Energy saving and management of water pumping networks

Investigation of Energy-Saving Strategy for Parallel Variable Frequency Pump System Based on Improved Differential Evolution Algorithm

This paper presents an energy-saving strategy that was applied to a parallel variable frequency pump system of a water circulation pumping station. Firstly, the mathematical model of shaft power consumption for the parallel pump system was established using quadratic polynomial fitting, with some constraints configured according to the system’s water supply demands. Then, the algorithm program was designed with the goal of minimizing the energy consumption through the application of an improved differential evolution algorithm. Additionally, the energy consumption model and constraints were integrated and simplified in order to adapt to the algorithm calculation. In the end, the algorithm was implemented according to the pump design parameters and supply targets of the pumping station. Meanwhile, a comparison was done between the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and the genetic algorithm (GA). Furthermore, an experimental test was conducted in an aluminum company in order to verify the applicability of the energy-saving algorithm in practice. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using the improved differential evolution algorithm in order to achieve a minimum energy consumption operation strategy; the results consequently manifested the superiority of the differential evolution algorithm in both computing time and optimal solution aspects.

AI Energy Optimal Strategy on Variable Speed Drives for Multi-Parallel Aqua Pumping System

In the industrial world, parallel pump systems are frequently employed. Due to various reasons, the pumps are frequently operated outside their intended parameters, which reduces their efficiency and performance. To operate the pump system with optimum efficiency, the pumps and their speed selection are mandatory. This research presents an optimum switching technique for variable speed pumping stations with multi-parallel pump combinations to enhance energy savings. The proposed optimal control system is designed in such a way as to decrease overall losses in the pump system. The effectiveness of the proposed method is investigated on a real scale of a multi-parallel pump drive system in a Matlab Simulink environment, and experimental validation is performed in a laboratory prototype. The suggested approach enhances power savings and shall be adapted for various pumping applications.