Variable-Speed Pump Control for Pressure-Stable Displacement Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Variable-speed variable displacement pumps face challenges in maintaining constant pressure and volume flow due to inadequate speed dynamics, leading to potential drops in pressure when adjusting displacement volume per working cycle, requiring frequent controller intervention.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a pilot control that adjusts the speed setpoint and torque setpoint using model predictive control, taking into account parameters like maximum and minimum displacement volume, pressure, and drive speed, to pre-control the speed and torque adjustments, ensuring constant variables without needing higher-level controller intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the displacement volume per operating cycle is adjusted, then energy efficiency is improved, but pressure stability deteriorates due to insufficient speed dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control device adjusts the speed setpoint before the displacement volume adjustment is completed, anticipating the upcoming change in hydraulic torque. This preliminary speed adjustment ensures that the drive is already optimized to handle the changing load conditions, preventing pressure drops and maintaining system stability throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts both the displacement volume and speed setpoint based on real-time operating conditions. The control device continuously monitors the actual displacement volume and相应地 adjusts the speed setpoint, creating a dynamic control strategy that adapts to changing system requirements and maintains optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the speed adjustment is delayed, then displacement volume can be adjusted, but pressure drops occur due to slow speed response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement adjustment capabilityVSAvoidspeed response
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control device proactively adjusts the speed setpoint based on the current displacement volume and anticipated changes, rather than waiting for pressure drops to occur. This forward-looking approach ensures speed response is synchronized with displacement adjustments, preventing pressure instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses feedback from the actual displacement volume and system conditions to continuously optimize the speed setpoint. This closed-loop control ensures that speed adjustments are timely and appropriate, maintaining pressure stability while enabling full displacement adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If higher-level controller intervention is used, then pressure can be maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure maintenanceVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device autonomously manages speed adjustments based on displacement volume changes without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by continuously monitoring its own state and making appropriate speed setpoint modifications, eliminating the need for higher-level controllers and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors displacement volume, calculates optimal speed setpoints, and executes speed adjustments all in one unit. This multi-functionality consolidates control tasks, reducing the need for additional controllers and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3839256B1Method for operating a variable-speed adjustable pump
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3839256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3839256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3839256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for operating a variable speed pump (120) in which a conveyor (122) adjustable in a displacement volume per working cycle is driven by means of a variable speed drive (121), wherein, within the framework of a control system, at least one variable is controlled by specifying a speed setpoint (nsetpoint) for a speed of the drive and a setpoint (αsetpoint) for a characteristic parameter determining the displacement volume per working cycle to a setpoint (psetpoint), wherein the speed setpoint (nsetpoint) is adjusted by means of a feedforward control as a function of a current speed of an adjustment of the conveyor (122) when the setpoint (αsetpoint) for the characteristic parameter determining the displacement volume per working cycle changes.