Utility conservation control methodology within a fluid pumping system

• US 6,688,320 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2001
• Issued: 02/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Motor Controls, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Flowtronex PSI, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Inventors: Tucker, John, Frasure, Steve, McBride, Carl
• Primary Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, A MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US10/010,639
• Publication Number:
  US 20020096219A1
• Time in Patent Office: 819 Days
• Field of Search: 417/44.2, 137/565.13, 137/12
• US Class Current: 137/12
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0066 by changing the speed, e.g. of the driving engine
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0209 responsive to a condition of the working fluid F04D15/029 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 16/2066 using controlling means acting on the pressure source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0379 By fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86002 Fluid pressure responsive

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process of utility conservation control methodology within a fluid pumping distribution system. With fluid flowing through a distribution grid, the pressure at any given point becomes a function of system flow. At a specific flow rate, the pressure at this point is a function of flow rate. This invention is a process that continuously adjusts the pressure requirement for the pumping system by varying the pump speed according to the system head curve details. This invention produces several benefits for a fluid distribution system including reducing utility costs and equipment aging.

Claims

1. A process for controlling pressure within a fluid distribution system, said process comprising the steps of:

(a) quantifying a fluid discharge pressure required to maintain a predetermined fluid pressure at specific locations throughout said fluid distribution system and at various fluid flow rates;

(b) generating a system head curve by plotting various fluid discharge pressures at corresponding fluid flow rates;

(c) converting said system head curve to a set point boost curve;

(d) correcting said set point boost curve by employing a flow response parameter proportional to said flow over about 110% of an expected fluid flow range; and

(e) controlling a pump output to adjust pressure within said fluid distribution system based on said set point boost curve.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein said fluid distribution system is a water municipal system.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein said fluid distribution system is a golf course water pumping station.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein said process is tuned during periods of high flow by employing a programmable logic controller to automatically generate a flow response curve matching current fluid flow conditions, thereby optimizing fluid pressure within said distribution system.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein an optimum fluid pump output is calculated based on signals received from one or more sensors located within said fluid distribution system.

6. A process for controlling pressure within a fluid distribution system, said process comprising the steps of:

(a) determining a fluid discharge pressure to substantially maintain a desired fluid pressure at predetermined locations throughout said fluid distribution system;

(b) determining a system head curve;

(c) converting said system head curve to a set point boost curve;

(d) correcting said set point boost curve by calibrating a flow response function; and

(e) controlling a pump output to adjust pressure within said fluid distribution system based on said set point boost curve.

7. The process of claim 6, wherein said fluid distribution system is a water municipal system.

8. The process of claim 6, wherein said fluid distribution system is a golf course water pumping station.

9. The process of claim 6, wherein said process is tuned during periods of high flow by employing a computer to automatically generate a flow response curve matching current fluid flow conditions, thereby optimizing fluid pressure within said distribution system.

10. The process of claim 6, wherein an optimum fluid pump output is calculated based on signals received from one or more sensors located within said fluid distribution system.