EP3649351A1 - Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump - Google Patents

Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump

Info

Publication number
EP3649351A1
EP3649351A1 EP18742568.1A EP18742568A EP3649351A1 EP 3649351 A1 EP3649351 A1 EP 3649351A1 EP 18742568 A EP18742568 A EP 18742568A EP 3649351 A1 EP3649351 A1 EP 3649351A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vacuum pump
power supply
energy
storage means
energy storage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP18742568.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alexander James PATEY
Nicolas Jonathan GRANT
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Edwards Ltd
Original Assignee
Edwards Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Edwards Ltd filed Critical Edwards Ltd
Publication of EP3649351A1 publication Critical patent/EP3649351A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C25/00—Adaptations of pumps for special use of pumps for elastic fluids
    • F04C25/02—Adaptations of pumps for special use of pumps for elastic fluids for producing high vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
    • F04D19/02—Multi-stage pumps
    • F04D19/04—Multi-stage pumps specially adapted to the production of a high vacuum, e.g. molecular pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B37/00—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00
    • F04B37/10—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00 for special use
    • F04B37/14—Pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B35/00 for special use to obtain high vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/02—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/06—Control using electricity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
    • F04D19/02—Multi-stage pumps
    • F04D19/04—Multi-stage pumps specially adapted to the production of a high vacuum, e.g. molecular pumps
    • F04D19/042—Turbomolecular vacuum pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F04D25/0673—Battery powered
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/02—Surge control
    • F04D27/0261—Surge control by varying driving speed
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
    • F05D2260/00—Function
    • F05D2260/42—Storage of energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
    • F05D2260/00—Function
    • F05D2260/42—Storage of energy
    • F05D2260/43—Storage of energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy, e.g. in flywheels
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a power supply system for a vacuum pump and a vacuum pump with such a power supply system.
  • the long ramp-up time is due to the limited torque delivered by the motor but can also be influenced by the capacity of the power supply selected by the customer. For example, a certain pump may be rated at 100W , but a customer may select a 50W power supply due to cost or size constraints. This may be a sufficient power for full speed running, but the penalty is slow ramp-up times. Additionally, there may be system power/budget constraints or constraints due to economic reasons. Therefore, there is a balance to strike between power supply capacity and required system ramp time. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply to improve cycling times.
  • the inventive power supply system for a vacuum pump comprises a power supply means to supply electrical energy to the vacuum pump for operation.
  • an energy storage means is connected, whereby the energy storage means is configured to store energy produced by the vacuum pump during ramp-down of the vacuum pump.
  • the energy storage means can be connected to the power supply means via a motor controller.
  • the energy storage means is directly connected to the motor controller, and also the power supply means is directly connected to the motor controller, while the motor controller is connected to a vacuum pump.
  • a vacuum pump comprises fast rotating assembly such as a rotor and several rotor elements connected with the rotor.
  • fast rotating assembly such as a rotor and several rotor elements connected with the rotor.
  • the power supply means is switched off. Due to inertial forces the rotation elements keep rotating with a rotational velocity. This rotational velocity introduces a current into the windings of the electrical motor. The current is then directed to the energy storage means and stored. While rotational energy of the rotating rotor is stored in the energy storage means, energy is withdrawn from the rotor, thus, the ramp-down time is decreased and deceleration times can be shortened. Hence, cycling times are improved.
  • ramp-down is not limited to a complete deceleration from full rotational speed to zero rotational speed of the rotor but also includes any substantial and at least partial decrease of rotational speed of the rotor.
  • the energy stored in the energy storage means is used during ramp-up of the vacuum pump. Thereby, the stored energy of the energy storage means is able to accelerate the ramp-up procedure and thereby decrease the ramp-up times.
  • the energy stored in the energy storage means is combined with the electrical energy of the power supply means.
  • the power supply means is switched on in order to ramp-up the vacuum pump and additionally the energy stored in the energy storage means is used to accelerate the ramp-up procedure.
  • a smaller power supply means is possible, since additional energy is provided by the energy storage means to enable rapid cycling.
  • the power supply means can thus be chosen to provide less power which is still sufficient for normal operation of the vacuum pump for full speed running, since the most energy consuming part of the pump cycle, i. e. the ramp-up procedure, is supported by the energy storage means.
  • ramp- up is not limited to a complete acceleration from zero rotational speed of the rotor to full rotational speed but also includes any substantial and at least partial increase of rotational speed of the rotor.
  • the energy in the energy storage means is stored electrically, mechanically, chemically and/or thermally.
  • the energy storage means comprises a battery, a capacitor, a pressure vessel or a flywheel to store the energy.
