Pump Flow Bounds Control Under Dynamic Head Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central plants face challenges in optimally allocating energy loads across various subplants due to real-time pricing and equipment efficiency considerations, making it difficult to manage resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically updating flow constraints based on pump head or pressure differential to optimize control decisions for pumps and equipment, using functions to define upper and lower bounds for flow rates, and performing optimization subject to these constraints to minimize economic cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pumps operate at maximum flow rates to meet energy loads, then productivity is improved, but equipment wear increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump flow bounds adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The upper and lower flow bounds are dynamically modified based on pump head conditions, allowing the system to optimize pump operation in real-time. This dynamic adjustment enables pumps to operate at optimal efficiency points while still meeting energy load requirements, thereby reducing equipment wear without sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of pumps by modifying flow bounds based on pump head. Instead of operating at constant maximum flow rates, the system adjusts flow parameters dynamically according to actual pump head conditions. This parameter change allows pumps to operate within optimal efficiency ranges while maintaining the ability to meet energy load demands.
2Productivity
If pumps operate at high flow rates to meet demand, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump flow bounds based on real-time pump head conditions rather than operating at fixed high flow rates. This dynamic control enables the system to meet energy load demands while optimizing pump operation to occur at or near peak efficiency points, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the flow rate parameters of pumps based on pump head measurements. By changing operational parameters dynamically according to actual system conditions, the system achieves optimal energy efficiency while still fulfilling energy load requirements, avoiding the energy waste associated with constant high-flow operation.
3Device complexity
If fixed flow constraints are used for pump control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow bounds that automatically adjust based on pump head conditions. This dynamic approach provides adaptability to varying system conditions without requiring complex control algorithms. The system simply modifies flow constraints based on measured pump head, achieving both simplicity and adaptability through a straightforward dynamic adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pump head measurements to dynamically adjust flow bounds. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to adapt to changing conditions automatically. The feedback loop is simple in structure but effective in providing adaptability, as it directly links pump head conditions to flow constraint adjustments without requiring complex computational models.
4Loss of energy
If dynamic flow bounds are implemented based on pump head, then economic efficiency is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from pump head measurements to dynamically adjust flow bounds and optimize pump operation. This feedback mechanism enables economic efficiency improvements by ensuring pumps operate at optimal efficiency points. The measurement complexity is managed by using standard pump head measurements and straightforward feedback control logic, avoiding the need for complex sensing or computational systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of flow bounds based on pump head conditions without requiring external optimization algorithms or complex control systems. The dynamic flow bounds automatically adapt to changing conditions, enabling economic efficiency improvements through self-service operation. This approach minimizes measurement and control complexity by relying on inherent system feedback rather than external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamically updating flow bounds for one or more pumps are provided. An exemplary system includes one or more pumps, one or more processors, and one or more computer-readable media storing program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include updating bounds on flow provided by the one or more pumps based on one or more values of pump head, determining control decisions for the one or more pumps based on the bounds, and controlling the one or more pumps in accordance with the control decisions.