A Control Method, Device, Equipment and Storage Medium for an Air Compressor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a control method, device, equipment and computer-readable storage medium for an air compressor. The method includes: obtaining a preset outlet required pressure of an air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2; starting a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; if the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressors, replacing the currently started air compressors with the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure. The present invention realizes the automatic start and cyclic switching of air compressors that meet the usage requirements, and can effectively reduce the workload of operators and accident risks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automatic control of air compressors, and particularly to a control method, device, equipment and computer-readable storage medium for an air compressor. Background Art

[0002] An air compressor (hereinafter referred to as an air compressor) is an industrial device that is widely used in industries such as construction, steel, machinery, and metallurgy. Air compressors can be used for air power, gas transportation, gas transmission, refrigeration, and gas separation. Due to the performance limitations of air compressors or different requirements of users, in actual production processes, multiple air compressors are often used in combination. Limited by the capabilities of manual operation, the use of a large number of air compressors will increase a large amount of operation load and potential risks of accidents.

[0003] Currently, the control of air compressors generally involves manually opening the cut-off valve in front of the air compressor (i.e., the outlet cut-off valve), detecting and then opening the corresponding air compressor after the cut-off valve is opened. After the air compressor is turned on, the operator pays attention to the running time of the air compressor manually. After reaching the set running time, the cut-off valve in front of another air compressor is opened, the cut-off valve of the air compressor that is running is closed, and then the corresponding air compressor is opened, repeating this operation process. Due to problems such as the operating habits or negligence of the operator, the switching of air compressors may not be timely, which will not only cause certain damage to the air compressor but also bring risks to production. Since the above process generally involves the operation of multiple devices and requires constant attention to the running time of the air compressor to protect the air compressor, it brings cumbersome workload and potential accident risks to the operator. If the situation is serious, it will even have a huge impact on downstream users, resulting in significant property losses. Therefore, how to achieve automatic cycle control of air compressors and reduce the workload and accident risks of operators is an urgent problem to be solved today. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control method, device, equipment and computer-readable storage medium for an air compressor to reduce the workload and accident risks of operators.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a control method for an air compressor, including:

[0006] Obtaining a preset outlet required pressure of an air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2;

[0007] Start the air compressors with the target number in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, the target number is less than or equal to the preset number;

[0008] If the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressor, replace the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the starting of the air compressors with the target number in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure includes:

[0010] Start the air compressors with the target number in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the starting of the air compressors with the target number in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor includes:

[0012] Start the air compressors with the preset initial number in the air compressor unit according to the obtained preset initial number;

[0013] Judge whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure;

[0014] If so, determine the number of the currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit as the target number, and execute the step of if the target number is less than the preset number, then replace the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressor;

[0015] If not, select one air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start, and execute the step of judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the replacing of the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressor includes:

[0017] According to the target quantity, the running timing time, the preset outlet required pressure, and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor, replace the currently started air compressor with an air compressor in the air compressor unit that is not currently started.

[0018] In some embodiments, the step of replacing the currently started air compressor with an air compressor in the air compressor unit that is not currently started according to the target quantity, the running timing time, the preset outlet required pressure, and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor includes:

[0019] Judge whether the running timing time reaches a time threshold; wherein, the running timing time is the timing time when the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure;

[0020] If the time threshold is reached, when the target quantity is less than or equal to half of the preset quantity, select the target quantity of air compressors from the air compressors in the air compressor unit that are not currently started to replace the currently started air compressors; when the target quantity is greater than half of the preset quantity, determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors, and replace the replaceable air compressors with the air compressors in the air compressor unit that are not currently started; wherein, the number of the replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset quantity and the target quantity;

[0021] Judge whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure;

[0022] If it is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure, update the target quantity to the number of the currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit, and when the target quantity is less than the preset quantity, restart the timing of the running timing time, and execute the step of judging whether the running timing time reaches the time threshold;

[0023] If it is less than the preset outlet required pressure, start one air compressor from the air compressors in the air compressor unit that are not currently started, and execute the step of judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure.