  • a further device is employed in order to convert the stored mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy which is then combined with the electrical energy of the power supply means.
  • the electrical energy provided to the vacuum pump is completely generated by the energy storage means.
  • the pump is able to be operated further.
  • the pump can further be operated if the pump is temporarily not connected to the mains power supply.
  • the present invention relates to a vacuum pump and in particular to a turbomolecular pump which comprises a stator and a rotor rotated relatively to the stator by an electric motor.
  • the rotor comprises at least one rotor element in order to convey a gas from a pump inlet towards a pump outlet.
  • a controller is connected with the electric motor in order to control operation of the vacuum pump.
  • the controller is connected to a power supply system. With the power supply means or the controller an energy storage means is connected, whereby the energy storage means is configured to store energy produced by the vacuum pump during ramp-down of the vacuum pump as previously described.
  • the power supply system is built as previously described.
  • the energy storage means are built as previously described in conjunction with the power supply system.
  • the present invention further relates to a method to shut down a vacuum pump wherein the power supply means is switched off and wherein energy produced by the vacuum pump after switching off the power supply means is stored.
  • the energy is produced due to the inertial force of the rotating elements of the vacuum pump which introduces an electric current into the windings of the electric motor.
  • the rotational energy of the rotating elements is stored by e. g. a energy storage means.
  • the present invention relates to a method to start-up a vacuum pump, wherein power supply means is switched on and electrical energy of the power supply means is combined with the electrical energy transferred from an energy storage means.
  • the ramp-up time for the vacuum pump is decreased due to the combined use of the electrical energy of the power supply means and the electrical energy generated by the energy storage means.
  • the requirements for the power supply means are reduced, while improving cycling times.
  • the method to shut down a vacuum pump and/or the method to start-up a vacuum pump make use of the power supply system as previously described and/or the vacuum pump as previously described.
  • one or both methods comprise features disclosed with respect to the power supply system and/or the vacuum pump. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanied drawings.
  • Fig. 1 shows a vacuum pump with a power supply system in accordance with the present invention during ramp-down procedure
  • Fig. 2 shows the same vacuum pump of Figure 1 during ramp-up procedure
  • Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the inventive vacuum pump 11 comprises a stator 10 with several stator elements 12, a rotor 14 with several rotor elements 16, whereby the rotor 14 and the rotor elements 16 are rotated relatively to the stator 10.
  • the rotor 14 is driven by an electric motor 18, which is connected via a motor controller 20 with a power supply 22.
  • the motor controller 20 controls operation of the vacuum pump 11, i. e. initiates ramp-down and ramp-up procedures.
  • the energy storage means is built as battery but different energy storage means can be used analogously.
  • the battery 24 is connected with the power supply 22.
  • the power supply means is mains electricity but different power supply means, eg a battery or uninterruptable power supply, can be used analogously.
  • the motor controller 20 initiates a ramp-down procedure
  • the power supply 22 is switched off. Due to initial force, the rotor 14 and the rotor elements 16 are rotating further. This rotation induces a current into the windings of the electric motor 18, thereby converting the rotational energy of the rotor 14 into electrical energy.
  • the energy produced is then transferred to the battery 24 as indicated by the arrows 26 and stored by the battery 24. Due to the withdrawal of energy from the rotor 14 in form of electrical energy, the ramp-down time is decreased.
  • the motor controller 20 initiates the start-up procedure.
  • the power supply 22 is switched on, as indicated by the arrow 28.
  • energy stored in the battery 24 is combined with the electrical energy of the power supply 22.
  • the combined energy of the battery 24 and the power supply 22 is then fed to the electrical motor 18, as indicated by the arrows 30, in order to accelerate the rotor elements 16.
  • the ramp-up time is shortened compared to the ramp-up time with only the power supply 22.
  • the requirements for the power supply 22 are reduced and a smaller power supply system 22 can be chosen, thereby reducing the costs of the system while enabling short pump cycling times.
  • the present invention energy generated by the vacuum pump 11 during the ramp-down procedure is stored by a power storing means.
  • This stored energy can be used during the ramp-up procedure in addition to the general power supply.
  • the ramp-down time and also the ramp-up time for the vacuum pump 11 are decreased leading to shorter pump cycles providing the customer with a more convenient handling and an enhanced efficiency by use of the vacuum pump 11 in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention, wherein same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference sign.
  • the energy storage means also built as battery 24 is directly connected to the controller, rather than connected to the power supply means.
  • the functionality is the same, such that during ramp-down of the vacuum pump 11, rotational energy is transferred to the battery 24 as indicated by arrows 26.
  • the stored energy can be used to accelerate the ramp-up procedure of the vacuum pump 11.
  • the energy storage means is built separate of the power supply means connected and/or disconnected from the controller independently from whether a power supply means is connected. Replacement of the battery 24 or uses of the vacuum pump without power supply means at least temporarily is possible.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Compressors, Vaccum Pumps And Other Relevant Systems (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

