Gas compression assembly, cooling method and use of a gas compression assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a gas compression assembly, a cooling method and use of a gas compression assembly. A method for cooling a gas compression assembly (1) comprising a housing (2) having a plurality of gas compression elements, the method comprising: flowing a cooling air stream (21) from an ambient environment into a first portion (3) of the housing (2); flowing the cooling air stream (21) through a plurality of coolers (14, 16, 18) arranged in a central portion (5) of the housing (2), the cooling air stream (21) flowing from the first portion (3) of the housing to a second portion (4); flowing the cooling air stream (21) from the second portion (4) of the housing (2) out to the ambient environment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas compression assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a housing having multiple parts, which is optimally configured in terms of cooling air flow for an assembly having multiple gas compression elements, in particular liquid injection elements, such as water injection elements and / or oil injection elements. BACKGROUND

[0002] In this document, "element" can refer to both compressor elements and vacuum pump elements.

[0003] The main purpose of such an assembly is to compress a gas. In an oil injection element or a water injection element, liquid (oil or water) is added while compressing the gas, to lubricate parts of the element during compression, to provide sealing and / or to provide cooling and / or for other secondary reasons. By supplying liquid, the flow from the element will contain not only compressed gas, but also a significant amount of liquid. This liquid is separated from the flow and is typically cooled, in order to be fed again to the element through a liquid injection line. The various components that make this operation possible are part of the assembly.

[0004] The housing of the assembly has various functions. On the one hand, the housing provides shielding for the elements and components that make up the assembly. Thus, the housing provides protection for the assembly against unwanted ingress, external objects and external influences, which in turn also protects people and animals in the environment outside the housing from the moving assembly or hot elements and / or components.

[0005] In particular, if such a housing contains multiple elements, the proper configuration and structure of the housing is important for being able to perform maintenance and repairs. The configuration of the housing and the position of the elements and components in the housing allow for easy or even difficult maintenance and repairs by an operator.

[0006] A final function of the housing relates to the cooling function. In an assembly with liquid injection elements, cooling is typically provided for both the liquid and the compressed gas. Taking into account factors in the environment outside the housing, cooling air that absorbs released heat is discharged from the housing in a controlled and optimal manner. It is generally undesirable to discharge heat in the direction of a personnel access, as this can be very uncomfortable for people and even dangerous. SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly with an improved housing, operation and configuration.

[0008] More in particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly configuration and method for improved cooling of the assembly.

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides a gas compression assembly comprising a housing, the housing comprising a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts comprising at least:

[0010] a first liquid injection element for compressing a gas;

[0011] a first electric motor for driving the first liquid injection element;

[0012] a second liquid injection element for compressing a gas;

[0013] a second electric motor for driving the second liquid injection element;

[0014] a first liquid separator in fluid communication with a gas outlet of the first liquid injection element for a gas compressed by the first liquid injection element;

[0015] a second liquid separator in fluid communication with a gas outlet of the second liquid injection element for a gas compressed by the second liquid injection element;

[0016] the plurality of components are distributed over a first part and a second part of the housing and a central part is further provided in the housing, the central part separating the first part and the second part from each other, the central part comprising:

[0017] a first cooler for cooling a first liquid in a first liquid injection line of the first liquid injection element in fluid communication with a liquid outlet of the first liquid separator;

[0018] a second cooler for cooling a second liquid in a second liquid injection line of the second liquid injection element in fluid communication with a liquid outlet of the second liquid separator.

[0019] The present invention is based on the understanding that if a plurality of liquid injection elements is provided in one housing, it is advantageous to provide a separate liquid separator for each liquid injection element and a separate cooler for cooling the liquid separated in each liquid separator. This results in an assembly in which the housing has a first cooler for the liquid separated in the first liquid separator and a second cooler for the liquid separated in the second liquid separator, each cooler being able to individually discharge heat to a cooling air flow. According to the present invention, it is particularly advantageous to arrange the first cooler and the second cooler in a central part of the housing. The central part is arranged between the first part and the second part of the housing and separates the first part and the second part from each other. The plurality of components of the assembly, including the first liquid injection element, the first electric motor, the second liquid injection element, the second electric motor, the first liquid separator and the second liquid separator, are distributed over the first part and the second part. This structure is optimal for cooling the components and in particular for discharging heat from the components in the housing to the environment outside the housing. Furthermore, in this structure, the individual components of the assembly are easily accessible for maintenance and repair. The housing thus provides an improved structure and operation.

