Control unit, computer-implemented method for controlling a flow of milk, computer program and non-volatile data carrier
AssigneeDeLaval Holding AB
InventorLukasz BOSEK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A control unit arranged to control a flow of milk through a cooling system from a balance tank to a storage tank where the balance tank receives an input in the form of milk from a number of milking points and the control unit receives a first level-indicating signal reflecting a milk level in the balance tank and a prediction parameter indicating an estimated future input of milk from the number of milking points for generating a first control signal to a milk pump in the cooling system for causing the flow of milk to be pumped out from the balance tank at a flow rate determined by the first control signal.
Claims22
A control unit (110) arranged to control a flow of milk (F) through a cooling system (170) from a balance tank (120) to a storage tank (130), the balance tank (120) receiving an input (MIN) of milk from a number of milking points, the control unit (110) configured to:
- receive a first level-indicating signal (s(L)) reflecting a milk level in the balance tank (120);
- receive a prediction parameter (MINest) indicating an estimated future input (MIN) of milk from the number of milking points;
- and
- generate, based on both the first level-indicating signal (s(L)) and the prediction parameter (MINest), a first control signal (C1) to a milk pump (150) in the cooling system (170),
- said milk pump (150) arranged to cause the flow of milk (F) to be pumped out from the balance tank (120) at a flow rate determined by the first control signal (C1).
A computer-implemented method for controlling a flow of milk (F) through a cooling system (170) from a balance tank (120) to a storage tank (130), the balance tank (120) receiving an input (MIN) of milk from a number of milking points, the method comprising:
- receiving a first level-indicating signal (s(L)) reflecting a milk level in the balance tank (120);
- receiving a prediction parameter (MINest) indicating an estimated future input (MIN) of milk from the number of milking points;
- and
- generating, based on both the first level-indicating signal (s(L)) and the prediction parameter (MINest), a first control signal (C1) to a milk pump (150) in the cooling system (170),
- said milk pump (150) arranged to cause the flow of milk (F) to be pumped out from the balance tank (120) at a flow rate determined by the first control signal (C1).
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.