JP7587490B2 - Pump, pump improvement method, and fluid transfer device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pump that sucks in, pressurizes, and expels a fluid, a pump improvement method, and a fluid transfer device.

Pumps that handle fluids such as water, aqueous solutions, and oils are used in various fields and locations. Pumps may also be equipped with auxiliary equipment that supports the operation of the pump and monitors its operating status. In general, the power source for the pump is an AC power source, and the power source for the auxiliary equipment is a DC power source with a lower voltage than the power source for the pump. Therefore, the power required for the auxiliary equipment is supplied from an external commercial AC power source through a voltage conversion device such as a control panel, a distribution panel, or an AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator), and is converted to a relatively low DC voltage before being supplied. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which power is supplied to the auxiliary equipment from a control panel that supplies the power required to drive the pump using a transformer.

JP 2010-53821 A

However, supplying power from a commercial power source to the pump's ancillary equipment via an AVR or the like requires electrical equipment, a housing to house the electrical equipment, and extensive construction work, which is costly.

Due to the above circumstances, there is a demand for technology that can reduce the cost burden of facilities that supply power to pump ancillary equipment.

The pump according to one embodiment has an inlet and an outlet, and is a pump that suctions fluid from the inlet, boosts the pressure in a boost path, and discharges it from the outlet. It is equipped with a flow path, which is different from the boost path, through which the fluid flows due to a pressure difference generated inside the pump, and a power generation device that generates power using the flow of the fluid in the flow path.

According to one embodiment, it is possible to reduce the cost burden of equipment that supplies power to the pump's ancillary equipment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pump according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the pump according to the first embodiment. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a power generating device provided in the pump according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing passage. FIG. 11 is a front view of a pump according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a pump according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a power generating device provided in a pump according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flushing passage of a pump according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a flushing passage and its surroundings of a pump according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example shape of an impeller of a power generating device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the shape of the impeller of the power generating device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example shape of the impeller of the power generating device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example shape of the impeller of the power generating device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example shape of the impeller of the power generating device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a first pump improvement method according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a second pump improvement method according to embodiment 7. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus using a pump according to an eighth embodiment.

Now, the embodiments will be described. Note that each embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in each embodiment described below, components having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted unless particularly necessary. Furthermore, although a single-suction single-stage volute pump is shown in the drawings, the present invention can be applied to any pump that generates a pressure difference inside the pump, for example, a non-positive displacement pump such as a centrifugal pump or a propeller pump, or a positive displacement pump such as a reciprocating pump or a rotary pump.

(Embodiment 1)
A pump according to the first embodiment will be described. The pump according to the first embodiment is a pump that sucks in a fluid, boosts its pressure, and discharges it. The pump according to the first embodiment includes a flow path that is different from the fluid boost path and through which the fluid flows due to a pressure difference inside the pump, and a power generation device that generates power using the flow of the fluid in the flow path. The power generation device is for supplying power to auxiliary devices of the pump, etc.

<A pump that uses a flushing channel as a fluid channel>
The configuration of the pump according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A is a front view of the pump according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1B is a side cross-sectional view (cross-section A-A' in Fig. 1A) of the pump according to the first embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1A, for simplicity of explanation, the impeller and the rotating shaft are not shown.

The pump 101 shown in Figures 1A and 1B is a single-suction, single-stage volute pump (also called a centrifugal pump), and has a flushing flow path 110 as a flow path through which a fluid F flows due to a pressure difference generated inside the pump. The fluid F is, for example, water, a solution, an oil, etc., but in this embodiment, water is assumed.

The pump 101 includes, as its main components, a spiral casing 102, a rotating shaft 103 that is disposed to penetrate the spiral casing 102 and extends around an axis O, and an impeller 104 fixed to the rotating shaft 103. The pump 101 also includes an intake passage 105, a bearing 106 that supports the rotating shaft 103, a shaft seal 107 that isolates the passage from the atmosphere, a casing cover 108 that supports the shaft seal 107, and a motor (not shown in FIG. 1) that rotates the rotating shaft 103 and the impeller 104 as a unit.

Fluid F flows into impeller 104 from suction port 105A of suction flow passage 105, is pressurized by centrifugal force generated by the rotation of impeller 104, and is discharged from the outlet of impeller 104. Spiral casing 102 is disposed on the outer periphery of the accommodation space of impeller 104, forms volute flow passage 109, and is intended to efficiently guide fluid F discharged from the outlet of impeller 104 to outlet port 102A. In addition, the cross section of volute flow passage 109 is approximately circular, but may be approximately elliptical, approximately trapezoidal, approximately inverted triangular, etc.

The casing cover 108 and the shaft seal 107 serve to prevent the fluid F pressurized by the impeller 104 from leaking to the outside. In addition, the casing cover 108 is formed with a flushing passage 110, which is a vertical hole extending radially from the side surface toward the axis O. The vicinity of the inlet of the flushing passage 110 formed on the side surface of the casing cover 108 becomes high pressure due to the pressurization of the fluid F by the impeller 104, and the shaft seal 107 on the outlet side of the flushing passage 110 becomes relatively low pressure. Due to this pressure difference generated inside the pump 101, the fluid F flows from the outlet of the impeller 104 through the flushing passage 110 and into the shaft seal 107.