[0020] A surprising advantage of the assembly relates to the flexibility of the assembly to produce a very variable flow of compressed gas. In some cases this flexibility is necessary in order to respond to the need for a very variable flow of compressed gas. Thus, the assembly according to the invention continues to operate optimally and effectively even in the case of a very variable flow. It should therefore be noted that most assemblies known (mainly assemblies with one element) become very inefficient if a variable flow of compressed gas is produced. By configuring the assembly according to the invention with two elements, each driven by its own electric motor and coupled to its own liquid separator, each liquid separator having its own cooler for the separated liquid, the assembly can be configured according to the needs of the user of the compressed gas, so that each liquid injection element can function optimally in the assembly. Thanks to the specific configuration of the components in the housing, the operation of the first liquid injection element does not negatively affect the operation of the second liquid injection element and / or the operation of the second liquid injection element does not negatively affect the operation of the first liquid injection element, and the presence of multiple liquid injection elements does not hinder the maintenance and repair of the components in the assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the first cooler and the second cooler each have one or more fans to force a flow of cooling air through each cooler, each cooling air flow being provided to flow from the first portion to the second portion. By blowing the fans of the multiple coolers in the same direction, in particular from the first portion to the second portion, the heat from the first liquid and the second liquid can be effectively discharged to the outside environment. This is because a significant circuit or series circulation of the cooling air through the multiple coolers cannot be achieved. This improves the efficiency and operational reliability of the coolers, regardless of which cooler and how many coolers are in active state. The cooling air flow through each fan can also be individually adapted to the required cooling capacity of each cooler, for example by individually setting the speed of each fan based on certain control parameters as indicators of the required cooling capacity.

[0022] Preferably, a check valve is provided at the gas outlet of the first liquid separator for the outflow of gas compressed by the first liquid injection element and at the gas outlet of the second liquid separator for the outflow of gas compressed by the second liquid injection element.

[0023] The presence of a check valve (also called a non-return valve) on the gas outlet of each liquid separator results in a complete pressure separation of the liquid circuits belonging to the two elements, which provides the possibility of starting and stopping the elements independently of each other.

[0024] Preferably, the central part further comprises a third cooler for cooling the gas compressed by the first liquid injection element and the second liquid injection element, the third cooler being in fluid communication with the gas outlet of the first liquid separator for outflow of the gas compressed by the first liquid injection element and the gas outlet of the second liquid separator for outflow of the gas compressed by the second liquid injection element.

[0025] Thus, the compressed gas can be cooled in a cooler shared by the first liquid injection element and the second liquid injection element.

[0026] Preferably, the third cooler has one or more additional fans to force an additional flow of cooling air through the third cooler, the additional flow of cooling air being provided to flow from the first part to the second part.

[0027] By having the additional fans blow in the same direction as the fans of the first cooler and the second cooler, in particular from the first part to the second part, heat from the compressed gas can be effectively discharged to the outside environment. This is because a significant recirculation or series circulation of cooling air through the coolers with the above-mentioned associated advantages is not possible.

[0028] Preferably, the housing has a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas outlets of the first liquid separator and the second liquid separator, directly or indirectly via the gas outlet of the third cooler. Providing the housing with one gas outlet simplifies use for the end user. This is because the end user does not need to take into account that the housing contains multiple elements.

[0029] Preferably, each of the first part and the second part comprises at least one of the plurality of components. In other words, the plurality of components is distributed over the first part and the second part. As a result, it is not possible that either of the first part and the second part is empty. As a direct consequence, the central part physically separates the plurality of components from each other.

[0030] Preferably, the central part further has an introduction for at least one line selected from the gas line and the liquid line, in order to put at least one of the plurality of components in the first part and at least one of the plurality of components in the second part in fluid communication with each other. If the central part is configured to have three coolers, it is easy to provide space for the line to pass through. In particular, if the three coolers are rectangular or substantially square, the coolers can be arranged relative to each other such that an introduction can be provided.

[0031] Preferably, the housing has at least one opening at an upper portion of the first portion and / or the second portion to allow cooling air to flow from the ambient of the housing to and into the first portion or the second portion of the housing and / or to allow cooling air to flow from the first portion or the second portion of the housing to and into the ambient of the housing. Preferably, the top wall element of the housing is at least partially formed by a grid element in order to form said at least one opening. If the upper portion of the housing, preferably the top wall element of the housing, is provided with an opening, cooling air can be sucked in and blown away at the top of the housing. Thus, in particular, in most practical cases, the heated cooling air is blown out at a height above the height of a person. In other words, a person entering the ambient of the housing will not directly feel the air flow of heated cooling air flowing out of the housing. Another advantage of this construction is that an air channel for discharging heated cooling air into the ambient and / or an air channel for supplying fresh cooling air from the ambient can be provided. The air channel can be provided above the components of the assembly, thus not constituting an obstacle for entering / maintenance along the sides of the assembly. Furthermore, sufficient space is created for the suction / inlet of fresh cooling air and the discharge / outlet of heated cooling air, such that the pressure loss due to the change of direction of the cooling air between the inlet and the discharge opening in the top wall element of the housing is reduced to a minimum, which is beneficial for the overall energy consumption of the compressor.

