Temperature-based self-learning control of dryer speed

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for improving the stability and efficiency of rotation of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system. A compressed gas dryer system includes a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone. Compressed gas to be dried is received into the drying zone, and dried compressed gas exits the drying zone. The regeneration gas is received into and out of the regeneration zone. The controller receives temperature data indicative of a temperature of compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, a temperature of dried compressed gas exiting the drying zone, a temperature of regenerated gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or a temperature of regenerated gas exiting the regeneration zone. And, based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control a rotational speed of a rotor disposed in the pressure vessel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for monitoring and controlling compressed gas dryers, and more particularly to monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the efficiency of rotary drum dryers in a compressed gas system, particularly based on temperature information within the compressed gas system. Background Art

[0002] Dry compressed air is used in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to food processing, chemical and pharmaceutical operations, pneumatic tools, HVAC and HVAC control systems, sandblasting, injection molding, spraying, and manufacturing (such as the manufacture of electronic components). In the food industry, dry air is used to dehydrate grains, dairy products, vegetables, and cereals. In the electronics industry, dry compressed air is used, for example, to remove softened water and cleaning solvents from silicon devices and circuit boards.

[0003] The atmosphere contains water vapor, and this water vapor must be taken into account when producing compressed air. For example, a compressor that compresses air at a working pressure of 7 bar, a capacity of 200 liters per second, at 20°C, and a relative humidity of 80% releases 10 liters per hour of water into the compressed air pipeline.

[0004] Water and moisture in a compressed air system can cause erosion, corrosion, and biological effects, which can lead to product deterioration, equipment failure, and system failure. For example, in a compressed air pipeline, water is fluidized into an aerosol mist by turbulent air flow, and the droplets are propelled at high speed until they impact an obstacle in their path (such as a pipe elbow, valve disc, orifice plate, or air motor blade). The resulting repeated impacts produce pitting corrosion. In addition, the pits created by the high-speed water aerosol mist provide a haven for salt ions and acids, which further corrode the surface chemically. The weakened surface is then vulnerable to stress corrosion caused by mechanical vibration and flexure. Erosion can be controlled by removing liquid aerosols and particles from the air and removing water vapor that may condense and form droplets from the compressed air system. Therefore, in equipment where the compressed air pipeline is exposed to low temperatures and is prone to condensation, it is important to dry the air to a dew point below the lowest possible temperature.

[0005] In addition to erosion, moisture in a compressed air system can cause corrosion and destructive biological effects. Water and oil vapor can be removed by adsorption treatment. Liquid aerosols can be removed from the air stream by means such as coalescing filters. Wet corrosion in a compressed air system is particularly aggressive due to the absorption of corrosive agents from the air. Although pure liquid water itself is not corrosive, it forms a highly corrosive solution when combined with salt particles or acidic gases. It is known that corrosion can be controlled by drying the air to its lowest possible dew point.

[0006] In addition, moisture in a compressed air system is harmful because humid air allows the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold, which produce acidic waste that also promotes corrosion of the compressed air system. Microorganisms can also accumulate in instrument lines and air motor bearings, causing malfunctions, excessive wear rates, and jamming. Therefore, to control the harmful biological effects, it is beneficial to dry the air to a dew point that reduces the relative humidity to below 10%.

[0007] Additionally, moisture in compressed air can cause product contamination in both direct and indirect ways. Water droplets and water vapor can both be absorbed by the product during direct contact processes (such as in chemical mixing and spray painting applications). The absorption of water can adversely affect the chemical and physical properties of the product.

[0008] In applications where dry compressed air is used, such as in manufacturing, air with a dew point of -40°F to -100°F is typically used. Therefore, it is beneficial to employ a drying process that dries the air to the lowest possible dew point. For example, the compressed air used in analytical instruments must be extremely pure and contain the lowest level of water vapor. Infrared analyzers and gas chromatographs used for air analysis in environmental chambers and physiological respiration tests typically require stable air quality and a dew point level below -60°F. This high-purity air (referred to as "zero-grade air") is also beneficial for extending the life of sensitive components, preventing contamination of test samples, and preventing unwanted side reactions during analysis.

[0009] The required degree of drying is typically determined by the analysis of each individual compressed air system, and the air dryer system should be designed to reduce the water vapor content to the lowest dew point level.

[0010] Compressed gas dryer systems, such as rotary drum dryers, are known, which are provided with a pressure vessel containing a drying zone and a regeneration zone. Such systems typically also include a cooling zone. A rotatable drum is provided in the pressure vessel, which is filled with a renewable desiccant.

[0011] The pressure vessel includes an inlet for supplying the compressed gas to be dried to the drying zone and an outlet for discharging the dried gas. Warm regeneration gas is supplied to the regeneration zone for the regeneration of the desiccant. The dryer also includes a drive that rotates the drum so that the desiccant sequentially moves through the drying zone and the regeneration zone (and the cooling zone, if applicable).