The fluid F flowing into the shaft seal 107 cools the frictional heat generated between the rotating shaft 103 and the stationary shaft seal 107, and cleans the seal surface between the rotating shaft 103 and the shaft seal 107. The fluid F that flows into the shaft seal 107 passes between the rotating shaft 103 and the shaft seal 107 and either leaks into the atmosphere or rejoins the flow passage 111 formed on the back side of the impeller 104. In many cases, the fluid F used to cool the shaft seal 107 is lost.

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the power generation device provided in the pump according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the power generation device 201 has an impeller 202 that converts the flow D of the fluid F into rotational motion, a main shaft 203 that supports the impeller 202 and transmits the rotational motion to a generator section 205, a bearing 204 that supports the main shaft 203, a generator section 205 that converts the rotational motion into electric power, and an electronic circuit 206 that rectifies the generated electric power into direct current. The generator section 205 generates electric power, for example, by moving a conductor inside a magnet or by moving a magnet inside a coil around which a conductor is wound.

The power generating device 201 is, for example, located between both ends of the flushing flow path 110, and generates electricity by rotating the impeller 202 upon receiving the flow D of the fluid F. In addition, by using the electronic circuit 206, the generated electricity can be adjusted to a state suitable for use by the auxiliary equipment 115 of the pump 101, and harmful noise such as ripples or surges can be removed.

When there are no constraints such as installation space, the installation position of the power generation device 201 should be as close as possible to the downstream side of the flushing passage 110 (shaft seal portion 107). The non-uniform turbulence that occurs when the fluid F flows into the flushing passage 110 decreases as it flows downstream. For example, when the power generation device 201 is installed downstream of the middle position of the flushing passage 110, a relatively uniform flow flows into the impeller 202, improving power generation efficiency.

Furthermore, by attaching the power generation device 201 to the flushing flow path 110, the flow D of fluid F, which was previously consumed as loss, can be utilized as electricity. In addition, the power consumption generated by voltage regulators such as AVRs can be reduced, and energy savings in the pump system can be achieved.

The storage space 208 in which the impeller 202 is stored and the insertion space 108A in which the main shaft 203 is inserted may be formed by machining the casing cover 108, such as by cutting. The casing cover 108 may also be designed and manufactured so that the storage space 208 and the insertion space 108A are formed in advance. The storage space 208 may be part of the flushing passage 110.

A screw hole 207A is formed in the casing cover 108, and a screw thread 207B is formed in the housing of the power generating device 201. The power generating device 201 is fastened and fixed to the casing cover 108 by fitting the screw thread 207B into the screw hole 207A and twisting it. The diameter of the impeller 202 is smaller than the screw diameter of the screw thread 207B. In this case, the power generating device 201 can be easily attached and detached to the casing cover 108 without disassembling the pump 101. As a result, the maintainability of the power generating device 201 can be improved. In addition, for example, when the power generating device 201 breaks down, it can be replaced with a new power generating device, thereby improving the product life of the pump.

The power generating device 201 may be fixed to the casing cover 108 by welding or adhesive. The power generating device 201 may also be provided with a flange with holes formed therein, and the flange may be fastened and fixed to the casing cover 108 by screws or bolts. In these cases, molding of the screw hole portion 207A and the thread portion 207B is not required. The diameter of the impeller 202 may be larger than the screw diameter of the thread portion 207B. In this case, the power generating efficiency of the power generating device 201 can be improved.

This embodiment can be applied not only to the process of manufacturing a pump, but also to pumps that are already in operation at a pumping station. Furthermore, even if the impeller 202 malfunctions, the generator 201 breaks down, or during maintenance or updates, the generator 201 can be removed together with the impeller 202 from the insertion space 108A, making it easy to replace the impeller 202 for repairs, updates, etc., check for foreign objects in the flow path, and remove foreign objects.

The impeller 202 may be attached directly to the main shaft 203 of the power generating device 201 without using a shaft coupling. In this case, the power generating device 201 can be made smaller, and the power generating device can be easily installed even in a pump that does not have sufficient space for installing the power generating device.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flushing flow passage (Z-Z' cross-section in Figure 2). Figure 3 is a view of the impeller 202 from the generator section 205 side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the storage space 208 in which the impeller 202 is stored is a cylindrical space larger in diameter than the flushing passage 110, and the diameter of the impeller 202 may be large as long as it fits within the storage space 208. In this case, the work caused by the flow D of the fluid F can be efficiently converted into electricity. Note that the storage space 208 may be smaller in diameter than the flushing passage 110, but by configuring it to be larger than the flushing passage 110, the efficiency of the power generation device can be improved.

The main shaft 203 of the impeller 202 is located on the center line X of the flushing passage 110, and the shape of the impeller 202 may be such that each blade extends outward from the main shaft 203 of the power generation device 201 or from its vicinity. With such a shape, even if fine foreign matter or the like flows into the impeller 202, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of malfunctions due to clogging or jamming of foreign matter between the main shaft 203 or the storage space 208 and the impeller 202.

