Vacuum Waste System Control via Dynamic Discharge Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum waste systems inefficiently control discharge sequences due to fixed time settings, leading to unnecessary vacuum consumption and increased energy costs, as they do not account for varying transport resistances and vacuum levels across different locations and connections within the system.
Innovation Solution
The method dynamically sets the predetermined time for discharge sequences based on the type of connection (upwards or downwards) and location relative to the vacuum unit, optimizing vacuum consumption by adjusting for transport resistance and vacuum level differences, and also considers the estimated amount and type of waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed and predetermined discharge sequence time is used for all sources of waste, then the system operation is simplified, but vacuum consumption increases unnecessarily and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge sequence time is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The control mechanism allows modification of the discharge sequence time based on specific conditions such as waste type, connection location, and transport resistance requirements, enabling optimization of vacuum consumption while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of discharge sequence time based on varying conditions. Different discharge sequence times are selected according to waste type (e.g., black water, grey water, food waste), connection location (upwards or downwards connection), and available vacuum level, thereby reducing unnecessary vacuum consumption while maintaining effective waste discharge
2Reliability
If a longer discharge sequence is used to ensure complete discharge at locations far from the vacuum unit, then discharge reliability is improved, but vacuum consumption increases and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge sequence time is customized for local conditions at each waste source location. Sources farther from the vacuum unit with lower vacuum levels and higher transport resistance receive longer discharge sequences, while sources closer to the vacuum unit with higher vacuum levels use shorter sequences, ensuring reliable discharge without unnecessary vacuum consumption throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism incorporates feedback about vacuum levels and system conditions to automatically adjust discharge sequence times. The system monitors available vacuum level at each location and modifies the discharge sequence accordingly, ensuring complete discharge at remote locations while avoiding excessive vacuum consumption at closer locations
3Loss of energy
If the discharge sequence time is adjusted for different locations and connection types, then vacuum consumption is optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism serves multiple functions: it manages discharge sequences for different waste types (black water, grey water, food waste), accommodates various connection types (upwards or downwards), and adjusts timing based on location and vacuum levels. This multi-functional approach optimizes vacuum consumption across diverse system configurations without requiring separate control systems for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures discharge sequence times for different scenarios (waste types, connection types, locations) before actual operation. The control mechanism stores predetermined time settings that can be automatically selected based on detected conditions, reducing the need for real-time complex calculations and minimizing operational control complexity while maintaining optimization
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
This approach reduces unnecessary vacuum consumption, lowers energy costs, and optimizes the use of flush water, leading to more efficient operation and reduced waste handling in vacuum waste systems.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum is generated in the vacuum sewer piping by the vacuum unit
Data Source
AI summary
Method of controlling a vacuum waste system, which comprises a number of sources of waste (9), vacuum sewer piping (7) including at least a branch pipe (71) and at least a main pipe line (72), a discharge valve (8) having an inlet end connected to a source of waste and an outlet end provided with a given type of connection to the vacuum sewer piping, and a vacuum unit (11) connected to the vacuum sewer piping. Vacuum is generated in the vacuum sewer piping by the vacuum unit and a discharge sequence for discharging waste from the source of waste into the vacuum sewer piping is activated by a discharge sequence activating means (20), whereby the discharge sequence is set for a predetermined time. In order to achieve an optimized control of the vacuum waste system, the predetermined time for a discharge sequence for a source of waste is set according to the given type of connection (711, 712) of the discharge valve to the vacuum sewer piping or according to the location (L1, L2) of the discharge valve with respect to the vacuum sewer piping.