[0012] Removing moisture from the air feed stream is considered to depend on multiple factors, including the flow rate of the air stream, the moisture adsorption rate, and the moisture content of the adsorbent, as well as the temperature and pressure of the air within the bed.

[0013] Methods have been provided for accurately predicting the contamination level of the air stream leaving the adsorption zone and optimizing the performance and separation efficiency of a rotary drum adsorber system, such as the method described in US 6,527,836. A method such as that described in US 6,527,836 includes: providing a set of complex proposed drum dryer design and operating parameters and initial operating conditions, calculating the predicted dew point under these conditions, determining temperature information from the regeneration zone and the cooling zone, and displaying the zone temperature curve and the discharge temperature at the predicted dew point for evaluation by an engineer to provide optimal performance of the system and achieve the lowest effluent dew point. Such known methods include: determining the average or mixed concentration discharged across the entire surface of the adsorption zone and the mixed flow discharge temperature leaving the cooling zone. Using the classical adsorption equation to determine the average or mixed discharge concentration in the adsorption zone:

[0014] J o = 0.5[1 - erf{(N) 1 / 2 -(NT) 1 / 2}] (approximate linear isotherm) (1)

[0015] J o = 0.5[1 - erf{(N) 1 / 2 -(NT) 1 / 2}] ((approximate constant isotherm) (2)

[0016] where J o = c1 / c o (3)

[0017] N = L / H d (4)

[0018] T = (c o - c1)(μ o τ - V∈) / [(n - n i )ρ a L A x ) (5)

[0019] c1: Effluent pollutant concentration

[0020] c0: Inlet pollutant concentration

[0021] N: Number of transfer units, dimensionless

[0022] T: Material balance ratio, solute adsorbed per unit adsorbent capacity

[0023] L: Adsorbent bed length

[0024] H d : Height of the transfer unit

[0025] u0: Mass flow rate in the adsorption zone

[0026] τ: Time in the adsorption zone

[0027] V: Adsorbent bed volume in the adsorption zone

[0028] ε: Void fraction of the adsorbent bed

[0029] n: Equilibrium capacity per unit weight of the adsorbent bed

[0030] n i : Initial concentration in the adsorbent bed

[0031] ρ a : Adsorbent bed density

[0032] A x : Cross-sectional surface area of the adsorption zone

[0033] In such known methods, the above equation (1) is used for adsorbents characterized by an approximately linear isotherm, for example, as provided as an example, silica gel and activated alumina. The above equation (2) is used for adsorbents characterized by an approximately constant isotherm, for example, as provided as an example, molecular sieves, or zeolites and activated titanium dioxide. In the cooling zone, equation (1) is used to determine the temperature profile, and the integration of this equation provides the mixed-flow discharge temperature, and the terms in equation (1) are defined according to heat transfer:

[0034] J o =(t - t o ) / (t1 - t o ) (6)

[0035] N = L / H (7)

[0036] T = c p (τ c μ c - V∈) / (c pa ρ a L A x ) (8)

[0037] t: Discharge temperature

[0038] t0: Initial bed temperature

[0039] t1: Air inlet temperature

[0040] H: Height of the heat transfer unit

[0041] c p : Heat capacity of the gas

[0042] τ c : Time in the cooling zone

[0043] u c: Mass flow rate through the cooling zone

[0044] V: Adsorbent bed volume in the cooling zone

[0045] c pa : Heat capacity of the adsorbent

[0046] In these methods, the time τ in the cooling zone c is equal to where is the angle of the cooling zone in radians.

[0047] In these known methods, in the regeneration zone, prior to entering the cooling zone, it is considered that two thermal fronts are established. The first thermal front is close to the equilibrium temperature at which desorption occurs, and the second lagging front is close to the elevated inlet temperature. These known methods, such as US 6,527,836, show in a graph of regeneration temperature versus time two thermal fronts and the period during which the regeneration zone is at the equilibrium temperature. This graph shows a bimodal temperature curve, which can be used to analyze the performance of a rotary drum adsorber system. After the first peak, there is a period during which the temperature in the regeneration zone remains constant, showing the equilibrium temperature. According to US 6,527,836, this temperature remains constant as long as some moisture remains in the regeneration zone. When the second peak begins, it is considered that a given groove of the adsorbent drum is being regenerated. These known methods, such as the method of US 6,527,836, allow the user to adjust various inlet conditions, such as inlet temperature, system pressure, flow rate, regeneration inlet temperature, regeneration flow rate, and / or the rotational speed of the drum, and easily generate a graph of regeneration temperature versus time under various conditions to show the changes in the performance response of the rotary drum adsorber system to such adjustments.

