Variable-Speed Pump Filtration Control for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool maintenance systems inefficiently operate maintenance systems, leading to excessive energy consumption and costs due to static pump schedules and lack of real-time flow rate calculations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a liquid filter, flow sensor, variable-speed pump, and processor that determines optimal filtration schedules and power outputs based on energy-expenditure factors, including daily energy rates, pump efficiency curves, and operational conditions to minimize energy use and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a static pump schedule is used for filtration, then the system is simple to operate, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pump control system that adjusts pump operation based on real-time fluid flow rate measurements. The processor continuously monitors flow rates and modifies pump scheduling accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to optimize energy consumption while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates flow sensors that provide real-time feedback on fluid flow rates to the processor. This feedback loop enables the processor to adjust pump operation dynamically, ensuring energy-efficient filtration by responding to actual system conditions rather than following a predetermined static schedule.
2Productivity
If the pump runs continuously at full speed, then filtration is completed quickly, but energy expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable-speed pump operation where the processor adjusts pump speed dynamically based on real-time flow rate measurements. This allows the system to optimize the balance between filtration speed and energy consumption by running the pump at the minimum necessary speed rather than continuously at full capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by adjusting its speed and run times based on calculated requirements. The processor determines optimal pump parameters considering flow rate data, ensuring filtration is completed efficiently without excessive energy expenditure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If real-time flow rate monitoring is implemented, then energy optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through integrated flow sensors and a processor that automatically calculates optimal pump schedules based on real-time data. This self-service capability enables energy optimization without requiring external monitoring or manual intervention, making the added complexity worthwhile.
4Use of energy by moving object
If pump operation is optimized based on multiple factors, then energy efficiency improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically performs complex calculations and adjustments by monitoring flow rates and determining optimal pump schedules without user intervention. This self-service approach handles the control complexity internally while maintaining ease of operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from flow sensors to automatically adjust pump operation. This closed-loop control handles the complexity of multi-factor optimization internally, allowing the system to achieve high energy efficiency while remaining simple to operate from the user perspective.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a system including: a liquid filter configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; a flow sensor in fluidic communication with the liquid filter; a variable-speed pump in fluidic communication with the liquid filter and the flow sensor; and a processor in electronic communication with the flow sensor and the variable-speed pump. The processor is configured to: determine a total volume threshold for a filtration procedure of the fluid repository; identify a set of fluid flow activities performed by the variable-speed pump; determine a remaining volume for completing the filtration procedure by reducing the total volume threshold by a volume of fluid moved by the variable-speed pump during the set of fluid flow activities; and determine, from a set of energy-expenditure factors and the remaining volume, an activation schedule and an activation power output of the variable-speed pump for completing the filtration procedure.