Pump Speed Control via Instantaneous Specific Energy Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pumps, even when equipped with variable frequency drives, typically operate at fixed speeds, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency due to their inability to continuously adjust to varying system demands, resulting in inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure instantaneous power consumption and fluid flow rate to determine specific energy consumption, adjusting pump speed to minimize energy usage, with the ability to adjust speed in both directions and modify adjustment sizes based on changing energy consumption, without prior knowledge of pump or system curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If pumps operate at fixed speed based on AC power frequency, then the motor operation is simple and reliable, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying system demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-speed motor operation to variable-speed operation through adjustable speed drives. The system continuously adjusts pump speed based on real-time measurements of power consumption and fluid flow rate, allowing the motor to dynamically adapt its operating characteristics to match varying system demands and maintain optimal energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the operating speed parameter of the motor and pump system. By measuring instantaneous power consumption and fluid flow rate, the system calculates specific energy consumption and adjusts the speed parameter accordingly, enabling continuous optimization of energy efficiency through parameter variation rather than fixed operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable frequency drives are used to convert fixed speed motors to variable speed motors, then adaptability to system demands improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system that continuously measures power consumption and fluid flow rate, calculates specific energy consumption, and uses this information to adjust pump speed. This feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization of energy efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms that adapt to changing conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pumps operate away from peak efficiency points to meet varying flow demands, then system adaptability improves, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the pump system dynamic through continuous speed adjustment. Rather than operating at fixed speeds or static efficiency points, the system continuously adapts its operating point by adjusting pump speed based on real-time measurements, enabling the system to maintain optimal energy efficiency while responding to varying flow demands.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving the energy efficiency of a pump system. The method includes measuring an instantaneous power consumption of the pump system, measuring an instantaneous fluid flow rate of the pump system, and determining an instantaneous specific energy consumption (SEC) of the pump system based on the instantaneous power consumption and the instantaneous fluid flow rate. The method then adjusts the speed of a pump in response to the determined SEC. The above steps may be performed a number of times to seek a reduced value of the instantaneous SEC of the pump system.