[0048] In addition, by using computerized methods, the user can generate various graphical displays of data, for example, by way of example, cooling temperature versus time, cooling temperature versus groove length, dew point versus inlet temperature, dew point versus regeneration temperature, dew point versus regeneration flow rate, dew point versus motor speed, and dew point versus flow rate, for controlling the operating conditions of the rotary drum adsorber system, thereby improving its performance and achieving the lowest effluent dew point.

[0049] In addition, known methods for accurately predicting the contamination level of the air stream leaving the adsorption zone and optimizing the performance and separation efficiency of a rotary drum adsorber system (such as those described in US 6,527,836) provide means for displaying the zone temperature profile and the discharge temperature, as well as other system conditions, for evaluation in order to improve the design of the rotary drum adsorber system and achieve optimal performance. In these known methods, such as those described in US 6,527,836, the processing steps, equations, and calculations of the computerized method are embodied in a unique computer program to provide in-depth knowledge of the system based on a set of proposed system parameters, initial operating conditions, varying operating characteristics and performance levels of different-sized rotary drums, and other variations in the system design parameters under any number of different operating conditions, thereby accurately predicting the performance of the rotary drum adsorber process and system and controlling the operation of the rotary drum adsorber process and system. The computer program is specifically designed to quickly and easily generate a graphical display of the zone temperature profile and the discharge temperature, as well as other system data, for easy evaluation to obtain maximum system performance and optimized products.

[0050] Such known systems allow the input of information including: main flow rate (SCFM), inlet temperature (°F), regeneration temperature (°F), system pressure (psig), regeneration flow rate (SCFM), inlet relative humidity, drive motor speed (rpm), and blower flow rate (SCFM). In addition, the computer program used in these methods allows the selection of the rotary drum system model. The selection of the drum model determines the diameter and length of the adsorbent drum. For example, the diameters and lengths of different models can be 14.5 inches and 200 mm, 14.5 inches and 400 mm, 18.5 inches and 400 mm, or 24.5 inches and 400 mm. In addition, the computer program used in these methods allows the selection of the specific manufacturer of the adsorbent drum. The preferred computer programs for these known methods include the selection of Nichias (silica gel or GX7 model) and Siebu Giken (silica gel or molecular sieve). By selecting the model, specific information about the physical characteristics of the rotary drum can be obtained, including the height and width of the groove triangle, the thickness of the medium holding the silica gel, the approximate seal width, the angle of the adsorption zone, and the angle of the regeneration zone.

[0051] Using input information including initial operating conditions and drum design parameters, a computer program of these known methods (such as the method described in US 6,527,836) then calculates various information associated with the product stream, the regeneration zone, and the cooling zone. For the product stream, the program can determine the predicted outlet pressure dew point (°F) and outlet temperature (°F). In the regeneration zone, the computer program can determine the equilibrium temperature (°F), the final flute outlet temperature (°F), the average outlet temperature (°F), and the flow rate (SCFM). In the cooling zone, the computer program can determine the final flute outlet temperature (°F), the average outlet temperature (°F), and the flow rate (SCFM). In addition, the computer program provides the condenser inlet temperature (°F), the useful capacity [#H20 / 100#Dscc], and the water load [#H20]. Thus, the computer program used in these known methods provides system information and graphical displays as needed or desired to evaluate the performance of the rotary drum adsorber process and system and / or to control the rotary drum adsorber process and system in order to obtain maximum performance and optimized products.

[0052] In addition, by using the following primary initial operating conditions and system parameters, a graphical display of the information that can be provided by a computerized method is generated: main flow rate = 450 SCFM; inlet temperature = 100°F; regeneration temperature = 300°F; system pressure = 100 psig; regeneration flow rate = 200 SCFM; blower head = 30 WC, and rotary drum = model RDD450. In addition, the following conditions are also included: inlet relative humidity = 85%; drive motor speed = 1.2 RPM; blower temperature = 100°F; and blower flow rate = 225 SCFM. The initial operating conditions and system parameters provided herein are for example purposes only and can be appropriately changed by the user of the computerized method.

[0053] Using this input information, a computer program of these known methods (such as the method described in US 6,527,836) calculates the pressure outlet dew point of the product stream to be 1.3°F and the outlet temperature of the product stream to be 125.3°F. The computer program determines the following information related to the regeneration zone 40: the equilibrium temperature is 156.9°F, the final flute outlet temperature is 299.2°F, the average outlet temperature is 166.7°F, and the flow rate is 200 SCFM. In the cooling zone 42, the computer program calculates the final flute outlet temperature to be 127.5°F, the average outlet temperature to be 264.3°F, and the flow rate to be 28.5 SCFM. In addition, the computer program determines the condenser inlet temperature to be 178.9°F, the useful capacity [#H20 / 100#Dscc] to be 9.4, and the water load [#H20] to be 0.53.