In the power generating device 201, with the above configuration, the impeller 202 receives the flow of fluid F from the impeller 104 side of the pump 101, which is the high-pressure side inside the pump, to the shaft seal part 107 side, which is the low-pressure side inside the pump, causing the generator part 205 to rotate and generating electricity. The power generating device 201 has an electronic circuit 206 provided on the opposite side of the generator part 205 from the impeller side. The voltage generated by the power generation of the power generating device 201 is output via the electronic circuit 206.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the pump 101 is equipped with ancillary devices 115. The ancillary devices 115 are, for example, a ventilation fan, a heater for preventing condensation, a water level sensor, a bearing temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a current sensor, a monitoring image (camera) sensor, an operating status indicator lamp, a fault indicator lamp, an indicator of various measured values, a wired or wireless communication device, and the like. In this embodiment, the ancillary devices 115 include, for example, various sensors 115A and a communication device 115B that transmits signals based on the output of the sensors to the outside. The sensor 115A acquires operation information of the pump. The communication device 115B transmits signals to other devices such as a monitoring server via a communication network such as the Internet. In this specification, the operation information refers to, for example, the operating/stopped state of the pump, control modes such as constant discharge pressure control and constant terminal differential pressure control for a pump in operation, the outer surface, the intake water level, operating sound, water leakage, heat generation, flowing water/sealing water pressure, current value, communication state, and the like.

The electronic circuit 206 of the power generation device 201 adjusts the voltage obtained by the generator section 205 to the voltage required to operate the ancillary equipment 115, removes elements such as noise that are harmful to the operation of the ancillary equipment 115, and supplies the voltage to the ancillary equipment 115. This allows the ancillary equipment 115 to operate without the need for new construction work, etc.

As described above, the pump according to the first embodiment is equipped with a power generation device that converts the flow of fluid caused by the pressure difference inside the pump into electricity. This configuration eliminates the need for electrical equipment to supply power from a commercial power source to ancillary equipment via a switchboard, AVR, etc., a housing to house the electrical equipment, and large-scale installation work. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost burden of equipment that supplies power to ancillary equipment of the pump.

In addition, the pump according to embodiment 1 is equipped with a power generation device that uses the fluid flowing through the pump, so there is no need for electrical equipment to supply power from a commercial power source to the associated equipment via a voltage regulator, and no need for a housing to house the electrical equipment, making it possible to save space.

In addition, the pump according to embodiment 1 is equipped with a power generation device that uses the fluid flowing through the pump, so that the power generation device, which has a relatively simple structure, can supply power to the associated equipment without using relatively complex equipment such as an AVR, and this is expected to extend the life of the pump.

Incidentally, in recent years, momentum for the global adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) has been building in the field of industrial equipment, and new value is being created through big data analysis, as equipment behavior and operating information, which have not received much attention until now, are being digitized using sensors.

Let's consider a general-purpose industrial pump as an example of industrial equipment. A general-purpose industrial pump has a three-phase motor as its drive source, and in many cases the three-phase motor is driven by a commercial AC power source. In this case, the method of supplying power to the motor at the pump station varies depending on the operating conditions and the required reliability.

The first example is a method in which an external power supply is connected to the motor via a simple operation panel equipped with a breaker. The second example is a method in which an external power supply is connected to the motor via an expensive control panel equipped with higher-level control devices such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) and an inverter.

In pump systems with higher-level control devices, it is relatively easy to monitor the operating status using information obtained from the higher-level control devices. This makes it relatively easy to implement IoT. On the other hand, in terms of the proportion of pump stations, pump systems that do not have higher-level control devices, as in the former case, account for a large proportion, and it is not easy to implement IoT for such pump systems.

The pump according to the first embodiment is equipped with a power generation device that utilizes the fluid that flows due to the pressure difference generated inside the pump, so that no new large-scale construction is required, and the associated devices, such as electronic components including sensors and communication devices, can be easily operated without the need for cumbersome battery replacement or charging work. In other words, even in a pump system that does not have a higher-level control device, it is possible to digitize and analyze the operating information obtained from the associated devices, making it easy to realize IoT.

(Embodiment 2)
<Pump equipped with a conduit as a fluid flow path>
A description will now be given of a pump according to embodiment 2. The pump according to embodiment 2 is different from the pump according to embodiment 1 in the flow path of the fluid used for power generation.

