Parallel Centrifugal Pump Efficiency Control via Dynamic Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling parallel centrifugal pumps are inefficient in managing energy consumption, as they often rely on traditional valve settings and do not optimize the number of pumps operating in parallel to achieve the highest efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine the optimal number of centrifugal pumps to operate in parallel by calculating instantaneous and expected efficiencies based on current operating conditions, adjusting the number of pumps to maximize efficiency and minimize energy demand, using a communication interface, data storage, and processing unit to generate reference values for driving units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional valve settings are used to control flow rate, then the system can maintain simple control mechanisms, but energy consumption increases and efficiency is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of pump operation by continuously monitoring actual flow rate and dynamically adjusting the number of operating pumps based on real-time conditions. The control system transitions from static valve settings to dynamic pump activation/deactivation, optimizing energy consumption according to varying flow demands while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by adjusting the number of active pumps rather than using valve settings. The control unit modifies system behavior by switching pumps on or off based on calculated efficiency metrics, transforming the control approach from continuous valve adjustment to discrete pump number optimization, thereby reducing energy consumption without excessive complexity increase.
2Productivity
If the number of parallel pumps is increased to meet higher flow demands, then flow rate capacity improves, but energy consumption and operational efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously measuring actual flow rate and using this information to determine the optimal number of pumps to operate. The control unit receives feedback on system performance and adjusts pump operation accordingly, ensuring that flow rate capacity meets demand while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by operating only the necessary number of pumps required to meet current flow demands rather than running all pumps at full capacity. The control algorithm calculates the minimum number of pumps needed and activates only that portion, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining adequate flow rate capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pumps operate at varying speeds to optimize efficiency, then energy consumption decreases, but control system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical speed control mechanisms with an electronic control system that manages pump activation and deactivation. Instead of continuously varying pump speeds through mechanical means, the system uses electronic control units to switch pumps on or off, achieving energy optimization through simpler electrical control while reducing the difficulty of measurement and control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method for operating multiple centrifugal pumps are disclosed. The device can include a communication interface for receiving as at least one input information, an instantaneous pressure drop and an instantaneous flow rate per pump or speed of the centrifugal pumps, and for transmitting output information to the centrifugal pumps, where the output information reflects a reference value for the number of centrifugal pumps to be operated in parallel. The device can contain a data storage unit and a processing unit, which determine from input information and additional information an instantaneous efficiency, a first expected efficiency under the assumption that the actual number is reduced by one, and a second expected efficiency under the assumption that the actual number is increased by one, and which can generate the reference value depending on which of the instantaneous or first expected or second expected efficiencies has a highest value.