A power supply system for vacuum pump comprising a power supply means to supply electrical energy to the vacuum pump for operation and energy storage means connected to the vacuum pump to store energy produced by the vacuum pump during ramp-down of the vacuum pump.

Description

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR A VACUUM PUMP AND VACUUM PUMP
The present invention relates to a power supply system for a vacuum pump and a vacuum pump with such a power supply system.
Certain users of vacuum pumps require rapid cycling of their vacuum pump from zero rotational speed to full rotational speed during ramp-up, perform their analysis and then stop the pump from full speed to rest during ramp- down. As a result of several factors, turbo pump ramp-up times (from rest to full speed) can be several minutes. Equally, deceleration times (full speed to rest) can take several minutes. This can create inconvenience for customers who can only operate their processes when the pump achieves, for example, full rotational speed.
The long ramp-up time is due to the limited torque delivered by the motor but can also be influenced by the capacity of the power supply selected by the customer. For example, a certain pump may be rated at 100W , but a customer may select a 50W power supply due to cost or size constraints. This may be a sufficient power for full speed running, but the penalty is slow ramp-up times. Additionally, there may be system power/budget constraints or constraints due to economic reasons. Therefore, there is a balance to strike between power supply capacity and required system ramp time. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply to improve cycling times.
This technical problem is solved by a power supply system in accordance with claim 1 , a vacuum pump in accordance with claim 6 and also by a method for shutting-down a vacuum pump in accordance with claim 7 and a method for starting-up a vacuum pump in accordance with claim 8. The inventive power supply system for a vacuum pump comprises a power supply means to supply electrical energy to the vacuum pump for operation. With the power supply means an energy storage means is connected, whereby the energy storage means is configured to store energy produced by the vacuum pump during ramp-down of the vacuum pump. Thereby the energy storage means can be connected to the power supply means via a motor controller. Thus, the energy storage means is directly connected to the motor controller, and also the power supply means is directly connected to the motor controller, while the motor controller is connected to a vacuum pump. Usually a vacuum pump comprises fast rotating assembly such as a rotor and several rotor elements connected with the rotor. By the rotor elements a gas is conveyed from a pump inlet to a pump outlet. Upon switching off the vacuum pump, in order to ramp-down the vacuum pump, the power supply means is switched off. Due to inertial forces the rotation elements keep rotating with a rotational velocity. This rotational velocity introduces a current into the windings of the electrical motor. The current is then directed to the energy storage means and stored. While rotational energy of the rotating rotor is stored in the energy storage means, energy is withdrawn from the rotor, thus, the ramp-down time is decreased and deceleration times can be shortened. Hence, cycling times are improved. Wherein the term ramp-down is not limited to a complete deceleration from full rotational speed to zero rotational speed of the rotor but also includes any substantial and at least partial decrease of rotational speed of the rotor. Preferably the energy stored in the energy storage means is used during ramp-up of the vacuum pump. Thereby, the stored energy of the energy storage means is able to accelerate the ramp-up procedure and thereby decrease the ramp-up times. Preferably the energy stored in the energy storage means is combined with the electrical energy of the power supply means. Thus, upon start-up or ramp-up of the vacuum pump, preferably initiated by a motor controller which is configured to send a start signal to the power supply means in order to initiate the ramp-up of the vacuum pump, the power supply means is switched on in order to ramp-up the vacuum pump and additionally the energy stored in the energy storage means is used to accelerate the ramp-up procedure. As a consequence a smaller power supply means is possible, since additional energy is provided by the energy storage means to enable rapid cycling. The power supply means can thus be chosen to provide less power which is still sufficient for normal operation of the vacuum pump for full speed running, since the most energy consuming part of the pump cycle, i. e. the ramp-up procedure, is supported by the energy storage means. Hence, costs can be reduced due to a smaller power supply means, while cycling times can be improved. Wherein the term ramp- up is not limited to a complete acceleration from zero rotational speed of the rotor to full rotational speed but also includes any substantial and at least partial increase of rotational speed of the rotor. Preferably the energy in the energy storage means is stored electrically, mechanically, chemically and/or thermally.
Preferably the energy storage means comprises a battery, a capacitor, a pressure vessel or a flywheel to store the energy. In particular, if the energy in the energy storage means is stored mechanically or thermally, a further device is employed in order to convert the stored mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy which is then combined with the electrical energy of the power supply means. In one embodiment the electrical energy provided to the vacuum pump is completely generated by the energy storage means. Thus, in the case of power cuts, the pump is able to be operated further. Additionally, the pump can further be operated if the pump is temporarily not connected to the mains power supply. Since operating a vacuum pump at full running speed requires only a smaller power compared to the ramp-up procedure, it is possible to further operate the vacuum pump by the energy stored in the energy storage means at least during temporary disconnection. Further, the present invention relates to a vacuum pump and in particular to a turbomolecular pump which comprises a stator and a rotor rotated relatively to the stator by an electric motor. The rotor comprises at least one rotor element in order to convey a gas from a pump inlet towards a pump outlet. Further a controller is connected with the electric motor in order to control operation of the vacuum pump. The controller is connected to a power supply system. With the power supply means or the controller an energy storage means is connected, whereby the energy storage means is configured to store energy produced by the vacuum pump during ramp-down of the vacuum pump as previously described.
