Pump Control Method for Energy-Efficient Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump control systems struggle to optimize energy efficiency, especially when dealing with multiple pump units of different types or sizes, as they require initial characterization and fail to adapt automatically to changes in the system, leading to suboptimal energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A pump control method that calculates individual load factors for each pump unit, adjusting their hydraulic loads to prioritize energy-efficient operation by distributing the total hydraulic load based on energy efficiency, allowing for continuous optimization and automatic adaptation to changes in the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If characteristic curves are recorded for each pump during commissioning to optimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot automatically adapt to ongoing changes in the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidadaptation to system changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump control system automatically determines characteristic curves during operation without requiring manual commissioning measurements. The system self-calibrates by monitoring pump performance parameters and dynamically updating efficiency maps, enabling continuous adaptation to system changes while maintaining energy optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual pump performance and system conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust operating points and update characteristic curves. This closed-loop approach ensures the system adapts to changing conditions while maintaining optimal energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If initial values for each pump unit are required for control optimization, then energy efficiency can be optimized, but commissioning is complicated and automatic adaptation to system changes is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcommissioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically determines pump characteristic curves and initial values during normal operation through self-calibration procedures, eliminating the need for manual commissioning measurements and complex setup procedures while enabling continuous energy optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic characterization and calibration procedures during initial operation to establish baseline performance data, preparing the optimization algorithms in advance without requiring separate commissioning activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2947325B1Pump control method
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 GRUNDFOS HLDG
  • EP2947325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2947325B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2947325B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a pump control method for controlling the operation of a pump system with at least two pump units (2) arranged in parallel or in series, characterized by the following steps: Determining a specific total power Es of the entire pump system, which defines a total power in relation to a total hydraulic load of the entire pump system. Determining a specific individual power EP,n of each pump unit (2), which defines an individual power in relation to the individual hydraulic load of the respective pump unit (2). Calculating an individual load factor Egain,n for each pump unit (2) according to the equation. Adjusting the individual hydraulic load (Qn; Hn) of the pump units (2) as a function of a desired hydraulic load (QD; HD) and the individual load factor Egain,n of the respective pump unit (2).