FR3054861A1 - METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN ONDULATING MEMBRANE PUMP, AND PILOT SYSTEM OF AN INJUSTING MEMBRANE PUMP - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling an undulating diaphragm pump (2) comprising an undulating membrane (7) and actuating means (9) of the undulating membrane (7) electrically powered at a given frequency or voltage to oscillate and undulate the undulating membrane (7). According to the invention, the method consists in varying the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means (9) as a function of at least one predetermined operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump ( 2).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the technical field of undulating diaphragm pumps and relates, more particularly, to a method for controlling an undulating diaphragm pump, as well as to a controlled undulating diaphragm pump system.

The invention is applicable in all fields using an undulating membrane pump, but finds an advantageous application in the field of aeronautics where the undulating membrane pumps can be used, for example, for the evacuation of waste water. contained in a water retention tank of a greywater management system of an aircraft toilet, or else for circulating fuel in the aircraft.

Prior art

It is known from the state of the art an undulating diaphragm pump generally comprising a pump body delimiting a chamber into which an inlet pipe and an exhaust pipe open. The undulating diaphragm pump comprises a undulating diaphragm, which may have a central opening, extending into the chamber of the undulating diaphragm pump, in particular between a lower flange and an upper flange of the undulating diaphragm pump. The undulating diaphragm pump comprises actuation means allowing the undulating diaphragm to be actuated, electrically supplied with a voltage at a given frequency.

The actuation means allow in particular to oscillate and undulate the undulating membrane. Thus, the undulating membrane is able to move respectively between the lower flange and the upper flange of the undulating diaphragm pump at a

-2 frequency equivalent to the power supply frequency of the actuating means.

If the actuating means are supplied by a continuous supply, an inverter is arranged to generate a periodic alternating supply at the given frequency.

Thus put into action by the actuating means, the undulating membrane oscillates and undulates so as to propagate a wave front which causes, on the one hand, a pumping of a fluid to be pumped from the intake pipe to the chamber of the undulating diaphragm pump and, on the other hand, a discharge of the fluid to be pumped from the chamber of the undulating diaphragm pump towards the exhaust pipe.

This type of undulating diaphragm pump gives complete satisfaction in that it requires reduced maintenance, and in that it is not sensitive either to cavitation phenomena, or to the quantity and size of potentially foreign waste or bodies. present in the fluid to be pumped.

However, the use of known undulating diaphragm pumps is not optimal. It can be further improved, especially in terms of energy consumption and efficiency.

Expose the invention

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a method for controlling a corrugating membrane pump, as well as a controlled system of corrugating membrane pump, which make it possible to optimize the use of a undulating membrane, in particular by reducing its energy consumption, and by increasing its yield. Furthermore, alternatively or in combination, the present invention also proposes to improve any operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump, in particular depending on the application concerned.

- 3 To this end, a method has been developed for controlling a corrugating membrane pump comprising at least one corrugating membrane and means for actuating the corrugating membrane, the actuating means being supplied electrically according to a frequency or a given voltage to oscillate and undulate the undulating membrane.

According to the invention, the method consists in modifying the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means as a function of at least one operating parameter, previously determined, of the undulating membrane pump.

In this way, depending on the use of the undulating membrane pump, it is possible to modify the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means of the undulating membrane to vary at least one parameter of The undulating diaphragm pump works so that it functions optimally, depending on the application concerned. For example, the operation of the undulating diaphragm pump is optimized in that the undulating diaphragm pump consumes as little energy as possible while having maximum efficiency. Changing the frequency and / or the power supply voltage of the undulating membrane actuation means can also allow the undulating diaphragm pump to operate at a desired operating level.

Indeed, to be effective and have a good yield, the oscillation frequency of the undulating membrane must, for example, be equivalent to a resonant frequency defined by the internal characteristics of the undulating diaphragm pump and of the fluid to be pumped.

When the undulating diaphragm pump is implemented in an aircraft, the oscillation frequency of the undulating diaphragm is dictated by the frequency of supply of the aircraft electrical network. However, in practice and due to the nature of each part constituting an undulating membrane pump, it turns out to be difficult to manufacture an undulating diaphragm pump whose resonant frequency is exactly equal to a given power supply frequency.