Preferably the power supply system is built as previously described. Preferably the energy storage means are built as previously described in conjunction with the power supply system.
The present invention further relates to a method to shut down a vacuum pump wherein the power supply means is switched off and wherein energy produced by the vacuum pump after switching off the power supply means is stored. The energy is produced due to the inertial force of the rotating elements of the vacuum pump which introduces an electric current into the windings of the electric motor. Thereby the rotational energy of the rotating elements is stored by e. g. a energy storage means.
Further, the present invention relates to a method to start-up a vacuum pump, wherein power supply means is switched on and electrical energy of the power supply means is combined with the electrical energy transferred from an energy storage means. Thus, the ramp-up time for the vacuum pump is decreased due to the combined use of the electrical energy of the power supply means and the electrical energy generated by the energy storage means. Thus, the requirements for the power supply means are reduced, while improving cycling times.
Preferably the method to shut down a vacuum pump and/or the method to start-up a vacuum pump make use of the power supply system as previously described and/or the vacuum pump as previously described. Preferably one or both methods comprise features disclosed with respect to the power supply system and/or the vacuum pump. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanied drawings.
In the Figures:
Fig. 1 shows a vacuum pump with a power supply system in accordance with the present invention during ramp-down procedure,
Fig. 2 shows the same vacuum pump of Figure 1 during ramp-up procedure and
Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
The inventive vacuum pump 11 comprises a stator 10 with several stator elements 12, a rotor 14 with several rotor elements 16, whereby the rotor 14 and the rotor elements 16 are rotated relatively to the stator 10. The rotor 14 is driven by an electric motor 18, which is connected via a motor controller 20 with a power supply 22. The motor controller 20 controls operation of the vacuum pump 11, i. e. initiates ramp-down and ramp-up procedures. In the present example the energy storage means is built as battery but different energy storage means can be used analogously. The battery 24 is connected with the power supply 22. In the present example the power supply means is mains electricity but different power supply means, eg a battery or uninterruptable power supply, can be used analogously. If the motor controller 20 initiates a ramp-down procedure, the power supply 22 is switched off. Due to initial force, the rotor 14 and the rotor elements 16 are rotating further. This rotation induces a current into the windings of the electric motor 18, thereby converting the rotational energy of the rotor 14 into electrical energy. The energy produced is then transferred to the battery 24 as indicated by the arrows 26 and stored by the battery 24. Due to the withdrawal of energy from the rotor 14 in form of electrical energy, the ramp-down time is decreased.
During ramp-up or start-up of the vacuum pump 11 (shown in Figure 2) the motor controller 20 initiates the start-up procedure. Thereby, in Figure 1 same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference numbers. Upon initiating the vacuum pump start-up the power supply 22 is switched on, as indicated by the arrow 28. In order to decrease the ramp-up time energy stored in the battery 24 is combined with the electrical energy of the power supply 22. The combined energy of the battery 24 and the power supply 22 is then fed to the electrical motor 18, as indicated by the arrows 30, in order to accelerate the rotor elements 16. Thus, the ramp-up time is shortened compared to the ramp-up time with only the power supply 22. Hence, the requirements for the power supply 22 are reduced and a smaller power supply system 22 can be chosen, thereby reducing the costs of the system while enabling short pump cycling times. Additionally, it would also be possible to operate the vacuum pump 11 completely by the battery 24, if the power supply 22 is not able to provide electrical energy to the electric motor 18 due to power cuts or if the power supply 22 is temporarily not connected to the mains power supply. This is in particular possible, if the power supply 22 is temporarily disconnected from the mains power supply when the vacuum pump 11 is at full running speed running. If the vacuum pump 11 is at full running speed, only a small amount of power is required in order to maintain the vacuum pump 11 in the operation condition. This amount of power can be completely provided by the battery 24 if the battery is of appropriate capacity.
Hence, by the present invention, energy generated by the vacuum pump 11 during the ramp-down procedure is stored by a power storing means. This stored energy can be used during the ramp-up procedure in addition to the general power supply. Thus, the ramp-down time and also the ramp-up time for the vacuum pump 11 are decreased leading to shorter pump cycles providing the customer with a more convenient handling and an enhanced efficiency by use of the vacuum pump 11 in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention, wherein same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference sign. In contrast to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the energy storage means also built as battery 24 is directly connected to the controller, rather than connected to the power supply means. However, the functionality is the same, such that during ramp-down of the vacuum pump 11, rotational energy is transferred to the battery 24 as indicated by arrows 26. The stored energy can be used to accelerate the ramp-up procedure of the vacuum pump 11. Thus, preferably the energy storage means is built separate of the power supply means connected and/or disconnected from the controller independently from whether a power supply means is connected. Replacement of the battery 24 or uses of the vacuum pump without power supply means at least temporarily is possible.