[0032] Preferably, the side walls of the housing are formed by side wall panels, at least a portion of which is openable or removable in order to access said plurality of components in the housing. By being able to remove and / or open the side walls of the housing, easy access to the components in the housing can be provided. This greatly simplifies the maintenance of the internal components of the housing.

[0033] Preferably, the central portion forms a partition wall between the first portion and the second portion, the partition wall extending across the entire width and / or height of the housing, or across substantially the entire width and / or height. By constructing the partition wall extending across the entire height and width of the housing, backflow of cooling air from the second portion to the first portion is prevented. As a result, due to the construction of the housing, the flow of cooling air is forced from the ambient to the first portion of the housing, to the second portion of the housing and back to the ambient. As a result, a more optimized heat discharge from the components in the housing to the ambient is achieved.

[0034] Preferably, the first liquid in the first liquid injection line and / or the second liquid in the second liquid injection line is oil. Tests and simulations have shown that the above described construction is particularly advantageous for oil-injected compressors.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a method for cooling a gas compression assembly, the gas compression assembly comprising a housing, the housing having a plurality of gas compression elements, the method comprising:

[0036] causing a cooling air stream to flow from the first part of the housing into the second part of the housing;

[0037] causing the cooling air stream to flow through a plurality of coolers arranged in a central part of the housing, the cooling air stream flowing from the first part of the housing to the second part of the housing;

[0038] causing the cooling air stream to flow from the second part of the housing to the outside environment.

[0039] The housing structure of an assembly in which coolers are located in a central part of the housing, on the one hand allowing a cooling air stream to enter in a first part, the cooling air stream to flow from the first part through a plurality of coolers to a second part, and on the other hand allowing the cooling air stream to exit in the second part, is novel and provides a number of advantages. Firstly, an effective cooling can be realized. Secondly, a complex assembly of components can be built in the housing, which components are still easily maintained and repaired.

[0040] Preferably, the step of causing the cooling air stream to flow out is performed at least at an upper part of the first part and / or the second part, preferably at a top wall element of the housing. Preferably, the plurality of coolers comprises at least one of: a first cooler for cooling a first liquid of a first liquid injection element for compressing a gas; a second cooler for cooling a second liquid of a second liquid injection element for compressing a gas; and preferably a third cooler for cooling the compressed gas. The advantages and effects of these aspects are described above for the assembly.

[0041] Finally, the invention also relates to a use of an assembly according to any of the above embodiments for supplying compressed gas based on a demand for compressed gas by adjusting a first electric motor driving a first liquid injection element and adjusting a second electric motor driving a second liquid injection element. The demand can be supplied in various ways. In particular, the demand can be supplied passively, i.e. a consumption of compressed gas in a user network causes a pressure drop, such that this pressure directly indicates the demand for compressed gas. Alternatively, the demand can be supplied actively by forwarding data to a user. As a further alternative, the demand can be supplied in a combination of active and passive. By adjusting the electric motors according to the demand, a variable demand for compressed gas in a user network can be optimally supplied.

[0042] Preferably, the first electric motor and the second electric motor have different operational characteristics. Preferably, the first electric motor is a first type of electric motor having a substantially fixed rotational speed. Preferably, the second electric motor is a second type of electric motor having an adjustable rotational speed. Further, the second type of electric motor preferably has a continuously variable adjustable rotational speed.

[0043] In one embodiment of the application, the first electric machine is a first type electric machine with a substantially fixed rotational speed and the second electric machine is a second type electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed. Electric machines with a fixed rotational speed are cheaper and can be better matched to the liquid injection element coupled thereto in order to supply compressed gas at an optimal efficiency. Electric machines with a variable adjustable rotational speed are for example electric machines coupled to a frequency regulator or a voltage regulator and having an adjustable rotational speed. Obviously, the construction of the electric machines and the way the speed is controlled are not the subject of the present text and will therefore not be discussed further. If the liquid injection element is coupled to an electric machine with an adjustable speed, the liquid injection element needs to be adapted to and preferably optimized for supplying compressed gas at a maximum speed but also at a speed lower than the maximum speed. As a result, a liquid injection element coupled to an electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed is generally more expensive and less efficient. However, the main advantage is that a variable amount of compressed gas can be supplied. In particular, the combination of a first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed for a first liquid injection element and a second electric machine with an adjustable speed for a second liquid injection element also partly combines the above-mentioned advantages.

[0044] If the first electric machine is a first type electric machine with a substantially fixed rotational speed and the second electric machine is a second type electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed, it is preferred that the first electric machine is only switched on when the second liquid injection element itself cannot supply the demand for compressed gas.

