Pressurized Fluid Network Efficiency via Virtual Rearrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for pressurized fluid, such as compressed air systems, face challenges in optimizing energy efficiency and reducing energy costs due to varying loads at multiple pipe outlets, leading to unpredictable pressure drops and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to evaluate and optimize the efficiency of pressurized fluid systems by calculating potential financial savings from reducing pressure drops through virtual rearrangements of the piping network, including decreasing the inlet pressure and modifying pipe diameters or adding local pressure vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inlet pressure is increased to ensure sufficient pressure at all outlets, then the pressure availability at pipe outlets is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the inlet pressure based on the actual load conditions at different pipe outlets. Instead of maintaining a constant high pressure, the controller modulates the pressure supply according to real-time demand, thereby reducing energy consumption while ensuring sufficient pressure is available at outlets when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on load conditions. The system monitors pressure drops and load variations, then adjusts the inlet pressure parameter accordingly - increasing it when pressure drops are detected and decreasing it when demand is lower, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the pipe diameter is increased to reduce pressure drops, then the pressure loss is reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than statically increasing pipe diameters throughout the network, the system dynamically controls pressure at different locations based on actual load conditions. The controller adjusts pressure supply in response to detected pressure drops, achieving energy efficiency without requiring more complex or larger piping infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the pressure source and the piping network. It monitors pressure conditions and load demands, then mediates the pressure supply to optimize the balance between reducing pressure losses and avoiding unnecessary system complexity or cost increases.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the inlet pressure is decreased to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the pressure availability at distant outlets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts inlet pressure based on real-time load conditions and pressure drop detection. When pressure drops are detected at distant outlets, the controller increases pressure supply to maintain availability. When demand is lower, it decreases pressure to improve energy efficiency, thus dynamically optimizing both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure sensors and load monitors to continuously adjust inlet pressure. The controller receives information about actual pressure conditions at outlets and corresponding load demands, then feedback-adjusts the pressure supply to optimize the balance between energy efficiency and pressure availability, ensuring reliable operation when needed.
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
The method allows for the identification of critical areas in the piping network and proposes modifications to reduce energy consumption and costs, ensuring sufficient pressure at all outlets while minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure drops occurring between the main pipe inlet and the pipe outlets should not exceed a certain level
Implementation Method 2
The pressure drop is mainly caused by friction loss of the fluid during flow in the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Method for improving the efficiency of a system for pressurized fluid which includes a piping network which is provided with an inlet and multiple pipe outlets, subjected to a varying load. The method including the evaluation of one or more virtual rearrangements of the system, which involves: a calculation of potential financial savings (PFS), which calculation possibly involves a measurement of pressures in the system; an evaluation of the potential financial savings (PFS); and, if there are positive potential financial savings (PFS) proposing one or more virtual rearrangements for implementation to a user.