Working Fluid Pump Switching for Suction Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing working-fluid supply systems face efficiency deterioration due to increased driving load of the sub-pump, which can occur when the amount of working fluid supplied by the sub-pump exceeds the suction capacity of the main pump, leading to elevated pressure and potential cavitation issues.
Innovation Solution
A working-fluid supply system with a first and second pump, a switching valve, and a pressure control unit that allows the working fluid to be redirected from the sub-pump's discharge side to its suction side, maintaining a predetermined pressure to optimize pump efficiency and reduce driving load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the amount of working fluid supplied from the sub-pump to the suction side of the main pump is increased to improve main pump efficiency, then the main pump efficiency is improved, but the driving load of the sub-pump is increased excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter on the suction side of the main pump by adjusting the amount of working fluid returned from the sub-pump. The pressure control unit maintains the suction pressure within a predetermined range, optimizing main pump efficiency while preventing excessive sub-pump loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control unit continuously monitors the suction pressure of the main pump and adjusts the sub-pump's working fluid supply accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the suction pressure remains optimal for main pump operation without causing excessive load on the sub-pump.
2Stress or pressure
If the sub-pump supplies excessive working fluid to the main pump suction side, then the pressure at the suction side of the main pump is increased, but the driving load of the sub-pump is increased and overall system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the pressure parameter at the suction side of the main pump by controlling the return flow from the sub-pump. The pressure control unit ensures the pressure remains within an optimal range, preventing both cavitation and excessive sub-pump loading, thereby maintaining overall system efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If the sub-pump operates at high pressure to supply sufficient working fluid, then the supply capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter distribution in the working fluid circuit by returning a controlled amount of fluid from the sub-pump discharge side to the suction side. This creates a pressure balance that allows sufficient working fluid supply without requiring the sub-pump to operate at excessively high pressures, reducing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A working-fluid supply system includes: a first pump and a second pump driven by an engine; a first switching valve capable of switching a supply target of the second pump to either one of the discharge side and the suction side of the first pump; a first switching control unit configured to perform a switching control of the first switching valve; and a first pressure control unit configured to perform a control such that pressure on the suction side of the first pump becomes a predetermined first pressure when the first switching valve is switched such that the supply target of the second pump becomes the suction side of the first pump.