[0045] Preferably, the maximum working power of the first electric machine is lower than the maximum working power of the second electric machine. By providing the second electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed with a greater power than the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed, a "control gap" is minimized or even avoided when the first electric machine of the first liquid injection element is switched on. A control gap occurs if about half of the combined maximum output flow of compressed gas is required, in particular if the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed is switched on while the second electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed is slowed down or switched off. Tests have shown that if the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed is switched on while the second electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed and the same power is brought to the minimum possible working speed, the combination of the second electric machine at the minimum working speed and the first electric machine will usually provide a higher flow of compressed gas than when only the second electric machine is running at maximum working speed, so that a "control gap" occurs when switching from a mode in which only the second electric machine is running at maximum working speed to a mode in which the first electric machine is switched on in addition to the second electric machine (or vice versa) for the flow of compressed gas supplied by the assembly. In other words, the control gap is the interval of the flow of compressed gas between the maximum flow of compressed gas that can be supplied by the second liquid injection element itself with the second electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed and the minimum flow of compressed gas that can be supplied by the first liquid injection element with the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed. The assembly cannot precisely supply the flow of compressed gas in this control gap. However, in order to approximately solve the required flow of compressed gas in this control gap, the first liquid injection element with the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed should be repeatedly run in an alternating manner between the loaded and unloaded state. This is very disadvantageous in terms of energy, since the working power is required to run the first liquid injection element in the unloaded state without the need for compressed gas to be supplied by the first liquid injection element. The reduction of the maximum working power of the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed also results in a reduction of the minimum flow of compressed gas that can be supplied by the first liquid injection element itself with the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed. As a result, the control gap becomes smaller or even completely eliminated. On the other hand, the reduction of the maximum working power of the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed also means a reduction of the maximum flow of compressed gas that can be supplied by the combination of the first liquid injection element and the second liquid injection element of the assembly. Tests have shown that the maximum power of the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed is preferably greater than 60% of the maximum power of the second electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed, more preferably greater than 70%. Furthermore, the maximum power of the first electric machine with a fixed rotational speed is preferably less than 90% of the maximum power of the second electric machine with an adjustable rotational speed, more preferably less than 80%. This optimizes the maximum output flow of compressed gas while minimizing the adverse effects of potential control gaps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] The application will be explained in more detail below using the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0047] In the drawings:

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an assembly according to an embodiment of the application;

[0049] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of the assembly of Figure 1

[0050] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an assembly according to an embodiment of the application;

[0051] Figure 4 is a first perspective view of an assembly according to a practical embodiment of the application; and

[0052] Figure 5 is a second perspective view of the assembly of Figure 4

[0053] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like or similar components throughout the various figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The main purpose of the assembly 1 is to supply compressed gas. To this end, each liquid injection element 6, 8 in the assembly 1 is primarily used for compressing the gas to be compressed. By supplying a liquid, such as oil or water, in the elements 6, 8, the flow from the elements 6, 8 contains not only compressed gas, but also a substantial amount of liquid. By having the gas outlet of each element 6, 8 in fluid communication with the inlet of a liquid separator 10, 12, e.g. comprising a cyclone separator, it is possible to separate a substantial part of the liquid from the flow. This further provides the possibility to return the separated liquid to the element 6, 8, thereby forming a substantially closed loop in which the liquid can be reused. In practice, the liquid flow and optionally the gas flow from the liquid separator are cooled by a liquid cooler and a gas cooler, respectively. Preferably, a check valve is provided downstream of each liquid separator 10, 12. In particular, a minimum pressure valve is provided in the vicinity of the gas outlet of each liquid separator 10, 12. This valve ensures that no compressed gas flows from the line downstream of the liquid separator 10, 12 back to the liquid separator 10, 12. In practice, this ensures that the liquid circuits are completely separated from each other in terms of pressure, and that the two elements 6, 8 can thus be operated independently of each other. Another check valve is preferably provided in the vicinity of the gas inlet of each liquid injection element 6, 8 to ensure that if the element 6, 8 stops working, this is not reversed due to compressed gas still present in the associated liquid separator 10, 12.

[0055] Figure 1 ​​The construction of an assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. The assembly 1 comprises a plurality of components for producing compressed gas, which are all assembled in a housing 2. The housing 2 has a first part 3 and a second part 4. The first part 3 is separated from the second part 5 by a central part 5. The central part 5 divides the housing 2 into two parts, but not necessarily two equal parts. The plurality of components is distributed over the parts. Embodiment examples are described below.

