Automatic load distribution method for air compression station

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for automatically distributing the load of an air compressor station. The method determines the flow regulation range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor, obtains the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station network, and divides the current total flow consumption SF by the upper limit SH of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor to obtain the quotient Q1 and the remainder Y1. If Y1 ≥ SL, the system enters operation mode 1. If Y1 < SL, the system calculates the difference v = SL-Y1 between the remainder Y1 and the lower limit SL of the flow regulation for efficient operation of the single compressor, calculates the flow regulation interval q = SH-SL for efficient operation of the single compressor, divides the difference v by the flow regulation interval q for efficient operation of the single compressor, obtains the quotient Q2 and the remainder Y2, and then enters operation mode 2. The present invention achieves an optimal load distribution strategy for the air compressor station by operating the compressors in the system at full load as much as possible and ensuring that all compressors operate at efficient operation, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the entire air compressor station network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention discloses a load distribution method, in particular to an automatic load distribution method for an air compressor station, and belongs to the technical field of air compressor system control. Background Art

[0002] Centralized air compressor stations or large air separation plants, due to their large gas supply volumes, require multiple air compressors to operate in a network. These units have independent automatic control systems that monitor network pressure and control load through mathematical and logical calculations, maintaining the set pressure within an acceptable tolerance range. When network load changes occur, individual compressors in a network react differently. If the network fluctuation exceeds a compressor's deadband, the compressor will initiate forward or reverse regulation (increasing or decreasing the load). Compressors within this deadband will not be regulated. If the capacity of a single unit is significantly smaller than the system capacity, this regulation can lead to significant individual load fluctuations, even leading to inefficient venting. While relying on skilled technicians to develop regulation strategies can improve inefficiencies to some extent, they are still far from optimal. Therefore, it is necessary to design an automatic load distribution method for air compressor stations to achieve optimal load distribution strategies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic load distribution method for an air compressor station to achieve an optimal load distribution strategy for the air compressor station.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0005] A method for automatically distributing load in an air compressor station, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1. Determine a flow rate regulation range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor, where SL is the lower limit of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, and SH is the upper limit of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor;

[0007] S2. Obtain the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station network, and divide the current total flow consumption SF by the upper limit value SH of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor to obtain the quotient Q1 and the remainder Y1;

[0008] S3, comparing the remainder Y1 with the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor;

[0009] S4. If the remainder Y1 is greater than or equal to the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, then enter operation mode 1 and determine the number of compressors in operation M = Q1 + 1, where Q1 compressors operate at full load and the last compressor operates with the remainder Y1 intake volume;

[0010] S5. If the remainder Y1 is less than the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, then the difference v between the remainder Y1 and the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor is calculated, that is, v = SL - Y1;

[0011] S6. Calculate the flow rate adjustment interval q = SH - SL for efficient operation of a single compressor, divide the difference v by the flow rate adjustment interval q for efficient operation of a single compressor, and obtain the quotient Q2 and the remainder Y2;

[0012] S7. If the quotient Q2 is less than the quotient Q1, the operation mode 2 is entered at this time, and the number of operating compressors M=Q1+1 is determined, among which Q1-Q2-1 compressors are operated at full load, one compressor is operated at the intake volume SH-Y2, and Q2+1 compressors are operated at the lower limit value SL of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor.

[0013] Furthermore, in step S1, the flow rate adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor is determined by collecting operation information of the single compressor and analyzing the load of the compressor.

[0014] Furthermore, the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station pipeline network is obtained regularly, and the difference SFX=SF-SFO between the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station pipeline network and the total flow consumption SFO at the previous moment is calculated. If the air compressor station is in operation mode 1 at the previous moment, the value of Y1+SFX is calculated and it is determined whether it is within the flow adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor. If it is, the last compressor operates with an air intake volume of Y1+SFX.

[0015] Furthermore, in step S7, if quotient Q2 ≥ quotient Q1, operation mode 3 is entered at this time. Operation mode 3 includes plan a and plan b. Finally, the actual operating loads of plan a and plan b are compared and the plan with the smaller actual operating load is selected as the final operation plan of operation mode 3.

[0016] Furthermore, in the solution a, all the Q1+1 compressors are operated at the lower limit value SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of the compressors. At this time, the total actual operating load of the Q1+1 compressors is SL*(Q1+1).