[0024] In some embodiments, the step of replacing the replaceable air compressors with the air compressors in the air compressor unit that are not currently started includes:

[0025] Open the outlet cut-off valve of the air compressor in the air compressor unit that is not currently started, close the replaceable air compressor and the outlet cut-off valve of the replaceable air compressor, and start the air compressor in the air compressor unit that is not currently started with the outlet cut-off valve opened.

[0026] In some embodiments, determining a replaceable air compressor from the currently started air compressors includes:

[0027] Determining a replaceable air compressor from the currently started air compressors according to the continuous operation time of the currently started air compressors.

[0028] The present invention also provides a control device for an air compressor, including:

[0029] An acquisition module, configured to acquire a preset outlet required pressure of an air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2;

[0030] A start module, configured to start a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, the target number is less than or equal to the preset number;

[0031] A cyclic switching module, configured to, if the target number is less than the preset number, replace the currently started air compressors with the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the target number and the operation timing time of the air compressors, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure.

[0032] The present invention also provides a control device for an air compressor, including:

[0033] A memory, configured to store a computer program;

[0034] A processor, configured to implement the steps of the control method for the air compressor as described above when executing the computer program.

[0035] In addition, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the control method for the air compressor as described above are implemented.

[0036] A control method for an air compressor provided by the present invention includes: obtaining a preset outlet required pressure of an air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2; starting a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, the target number is less than or equal to the preset number; if the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing of the air compressor, replacing the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure;

[0037] It can be seen that the present invention realizes the automatic start of the air compressor that meets the use requirements by starting a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure; and by if the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing of the air compressor, replacing the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit, realizes the automatic cyclic switching of the air compressor that meets the use requirements, and can effectively reduce the workload and accident risk of the operator. In addition, the present invention also provides a control device, equipment and computer-readable storage medium for an air compressor, which also have the above beneficial effects. Description of the Drawings

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained according to the provided drawings without creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a control method for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a system of another control method for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of another control method for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 It is a schematic flow diagram of another control method for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of the structure of a control device for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the simple structure of a control device for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the specific structure of a control device for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 Flowchart of a control method for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The method may include:

[0048] Step 101: Obtain the preset outlet required pressure of the air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2.

[0049] It can be understood that the air compressor unit in this embodiment can be a combination of a preset number of air compressors with the same outlet, that is, the air compressor unit can include a preset number of air compressors (such as Figure 2 the air compressors 1-n in

[0050] Correspondingly, the preset number in this embodiment can be greater than or equal to 2 to achieve the cyclic switching of the air compressors. For the specific value of the preset number in this embodiment, it can be set by the designer according to the practical scenario and user requirements, as long as it is ensured that the preset number is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and this embodiment does not make any restrictions on this.

[0051] Among them, the preset outlet required pressure in this embodiment can be the outlet pressure that the air compressor unit is required to meet and is pre-set, such as Figure 2The required pressure at the pressure measurement position of the medium pressure P display instrument. For the specific manner in which the processor obtains the preset outlet required pressure of the air compressor unit in this embodiment, it can be set by the designer according to the practical scenario and user requirements. For example, the processor can directly read the stored preset outlet required pressure. The processor can also receive user configuration information; among them, the user configuration information can include the preset outlet required pressure. For example, the operator can configure the user configuration information through the human-machine interface so that the processor receives the preset outlet required pressure in the user configuration information. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0052] It should be noted that this embodiment is demonstrated by taking the control of the air compressor in an air compressor unit as an example. For the control of the air compressors in multiple air compressor units, it can be implemented in the same or similar manner as the method provided in this embodiment, so as to realize the automatic start and cyclic switching of the air compressors in each air compressor unit. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0053] Step 102: Start the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; where the target number is less than or equal to the preset number.

