Pipe Network Resistance Analysis Using Decentralized End-Branch Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing pipe networks, particularly in building heating and cooling systems, face inaccuracies and planning errors due to lack of information about pipe resistances and topology, especially during construction and modernization phases.
Innovation Solution
A method involving decentralized pumps assigned to each end branch of the pipe network, where pumps can have known or unknown characteristic curves, allows for the calculation of line resistances and branch resistances by determining operating states and using sensors to measure delivery head, enabling a comprehensive analysis of pipe network resistances and topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If decentralized pumps are assigned to each end branch for pipe network analysis, then measurement precision of pipe resistances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decentralized pumps are equipped with integrated sensors and control units that automatically measure delivery head, volume flow, and operating states. Each pump performs its own measurement and transmits data to the evaluation unit, eliminating the need for external measurement equipment and manual data collection, thus reducing overall system complexity despite multiple pumps being deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The pumps serve dual functions: they perform their primary pumping function while simultaneously acting as measurement devices for pipe network analysis. The integrated sensors and control units enable each pump to collect hydraulic data, determine operating states, and contribute to resistance calculations, making the pumps multi-functional devices that reduce the need for separate measurement instrumentation
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumps with unknown characteristic curves are used, then adaptability of the system is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual operating state of each pump and compares it with the expected performance. Sensors measure delivery head and volume flow in real-time, providing feedback to the control unit which adjusts operations to maintain optimal performance. This feedback mechanism compensates for uncertainties in pump characteristic curves and ensures precise measurements even when pump specifications are unknown
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines pump operating states by measuring multiple parameters including delivery head, volume flow, and power consumption. By monitoring changes in these parameters under different operating conditions, the system can characterize pumps with unknown curves and accurately determine their performance characteristics during actual operation rather than relying on pre-defined curves
3Loss of information
If complete pipe network analysis is performed, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe network is divided into segments based on common pipe sections and end branches. The evaluation unit processes resistance calculations for each segment independently using data from decentralized pumps located in those segments. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different network portions, reducing overall analysis time while maintaining complete information about the entire pipe network through aggregation of segment results
Solution Approach 2:
The decentralized pumps continuously collect and store hydraulic data, operating states, and resistance information during normal operation. When complete pipe network analysis is required, this pre-collected data is already available in the system, eliminating the need for time-consuming field measurements and manual data gathering. The evaluation unit can immediately process this pre-prepared information to generate comprehensive network analysis results
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a pipe network analysis in a network of pipes, according to which method a decentralised pump is assigned to each end branch of the network of pipes. At least one pair of selected operating conditions for each pair of pumps is set in said pumps, the total volumetric flow in the network of pipes or the partial volumetric flow in the end branches being determined for each pair of operating conditions. The line resistance KIJ of the pipe sections that are used collectively by both pumps and the branch resistance RIJ of the end branch that is used exclusively by pump PI are then calculated on the basis of the determined variables and the variables produced by the set operating conditions.