The configuration of the pump according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4A is a front view of the pump according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the pump according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4B, in the pump 101A according to the second embodiment, a discharge flange gauge hole 210 is formed on the discharge port side of the fluid F, and a suction flange gauge hole 211 is formed on the suction port side of the fluid F. In addition, the pump 101A is provided with a conduit 212 connecting the discharge flange gauge hole 210 and the suction flange gauge hole 211. The side of the discharge flange gauge hole 210 is relatively high pressure, and the side of the suction flange gauge hole 211 is relatively low pressure. Therefore, the fluid F flows in the conduit 212 from the side of the discharge flange gauge hole 210 to the side of the suction flange gauge hole 211. That is, the conduit 212 is an example of a flow path of a fluid that flows due to a pressure difference generated in the pump. The pump 101A is also provided with a power generation device 201 that converts the flow D of the fluid F in the conduit 212 into electricity. The structure of the power generation device 201 is the same as in embodiment 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In the pump 101A according to the second embodiment, the pressure difference between the high pressure side and the low pressure side of the flow path (conduit 212) through which the fluid F flows is larger than in the first embodiment. This increases the energy of the flow D of the fluid F, and the power generation device 201 can obtain even more power.

The conduit 212 has a straight section that is at least 8 times the conduit diameter from the upstream conduit bend 212A, and the installation position of the impeller 202 of the power generation device 201 is preferably at least 8 times the conduit diameter downstream from the conduit bend 212A in the straight section. As a result, the flow of the fluid F, which becomes uneven due to centrifugal force at the conduit bend 212A, is made uniform as it flows downstream, and the fluid flows into the impeller 202 in good condition, improving power generation efficiency.

It is desirable to select a material for the conduit 212 that is less corrosive to the fluid F and has high weather resistance to the installation environment. Examples of such materials include copper, brass, stainless steel, tungsten tile cast iron, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene. In particular, when the pump is stopped and the installation environment is below freezing, the fluid F in the conduit 212 may easily freeze because the conduit 212 is extremely small compared to the pump flow path. It is desirable to select a material with high elasticity for the conduit 212 so that the conduit 212 is not damaged by the expansion of the fluid F in the conduit 212 due to freezing. Examples of such materials include polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene.

The discharge flange gauge hole 210 and the suction flange gauge hole 211 may be prefabricated as holes for connecting instruments that measure the pressure at the discharge port and suction port of the fluid F. In this case, these holes can be used to create a flow path for the fluid F, making it easy to attach the power generation device 201.

As described above, according to the pump of the second embodiment, a conduit 212 is provided connecting the discharge flange gauge hole 210 and the suction flange gauge hole 211, and power is generated using the fluid F flowing through the conduit 212, so that even if the pump does not have a flushing flow path, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment.

That is, the pump according to the second embodiment is provided with a power generation device 201 that converts the flow of the fluid F caused by the pressure difference inside the pump into electricity. This configuration eliminates the need for electrical equipment to supply power from a commercial power source to the ancillary equipment 115 via a switchboard, AVR, etc., a housing to house the electrical equipment, and large-scale installation work. As a result, as with the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the cost burden of the equipment that supplies power to the ancillary equipment 115 of the pump.

In addition, the pump according to the second embodiment is equipped with a power generation device 201 that utilizes the fluid F flowing through the pump, so there is no need for electrical equipment to supply power from a commercial power source to the auxiliary device 115 via a voltage regulator, and no need for a housing to store the electrical equipment, and similarly to the first embodiment, space can be saved.

In addition, the pump 101A according to the second embodiment is equipped with a power generation device 201 that utilizes the fluid F that flows due to the pressure difference generated within the pump, so that no new large-scale construction is required, and the auxiliary devices 115, such as electronic components including sensors and communication devices, can be easily operated without the need for cumbersome battery replacement or charging work. In other words, as with the first embodiment, even in a pump system that does not have a higher-level control device, it is possible to digitize and analyze the operating information obtained from the auxiliary devices, and therefore IoT can be easily realized.

(Embodiment 3)
<Power generating device with battery>
A pump according to embodiment 3 will be described. In the pump according to embodiment 3, the power generation device further includes a battery, as compared with embodiment 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a power generation device provided in the pump according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the power generation device 201A has a battery 209 in addition to the electronic circuit 206. The power generated by the generator unit 205 is rectified and voltage-adjusted by the electronic circuit 206, then stored in the battery 209, and supplied from the battery 209 to the auxiliary device 115 as needed. Note that the battery 209 is preferably a type that can supply power to the auxiliary device 115 while being charged by the generator unit 205. The battery 209 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. If the battery 209 is a type that cannot be charged and supplied simultaneously, the power generation device 201A may have a switching circuit that switches between charging and discharging the battery 209.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the power generated by the generator unit 205 is temporarily stored in the battery 209, so that more stable power can be supplied to the auxiliary device 115.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the power generated by the generator unit 205 is stored in the battery 209, so that even if the pump 101 is stopped due to a disaster or power outage, the auxiliary equipment 115 can be operated with the power stored in the battery 209. As a result, even if a power outage occurs at a pump station, for example, damage to the equipment or malfunction due to water hammer that occurs when the pump suddenly stops can be quickly detected using the auxiliary equipment 115. Furthermore, it is possible to notify the pump user or maintenance company, etc.

In addition, according to the third embodiment, the power generated by the generator unit 205 is stored in the battery 209, so unlike when the auxiliary device 115 is driven by a battery brought in from outside, the auxiliary device 115 can be operated easily without the need for cumbersome battery replacement or charging work.