[0054] It can be understood that the target number in this embodiment can be the number of air compressors started that can make the started air compressors reach the preset outlet required pressure, so that after starting the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit, the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit can reach the preset outlet required pressure.

[0055] Correspondingly, for the specific manner in which the processor starts the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure in this step, it can be set by the designer according to the practical scenario and user requirements. For example, the processor can calculate and start the target number of air compressors according to the preset outlet required pressure and the working pressure of each air compressor; that is to say, the processor can calculate the target number by itself according to the preset outlet pressure (i.e., the working pressure) that each air compressor can reach when starting to work and the preset outlet required pressure. The processor can also start the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor (such as Figure 2 the pressure P display instrument in). As long as the processor can start the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit to make the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reach the preset outlet required pressure, this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0056] It should be noted that for the specific method of the above-mentioned processor to start the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor, it can be set by the designer himself. For example, the processor can start the air compressors in the air compressor unit one by one until the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor reaches the preset outlet required pressure, and then stop starting the remaining air compressors. At this time, the number of started air compressors (i.e., the target number) is obtained. That is to say, in this step, the processor can select an air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start, and judge whether the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure. If so, the number of currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit is determined as the target number, and when the target number is less than the preset number, go to step 103. If not, execute the step of selecting an air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start. The processor can also start the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor and the obtained preset initial number. For example, the processor can first start the preset initial number of air compressors. If the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor has reached the preset outlet required pressure after the preset initial number of air compressors are started, then use the preset initial number as the target number, and when the target number is less than the preset number, go to step 103. If the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor has not reached the preset outlet required pressure after the preset initial number of air compressors are started, then start the air compressors in the air compressor unit one by one until the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor reaches the preset outlet required pressure, and then stop starting the remaining air compressors. At this time, the number of started air compressors (i.e., the target number) is obtained.

[0057] That is to say, in this step, the processor can start the preset initial number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the obtained preset initial number, and judge whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure. If so, the number of currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit is determined as the target number, and go to step 103. If not, select an air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start, and execute the step of judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure.

[0058] Correspondingly, for the specific starting process of the air compressors in the air compressor unit in this step, it can be set by the designer himself, such as Figure 2As shown, when the air compressors in the air compressor unit are connected to the outlet through their respective outlet cut-off valves, when the processor starts a certain air compressor, it can first control the opening of the outlet cut-off valve of the air compressor. After the outlet cut-off valve is opened, then start the air compressor; correspondingly, when the processor starts to shut down a certain air compressor, it can shut down the air compressor and the outlet cut-off valve of the air compressor.

[0059] Step 103: If the target quantity is less than the preset quantity, then according to the target quantity and the running timing time of the air compressor, use the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure.

[0060] It can be understood that in this step, when the target quantity is less than the preset quantity, the processor can, according to the target quantity and the running timing time of the currently started air compressors, use the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors, to achieve the automatic cyclic switching of the air compressors, so as to avoid the long-term continuous operation of the started air compressors.

[0061] Among them, the running timing time of the air compressor in this step can be the timing time corresponding to the currently started air compressor. This embodiment does not limit the specific content of the running timing time. For example, the running timing time can be the respective continuous running time of each currently started air compressor; the running timing time can also be the timing time when the outlet pressure of the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure, such as the timing time starting from when all the currently started air compressors (i.e., the air compressors of the target quantity) are started or the timing time starting from when all the currently started air compressors are started and the outlet pressure reaches the preset outlet required pressure.

[0062] Correspondingly, for the specific manner in which the processor replaces the currently started air compressors with the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit according to the target quantity and the running timing time of the air compressor in this step, it can be set by the designer according to the practical scenario and user requirements. For example, when the running timing time is the respective continuous running time of each currently started air compressor, the processor can, after the continuous running time of a certain currently started air compressor reaches the duration threshold, select an air compressor from the air compressors that are not currently started to replace this air compressor, such as randomly selecting an air compressor whose shutdown time reaches the rest time threshold to replace this air compressor.