[0056] In Figure 1 The assembly 1 comprises a plurality of elements 6 and 8 in one housing 2. The advantage of providing a plurality of elements 6 and 8 in one housing 2 is that the assembly 1 with the plurality of elements 6 and 8 can accommodate larger fluctuations in the flow of compressed gas than a single element. Furthermore, if a plurality of elements 6 and 8 is provided, it is more efficient to produce compressed gas at varying flow rates. The drawing shows an embodiment with two elements 6 and 8. It is clear that the same principles of the application can be applied to an assembly 1 with more than three elements. The application is not limited to an assembly 1 with only two elements 6 and 8.

[0057] The elements 6 and 8 can be identical elements or different elements. The motors 7 and 9 for driving the elements 6 and 8, respectively, can be identical motors or different motors and / or can be controlled in the same way or in different ways. In an embodiment, both motors 7 and 9 are constant-speed motors. Alternatively, both motors 7 and 9 are variable-pole motors, as a result of which they can be operated at at least two constant speeds, as a result of the presence of at least two different windings. As a further alternative, both motors 7 and 9 are variable-speed motors, which are usually controlled by a frequency regulator. As a further alternative, one of the two motors 7 and 9 is a constant-speed motor or a variable-pole motor, and the other of the two motors 7 and 9 is a variable-speed motor. The application is not limited to motors with the same power. Both motors 7 and 9 can therefore also have mutually different powers, which is further advantageous for regulation in the case of varying compressed gas requirements. For example, if motor 7 is a constant-speed motor and motor 9 is a variable-speed motor, it is advantageous to choose the variable-speed motor power to be greater than the constant-speed motor power, so that no control gap occurs when the constant-speed motor is switched on and off. For the sake of clarity, a constant-speed motor is a first type of motor with a substantially fixed rotational speed, and a variable-speed motor is a second type of motor with a variable, adjustable rotational speed. In the embodiment shown, both elements 6 and 8 and both motors 7 and 9 are provided in the first part 3 of the housing 2.

[0058] Each element 6 and 8 is connected to liquid separators 10 and 12, respectively. As described above, elements 6 and 8 are primarily used to supply compressed gas. For this purpose, each element 6 and 8 has a gas outlet 11 and 13, respectively. The flow from gas outlets 11 and 13 contains not only compressed gas but also a large amount of liquid. Liquid separators 10 and 12 are in fluid communication with gas outlets 11 and 13, respectively, to separate the liquid from the flow.

[0059] Each liquid separator 10 and 12 can be constructed and optimized for the connected elements 6 and 8. Thus, liquid separators 10 and 12 can be constructed and / or designed with different dimensions. Each liquid separator 10 and 12 preferably includes a cyclone separator and one or more liquid filtration elements. Each liquid separator 10 and 12 has liquid outlets 15 and 17 and gas outlets 19 and 20, respectively. Liquid from liquid outlets 15 and 17 returns to elements 6 and 8 via corresponding coolers 14 and 16. Compressed gas from the two gas outlets 19 and 20 merges after passing through a minimum pressure valve with an integrated check valve and is carried to cooler 18. Figure 1 (not shown in the image), and then the compressed gas is supplied to the gas outlet 26 of the housing 2. First cooler 14, second cooler 16, and third cooler 18 (… Figure 1 The cooling air supply or exhaust of each (not shown) can be individually controlled based on the cooling needs of the respective coolers 14, 16, 18, so that component 1 can operate optimally and efficiently.

[0060] The first cooler 14, the second cooler 16, and the third cooler 18 are located in the central part 5. Figure 2 A cross-section of the central portion 5 is shown, illustrating how the first cooler 14, the second cooler 16, and the third cooler 18 can be arranged relative to each other. Each cooler 14, 16, 18 is formed by a heat exchanger with plates for releasing heat to the cooling air. Therefore, each cooler 14, 16, 18 has one or more fans to force cooling air through the heat exchanger. The central portion 5 forms a large cooling surface comprised of the plurality of coolers 14, 16, 18, each with one or more fans. The fans are generally located in a plane within the central portion 5 and are configured to draw in and blow away cooling air in the same direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawing in and blowing away of cooling air is shown as a cooling airflow 21. Specifically, the fans are configured to blow cooling air from the first portion 3 to the second portion 4. Because the plurality of fans are adjacent to each other and configured to draw in and blow away cooling air in the same direction, optimal overall cooling airflow is achieved for the housing 2, wherein the individual coolers 14, 16, 18 do not negatively affect each other.