The above-described structure according to the third embodiment can also be applied to the pump 101A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, a battery 209 may be provided in the power generation device 201 that generates power using the fluid F flowing through the conduit 212, and the generated power may be temporarily stored in the battery 209, and the power may be supplied from the battery 209 to the auxiliary device 115.

(Embodiment 4)
<Positional relationship between the impeller and the flow path of the power generating device>
A description will be given of a pump according to embodiment 4. In the pump according to embodiment 4, the positional relationship between the impeller of the power generating device and the flow path of the fluid flowing through the impeller is changed compared to embodiment 1.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flushing flow passage of the pump according to embodiment 4. The flow passage cross-sectional view shown in Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flushing flow passage 110 when viewed from the generator section 205 side to the impeller 202 side, similar to the case of Figure 3.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the power generating device 201 is configured such that, when viewed along the main axis of the impeller 202, the main shaft 203 of the impeller 202 is shifted from the center line X of the flushing flow passage 110 by a distance d within the radius of the impeller 202 in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main shaft 203 and the center line X of the flushing flow passage 110. In other words, the center of the impeller 202 and the center of the cylindrical storage space 208A that stores the impeller 202 are shifted from the center line X of the flushing flow passage 110. By shifting the center of the impeller 202 from the center line X of the flushing flow passage 110, the flow D of the fluid F can be made to flow closer to the rotation direction R of the impeller 202 than in the first embodiment. As a result, the motion of the flow of the fluid F can be efficiently converted into the rotational motion of the impeller 202, and the power generating efficiency of the power generating device 201 can be improved compared to the first embodiment.

The above-described structure according to embodiment 4 can also be applied to the pump 101A of embodiment 2. Specifically, the power generating device 201 may have a structure in which the center of the impeller 202 is offset from the center line of the conduit 212 when viewed along the main axis of the impeller 202. With this structure, as described above, the motion of the flow D of the fluid F can be efficiently converted into the rotational motion of the impeller 202, and the power generating efficiency of the power generating device 201 can be improved compared to embodiment 1.

(Embodiment 5)
<Pump equipped with flow passage opening/closing mechanism>
A description will be given of a pump according to embodiment 5. Compared to embodiment 1, the pump according to embodiment 5 further includes an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the flow path of the fluid flowing through the impeller of the power generating device.

Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flushing flow path of a pump according to embodiment 5 and its surroundings. As shown in Figure 7, embodiment 5 has a configuration that includes a plug 213 that can adjust the opening and closing degree of the flow paths upstream and downstream of the impeller 202 in the pump's flushing flow path 110 in the range of 0 to 100%.

The plug 213 can be inserted and removed from the flow path due to its screw structure. The degree of opening and closing of the flushing flow path 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of tightening (amount of insertion and removal) of the plug 213. In the first embodiment, when replacing or maintaining the power generation device 201, it is necessary to stop the pump once. However, according to the present embodiment, by tightening the plug 213, the flow of fluid F in the flushing flow path 110 can be temporarily blocked, and even if the pump is in operation, repairs, maintenance, updates, etc., including replacement or removal of the power generation device 201 can be performed while suppressing leakage of fluid F. In addition, the amount of power supplied to ancillary devices, etc. can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of opening and closing.

In addition, a valve, a cock, etc. may be used instead of the plug 213 as the opening and closing mechanism of the flow path. Also, the opening and closing mechanism may be provided only on the upstream side of the impeller 202 of the power generation device 201. If it is possible to close the flow path only on the upstream side, it is possible to stop the flow of fluid to a certain extent, so that maintenance of the power generation device 201 can be performed.

The flow path opening and closing mechanism may be one that can only open and close, but it is preferable that the degree of opening and closing can be adjusted. If the degree of opening and closing can be adjusted, the momentum of the flow D of the fluid F in the flow path can be adjusted, and the rotation speed of the impeller 202 of the power generation device 201 can be adjusted, and the amount of power generation can be appropriately adjusted.

The above-described structure according to embodiment 5 can also be applied to the pump 101A of embodiment 2. Specifically, the pump 101A may have a structure in which an opening/closing mechanism, such as a plug 213, is attached to the upstream and downstream sides of the impeller 202 in the conduit 212 to adjust the degree of opening and closing. With this structure, the flow of the fluid F in the conduit 212 can be temporarily blocked by tightening the plug 213. As a result, even when the pump 101 is in operation, repairs, maintenance, updates, etc., including replacement or removal of the power generation device 201 can be performed while suppressing leakage of the fluid F.

(Embodiment 6)
<Examples of impeller shapes for power generating equipment>
A pump according to embodiment 6 will be described. The pump according to embodiment 6 is based on embodiment 1, and is configured such that the impeller constituting the power generating device is replaced with an impeller having a different shape.

Figures 8A to 8E are diagrams showing a first to a fifth shape example of an impeller of a power generating device according to embodiment 6. In each of Figures 8A to 8E, a perspective view of the impeller is shown on the left side, and a cross-sectional view of the impeller taken along a plane perpendicular to the main axis is shown on the right side.