[0063] Correspondingly, the processor can also replace the currently started air compressor with an air compressor that is not currently started in the air compressor unit according to the target quantity, the running timing time, the preset outlet required pressure, and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor; that is to say, the processor can ensure that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit can still reach the preset outlet required pressure after each replacement by the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor.

[0064] For example, when the running timing time is the timing time for the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor to reach the preset outlet required pressure, the processor in this step can determine whether the running timing time reaches the time threshold; wherein, the running timing time is the timing time for the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor to reach the preset outlet required pressure; if the time threshold is reached, when the target quantity is less than or equal to half of the preset quantity, select the target quantity of air compressors from the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors; when the target quantity is greater than half of the preset quantity, determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors, and replace the replaceable air compressors with the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit; wherein, the number of replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset quantity and the target quantity; determine whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure; if it is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure, update the target quantity to the number of the currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit, and when the target quantity is less than the preset quantity, restart the timing of the running timing time and execute the step of determining whether the running timing time reaches the time threshold; if it is less than the preset outlet required pressure, select one air compressor from the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to start, and execute the step of determining whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure.

[0065] That is to say, the automatic cycle switching of the air compressor can be divided into two working conditions. Working condition 1: When the number of currently started air compressors (target number m) is less than or equal to half of the preset number n, that is, m≤n / 2, and the outlet pressure reaches the preset outlet required pressure, the timing starts until the timing time (that is, the running timing time) reaches the specified time threshold T; after reaching the time threshold T, first open the outlet shut-off valves of m air compressors from the air compressors that have not been running, then close all the currently running air compressors and the outlet shut-off valves, and finally open the air compressors with the corresponding outlet shut-off valves that have been opened in advance to achieve the cycle control of the air compressor. Working condition 2: When n / 2≤m≤n-1, and the outlet pressure reaches the preset outlet required pressure, the timing starts until the timing time (that is, the running timing time) reaches the specified time threshold T; after reaching the time threshold T, first open the outlet shut-off valves of the remaining (nm) unactivated air compressors, then randomly close (nm) currently running air compressors and the outlet shut-off valves, and finally open the air compressors with the corresponding outlet shut-off valves to achieve the cycle control of the air compressor.

[0066] Furthermore, the method provided in this embodiment may also include an alarm (such as a voice alarm) process. For example, after a preset number of air compressors are all started, when the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor is lower than the preset outlet required pressure, the processor may output an alarm message (such as a voice alarm message or an indicator light flashing alarm message) to promptly alert the operator.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processor can also shut down all air compressors in the air compressor group or all air compressors and corresponding outlet shut-off valves according to the obtained stop instruction; for example, the operator can trigger the stop instruction through the human-computer interaction interface or control button to control all air compressors to stop running.

[0068] It should be noted that the method provided in this embodiment can be implemented using an APC (Advanced Process Control) script, that is, the processor in this embodiment can use the APC script to complete the automatic start of the air compressor in step 102 and the automatic cycle switching of the air compressor in step 103. The method provided in this embodiment can also be implemented using a sequential control logic module provided by a DCS (Distributed Control System) or other control software that accesses the DCS using an OPC (OLE for Process Control) protocol, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0069] In this embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention starts the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, realizing the automatic start of the air compressors that meet the usage requirements; and if the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing of the air compressors, the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit are used to replace the currently started air compressors, realizing the automatic cyclic switching of the air compressors that meet the usage requirements, which can effectively reduce the workload of the operators and the accident risk.

[0070] Based on the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention also provides another control method for air compressors. Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 which is the flowchart of another control method for air compressors provided by the embodiment of the present invention. The method may include:

[0071] Step 201: Obtain the preset outlet required pressure and the preset initial number of the air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2.

