Pump Flow Evaluation Using Segmented Inflow and Outflow Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems face challenges in accurately determining flow rates through fluid containers due to fluctuating inflow and outflow conditions, as previous methods assume constant inflow, which is often not the case, especially when multiple pumps are connected in series.
Innovation Solution
A pump system with a control device featuring a flow evaluation device that uses a system model comprising two sub-models to simulate inflow and outflow behaviors, allowing for continuous flow estimation and parameter adaptation, even when inflow is not constant, by independently modeling inflow and outflow behaviors and minimizing errors through measured data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sub-model is used to describe pump flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow determination precision deteriorates when inflow fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow model is segmented into two independent sub-models: a first sub-model describing inflow behavior and a second sub-model describing outflow behavior. This segmentation allows each sub-model to specialize in specific flow characteristics, improving overall flow determination precision without requiring a single overly complex model to capture all behaviors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between using the first sub-model and the second sub-model based on operating conditions. The control device determines which sub-model to use by evaluating system state, allowing the model to adapt to changing inflow conditions and maintain high precision across varying operational scenarios.
2Reliability
If constant inflow is assumed, then the calculation complexity is reduced, but the reliability of flow estimation deteriorates in real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of inflow and outflow behaviors through separate sub-models before actual flow estimation. By pre-establishing these behavioral models during system operation, the calculation during flow determination becomes more reliable without requiring complex real-time adjustments, as the sub-models already capture the essential flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors system operation and uses feedback to determine which sub-model to apply based on actual operating conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the most appropriate model is selected for each situation, improving reliability while keeping calculations manageable through intelligent model selection rather than always using the most complex model.
3Power
If multiple pumps are connected in series, then the delivery head capability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pump stage in the series connection is assigned its own dedicated sub-model (first or second) to describe its specific inflow and outflow behavior. This segmentation allows independent analysis of each pump's contribution to the overall system flow, simplifying the measurement and detection task for each individual pump while maintaining accurate system-wide flow determination despite the series configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump system has at least one fluid container (2) which comprises an inlet (4) and an outlet (6), at least one pump (8) arranged in the inlet (4) or the outlet (6), and a control device (16) which includes a flow evaluation device for determining a flow through the fluid container (2) of the pump system. The flow evaluation device is configured such that the flow evaluation device uses a system model for determining the flow. The system model includes at least two different sub-models, a sub-model which describes the inflow behavior of the fluid container (2) and a sub-model which describes the outflow behavior of the fluid container (2). A corresponding pump flow evaluation method is provided.