The first shape example of impeller 202A shown in Figure 8A is a Savonius type impeller. A Savonius type impeller has a shape in which a blade portion (also called a bucket) obtained by splitting a cylindrical member vertically in half is sandwiched between disks with the center slightly shifted, and a shaft is attached. Impeller 202A can efficiently receive fluid in the buckets, so it can generate electricity efficiently.

The second shape example of impeller 202B shown in FIG. 8B has a shape in which the stem portion in the space sandwiched between the disks is removed from impeller 202A shown in FIG. 8A. With such a shape, foreign matter that flows in together with fluid F is less likely to accumulate inside. Even if fine foreign matter or the like flows into impeller 202B, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of malfunctions due to foreign matter becoming clogged or caught between main shaft 203 or storage space 208 and impeller 202B.

The impeller 202C of the third shape example shown in FIG. 8C has a shape in which a first Savonius type impeller and a second Savonius type impeller are rotated with a rotational phase difference of 90 degrees or less and fixed. More specifically, for example, two Savonius type impellers are rotated with a rotational phase difference of 90 degrees or less and combined so that the side disks are adjacent to each other, and the internal axle portion is removed. In other words, the impeller 202C has a two-layer structure of Savonius type impellers, the buckets in the first and second layers are rotated with a rotational phase difference of 90 degrees, and the internal axle portion is removed. Note that, as a modified example of the impeller 202C, an impeller having a structure in which three or more layers of Savonius type impellers are provided can be considered. In addition, the Savonius type impellers may not be adjacent to each other, but may be provided on the same axis with a space therebetween.

With this shape, the timing when the fluid F hits the blades and gives the impeller maximum torque occurs every 90 degrees, making it possible to make the generated torque more uniform and stabilize the output compared to a normal Savonius type impeller. Note that the above rotational phase difference is not limited to 90 degrees, and is preferably greater than 0 degrees and within 90 degrees. In this way, it is possible to make the generated torque more uniform compared to a normal Savonius type impeller.

The impeller 202D of the fourth shape example shown in Figure 8D has a shape in which the outer edge parts of both side discs of the Savonius type impeller are removed outside the area where the buckets contact. With this shape, by removing the outer edge parts of both side discs, foreign matter that flows in mixed with the fluid F is less likely to accumulate inside, and even if fine foreign matter flows into the impeller 202D, it is possible to suppress problems caused by foreign matter clogging or getting caught between the main shaft or storage space of the impeller 202D and the impeller 202D.

The fifth shape example of the impeller 202E shown in Figure 8E has a shape obtained when the disks on both sides of the Savonius impeller are twisted with a rotational phase difference of 90 degrees or less, which causes the buckets themselves to be twisted and deformed. With such a shape, there is less variation in the timing at which the fluid F hits the buckets and applies torque to the impeller 202E, making it possible to more uniformly generate torque and stabilize output compared to a normal Savonius impeller.

(Embodiment 7)
<How to improve pumps>
A description will now be given of a method for improving a pump according to embodiment 7. The method for improving a pump according to embodiment 7 is a method in which the above-mentioned power generation device is attached to an existing pump in a pump station, and the output of the power generation device is connected to the power input of ancillary devices of the pump.

There are two possible methods for improving a pump: one that uses a flushing passage, and one that uses a flange gauge hole. The improvement method that uses a flushing passage can be applied when the pump has a flushing passage. The improvement method that uses a flange gauge hole can be applied when the pump has a flange gauge hole and it is possible to machine and form the flange gauge hole.

Improved method using flushing channels
First, a first pump improvement method using a flushing passage will be described. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the first pump improvement method according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, in step S11, if necessary, a space is secured that allows access to the vicinity of the flushing flow path 110 of the casing cover 108. For example, if there is a member covering the casing cover 108, measures are taken such as removing the member or drilling a hole in the member.

In step S12, a processing operation is performed to form a storage space for the impeller that constitutes the power generation device and an insertion space into which the main shaft of the impeller is inserted. Specifically, a tool such as an electric drill is used to perform cutting processing on the flushing flow passage to form the storage space and the insertion space. A tool such as a tap is used to form a screw hole in the insertion space.

In step S13, a processing operation is performed to form a plug screw hole portion for inserting a plug, which is an opening and closing mechanism of the flow path, on the upstream side and downstream side of the storage space of the flushing flow path. Specifically, a cutting process is performed on the flushing flow path using a tool such as an electric drill or tap, to form a screw hole portion that matches the thread of the plug.

In step S14, plugs are screwed into the upstream and downstream plug screw holes.

In step S15, the generator is attached to the casing cover so that the impeller is stored in the storage space and the main shaft is positioned in the insertion space. The generator is attached to the casing cover by fitting the threaded portion of the generator into a screw hole formed in the insertion space and twisting the screw to fasten the screw. Alternatively, the generator is fixed by welding or adhesive, or the flange of the generator is fastened to the casing cover with screws or bolts.

In step S16, the power generation device and the associated equipment are connected. Specifically, the output of the power generation device is connected to the power input of the associated equipment of the pump.

