Displacement Pump Pressure Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Positive displacement pumps in air breathing engine fluid systems experience significant parasitic losses due to oversizing and unneeded flow capacity, as they are traditionally controlled based on mechanical linkage to engine speed, leading to inefficient operation in most conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that monitor supply and outlet pressures of a positive displacement pump, using differential pressure feedback to adjust the speed of an electric motor driving the pump, allowing for precise control and sizing based on real-time operational demands, rather than relying on engine speed, with a pressure sensor system and motor controller executing these adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If pumps are controlled based on mechanical linkage to engine speed, then the pump operation is simple and reliable, but the pump is oversized and causes parasitic losses in most operational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic lossesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors actual pressure differential across the pump and uses this information to adjust motor speed. The controller receives pressure differential signals and modifies motor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates parasitic losses by matching pump output to actual system demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from engine speed (mechanical linkage) to pressure differential (actual pump workload). By using pressure differential feedback, the system dynamically adjusts motor speed based on real-time pressure conditions, allowing the pump to operate efficiently across varying conditions rather than being oversized for peak conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If pumps are sized for extreme conditions, then the pump can handle peak demands, but the unneeded flow capacity causes parasitic losses in vast majority of operational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump sizing adaptabilityVSAvoidparasitic losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static pump sizing approach into a dynamic control system. Instead of designing for peak conditions and operating inefficiently across all conditions, the system dynamically adjusts motor speed based on actual pressure differential, allowing the pump to adapt to varying operational demands and eliminate parasitic losses during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from fixed mechanical linkage control to dynamic pressure-differential-based control. This parameter change enables the pump to adjust its operating point in real-time, matching flow capacity to actual system needs rather than being constrained by peak condition requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If pressure differential feedback control is implemented, then parasitic losses are reduced and efficiency is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pressure differential feedback to control motor speed, creating a closed-loop control mechanism. The pressure differential sensor provides continuous information about pump workload, and the controller adjusts motor operation accordingly, optimizing energy consumption by matching power output to actual system demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage control with an electrical control system that uses pressure differential feedback. This substitution allows for more precise and efficient control, using electrical signals and electronic controllers instead of mechanical connections, thereby reducing parasitic losses while managing system complexity through electronic rather than mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables the engine actuation system to consume only the necessary power for the task at hand, optimizing efficiency by aligning pump operation with instantaneous operational constraints, reducing parasitic losses and improving overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor to monitor a pressure difference between the input side and output side of the pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP4123174A1Displacement pump pressure feedback control and method of control

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1

AI summary

A method of controlling an actuation pump (104) including monitoring a supply pressure of a pump (104), monitoring an outlet pressure of the pump (104), commanding a motor (102) by a motor controller, which receives the monitored pressures, to drive the pump (104) at a speed based on a comparison of the supply pressure and the outlet pressure of the pump (104).