[0072] It can be understood that the processor in this step can obtain the preset outlet required pressure and the preset initial number configured by the operator; for example, the processor can receive the user configuration information; wherein, the user configuration information can include the preset outlet required pressure and the preset initial number. As Figure 4 shown, the processor can obtain the user configuration information that the operator initially gives to open m (i.e., the preset initial number) air compressors and the outlet pressure P1 (i.e., the preset outlet required pressure), that is, the operator can manually determine and configure the number m of initially opened air compressors based on the requirement of the air compressor outlet pressure P1.

[0073] Step 202: Start the preset initial number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the obtained preset initial number.

[0074] Wherein, in this step, the processor can initially start the preset initial number of air compressors in the air compressor unit. For example, the processor can randomly open the outlet cut-off valves of the preset initial number of air compressors, and after opening the outlet cut-off valves, turn on these air compressors.

[0075] Step 203: Determine whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure; if so, enter Step 204; if not, enter Step 209.

[0076] It can be understood that in this step, the processor can judge the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor at this time after the started air compressors have been started for a certain time (such as Figure 4whether the outlet pressure (P in it) is greater than or equal to a preset outlet required pressure; if the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure, proceed to step 204; if the outlet pressure is less than the preset outlet required pressure and the number of currently started air compressors has not reached the preset number, proceed to step 209, and start the remaining unstarted air compressors and outlet cut-off valves one by one until the preset outlet required pressure is met.

[0077] Step 204: Determine the number of currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit as the target number, and when the target number is less than the preset number, restart the timing of the running timing time.

[0078] It can be understood that in this step, the processor can restart the timing of the running timing time when the target number is less than the preset number, so as to achieve automatic cyclic switching of the air compressor through subsequent steps.

[0079] Correspondingly, when the target number is equal to the preset number, since all air compressors need to be started to meet the preset outlet required pressure, this process can be directly ended to achieve automatic start of the air compressor; or corresponding non-cyclic alarm information can be output to prompt the operator to pay attention to the continuous operation of the air compressor or expand the specifications of the air compressor unit.

[0080] Step 205: Determine whether the running timing time has reached the time threshold; if so, proceed to step 206.

[0081] Among them, the running timing time is the timing time when the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure.

[0082] It can be understood that in this embodiment, by determining whether the running timing time has reached the time threshold (such as Figure 4 T in it), it is determined whether automatic cyclic switching of the air compressor is required currently; thus, when the running timing time reaches the time threshold, the current automatic cyclic switching of the air compressor is completed through subsequent steps; when the running timing time has not reached the time threshold, this process can be directly ended or a new running timing time can be obtained again to wait for the running timing time to reach the time threshold.

[0083] Correspondingly, for the specific value and acquisition method of the time threshold in this step, it can be set by the designer himself. For example, the time threshold can be a preset fixed or changeable threshold; for example, a threshold configured according to factors such as the performance of the air compressor itself and production needs. For example, the processor can read the stored time threshold; or it can receive the time threshold configured by the operator, such as the user configuration information received by the processor can include the time threshold.

[0084] Step 206: Determine whether the target quantity is less than or equal to half of the preset quantity; if so, proceed to Step 207; if not, proceed to Step 208.

[0085] It should be noted that in this embodiment, by determining whether the number m of currently started air compressors (i.e., the target quantity) is less than or equal to half of the preset number n, that is, whether m ≤ n / 2 is satisfied, the operating condition (i.e., the switching method) of the automatic cyclic switching of the air compressors is determined, so as to select the corresponding operating condition for the current automatic cyclic switching.

[0086] Correspondingly, this embodiment shows the case of first making the timing judgment in Step 205 and then making the operating condition selection judgment in Step 206; in some embodiments, it can also be as Figure 4 shown, first make the operating condition selection judgment, and then make the timing judgment under the selected operating condition. This embodiment does not make any restrictions on this.

[0087] Step 207: Select the target quantity of air compressors from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors.