According to this improvement method, a power generation device can be installed even on pumps already installed in a pumping station. In addition, IoT can be realized by including in the ancillary equipment a sensor for acquiring pump operation information and a communication device for transmitting a signal based on the output of the sensor. Note that the order of each step may be changed or rearranged as appropriate.

<Improvement method using flange gauge holes>
Next, a second pump improvement method using a flange gauge hole will be described. Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the second pump improvement method according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S21, machining is performed to form flange gauge holes in the fluid discharge and suction ports of the pump as necessary. Specifically, a tool such as an electric drill or tap is used to perform cutting on the fluid discharge and suction ports of the pump to form the discharge side flange gauge holes and the suction side flange gauge holes.

In step S22, conduits are prepared to connect the discharge flange gauge hole and the suction flange gauge hole. Specifically, an impeller conduit section is prepared in which a storage space for storing the impeller of the power generating device and an insertion space into which the main shaft of the impeller is inserted are formed. In addition, an upstream cock, which is a flow path opening and closing mechanism to be attached to the upstream side of the impeller of the power generating device, and a downstream cock, which is a flow path opening and closing mechanism to be attached to the downstream side of the impeller, are prepared. Furthermore, an upstream conduit section that connects the discharge flange gauge hole and the upstream cock, and a downstream conduit section that connects the suction flange gauge hole and the downstream cock are prepared.

In step S23, the conduits are connected. Specifically, each part is connected so that, starting from the upstream side, the discharge flange gauge hole, the upstream conduit section, the impeller conduit section, the downstream conduit section, and the suction flange gauge hole are arranged in this order.

In step S24, the generator is attached to the casing cover so that the impeller is stored in the storage space and the main shaft is located in the insertion space. The generator is attached to the casing cover by fitting the threaded portion of the generator into a screw hole formed in the insertion space and twisting the screw to fasten the screw. Alternatively, the generator is fixed by welding or adhesive, or the flange of the generator is fastened to the casing cover with screws or bolts.

In step S25, the power generation device and the associated equipment are connected. Specifically, the output of the power generation device is connected to the power input of the pump's associated equipment.

According to this improvement method, a power generation device can be installed even on pumps already installed in a pumping station. In addition, IoT can be realized by including in the ancillary equipment a sensor for acquiring pump operation information and a communication device for transmitting a signal based on the output of the sensor. Note that the order of each step may be changed or rearranged as appropriate.

(Embodiment 8)
<Example of equipment using a pump equipped with a power generation device>
The eighth embodiment is an industrial or commercial device that uses a pump equipped with the power generation device according to each of the above embodiments.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a fluid transfer device according to embodiment 8. As shown in Figure 11, the fluid transfer device 301 is equipped with a pump 101 and uses a fluid pressurized and discharged by the pump 101. More specifically, for example, the fluid transfer device 301 may be a dishwasher for washing dishes, a car wash for washing automobiles and trains, a boiler, a coolant system, or a machine tool such as a fire extinguishing pump. Other examples include water supply and drainage equipment for supplying water to each room in a building or condominium, or for sucking wastewater from underground.

For example, as fluid transfer equipment 301, in the brewing-related field, devices that transfer brewed liquids such as sake, soy sauce, vinegar, and sauces, and send water to filters, are conceivable. In the food-related field, devices that transfer juice, coffee, tea, milk drinks, and other soft drinks are conceivable. In the industrial-related field, devices that transfer chemical liquids, dyeing liquids, plating liquids, and industrial liquids are conceivable. In the oil-related field, devices that transfer low-viscosity oils such as kerosene, diesel, and spindle oil are conceivable. In other fields, devices related to various water supply/drainage systems, and water/chemical solution treatment systems are conceivable.

Furthermore, if such fluid transfer equipment 301 is equipped with ancillary equipment such as sensors and communication devices, and is IoT-enabled by connecting the output of the power generation device of the pump 101, the operating status of the fluid transfer equipment can be monitored, supervised, and data analyzed from a remote location.

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and includes various modified examples. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. All of these belong to the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the numerical values etc. contained in the text and figures are merely examples, and the effect of the present invention will not be impaired even if different ones are used.

In the above embodiment, as an example of a power generating device, a device is used that receives the flow of fluid with an impeller, converts it into rotational motion, and converts the rotational motion into electricity. However, the power generating device is not limited to the above structure. For example, as another example, a power generating device having a structure similar to that of a positive displacement flowmeter may be used. This power generating device is a device in which two elliptical gears are housed in an elliptical casing formed in the middle of the flow path so that they mesh with each other with a phase shift of 90 degrees, converts the flow of fluid into the rotational motion of the gears, and converts the rotational motion into electricity.

The following are some possible aspects of the present invention:

[Appendix 1]
A pump having a suction port and a discharge port, which sucks in a fluid through the suction port, pressurizes the fluid, and discharges the fluid from the discharge port,
a flow path through which the fluid flows due to a pressure difference generated inside the pump, the flow path being different from the pressure increase path of the fluid;
a power generation device that generates power using the flow of the fluid in the flow path.

