Optimal scheduling and control of a multi-pump boosting system

Abstract

An optimal scheduling and control method for a multiple pump system is proposed from the energy efficient point of view. The model-based optimal problem is first formulated and then converted to be a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. The proposed method provides an optimal solution regarding to how many and which available pumps should be put into operation when the (head) demand to the system and/or system operating condition changes. The running speeds of operating pumps are also derived by the proposed algorithm. A feedback control mechanism is also introduced into the considered framework in order to enhance the system tracking performance and robustness. A nonlinear programming solution is derived and implemented in a testing facility. The experimental results show a clear and huge potential to improve multi-pump system's efficiency using the proposed algorithm and framework.

Direct optimal control of valve openings in heat exchanger networks and experimental validations

“…(5), (14), (21), and (24)-(28) has totally 16 unknown parameters, m i , c i , H i , a, b i , and c i , and 16 equations. Solving the equations simultaneously will get the optimal values of all the unknown parameters, including the openings of each adjustable valve, for the minimum total power consumption.…”

“…(5), (14) and (21), can be converted as a conditional extremum problem by the method of Lagrange multipliers, which provides a Lagrange function as…”

“…For a pump operating in a given operating frequency, the mass flow rate m, and the head loss or the pressure drop H obey the following formula [20,21] …”

A thermal resistance-based method for the optimal design of central variable water/air volume chiller systems

“…Yang and Børsting [40] derived a number of models for different pumps and their combinations based on the Affinity Law and the individual pump characteristics. The volume flow rates and the Brake Horse Powers (BHPs) of each pump obey the following formulas…”

“…Because the mass flow rate is invariable throughout the air duct in the ith room, the air dynamic head can be calculated by Eq. (40). Whereas the mass flow rates in the water branches are variable in different pipe sections, the dynamic head should be calculated segmentally in the primary line and in each branch line, i.e.…”