-4 In practice, we generally observe a resonance frequency different from the desired frequency. In this situation, the control method according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to modify the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means of the undulating membrane, in order to vary the oscillation frequency of the undulating membrane so that it reaches the resonant frequency specific to the undulating diaphragm pump which, as mentioned above, also depends on the fluid to be pumped.

Depending on the use of the undulating diaphragm pump, it may be necessary to check whether the previously determined parameter reflects the desired use of the undulating diaphragm pump. According to a particular embodiment of the control method according to the invention, it comprises steps consisting in:

determining an operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump; checking whether the determined operating parameter has reached a predetermined target value;

o if the determined operating parameter does not reach the predetermined target value, vary the frequency and / or the power supply voltage of the actuating means until the determined operating parameter reaches the predetermined target value.

According to a particular embodiment, the step consisting in verifying whether the determined operating parameter has reached the predetermined target value can consist in verifying whether it is within a predetermined value range.

As the behavioral law of the determined parameter is not linear, the step consisting in verifying whether the determined operating parameter has reached the predetermined target value can also consist in verifying whether the determined operating parameter has reached a maximum or minimum value, by so that the frequency and / or the power supply voltage is successively increased and decreased to determine whether the determined operating parameter has reached the maximum or minimum value.

- 5 According to another embodiment, the variation of the frequency and / or of the power supply voltage can obey a control logic as a function of the determined operating parameter.

The invention also relates to a piloted undulating diaphragm pump system. The controlled undulating membrane pump system comprises a pump, comprising in particular an undulating membrane and actuation means of the undulating membrane electrically powered at a given frequency and / or voltage to cause the undulating membrane to oscillate and undulate.

According to the invention, the piloted undulating membrane pump system comprises a control unit capable of controlling the actuating means as a function of at least one previously determined operating parameter of the undulating membrane pump.

According to a particular embodiment, the control unit comprises a member for regulating the frequency and / or the voltage of the electrical supply, arranged between the electrical supply and the actuation means.

Certain operating parameters, such as for example the voltage or frequency of power supply, power, etc. can be determined, and in particular calculated, directly by the control unit. However, as a function of the operating parameter or parameters to be determined, the piloted undulating membrane pump system may include measuring means capable of sending at least one measurement of at least one operating parameter of the undulating membrane pump to the regulatory body.

Brief description of the figures

Of course, the various characteristics, variants and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with one another in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive of each other.

Similarly, the present invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent on reading the following detailed description comprising embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures, presented by way of examples not restrictive, which could serve to complete the understanding of the present invention and the description of its implementation and, if necessary, contribute to its definition, on which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a controlled diaphragm pump system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically represents, seen from the side, the interior of an undulating diaphragm pump according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 3 represents a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a corrugating membrane pump according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments can have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

With reference to FIG. 1, the invention relates to a controlled system (1) of an undulating membrane pump (2), the use of which is optimized, for example, to operate according to the real need for pumping characteristics. Thus, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption of the undulating diaphragm pump (2) and / or to increase the efficiency of the undulating diaphragm pump (2), and / or to improve any operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump (2) depending on the application concerned.

With reference to FIG. 2 which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the undulating diaphragm pump (2), this comprises a pump body (3) delimiting a chamber (4) into which open an intake pipe (5) and an exhaust pipe (6). The undulating diaphragm pump (2) comprises a diaphragm

-Waveable (7) extending in the chamber (4), in particular an undulating membrane (7) in the form of a disc having a circular central opening (8). The undulating membrane (7) is obtained from a deformable material such as a silicone elastomer for example or the like. Advantageously, the undulating membrane (7) is disposed between a lower flange and an upper flange.

The undulating diaphragm pump (2) comprises actuating means (9) allowing the undulating diaphragm (7) to oscillate and undulate, thereby allowing pumping operations as such.

The actuating means (9) are supplied by an electrical supply (10) delivering a given voltage and / or frequency of electrical supply. The actuation means (9) transform the electrical energy supplied by the power supply (10) into an alternating movement, advantageously into a linear alternating movement. The reciprocating movement causes the oscillating membrane (7) to oscillate and undulate.

