Parallel Pump Pressure Switching for Balanced Workload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Systems with two pumps connected in parallel face inefficiencies in workload distribution, leading to premature failure of one pump due to uneven operation, and existing solutions to balance workload are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
The system employs electronic pressure switches with pressure sensors to alternate between two start-up and shut-down pressure configurations, allowing each pump to have a similar workload without the need for a control center or communication between switches, using pressure readings to manage pump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two pumps are connected in parallel to meet consumption peaks, then system efficiency is improved, but workload distribution becomes uneven causing one pump to fail prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switches dynamically alternate between two different pressure configurations (first configuration with higher pressures, second configuration with lower pressures) to switch which pump operates first. This dynamic switching ensures that over time both pumps accumulate similar operating hours and workload, preventing premature failure of one pump while maintaining system efficiency.
2Reliability
If pressure switches have different start-up/shut-down pressure configurations, then pump workload can be balanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic alternation between two pressure configurations. Each pressure switch cycles through the first configuration (with first start-up pressure Pmin1 and first shut-down pressure Pmax1) and the second configuration (with second start-up pressure Pmin2 and second shut-down pressure Pmax2) in alternating operation cycles. This periodic switching balances workload without requiring complex real-time control systems.
3Reliability
If a control center or communication between switches is used to balance workload, then pump alternation is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each pressure switch independently controls its associated pump using locally stored pressure configuration data. The switches self-organize into alternating operation by comparing their configuration identifiers and automatically switching between configurations without requiring communication with each other or a central control unit. This eliminates costly control infrastructure while achieving workload balancing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures extended lifespan of system components by evenly distributing workload between pumps, eliminating the need for costly control systems and ensuring pumps alternate operation without simultaneous operation, thus preventing premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
electronic pressure switches provided with a pressure sensor connected to the delivery manifold to control the operation of each pump
Data Source
AI summary
System with two pumps (B1, B2) connected in parallel to a delivery manifold and respective electronic pressure switches (P1, P2) provided with a pressure sensor (S1, S2) connected to the delivery manifold and designed to alternate their operation between a first configuration with a first shut-down pressure (Pmax1) and a first start-up pressure (Pmin1) and a second configuration with a second shut-down pressure (Pmax2) and a second start-up pressure (Pmin2), the first shut-down pressure (Pmax1) being greater than the second shut-down pressure (Pmax2) and the first start-up pressure (Pmin1) greater than the second start-up pressure (Pmin2). Each of the pressure switches (P1, P2) is designed to alternate their operation between the two configurations according to a pressure reading (Pimp) at the delivery manifold by the pressure sensor(s) (S1, S2). The invention also relates to a pressure switch.