[0017] Furthermore, in the scheme b, Q1 compressors are operated at full load, and the last compressor is operated at the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor. At this time, the total actual operating load of Q1+1 compressors is Q1*SH+SL.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and effects:

[0019] 1. The automatic load distribution method for air compressor stations of the present invention achieves the optimal load distribution strategy for air compressor stations by operating the compressors in the system at full load as much as possible and ensuring that all compressors operate at high efficiency, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption of the entire air compressor station pipeline network;

[0020] 2. When the overall air supply is inconvenient, the present invention utilizes the regulating performance of the compressor to utilize the air defense compressed air, thereby reducing the power consumption of the system and reducing or eliminating the noise pollution caused by the emptying of compressed air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a compressor efficiency curve of an automatic load distribution method for an air compression station according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to elaborate on the technical solutions adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined technical purpose, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments, and the technical means or technical features in the embodiments of the present invention can be replaced without paying creative work. The present invention will be described in detail below in combination with the embodiments.

[0023] The present invention provides an automatic load distribution method for an air compressor station, comprising the following steps:

[0024] S1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flow rate adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor is determined, where SL is the lower limit of the flow rate adjustment for efficient operation of the single compressor, and SH is the upper limit of the flow rate adjustment for efficient operation of the single compressor. The flow rate adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor is determined by collecting operating information of the single compressor and analyzing the compressor load.

[0025] S2. Obtain the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station network, and divide the current total flow consumption SF by the upper limit value SH of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor to obtain the quotient Q1 and the remainder Y1.

[0026] For example, consider a system consisting of four operating compressors. By optimizing operations according to the principle of "reducing or avoiding venting," the first step is to assign a load of 75% to each compressor. This places each compressor in the high efficiency range of 70%-100% (SL-SH) (relative to the SL range below 70%), but still represents a lower efficiency than the SH range of 100%. Analysis reveals that the operating load (here, gas production) of the four operating compressors is 4 * 75% = 3. If three compressors were operated at full load (100%) and one was decommissioned, the gas production would be 3 * 100% = 3, achieving the same gas production as the four compressors. Since this latter operating mode maximizes efficiency with full compressor load, overall power consumption is lower while maintaining the same gas production.

[0027] Therefore, we adopt the method of dividing the current total flow consumption SF by the upper limit value SH of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor to obtain the quotient and remainder, so as to ensure that the compressor runs at full load as much as possible and improve the overall efficiency.

[0028] S3. Compare the remainder Y1 with the lower limit value SL of flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor.

[0029] S4. If the remainder Y1 ≥ the lower limit value SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, enter operation mode 1 and determine the number of operating compressors M = Q1 + 1, where Q1 compressors operate at full load and the last compressor operates with the remainder Y1 intake volume.

[0030] S5. If the remainder Y1 is less than the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, the difference v=SL-Y1 between the remainder Y1 and the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor is calculated.

[0031] S6. Calculate the flow rate regulation interval q = SH - SL for efficient operation of a single compressor, divide the difference v by the flow rate regulation interval q for efficient operation of a single compressor, and obtain the quotient Q2 and the remainder Y2.

[0032] S7. If the quotient Q2 is less than the quotient Q1, the operation mode 2 is entered at this time, and the number of operating compressors M=Q1+1 is determined, among which Q1-Q2-1 compressors are operated at full load, one compressor is operated at the intake volume SH-Y2, and Q2+1 compressors are operated at the lower limit value SL of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor.

[0033] For example, consider a system consisting of two compressors operating in a network. The flow rate adjustment range for efficient operation of compressors A and B is 70% to 100% (SL-SH). Below SL 70% is considered inefficient operation. In this case, compressor power cannot be reduced further, and excess compressed air must be discharged to the atmosphere. To achieve the target network pressure, compressor A operates at full load SH 100% (system load and operating load are both 100%), while compressor B operates at 40% system load (due to system safety requirements, a minimum operating load of 70% is required, resulting in 30% of the loaded air being discharged to the atmosphere through venting). The total network power consumption (operating load) is 100% + 70% = 170% (in units of power consumption). This solution ensures that all compressors operate within their efficient operating range. For example, if compressor A's load is reduced to 70%, it remains within the safe load range, and no excess compressed air needs to be discharged. Compressor B increases its load (system load increases from 40% to 70%, this load actually comes from the original venting, with all vent valves closed). Power consumption (operating load) = 70% (power consumption units). The total network power consumption (operating load) is 70% + 70% = 140% (power consumption units). While maintaining the overall air supply, the compressor's regulation performance allows the vented compressed air to be utilized, reducing system power consumption and minimizing or eliminating noise pollution caused by the compressed air venting.