More particularly and with reference to FIG. 1, the undulating membrane (7) is subject to a mobile structure (11) connected to actuation means (9) in the form of an electromagnet (12) comprising a magnet mobile (13). Thus, when the electromagnet (12) is electrically supplied by the power supply (10), the mobile magnet (13) oscillates and causes the mobile structure (11) to oscillate and therefore the oscillation and l ripple of the undulating membrane (7). The oscillation and undulation of the undulating membrane (7) generates a wave front causing the circulation of a fluid to be pumped through the diaphragm pump (2). The mobile structure (11), also in the form of a disc, also makes it possible to protect the undulating membrane (ΌAccording to the invention, and with reference to FIG. 2, the piloted system (1) of undulating diaphragm pump (2 ) comprises a control unit (14), such as an electronic computer, for picking up signals and defining control instructions. The control unit (14) is arranged between the actuation means (9) and the power supply (10), in other words, the control unit (14) is supplied

- 8 electrically and controls the electrical supply of the actuating means (9) of the undulating diaphragm pump (2).

The control unit (14) is used to manage the electrical / electronic interfaces of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). In addition, the control unit (14) makes it possible to create an output signal (18), in particular an electrical power signal capable of being sent to the actuation means (9) of the undulating membrane (7) of the undulating diaphragm pump (2).

More specifically, the control unit (14) comprises a regulating member (15). The regulating member (15) is able to modify and / or regulate the frequency and / or the voltage of the electrical supply of the actuating means (9). Advantageously, software and / or a possibly programmable logic circuit composes the regulating member (15) of the frequency and / or of the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means (9). The regulating member (15) receives, at the input, an input signal (19), in particular an input voltage and / or an input frequency of the power supply, such as for example 400 Hz, coming from example of the electrical network of an aircraft. At output, the regulating member (15) delivers the output signal (18), in particular an output frequency and / or an output voltage, preferably an output frequency and / or a regulated output voltage, which supplies the actuating means (9) of the undulating membrane (7). The regulating member (15) regulates the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means (9) as a function of at least one previously determined operating parameter, in particular previously measured or calculated, of the pump. with undulating membrane (2).

For example, the regulating member (15) can vary the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means (9) as a function of one or more target values determined to be achieved for one or more parameters. operating conditions. Alternatively or in addition, the regulating member (15) can vary the frequency and / or the voltage of the electrical supply as a function of a range of tolerance value in which the measured or calculated parameter or parameters must be found. The regulator (15) can also regulate the frequency and / or the power supply voltage so as to comply with a control logic.

-9In the illustrated embodiment, the input voltage delivered by the power supply (10) is continuous. Thus, the control unit (14) can also integrate a DC / AC converter (16) to generate a periodic AC output voltage to supply the actuating means (9) of the undulating membrane (7).

According to a particular embodiment, measuring means (17) are also connected, either to the regulating member (15) or, where appropriate, to the DC / AC converter (16), or directly to the diaphragm pump undulating (2). The measuring means (17) are able to measure, as operating parameters of the undulating diaphragm pump (2), the output signal (18) from the regulating member (15) and / or from the DC converter / alternative (16). Then, the processing unit of the control unit (14) is able to compare the output signal (18) with the input signal (19), in particular in the regulating member (15). The measuring means (17) can be of different types depending on the parameter to be measured. They can, for example, include sensors, such as pressure, flow, temperature sensors.

With reference to FIG. 3, during the operation of the controlled system (1) of an undulating membrane pump (2) according to the invention, and in a determination step (A), the control unit (14) calculates, or indeed the measuring means (17) measure at least one operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). If several operating parameters are measured or calculated, these can be taken individually or in combination.

By way of example, the measured or calculated operating parameter can consist of:

- a voltage and / or a current applied to the actuation means (9);

- a phase shift between the current and the power supply voltage applied to the actuation means (9);

- an output power of the undulating diaphragm pump (2);

- a power consumed by the undulating diaphragm pump (2);

- ίο

- an output pressure of the undulating diaphragm pump (2);

or any other operating parameter, such as temperature, pressure, flow, efficiency, etc.

