Snoring Detection in Submersible Pumps via Power Fluctuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting snoring in submersible pumps and mixers are inadequate in situations with varying operational conditions, where the nature of the transported sewage/wastewater leads to natural fluctuations in power levels, making it difficult to accurately determine snoring without monitoring operational speed.
Innovation Solution
A method that directs the instantaneous power of the machine towards a set power level with a defined fluctuation range, allowing the control unit to detect snoring based on power, current, and power factor parameters, without requiring knowledge of the operational speed, by setting a snoring level as a percentage of the set power level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pump operates with a fast and sophisticated regulation of operational speed to maintain constant power, then the instantaneous power remains stable, but the detection of snoring becomes unreliable when the nature of transported sewage/wastewater causes natural fluctuations in power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from instantaneous power to power fluctuation range. By monitoring how much the instantaneous power deviates from the set power level (within a defined range), the system can detect snoring conditions even when the power regulation system actively maintains stable power output. This parameter transformation allows differentiation between intentional power stabilization and power changes caused by snoring.
2Measurement precision
If the pump monitors operational speed to detect snoring, then accurate detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the snoring detection capability from the operational speed monitoring function. By using only power parameter monitoring (which is already performed for power management) and analyzing power fluctuation patterns, the system eliminates the need for separate speed sensor integration and speed-based detection algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If the pump continues to operate during snoring conditions, then productivity is maintained, but energy wastage and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback control by continuously monitoring power fluctuation ranges and comparing them against predefined thresholds. When snoring is detected through excessive power fluctuations, the system provides feedback to the control unit, which can then adjust operational parameters or stop the pump, thereby preventing energy wastage and mechanical stress while maintaining productivity during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting the occurrence of snoring during operation of a machine configured for transporting liquid. The machine includes an impeller and an electric motor, operatively connected to a control unit. The method includes operating the machine in order to transport liquid on the condition that the instantaneous power of the machine is directed towards a set power level. The instantaneous power of the machine is allowed to fluctuate within a set power level range defined upwards by a max-factor times the set power level and defined downwards by a min-factor times the set power level. The method further includes determining the machine is snoring by the control unit when the instantaneous power of the machine is below a snoring level equal to a snoring-factor times the set power level by monitoring at least one of the operational parameters of power, current, or power factor of the machine.