Variable Speed Pump Control for Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply apparatuses face challenges in meeting energy-saving demands due to fixed control head curves, leading to increased energy consumption when controlling pump rotational speed, and may result in inconsistent water pressure during peak usage periods.
Innovation Solution
A water supply apparatus with a frequency converter and controller that shifts between normal and eco operations based on operational history, allowing for variable speed control to reduce energy consumption without compromising water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed control head curve is used to control pump rotational speed, then the pump operation is simplified, but energy consumption increases during low usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between multiple control head curves (first control head curve for normal operation, second control head curve for eco operation) based on operational conditions. The controller dynamically selects which curve to use, allowing the system to adapt to varying water usage patterns and reduce energy consumption during low demand periods while maintaining simplicity through automated curve selection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pump rotational speed is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but water pressure consistency deteriorates during peak usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between control strategies based on water usage conditions. During peak usage periods, the first control head curve is used to maintain higher pressure consistency. During low usage periods, the second control head curve is applied to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting pump operation according to actual demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors water usage patterns and operational history to determine when to switch between control curves. This feedback mechanism ensures that energy-saving mode is only activated when it won't compromise water pressure consistency, automatically transitioning back to normal operation when demand increases.
3Device complexity
If a single control head curve is used for all operating conditions, then the control system remains simple, but adaptability to varying water usage patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple control head curves within a single controller. The controller can select between the first control head curve (for normal/high demand operation) and the second control head curve (for low demand/energy-saving operation), allowing one system to handle diverse water usage patterns without requiring separate control systems for different conditions.
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 solution enables energy-saving operations by reducing pump rotational speed during low usage periods while ensuring consistent water pressure, thereby minimizing energy consumption and preventing shortages during peak demand.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency converter for supplying electric power to the pump motor (100)
Implementation Method 2
a pump for pressurizing and delivering water; a pump motor for driving the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A water supply apparatus is provided to meet demands for energy saving by controlling the rotational speed of a pump (1), for example, so as to lower the rotational speed in the time zone when water is not used much while avoiding the time zone when water is used in large quantities. The water supply apparatus includes the pump (1) configured to pressurize and deliver water, a frequency converter configured to supply electric power to the pump (1) to operate the pump (1) at a variable speed, and a controller (15) configured to send operating signals to the frequency converter so as to operate the pump (1) either at a first operation or at a second operation with less power consumption than the first operation. The controller (15) is configured to judge whether the operation of the pump (1) should be shifted from the first operation to the second operation based on an operational state of the pump (1).