In a step of transmitting information, the control unit (14) or the measurement means (17) send the value of the operating parameter measured or calculated to the regulator (15).

In a verification step (B), the regulating member (15) performs a verification consisting in determining whether the measured operating parameter (s) has / have reached a target value (s) (s) predetermined.

The predetermined target value (s) can be of different types. For example, it may be a question of checking whether one of the measured or calculated operating parameters has reached a particular value, or whether it has reached a multitude of target values defining in particular a range of tolerance values for the measured or calculated operating parameter.

In this way, if not, if the regulator (15) determines that the operating parameter (s) measured or calculated have not reached the target value (s) (s) predetermined (s), in an adaptation step (C), the regulating member (15) varies the input signal (19), in particular the frequency and / or the voltage of electrical supply actuation means (9). A new measurement or a new calculation of the operating parameter is then carried out, according to the measurement or calculation step (A) described previously, and a new verification according to the verification step (B) described above.

The oscillation frequency of the undulating membrane (7) influences the flow rate of the undulating diaphragm pump (2), while the supply voltage influences the amplitude of oscillation of the undulating membrane (7), and therefore makes it possible to vary the power of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). The flow rate and the operating power of the undulating diaphragm pump (2) are not constant. The invention

- It thus optimizes the control of the undulating diaphragm pump (2) so that it always works optimally.

It emerges from the above that the invention provides a method for controlling an undulating diaphragm pump (2), as well as a controlled system (1) for an undulating diaphragm pump (2), which make it possible to optimize the use of the undulating diaphragm pump (2), by regulating the power supply of the undulating diaphragm pump (2) according to the actual need and the application concerned.

The invention thus makes it possible to regulate the energy consumption of the undulating membrane pump (2), to optimize the efficiency, as well as any calculable or measurable operating parameter.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided only by way of example. It includes various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the present invention and in particular any combination of the different operating modes described above, which can be taken separately or in combination.

Claims (12)

1. Method for controlling a corrugating membrane pump (2) comprising at least one corrugating membrane (7) and actuating means (9) of the corrugating membrane (2) supplied electrically at a frequency and / or a voltage data for oscillating and undulating the undulating membrane (7), characterized in that it consists in modifying the frequency and / or the voltage of the electrical supply of the actuating means (9) as a function of at least one parameter of operation, previously determined, of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). 2. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises steps consisting in: - (A) determine an operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump (2); - (B) check whether the determined operating parameter has reached a predetermined target value; o if the determined operating parameter does not reach the predetermined target value, (C) vary the frequency and / or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means (9) until the determined operating parameter reaches the predetermined target value. 3. Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined target value corresponds to a maximum or minimum value. 4. Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that step (B) consisting in checking whether the determined operating parameter has reached the predetermined target value, consists in checking whether the determined operating parameter is within a range of predetermined value. 5. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the determined operating parameter consists of the voltage and / or the current applied (s) to the actuating means (9). 6. A control method according to claim 5, characterized in that the determined operating parameter consists of a phase shift between the current and the voltage applied to the actuating means (9). 7. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the determined operating parameter consists of the output power of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). 8. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the determined operating parameter consists of the power consumed by the undulating diaphragm pump (2). 9. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the determined operating parameter consists of the output pressure of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). 10. Controlled system (1) of undulating membrane pump (2), the system comprising an undulating membrane pump (2), comprising an undulating membrane (7) and actuation means (9) of the undulating membrane (7 ) electrically powered by a power supply (10) at a given frequency and / or voltage to cause the undulating membrane (7) to oscillate and undulate, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (14) capable of controlling the means actuation (9) as a function of at least one previously determined operating parameter of the undulating diaphragm pump (2). 11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit (14) comprises a regulating member (15) of the frequency and / or of the electrical supply voltage, arranged between the electrical supply (10 ) and the actuating means (9). 12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises measuring means (17) able to send to the regulating member (15) at least one measurement of at least one operating parameter of the pump to undulating membrane (2). 1/2 JL J JSestl