[0061] Figure 1It is also shown that the top wall element 25 of each of the first and second parts 3, 4 of the housing 2 is provided with openings 24, for example formed by a grid, in order to allow the cooling air flow 21 to pass in and out of the relevant part 3, 4, which allows the cooling air to be drawn in from above the first part 3. This allows the heated cooling air to be blown away at the top of the second part 4. As a result, a person present around the housing 2 will not be subjected to any direct burden or significant nuisance from the heated cooling air flow 21. The skilled person will understand that this effect is particularly relevant in relation to blowing away the heated cooling air, the position of the suction openings being less relevant. The skilled person will also understand that the openings 24 do not necessarily have to be provided in the top wall element 25, but that the openings 24 can be provided in the upper part 23 of the housing 2. As a further alternative, predetermined wall panels of the housing 2 can be provided with openings 24 to facilitate the cooling air flow 21 in and out. When selecting the wall panels, the environment in which the housing 2 is to be present can be taken into account.

[0062] Figure 2 A cross-section of the housing 2 at the central part 5 is shown. Figure 2 The cooler assembly of the first cooler 14, the second cooler 16 and the third cooler 18 substantially forms the full height h and width b of the housing 2. As a result, the central part 5 forms a physical separation between the first and second parts 3, 4 of the housing 2. The figure shows an arrangement in which the first and second coolers 14, 16 are arranged above and below each other, thereby defining the height h of the housing. Alternatively, the first and second coolers 14, 16 can be arranged next to each other, whereby they define the width b of the housing 2. In the shown embodiment, the third cooler 18 is arranged next to the first and second coolers 14, 16, whereby they together define the width b of the housing 2. The third cooler 18 is arranged at a distance from the upper and lower side of the housing 2. Alternatively, the third cooler can also be arranged completely at the top or bottom of the housing 2. The shown position of the third cooler 18 allows the space above the third cooler 18 to be used for implementing connections to the third cooler and to the upper second cooler 16. The space below the third cooler 18 can also be used for implementing connections to the third cooler 18 and to the lower first cooler 14, and can also be used as an introduction for the lines. The various components in the first and second parts 3, 4 of the housing 2 are arranged in full operable fluid communication with each other. To this end, lines are laid between the various components, including gas lines, liquid lines and electrical lines, to make the operational functions as optimal as possible. The introduction is indicated with reference 22. Figure 2

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic structure of the assembly 1 is shown, from which the operation and mutual relationship of the various components can be clearly seen. Figure 3 ​It is shown how the first element 6 is driven by the first motor 7. The first element 6 sucks gas from a gas inlet 27. If a special gas (e.g. nitrogen or oxygen) has to be compressed, the gas inlet 27 is connected to a gas tank or a gas production facility. The element 6 also has a liquid inlet for injecting a liquid for cooling, lubricating and / or sealing the element 6, and is arranged to compress the gas and the liquid to a first gas outlet 11. The gas outlet 11 is in fluid communication with a liquid separator 10, because not only compressed gas but also a substantial amount of liquid comes out of the gas outlet 11. The liquid separator 10 separates the flow from the gas outlet 11 into a gas flow and a liquid flow. The liquid flow comes out of a liquid outlet 15 and is returned to the element 6 via a first cooler 14, thereby forming a closed liquid circuit. The gas flow comes out of a gas outlet 19 of the liquid separator 10 and is optionally fed to a gas outlet 26 of the housing 2 via a third cooler 18.

[0064] Figure 3 It is also shown how the second element 8 is driven by the second motor 9. The second element 8 sucks gas from a gas inlet 27. If a special gas (e.g. nitrogen or oxygen) has to be compressed, the gas inlet 27 is connected to a gas tank or a gas production facility. The element 8 also has a liquid inlet for injecting a liquid for cooling, lubricating and / or sealing the element 8, and is arranged to compress the gas and the liquid to a second gas outlet 13. The gas outlet 13 is connected to a liquid separator 12, because not only compressed gas but also a substantial amount of liquid comes out of the gas outlet 13. The liquid separator 12 separates the flow from the gas outlet 13 into a gas flow and a liquid flow. The liquid flow comes out of a liquid outlet 17 and is returned to the element 8 via a second cooler 16, thereby forming a closed liquid circuit. The gas flow comes out of a gas outlet 20 of the liquid separator 12 and is optionally fed to a gas outlet 26 of the housing 2 via a third cooler 18.

[0065] Figure 3 It is shown how the gas outlet 19 of the first liquid separator 10 and the gas outlet 20 of the second liquid separator 12 are merged together before reaching the third cooler 18. Thus, the two gas flows coming out of the liquid separators 10, 12 are cooled by one cooler 18. Tests and simulations have shown that this does not result in a significant reduction of efficiency. Figure 3 It is also shown how a controller 28 is provided to control the first motor 7 and the second motor 9 based on the demand for compressed gas. The controller 28 can thus effectively control the two elements 6 and 8 separately and / or together to respond to the demand for compressed gas. The controller 28 can also control the cooling air flow of the fan located in the central part 5.