Claims

CLAI MS
A power supply system for a vacuum pump comprising a power supply means (22) to supply electrical energy to the vacuum pump (11) for operation and a energy storage means (24) connected to the power supply means (22) or a motor controller (20) to store energy transferred from the vacuum pump (11) during ramp- down of the vacuum pump (11).
The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that energy stored in the energy storage means (24) is used during ramp- up of the vacuum pump (11).
The power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy in the energy storage means (24) is stored electrically, mechanically, chemically and/or thermally.
The power supply system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the energy storage means comprises a battery (24), a capacitor, a pressure vessel, a fuel cell or a flywheel.
The power supply system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electrical energy provided to the vacuum pump is completely supplied by the energy storage means (24).
A vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular pump, comprising a stator (10), a rotating assembly (14) rotated relatively to the stator (10) by an electric motor (18), wherein the rotating assembly (14) comprises at least one rotor element (16) in order to convey a gas from a pump inlet towards a pump outlet, a controller (20) connected to the electric motor (18) and a power supply system connected with the controller (20) characterized by an energy storage means connected either to the power supply system or the controller to store energy transferred from the vacuum pump (11) during ramp- down of the vacuum pump (11).
A method for shutting-down a vacuum pump, wherein a power supply means (22) is switched off and energy produced by the vacuum pump (11) after switching of the power supply means (22) is stored.
A method for starting-up a vacuum pump, wherein power supply means (22) is switched on and electrical energy of a power supply means (22) is combined with electrical energy generated by the energy storage means (24).
9. The method according to claims 7 or 8, comprising a power supply system in accordance with any of claims 1 to 5 and/or a vacuum pump (11) in accordance with claim 6.
EP18742568.1A 2017-07-07 2018-07-05 Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump Withdrawn EP3649351A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1710987.7A GB2564426A (en) 2017-07-07 2017-07-07 Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump
PCT/GB2018/051905 WO2019008371A1 (en) 2017-07-07 2018-07-05 Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3649351A1 true EP3649351A1 (en) 2020-05-13