[0088] It can be understood that in this step, when the number m of currently started air compressors is less than or equal to n / 2 and the outlet pressure P collected by the pressure sensor is ≥ the preset outlet required pressure P1, the processor can open the outlet cut-off valves of m unstarted air compressors, close the m started air compressors and their outlet cut-off valves, and then start the m air compressors with the outlet cut-off valves opened to complete the current switching of the currently started air compressors.

[0089] Correspondingly, this embodiment does not limit the specific selection method of selecting the target quantity of air compressors from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit. For example, the processor can randomly select the target quantity of currently unstarted air compressors, or select the target quantity of currently unstarted air compressors according to the shutdown duration of the currently unstarted air compressors, such as selecting the target quantity of currently unstarted air compressors with the longest shutdown duration.

[0090] Step 208: Determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors, and use the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to replace the replaceable air compressors; wherein, the number of replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset quantity and the target quantity.

[0091] It can be understood that in this step, when the number m of currently started air compressors is greater than n / 2 and less than or equal to n - 1, and the outlet pressure P collected by the pressure sensor is ≥ the preset outlet required pressure P1, the processor can open the outlet cut-off valves of the remaining (n - m) unstarted air compressors, close the (n - m) started air compressors and their outlet cut-off valves, and then start the (n - m) air compressors with the outlet cut-off valves opened to complete the current switching of the started air compressors.

[0092] Correspondingly, this embodiment does not limit the specific selection method for determining the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors. For example, the processor can randomly select (n - m) currently started air compressors as the replaceable air compressors; it can also determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors according to the continuous operation time of the currently started air compressors. For example, select the (n - m) currently started air compressors with the longest continuous operation time as the replaceable air compressors.

[0093] Wherein, after each automatic cycle switching through step 207 or step 208, step 203 can be entered to determine whether the current automatic cycle switching is completed. Thus, when it is not completed, step 209 is entered to start the remaining unstarted air compressors one by one until the preset outlet required pressure is met, and the current automatic cycle switching is completed.

[0094] Step 209: Select one air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit and start it, and enter step 203.

[0095] It can be understood that in this step, the processor can start the remaining unstarted air compressors one by one until the preset outlet required pressure is met during the initial startup process or each cycle switching process when the started air compressors cannot meet the preset outlet required pressure.

[0096] Correspondingly, this step does not limit the specific method for selecting one air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start. For example, the processor can randomly select one currently unstarted air compressor to start; the processor can also select the currently unstarted air compressor with the longest closed duration according to the closed duration of the currently unstarted air compressors.

[0097] Corresponding to the above method embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention also provides a control device for an air compressor. A control device for an air compressor described below can be correspondingly referred to with the control method for an air compressor described above.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5The block diagram of a control device for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The device may include:

[0099] An acquisition module 10, configured to acquire a preset outlet required pressure of an air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2;

[0100] A start module 20, configured to start a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, the target number is less than or equal to the preset number;

[0101] A cyclic switching module 30, configured to, if the target number is less than the preset number, replace the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressor, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure.

[0102] In some embodiments, the start module 20 may specifically be configured to start a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by a pressure sensor.

[0103] In some embodiments, the start module 20 may include:

[0104] An initial start sub-module, configured to start a preset initial number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the acquired preset initial number;

[0105] A pressure judgment sub-module, configured to judge whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure; if it is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure, determine the number of currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit as the target number, and send a start signal to the cyclic switching module 30;

[0106] A one-by-one start sub-module, configured to, if it is less than the preset outlet required pressure, select one air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start, and send a start signal to the pressure judgment sub-module.

[0107] In some embodiments, the cyclic switching module 30 may specifically be configured to replace the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target number, the running timing time, the preset outlet required pressure, and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor.

