Multiple-compressor system having base and trim compressors

Abstract

A multi-compressor system is described, which includes a fluid distribution system coupled to a load device, a base compressor set coupled to the fluid distribution system, and a flow controller having a downstream side coupled to the fluid distribution system. A trim compressor set is coupled to an upstream side of the flow controller. A trim volume is coupled between the outlet of the trim compressor and the upstream side of the flow controller. A control apparatus is coupled to the trim compressor set, which controls the trim compressor set as a function of a rate-of-change of mass within the trim volume.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fluid compressor systems, and more particularly, fluid compressor systems with improved efficiency. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pressurized compressible fluids, such as atmospheric air, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, nitrogen, liquids, etc., are commonly used to deliver energy in the form of pressure in a variety of industrial applications. The devices that use the pressurized fluid, known as load devices, include robots, paint applicators, turbines, power generators, jet engines, pneumatic tools, and others. Compressible fluids are typically pressurized using a compressor, which may take one of many forms, such as a centrifugal compressor, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw, a stack of alternating rotors and stators, or other forms. A compressor takes in a compressible fluid at an inlet, uses energy to compress a mass of the compressible fluid to a smaller volume and higher pressure, then discharges the fluid thus c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a system that includes multiple compressors. The system has a fluid distribution system, a base compressor set, and a flow controller. A trim compressor set is connected to the flow controller and a trim volume is created between the outlet of the trim compressor and the flow controller. A control apparatus is connected to the trim compressor set and controls it based on the rate of change of mass within the trim volume. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a system that can efficiently compress fluids and distribute them to a load device."

Problems solved by technology

Any load device is likely to drop its demand flow rate temporarily at least occasionally for interruptions such as maintenance, breaks, etc.

However, total demand flow rate of a collection of load devices still tends to fluctuate during operation.

This will lower the distribution pressure, disrupting the proper operation of the load devices.

Excessive compressor capacity and discharge pressure both translate into higher energy consumption, maintenance costs, and capital costs.

However, successful operation of the load devices is typically a greater priority than efficient operation of the compressors.

The traditional multi-compressor system therefore sacrifices compressor system efficiency to prevent pressure shortages during times of peak demand flow rate.

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