Family

ID=59676631

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18742568.1A Withdrawn EP3649351A1 (en) 2017-07-07 2018-07-05 Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20200149538A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3649351A1 (en)
CN (1) CN110832205A (en)
GB (1) GB2564426A (en)
WO (1) WO2019008371A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10760498B2 (en) * 2018-01-04 2020-09-01 General Electric Company System and method for removing rotor bow in a gas turbine engine using mechanical energy storage device
CN113417874B (en) * 2021-08-25 2021-11-23 天津飞旋科技股份有限公司 Power-down control method and device for magnetic suspension molecular pump and magnetic suspension molecular pump

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002180990A (en) * 2000-12-11 2002-06-26 Ebara Corp Vacuum pump controller
JP2008295267A (en) * 2007-05-28 2008-12-04 Breeze Echo:Kk Blower and operation method thereof
JP5493005B2 (en) * 2010-09-28 2014-05-14 株式会社アルバック Load lock device, exhaust control device, and operation method of load lock device
EP2701280A1 (en) * 2012-08-24 2014-02-26 ABB Technology AG Auxiliary power supply for high voltage applications
DE102013214662A1 (en) * 2013-07-26 2015-01-29 Pfeiffer Vacuum Gmbh vacuum pump
CN106762742A (en) * 2017-01-03 2017-05-31 滨州东瑞机械有限公司 A kind of high rate turbine vacuum pump with energy recovery turbine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2019008371A1 (en) 2019-01-10
US20200149538A1 (en) 2020-05-14
GB2564426A (en) 2019-01-16
GB201710987D0 (en) 2017-08-23
CN110832205A (en) 2020-02-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN103124076B (en) Electricity generating installation provided with means for storage of energy and control process for an installation of this type
US10193383B2 (en) Dual-shaft gas turbine power generation system, and control device and control method for gas turbine system
US8030787B2 (en) Mbackup flywheel power supply
KR20180128867A (en) AC Coupled Power Electronics System for a Fuel Cell Power System
JPH08265991A (en) Power plant and power plant control device
US8823334B2 (en) Method for starting an electric motor
KR20180100661A (en) Gas turbine train with starter motor
US7068014B2 (en) Online alternator flywheel system
EP3649351A1 (en) Power supply system for a vacuum pump and vacuum pump
JP2011069294A (en) Vacuum pump system and method for operating the same
EP2803103B1 (en) Electrical generation system and method for a hybrid fuel cell power plant
US20150293548A1 (en) Grid Level Flywheel Electric Storage System
CN105156312B (en) fixed-frequency compressor starting circuit and starting method
JP2009092044A (en) Vacuum pump control device and control method
CN209875327U (en) Turbo pump electric starter and turbo pump for rocket engine
JP2003322028A (en) Gas turbine generator
EP4477863B1 (en) Electrically starting a gas turbine engine
CN109826723A (en) A kind of rocket engine turbine pump motor starter and turbine pump
CN203984201U (en) Brushless excitation generator
JPH06315298A (en) Gas-turbine starting equipment
JP2009047087A (en) Pumped-storage power generator and control method thereof
KR102727049B1 (en) Power generation system including ESS for power plant surplus energy recovery
US8554433B2 (en) Apparatus for driving shaft rotation and method
JP5003437B2 (en) Flywheel uninterruptible power supply
JP2006067670A (en) Control method of flywheel type uninterruptible power supply and uninterruptible power supply using the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200109

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20220201