[0066] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Different perspective views of a more practical embodiment of the assembly 1 are shown. The housing 2 is here shown as open, in particular without side walls and a top wall.Figure 4 and Figure 5 Only the bottom 2' of the housing 2 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first section 3, the second section 4 and the central section 5 are also shown in Fig. 1. Here, the first section 3 is larger than the second section 4. The first elements 6 and the second elements 8 are arranged in the first section 3. The elements 6 and 8 are arranged next to each other in the housing 2, preferably provided on a track extending in the transverse direction of the housing 2. Transverse is equivalent to the direction of the width b of the central section 5. Thus, if the side walls of the housing 2 are partially or completely opened, the elements 6 or 8 can be pushed out of the housing 2 or pushed into the housing 2 via the opened side walls and can be mounted on the track and / or removed from the track. This construction simplifies maintenance and repair. The electric machines 7 and 9 can also be mounted on the track in order to be mounted and / or removed via the opposite side walls.

[0067] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is also shown how the first section 3 contains a control cabinet which can contain, for example, the controller 28 in Fig. 1. The control cabinet can also contain devices and cables for connecting and controlling the various components of the assembly 1. The control cabinet can read sensors, contain a switching module for the electric machines, for example a frequency regulator, contain protection devices, etc. Figure 3

[0068] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown how the inlets of the elements 6 and 8 can contain inlet filters 27A and 27B. The inlet filters 27A and 27B are located near the top wall element of the housing 2 which contains openings to allow the cooling air flow 21 to enter the housing 2. In the shown embodiment, a track or support structure is provided between the control cabinet and the central section 5 on which the inlet filters 27A and 27B can be hung. This simplifies the installation of the assembly 1.

[0069] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown how the central section 5 physically separates the first section 3 from the second section 4 into a so-called cold compartment with suction cooling air and a hot compartment with heated and cooled air. In other words, the central section 5 forms a separation wall consisting of a plurality of modules located between the first section 3 and the second section 4. The central section 5 contains the first cooler 14, the second cooler 16 and optionally the third cooler 18 as well as at least one introduction 22. In the shown embodiment, the introduction 22 is provided below the third cooler 18. Lines, tubes and cables can be arranged through the introduction 22 in order to operatively connect the components and parts in the first section 3 to components and parts in the second section 4. In the shown figure, the gas outlets 11 and 13 of the elements 6 and 8 are in operative fluid communication with the liquid separators 10 and 12. ​

[0070] The liquid separators 10 and 12 are arranged in the second part 4. Each of the liquid separators 10, 12 in the shown embodiment has a cyclone separator and is equipped with an additional liquid filter, indicated by reference numeral 30. The skilled person will understand that different kinds and types of liquid separators can be used and / or combined, as desired and as the case can be. Figure 5 Also shown schematically are components 29, which can comprise different liquid connections, liquid filters, vents, pressure regulators, temperature control valves and / or other components.

[0071] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Also shown is how the gas outlet 26 is provided in a wall of the housing 2, in order to supply compressed gas outside the housing 2. A user can be connected to the gas outlet 26 in order to use the compressed gas produced inside the housing 2. Components inside the housing 2 are also arranged to respond to a demand for compressed gas, in particular to produce compressed gas that is taken out of the gas outlet 26.

[0072] Each of the coolers 14, 16 and 18 is accessible from the side of the housing 2. This allows for example to replace filter elements by sliding them in and out of the housing 2 transversely to the housing 2. Furthermore, the coolers 14, 16 and 18 themselves can also be slid laterally on rails transversely to the housing 2 in order to for example be chemically cleaned. Because the coolers 14, 16 and 18 are arranged in the central part 5, the first part 3 and the second part 4 remain maximally accessible for working on, replacing and / or maintaining the various components of the assembly 1. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown that the structure of the housing 2 with the first part 3 and the second part 4 is open, with a lot of space around the various components. This facilitates the installation and maintenance of the assembly 1.

[0073] It is also shown in the figures how the structure of the housing 2 improves the operation of the assembly 1. In particular, Figure 1 It is shown how cooling air flows through the housing 2. The cooling air flows in at the location of the top wall element of the first part 3. The cooling air is blown via the coolers 14, 16, 18 arranged in the central part 5 to the second part 4. Here, the cooling air is generally heated due to the heat exchange at the coolers 14, 16, 18. The heated cooling air is discharged at the location of the top wall element of the second part 4.