[0034] If quotient Q2 ≥ quotient Q1, then enter operation mode 3, which includes plan a and plan b. Finally, compare the actual operating loads of plan a and plan b and select the plan with the smaller actual operating load as the final operation plan of operation mode 3.

[0035] Solution a is that all Q1+1 compressors operate at the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of the compressors. At this time, the total actual operating load of Q1+1 compressors is SL*(Q1+1).

[0036] Plan b is that Q1 compressors run at full load, and the last compressor runs at the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor. At this time, the total actual operating load of Q1+1 compressors is Q1*SH+SL.

[0037] When SL*(Q1+1)≥Q1*SH+SL, the final operation mode 3 selects plan b as the final operation plan. When SL*(Q1+1)<Q1*SH+SL, the final operation mode 3 selects plan a as the final operation plan.

[0038] Regularly obtain the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station pipeline network, and calculate the difference SFX=SF-SFO between the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station pipeline network and the total flow consumption SFO at the previous moment. If the air compressor station is in operation mode 1 at the previous moment, calculate the value of Y1+SFX and determine whether it is within the flow adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor. If it is, the last compressor operates with an air intake volume of Y1+SFX.

[0039] The present invention can collect the operating information of individual compressors to complete the compressor load analysis, intervene in the load regulation of the compressor, and change the set pressure after analyzing the set pressure / exhaust pressure / deviation band, so as to quantitatively increase or decrease the load of the compressor, thereby greatly improving the operating efficiency of the inefficient compressor, and performing system energy consumption analysis to optimize the system operation and thus achieve excellent energy-saving effects.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with the present profession can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes using the technical content disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent replacement and improvement of the above embodiments made according to the technical essence of the present invention, within the spirit and principles of the present invention, without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, shall still fall within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatically distributing loads in an air compressor station, characterized in that The following steps are involved: S1. Determine a flow rate regulation range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor, where SL is the lower limit of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, and SH is the upper limit of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor; S2. Obtain the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station network, and divide the current total flow consumption SF by the upper limit value SH of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor to obtain the quotient Q1 and the remainder Y1; S3, comparing the remainder Y1 with the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor; S4. If the remainder Y1 is greater than or equal to the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, then enter operation mode 1 and determine the number of compressors in operation M = Q1 + 1, where Q1 compressors operate at full load and the last compressor operates with the remainder Y1 intake volume; S5. If the remainder Y1 is less than the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor, then the difference v between the remainder Y1 and the lower limit SL of the flow rate regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor is calculated, that is, v = SL - Y1; S6. Calculate the flow rate adjustment interval q = SH - SL for efficient operation of a single compressor, divide the difference v by the flow rate adjustment interval q for efficient operation of a single compressor, and obtain the quotient Q2 and the remainder Y2; S7. If the quotient Q2 is less than the quotient Q1, the operation mode 2 is entered at this time, and the number of operating compressors M=Q1+1 is determined, among which Q1-Q2-1 compressors are operated at full load, one compressor is operated at the intake volume SH-Y2, and Q2+1 compressors are operated at the lower limit value SL of the flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor.

2. The method for automatic load distribution of an air compression station according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1 , the flow rate adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor is determined by collecting operation information of the single compressor and analyzing the load of the compressor.

3. The method for automatic load distribution of an air compression station according to claim 1, characterized in that: Regularly obtain the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station pipeline network, and calculate the difference SFX=SF-SFO between the current total flow consumption SF of the air compressor station pipeline network and the total flow consumption SFO at the previous moment. If the air compressor station is in operation mode 1 at the previous moment, calculate the value of Y1+SFX and determine whether it is within the flow adjustment range SL-SH for efficient operation of a single compressor. If it is, the last compressor operates with an air intake volume of Y1+SFX.

4. The method for automatic load distribution of an air compression station according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S7, if the quotient Q2 ≥ the quotient Q1, the operation mode 3 is entered. The operation mode 3 includes the plan a and the plan b. Finally, the actual operating loads of the plan a and the plan b are compared and the plan with the smaller actual operating load is selected as the final operation plan of the operation mode 3.

5. The method for automatic load distribution of an air compression station according to claim 4, characterized in that: The solution a is that all the compressors Q1+1 operate at the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of the compressors. At this time, the total actual operating load of the compressors Q1+1 is SL*(Q1+1).

6. The method for automatic load distribution of an air compression station according to claim 4, characterized in that: The scheme b is that Q1 compressors run at full load, and the last compressor runs at the lower limit value SL of flow regulation for efficient operation of a single compressor. At this time, the total actual operating load of Q1+1 compressors is Q1*SH+SL.

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