[0108] In some embodiments, the cyclic switching module 30 may include:

[0109] A time judgment sub-module, configured to judge whether the running timing time reaches a time threshold; wherein, the running timing time is the timing time when the outlet pressure of the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure;

[0110] A switching sub-module, configured to, if the time threshold is reached, when the target number is less than or equal to half of the preset number, select the target number of air compressors from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressor; when the target number is greater than half of the preset number, determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors, and use the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to replace the replaceable air compressors; wherein, the number of replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset number and the target number;

[0111] A switching pressure judgment sub-module, configured to judge whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure;

[0112] A timing sub-module, configured to, if it is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure, update the target number to the number of currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit, and when the target number is less than the preset number, restart the timing of the running timing time, and send a start signal to the switching pressure judgment sub-module;

[0113] A switching one-by-one start sub-module, configured to, if it is less than the preset outlet required pressure, select one air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to start, and send a start signal to the switching pressure judgment sub-module.

[0114] In some embodiments, the switching sub-module may specifically be configured to open the outlet cut-off valve of the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit, close the outlet cut-off valves of the replaceable air compressors and the replaceable air compressors, and start the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit with the outlet cut-off valves opened.

[0115] In some embodiments, the switching sub-module may specifically be configured to determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors according to the continuous running time of the currently started air compressors.

[0116] In this embodiment, in the embodiment of the present invention, the start module 20 starts the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, realizing the automatic start of the air compressors that meet the use requirements; and through the cyclic switching module 30, if the target number is less than the preset number, according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressors, the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit are used to replace the currently started air compressors, realizing the automatic cyclic switching of the air compressors that meet the use requirements, which can effectively reduce the workload of the operators and the accident risk.

[0117] Corresponding to the above method embodiments, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a control device for an air compressor. The control device for an air compressor described below can be correspondingly referred to the control method for an air compressor described above.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a schematic diagram of a simple structure of a control device for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The control device for an air compressor may include:

[0119] A memory D1 for storing computer programs;

[0120] A processor D2 for implementing the steps of the control method for an air compressor provided by the above method embodiment when executing the computer program.

[0121] Correspondingly, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a schematic diagram of a specific structure of a control device for an air compressor provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 310 for an air compressor may vary greatly due to different configurations or performances, and may include one or more processors (central processing units, CPUs) 322 (for example, one or more processors) and a memory 332, and one or more storage media 330 (for example, one or more mass storage devices) for storing application programs 342 or data 344. Among them, the memory 332 and the storage media 330 may be transient storage or persistent storage. The program stored in the storage media 330 may include one or more modules (not shown in the figure), and each unit may include a series of instruction operations on the host. Further, the central processor 322 may be configured to communicate with the storage media 330 and execute a series of instruction operations in the storage media 330 on the control device 310 for an air compressor.

[0122] The control device 310 for an air compressor may further include one or more power supplies 326, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces 350, one or more input / output interfaces 358, and / or one or more operating systems 341. For example, Windows ServerTM, Mac OS XTM, UnixTM, LinuxTM, FreeBSDTM, etc.

[0123] Among them, the control device for an air compressor provided by this embodiment may specifically be a server or a computer.

[0124] The steps in the control method of the air compressor described above can be implemented by the structure of the control device of the air compressor.

[0125] Corresponding to the above method embodiment, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium described below can be correspondingly referred to with the control method of an air compressor described above.

[0126] An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the control method of the air compressor provided by the above method embodiment are implemented.

[0127] Specifically, the computer-readable storage medium can be various readable storage media such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc that can store program codes.

[0128] The various embodiments in the specification are described in a progressive manner. The key point of each embodiment is to illustrate the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts among the various embodiments can be referred to each other. For the devices, equipment, and computer-readable storage media disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method part.

