Pump Speed Control for Tank Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping equipment systems consume excessive electrical energy during tank filling and emptying processes, particularly due to disturbances in flow rates and static pressure, which existing solutions fail to account for effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that continuously determines the optimum pump speed to minimize energy consumption by estimating disturbing flows and static pressures, using a control unit to adjust the speed of pumping equipment, ensuring efficient operation across the entire operating range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps are started in sequence according to liquid level evolution with fixed optimal speed, then the pumping system can operate at a predetermined optimal point, but it cannot adapt to disturbing flows that modify the actual optimal operating zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump speed adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit continuously modifies the operating speed of each pump based on real-time liquid level measurements and disturbing flow conditions, allowing the system to dynamically track the actual optimal operating zone as conditions change during tank filling or emptying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously measure liquid level and flow conditions, feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback to determine optimal speed settings for each pump, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to disturbing flows and maintains operation at the optimal point despite changing conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pump speed is continuously adjusted to adapt to changing conditions, then the system can maintain optimal operation across varying conditions, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pumping system into multiple independent pump units, each with its own control characteristics. The control unit manages each pump separately based on its specific performance curve and the current operating conditions, allowing for simplified individual control strategies rather than requiring complex centralized control for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the operating speed parameter of the pumps based on measured liquid level and flow conditions. Rather than changing the physical configuration or adding complex mechanical components, the system achieves adaptability through electronic adjustment of the speed parameter, which simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining high adaptability.
3Loss of energy
If multiple pumps operate at different speeds to minimize energy consumption, then electrical energy savings are achieved across the entire operating range, but the control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting pump speeds based on real-time operating conditions rather than using fixed speed settings. The control unit dynamically determines the optimal speed for each pump based on the current liquid level, disturbing flow, and pump performance characteristics, enabling energy optimization across the entire operating range while adapting to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by operating pumps at different speeds rather than all at full capacity or all at the same speed. The control unit determines the optimal contribution of each pump based on current conditions, allowing some pumps to operate at reduced speed or remain idle while others work at higher speeds, thereby minimizing total energy consumption without requiring all pumps to operate simultaneously at maximum capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a control method for minimizing the electrical energy consumed during a process of filling or emptying a tank (R), said tank filling or emptying process being implemented using pumping equipment (EP) which includes at least one pump, said filling or emptying process being carried out in the presence of a disturbing flow (Qc) emptying the tank or respectively filling the tank, said method consisting of determining an optimal speed (wopt) of the pumping equipment minimizing the electrical energy consumed by the pumping equipment during the process of filling or emptying the tank (R).