[Appendix 2]
2. The pump according to claim 1,
The power generation device supplies power to auxiliary equipment of the pump.

[Appendix 3]
3. The pump according to claim 2,
The pump, wherein the auxiliary equipment includes at least one of a sensor, a fan, a heater, a light, a display, and a communication device.

[Appendix 4]
2. The pump according to claim 1,
The pump, wherein the sensor includes a temperature sensor, a water level sensor, a pressure sensor, a current sensor, or an image sensor.

[Appendix 5]
2. The pump according to claim 1,
The power generating device is a pump having an impeller that rotates when receiving the fluid flowing through the flow path, and converts the rotational motion of the impeller into electric power.

[Appendix 6]
6. The pump according to claim 5,
The pump, wherein the impeller has a shape obtained by removing a columnar portion along a main shaft from a Savonius type impeller.

[Appendix 7]
6. The pump according to claim 5,
The impeller has a shape in which outer edge portions of both side plates of a Savonius impeller that are outside the area where the blades contact each other are removed.

[Appendix 8]
6. The pump according to claim 5,
The impeller has a shape obtained when both side plates of a Savonius type impeller are twisted and deformed with a rotational phase difference of 90 degrees or less.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101...Pump 102...Voltage casing 102A...Discharge port portion 103...Rotary shaft 104...Impeller 105...Suction passage 105A...Suction port portion 106...Bearing 107...Shaft seal portion 108...Casing cover 108A...Insertion space 109...Voltage passage 110...Flushing passage 115...Attached equipment 201...Power generation device 202...Impeller 203...Main shaft 204...Bearing 205...Generator portion 206...Electronic circuit 207A...Threaded hole portion 207B...Threaded portion 208...Storage space 209...Battery 210...Discharge flange gauge hole 211...Suction flange gauge hole 212...Conduit 213...Plug 301...Fluid transfer device d...Distance D...Fluid flow F...Fluid O...Axis R...Rotation direction X...Center line

Claims (14)

A pump improvement method for improving a pump that is already installed in a pump station, has a suction port and a discharge port, and sucks in a fluid through the suction port, pressurizes the fluid, and discharges it from the discharge port, comprising the steps of:
forming, by machining, a storage space in which an impeller constituting a power generating device is stored and an insertion space into which a main shaft of the impeller is inserted, in the middle of the flow path, which is different from the pressure increasing path of the fluid and through which the fluid flows due to a pressure difference generated inside the pump ;
storing the impeller in the storage space and installing the power generating device;
connecting an output of the generator to ancillary equipment of the pump;
The pump is not connected to a higher-level control device.
The auxiliary device includes a sensor that acquires operation information of the pump, and a communication device that transmits a signal based on an output of the sensor to a server via a communication network.
How to improve your pump. 2. The method for improving a pump according to claim 1,
The method for improving a pump, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a water level sensor, a bearing temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a current sensor, and a monitoring image sensor associated with the pump. 3. The method for improving a pump according to claim 2 ,
The method for improving a pump, wherein the communication network is wired or wireless. 2. The method for improving a pump according to claim 1,
A method for improving a pump, wherein the flow passage is a flushing flow passage that is pre- formed inside the pump. 2. The method for improving a pump according to claim 1,
forming a discharge flange gauge hole in the discharge port portion ;
forming a suction flange gauge hole in the suction port ;
and providing , as the flow path, a conduit connecting the discharge flange gauge hole and the suction flange gauge hole. 2. The method for improving a pump according to claim 1,
The power generating device includes a battery for storing the generated power. 2. The method for improving a pump according to claim 1,
The power generating device converts the rotational motion of the impeller, which rotates in response to the fluid flowing through the flow passage, into electricity. 8. The method for improving a pump according to claim 7,
A pump improvement method comprising a step of providing an opening and closing mechanism, upstream of the impeller in the flow passage, for opening and closing the flow passage or for adjusting the degree of opening and closing of the flow passage. 8. The method for improving a pump according to claim 7,
The impeller is disposed downstream from an intermediate position of the flow path. 8. The method for improving a pump according to claim 7,
The impeller has a shape in which the outer edge portions of both side plates of a Savonius type impeller outside the area where the blades contact each other are removed. 8. The method for improving a pump according to claim 7,
The impeller has a shape obtained when both side plates of a Savonius type impeller are twisted and deformed with a rotational phase difference of 90 degrees or less. 5. The method for improving a pump according to claim 4,
forming a screw hole portion in the insertion space;
and attaching the power generating device by fitting the threaded portion of the power generating device into the screw hole portion and twisting the screw hole portion to fasten the power generating device. 13. The method for improving a pump according to claim 12,
forming, by machining, plug screw holes for inserting plugs as an opening/closing mechanism of the flushing flow passage on the upstream side and downstream side of the storage space of the flushing flow passage;
and screwing and installing the plugs into the upstream and downstream plug screw holes, respectively. A fluid transfer device comprising a pump improved by the pump improving method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 .

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