continuously during normal fluid flow control, eliminating the need to stop the system for calibration or to perform separate learning runs, thus maintaining full productivity while achieving and maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a fluid system including the steps: receiving or determining a set value for a stroke of the working valve, determining an actual value for the stroke of the working valve using a sensor signal of a position sensor, determining a deviation value of a working valve in dependence on sensor signals of a supply pressure sensor and a working pressure sensor and a position sensor and a sensor system, and performing a processing of the set value for the stroke of the working valve, the actual value for the stroke of the working valve and the deviation value to a control signal for driving the working valve.