Water Booster Control System with Dynamic Alarm Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water booster systems lack flexibility in adjusting operating parameters during use, require specialized knowledge for setup and programming, and have limited customizable alarm settings, necessitating physical presence for maintenance and alarm assessment.
Innovation Solution
A water control booster system with a touch screen terminal for minimal setup, a controller that allows variable speed control of pumps, auto-detection for efficiency, and customizable maintenance alarms that can be remotely monitored and adjusted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional water booster systems use pre-defined alarm conditions with fixed parameters, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm thresholds are made dynamically adjustable by users through a graphical interface, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and user preferences without requiring complex programming knowledge. The system transitions from static pre-defined thresholds to dynamic user-configurable thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
A graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the controller's programming functions, simplifying the interaction and hiding the complexity of underlying programming while enabling customization of alarm conditions and other system parameters.
2Loss of time
If conventional systems require physical presence for alarm assessment, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of time for maintenance response is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides remote feedback mechanisms that notify users of alarm conditions through multiple channels (onsite alarm, remote notification), enabling timely response without requiring immediate physical presence. The feedback loop allows users to monitor system status and respond to alarms remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to independently assess and respond to alarm conditions through remote access capabilities, reducing the need for immediate technician intervention and allowing maintenance personnel to prioritize responses based on alarm severity and system conditions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional water booster systems require specialized controllers and programming knowledge, then the reliability of pump operation is maintained, but the ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A graphical user interface serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex controller programming, providing intuitive controls and displays that hide the underlying complexity while maintaining full system functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-diagnostic and self-configuring capabilities that reduce the need for specialized programming knowledge. The controller can automatically detect system parameters and configure itself, or guide users through simple setup procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems allow parameter adjustment only during setup, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to changing conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static parameters fixed at setup to dynamic parameters that can be adjusted in real-time during operation. Users can modify pump sequences, alarm thresholds, and operational parameters on-the-fly to adapt to changing consumption patterns and system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration through auto-detection during initial setup, capturing system characteristics and storing them for later use. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of real-time adjustments by establishing a baseline that the system can build upon during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A water booster control system designed with a controller having an algorithm that determines optimum starting parameters for one or more pumps is disclosed. The water booster control system supplies water to a location at specified operating parameters. Water enters a suction manifold, travels through pipes, and into the pumps. The pumps accelerate the water to the desired pressure and/or flow rate and discharge the water through pipes and out of a discharge manifold. One or more of the components of the water booster control system are monitored during use, and data regarding the parameters is displayed locally and/or remotely. Alarms are specified relating to one or more of the operating parameters and the alarm conditions may be displayed locally and/or remotely. A user may make modifications to the system locally and/or remotely through a screen and/or through a remote device using a smart phone application.