[0129] The above has introduced in detail a control method, device, equipment, and computer-readable storage medium of an air compressor provided by the present invention. Specific examples are used in this article to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art in this technical field, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an air compressor, characterized in that, it includes: Obtaining the preset outlet required pressure of the air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit includes a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2; According to the preset outlet required pressure, starting a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, the target number is less than or equal to the preset number; If the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressor, use the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, it is judged whether the running timing time reaches a time threshold; wherein, the running timing time is the timing time when the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure; if the time threshold is reached, then when the target number is less than or equal to half of the preset number, select the target number of air compressors from the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors; when the target number is greater than half of the preset number, determine the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors, and use the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the replaceable air compressors; wherein, the number of the replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset number and the target number.

2. The control method for an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of starting a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure includes: Starting the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor.

3. The control method for an air compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of starting the target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor includes: Starting the preset initial number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the obtained preset initial number; Judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure; If so, determining the number of the currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit as the target number, and performing the step of if the target number is less than the preset number, then according to the target number and the running timing time of the air compressor, using the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors; If not, selecting one air compressor from the air compressors that are not currently started in the air compressor unit to start, and performing the step of judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure.

4. The control method of an air compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the step of replacing the currently started air compressor with a currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target quantity and the running timing of the air compressor includes: replacing the currently started air compressor with a currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target quantity, the running timing, the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor.

5. The control method of an air compressor according to claim 4, characterized in that, the step of replacing the currently started air compressor with a currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target quantity, the running timing, the preset outlet required pressure and the outlet pressure collected by the pressure sensor includes: judging whether the running timing reaches a time threshold; wherein, the running timing is the timing when the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure; if the time threshold is reached, when the target quantity is less than or equal to half of the preset quantity, selecting the target quantity of air compressors from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressor; when the target quantity is greater than half of the preset quantity, determining the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors, and replacing the replaceable air compressors with the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit; wherein, the quantity of the replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset quantity and the target quantity; judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure; if it is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure, updating the target quantity to the quantity of the currently started air compressors in the air compressor unit, and when the target quantity is less than the preset quantity, restarting the timing of the running timing and performing the step of judging whether the running timing reaches the time threshold; if it is less than the preset outlet required pressure, starting one air compressor from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit and performing the step of judging whether the outlet pressure is greater than or equal to the preset outlet required pressure.

6. The control method of an air compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that, the step of replacing the replaceable air compressors with the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit includes: opening the outlet cut-off valve of the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit, closing the replaceable air compressor and the outlet cut-off valve of the replaceable air compressor, and starting the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit with the outlet cut-off valve opened.

7. The control method of an air compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that, the step of determining the replaceable air compressors from the currently started air compressors includes: Determine a replaceable air compressor from the currently started air compressors according to the continuous operation time of the currently started air compressor.

8. A control device for an air compressor, characterized in that, comprising: an acquisition module for acquiring a preset outlet required pressure of an air compressor unit; wherein, the air compressor unit comprises a preset number of air compressors, and the preset number is greater than or equal to 2; a starting module for starting a target number of air compressors in the air compressor unit according to the preset outlet required pressure, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, the target number is less than or equal to the preset number; a cyclic switching module for, if the target number is less than the preset number, replacing the currently started air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit according to the target number and the operation timing time of the air compressor, so that the outlet pressure of the air compressor unit reaches the preset outlet required pressure; wherein, it is judged whether the operation timing time reaches a time threshold; wherein, the operation timing time is the timing time when the outlet pressure corresponding to the currently started air compressor reaches the preset outlet required pressure; if the time threshold is reached, when the target number is less than or equal to half of the preset number, select the target number of air compressors from the currently unstarted air compressors in the air compressor unit to replace the currently started air compressors; when the target number is greater than half of the preset number, determine a replaceable air compressor from the currently started air compressors, and replace the replaceable air compressor with the currently unstarted air compressor in the air compressor unit; wherein, the number of the replaceable air compressors is the difference between the preset number and the target number.

9. A control device for an air compressor, characterized in that, comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; a processor for implementing the steps of the control method for an air compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executing the computer program.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, a computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the control method for an air compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

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