Submersible Pump Motor Speed Control for Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Submersible pumps lack efficient control mechanisms for fluid transfer operations, particularly in varying fluid levels and power supply management, leading to energy wastage and potential overheating.

Innovation Solution

A submersible pump system with a motor, impeller, battery, and controller that includes a user interface and fluid leveling system, allowing for adjustable operational characteristics and power management, such as speed adjustment and automatic deactivation/reactivation based on fluid depth, to optimize fluid transfer efficiency and battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the motor operates continuously to maintain fluid transfer, then fluid transfer efficiency is maintained, but energy wastage increases and overheating risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidenergy wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically deactivates the motor after a predetermined period of operation and delays reactivation by a predetermined time interval, creating a periodic on-off cycling pattern that prevents continuous operation, reduces energy wastage, and allows the motor to cool down between cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the motor operates at high speed to maximize fluid transfer, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases and overheating risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer rateVSAvoidmotor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motor operation by varying speed based on fluid level sensor feedback and by modulating duty cycle through automatic deactivation/reactivation sequences, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption rather than operating at constant high speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes operational parameters including motor speed and duty cycle based on real-time sensor data about fluid levels and motor operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption and productivity levels to match actual operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the pump operates without control mechanisms to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid transfer efficiency decreases and energy management deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism complexityVSAvoidfluid transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through integrated sensors that detect fluid levels and motor conditions, with a controller that automatically adjusts operation without requiring external intervention, achieving efficient energy management with minimal added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor feedback from fluid level detection and motor operation monitoring is continuously processed by the controller, which automatically adjusts motor activation and deactivation timing to optimize fluid transfer efficiency while managing energy consumption, creating a closed-loop control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If the motor operates without delays after deactivation to maximize productivity, then fluid transfer continues uninterrupted, but the motor overheats and energy wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous fluid transferVSAvoidmotor temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic operation with mandatory off-periods between motor activations, creating rhythmic cycles of operation and rest that allow the motor to dissipate heat and prevent overheating while maintaining overall productivity through optimized cycling patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller proactively schedules deactivation and delay periods before thermal damage can occur, cushioning against the harmful effect of overheating by anticipating temperature buildup and preemptively reducing motor operation to allow cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The system enhances fluid transfer efficiency by optimizing motor speed based on fluid levels and power supply, reducing energy wastage and preventing overheating, while allowing for remote control and flexible operation modes.

Implementation Method 1

an impeller driven by the motor and configured to create a low-pressure region to draw fluid into the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a battery electrically coupled to the motor and configured to selectively supply electrical current to the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20230417247A1Battery-powered pump

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP

AI summary

A pump comprising a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, and an impeller driven by the motor and configured to create a low-pressure region to draw fluid into the housing. The pump further includes a battery electrically coupled to the motor and configured to selectively supply electrical current to the motor and a controller operable to control operation of the motor.