Pipe Network Analysis via Electric Circuit Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for analyzing pipe networks require dedicated simulators for each analysis target, which are costly and time-consuming to develop, and are not easily applicable to large-scale networks, as they often rely on specific hardware or measured sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A pipe network analysis apparatus that converts piping elements into equivalent electric circuit elements, allowing the representation of pipe networks using electric circuit networks, enabling analysis through existing electric circuit simulators without the need for dedicated simulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated simulators are developed for each pipe network analysis target, then analysis accuracy is improved, but development cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulator that can analyze multiple types of pipe networks (water, gas, etc.) using a single electric circuit network model. Instead of developing dedicated simulators for each pipe network type, the invention uses a unified approach where piping elements are converted to equivalent electric circuit elements, allowing one simulator to handle various fluid transport scenarios with different physical characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated simulators are developed for each pipe network analysis target, then analysis accuracy is improved, but development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulator that can analyze multiple types of pipe networks (water, gas, etc.) using a single electric circuit network model. Instead of developing dedicated simulators for each pipe network type, the invention uses a unified approach where piping elements are converted to equivalent electric circuit elements, allowing one simulator to handle various fluid transport scenarios with different physical characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing simulation techniques are used for large-scale pipe networks, then analysis capability is limited, but implementation simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex fluid dynamics mechanical system with an electric circuit network model. By converting piping elements (pipes, valves, pumps, tanks) into equivalent electric circuit elements (resistors, switches, voltage sources, capacitors), the invention enables the use of well-established electric circuit simulation techniques to analyze large-scale pipe networks, significantly expanding analysis capability while maintaining model manageability.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are installed to monitor pipe network elements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of pipe network elements through electric circuit models that replicate the hydraulic behavior of actual piping components. Instead of installing physical sensors in the pipe network, the invention uses simulation models that copy the essential characteristics of pipes, valves, pumps, and tanks, allowing analysis of fluid states without physical instrumentation of the actual system.
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
Enables efficient analysis of pipe networks by representing fluid dynamics using electric circuit models, allowing for the simulation of fluid states without the requirement for extensive hardware or sensor installation, thus reducing costs and improving analysis speed.
Implementation Method 1
convert at least one piping element of the piping elements to an element of an electric circuit, the element being configured to represent a non-linear relation between a pressure and a flow rate of the fluid in the piping elements by use of a relation between a voltage and a current
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and the like which enables to represent a pipe network transporting a fluid by use of electrical circuit network is provided. The pipe network analysis apparatus includes; processing circuitry configured to receive a pipe network model that represents a pipe network being constituted by one or more piping elements, convert at least one piping element to an element of an electric circuit being configured to represent a non-linear relation between a pressure and a flow rate of the fluid in the piping elements by use of a relation between a voltage and a current, and generate a model representing an electric circuit network expressing the pipe network, by use of the element of the electric circuit; and an output device configured to provide the model analyzable by a specific electric circuit simulator.