[0074] Based on the above description, the skilled person will understand that the present invention can be implemented in different ways and based on different principles. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. The above described embodiments as well as the figures are merely exemplary and only serve to improve the understanding of the present invention. The present invention will therefore not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A gas compression assembly (1), comprising a housing (2), the housing comprising a plurality of components, said plurality of components including at least: First liquid injection element (6) for compressing gas; The first motor (7) is used to drive the first liquid injection element (6); Second liquid injection element (8) for compressing gas; The second motor (9) is used to drive the second liquid injection element (8); The first liquid separator (10) is in fluid communication with the gas outlet (11) of the first liquid injection element (6) for use with gas compressed by the first liquid injection element (6); The second liquid separator (12) is in fluid communication with the gas outlet (13) of the second liquid injection element (8) for use with gas compressed by the second liquid injection element (8); Its features are: The plurality of components are distributed on the first part (3) and the second part (4) of the housing (2), and a central part (5) is also provided in the housing (2), the central part separating the first part (3) and the second part (4) from each other, the central part (5) comprising: A first cooler (14) is used to cool the first liquid in the first liquid injection line of a first liquid injection element (6) which is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet (15) of a first liquid separator (10); The second cooler (16) is used to cool the second liquid in the second liquid injection line of the second liquid injection element (8) which is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet (17) of the second liquid separator (12); The first cooler (14) and the second cooler (16) each have one or more fans to force cooling airflow (21) through the first cooler (14) and the second cooler (16), with each cooling airflow (21) being provided to flow from the first part (3) to the second part (4).

2. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Check valves are provided at the gas outlet (19) of the first liquid separator (10) for the gas compressed by the first liquid injection element (6) and at the gas outlet (20) of the second liquid separator (12) for the gas compressed by the second liquid injection element (8).

3. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central section (5) also includes a third cooler (18) for cooling the gas compressed by the first liquid injection element (6) and the second liquid injection element (8), the third cooler being in fluid communication with the gas outlet (19) of the first liquid separator (10) and the gas outlet (20) of the second liquid separator (12).

4. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third cooler (18) has one or more additional fans to force additional cooling airflow through the third cooler (18), and the additional cooling airflow is provided to flow from the first part (3) to the second part (4).

5. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (2) has a gas outlet (26) in fluid communication with the gas outlet of the third cooler (18).

6. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first part (3) and the second part (4) includes at least one of the plurality of components.

7. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The central part (5) also has an inlet (22) for selecting at least one of the gas lines and liquid lines so that at least one of the plurality of components in the first part (3) and at least one of the plurality of components in the second part (4) are in fluid communication with each other.

8. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (2) has at least one opening (24) at the upper part (23) of the first part (3) and / or the second part (4) to allow cooling air to flow from the external environment of the housing (2) to and into the first part (3) or the second part (4) of the housing (2), and / or to allow cooling air to flow from the first part (3) or the second part (4) of the housing (2) to and into the external environment of the housing (2).

9. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The top wall element (25) of the housing (2) is formed at least partially by a grid element to form the at least one opening (24).

10. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each sidewall of the housing (2) is formed by a sidewall panel, at least a portion of which is openable or removable to allow access to the plurality of components in the housing (2).

11. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central part (5) forms a partition wall between the first part (3) and the second part (4), the partition wall extending through the entire width (b) and / or height (h) of the shell (2).

12. The gas compression assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid in the first liquid injection line and / or the second liquid in the second liquid injection line is oil.

13. A method for cooling a gas compression assembly (1), the gas compression assembly including a housing (2) having a plurality of gas compression elements, the method comprising: The cooling airflow (21) flows from the external environment into the first part (3) of the housing (2); The cooling airflow (21) flows through multiple coolers (14, 16, 18) arranged in the central part (5) of the housing (2), and the cooling airflow (21) flows from the first part (3) of the housing to the second part (4). Cooling airflow (21) flows out from the second part (4) of the housing (2) into the external environment.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of at least allowing the cooling airflow (21) to flow out is performed at the upper part (23) of the first part (3) and / or the second part (4).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The step of at least allowing the cooling airflow (21) to flow out is performed at the top wall element (25) of the housing (2).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The plurality of coolers (14, 16, 18) includes at least one of the following: a first cooler (14) for cooling a first liquid of a first liquid injection element (6) for compressing a gas; a second cooler (16) for cooling a second liquid of a second liquid injection element (8) for compressing a gas; and a third cooler (18) for cooling compressed gas.

17. Use of the gas compression assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-12 for supplying compressed gas based on the demand for compressed gas by adjusting a first motor (7) driving a first liquid injection element (6) and a second motor (9) driving a second liquid injection element (8).

18. The use according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first motor (7) and the second motor (9) have different operating characteristics.

19. The use according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first motor (7) is a first type of motor with a fixed speed.

20. The use according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second motor (9) is a second type of motor with adjustable speed.

21. The use according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second motor (9) is a second type of motor with continuously variable and adjustable speed.

22. The use according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first motor (7) is only turned on when the second liquid injection element (8) itself cannot provide the required compressed gas.

23. The use according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first motor (7) has a lower maximum operating power than the second motor (9).

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