Variable Speed Pump Energy Optimization via Static Head Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed-speed pumps used in reservoir fluid level control are inefficient due to oversizing and changing static head conditions, leading to high energy consumption, and existing methods fail to account for these factors effectively without using expensive and prone-to-failure flow sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that optimize energy efficiency by identifying pump characteristics, determining energy efficiency optimization characteristics, and adjusting rotational speed based on present static head values, using a frequency converter to control the pump without additional sensors, allowing for automatic system identification and rotational speed optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a fixed-speed pump is used for reservoir fluid level control, then the pump can operate simply and reliably, but energy consumption increases due to oversizing and inability to adapt to changing static head conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidadaptability to changing static head
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-speed to variable-speed pump operation. The pump speed is dynamically adjusted based on the current operating conditions, specifically the static head and flow rate requirements. This allows the pump to adapt its performance characteristics to match the changing system demands, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate fluid level control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the pump's rotational speed parameter in response to changing static head conditions. By varying the speed parameter rather than maintaining a constant fixed speed, the system can optimize energy efficiency across different operating points. The control system adjusts the speed parameter based on measured or calculated system characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If a flow sensor is installed to determine energy consumption characteristics, then energy efficiency can be optimized, but the system becomes more complex and expensive with additional hardware that is prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity with additional sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a virtual model or representation of the system characteristics rather than directly measuring all physical parameters with sensors. Instead of installing flow sensors to directly measure flow rate, the system uses a model that calculates flow rate and energy consumption characteristics based on pump performance curves and measured parameters like power consumption and static head. This virtual copy allows optimization without the complexity of additional physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (flow sensors) with a computational approach. Instead of using physical sensors to detect flow characteristics, the system substitutes mechanical measurement with mathematical modeling and calculation based on electrical parameters (power consumption, voltage, current) and pump performance characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical sensing hardware while achieving the same optimization goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the pump is oversized for safety reasons, then the pumping system can handle peak demands, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety margin for peak demandsVSAvoidenergy consumption during normal operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic speed adjustment. The pump operates at variable speeds matched to the actual demand rather than running continuously at full capacity. During normal operation, the pump speed is reduced to match lower flow requirements, maintaining reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption. When peak demands occur, the speed can be increased to meet the higher requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by operating the pump at less than its maximum capacity during normal conditions. Rather than always running the oversized pump at full power, the system uses only the portion of the pump's capability that is currently needed. The excess capacity remains available but is not continuously utilized, thereby avoiding the unnecessary energy consumption that would result from operating an oversized pump at full power during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9382903B2Method and apparatus for optimizing energy efficiency of pumping system
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • US9382903B2 patent drawing
  • US9382903B2 patent drawing
  • US9382903B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for optimizing energy efficiency of a pumping system includes at least one pump that controls a fluid level in a reservoir. The method includes a system identification stage and an energy efficiency optimization stage. The system identification stage includes determining pump characteristics for the pump, operating the pump with a range of flow rate conditions, determining a set of data points, and calculating energy efficiency optimization characteristics. The energy efficiency optimization stage includes determining a present static head value, choosing a value for a pump control parameter, and operating the pump on the pump control parameter.