[0054] Although these known methods, such as those described in US 6,527,836, are described as accurately predicting the contamination level of the air stream leaving the adsorption zone and optimizing the performance and separation efficiency of a rotary drum adsorber system, the inventors have found that these methods and systems are overly complex, require substantial computational power, and incur time delays due to these calculations.

[0055] Accordingly, the inventors of the present disclosure have recognized a need for an efficient and reliable adsorption process and system for improving the purity of an air feed stream and achieving a minimum effluent dew point, as well as a simpler method for designing, monitoring, and controlling such an adsorption process and system. Additionally, although it is necessary to reduce the moisture content in a compressed air system as described above, it is desirable to do so in an efficient manner to balance the need to provide a drying process in which air is dried to the lowest possible dew point while reducing the energy consumption and unnecessary wear in the treatment of the air dryer system.

[0056] The inventors of the present application have found that the known calculations and optimizations are actually unnecessary and inefficient, requiring more time and processing power than necessary, and the inventors of the present application have discovered a robust and efficient method and system for accurately predicting the contamination level of the air stream leaving the absorption zone using limited temperature-based parameters, while controlling, enhancing the stability, and optimizing the performance efficiency of a rotary drum adsorber system.

[0057] The robust and efficient method and system disclosed herein also allow for more accurate and faster monitoring, enhanced efficiency, and increased stability of a rotary drum at a lower cost using limited temperature-based parameters. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0058] A compressed gas dryer system is provided, including: a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, the drying zone having an inlet for receiving compressed gas to be dried into the drying zone and an outlet for discharging the dried compressed gas from the drying zone, the regeneration zone having an inlet for receiving regeneration gas into the regeneration zone and an outlet for discharging the regeneration gas from the regeneration zone; and a controller configured to receive temperature data indicative of the temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas discharged from the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas discharged from the regeneration zone, and / or indicative of the temperature within the drying zone, and / or the temperature within the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel. Based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel.

[0059] In another embodiment, a controller for a compressed gas dryer system is also provided. The controller is configured to receive temperature data indicative of a temperature reading of one or more of the following: compressed gas to be dried received into a drying zone of a pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into a regeneration zone of the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or temperature data of the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel. Based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel.

[0060] A temperature-based method for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, the compressed gas dryer system including a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, the drying zone having an inlet for compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone and an outlet for dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration zone having an inlet for regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and an outlet for regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, the method comprising: receiving, by a controller, temperature data indicative of the temperature of one or more of compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or indicative of the temperature within the drying zone, and / or within the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; and controlling, based on the temperature data, the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel.

[0061] A temperature-based method for determining the rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas dryer system. The compressed gas system includes: a compressed gas source providing compressed gas to be dried; a regeneration gas source providing regeneration gas; a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, the drying zone having an inlet for compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone and an outlet for dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration zone having an inlet for regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and an outlet for regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone; and a driver configured to drive a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel to rotate in a predetermined rotational direction. The method includes: receiving first temperature data of a first signal obtained by a first temperature sensor, the first temperature data indicative of a first temperature at a first location within the pressure vessel; receiving second temperature data of a second signal obtained by a second temperature sensor, the second temperature data indicative of a second temperature at a second location within the pressure vessel; and determining, by a controller, the rotational state of the rotor based on the first temperature data obtained from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature data obtained from the second temperature sensor.

[0062] A hardware storage device stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, configure the computing system to perform a method for determining the rotational state of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system. The method includes: receiving first temperature data of a first signal obtained by a first temperature sensor, the first temperature data indicating a first temperature at a first position within a pressure vessel; receiving second temperature data of a second signal obtained by a second temperature sensor, the second temperature data indicating a second temperature at a second position within the pressure vessel; and determining the rotational state of the rotor by a controller based on the first temperature data obtained from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature data obtained from the second temperature sensor.

[0063] A temperature-based method is also provided for enhancing the stability and efficiency of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system. The method includes: receiving, by a controller, temperature data indicating temperature readings of one or more of the following:

[0064] compressed gas to be dried entering a drying zone within a pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into a regeneration zone of the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or temperature at a position within the pressure vessel; and controlling, by the controller, the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel based on the temperature data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C show embodiments of a compressor device including a dryer system.

[0066] Figure 2 show another embodiment of a compressor device including a dryer system.

[0067] Figure 3 show another embodiment of a compressor device including a dryer system.

[0068] Figure 4 show another embodiment of a compressor device including a dryer system.

[0069] Figure 5 show another embodiment of a compressor device including a dryer system.

[0070] Figure 6 show another embodiment of a compressor device including a dryer system.

[0071] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C 、 Figure 7D, Figure 7E and Figure 7F show examples from Figure 1A - Figure 1B and Figures 2 to 6 embodiments, as well as further details and the processing of sensor signals.

[0072] Figure 8 shows another example of the gas flow within the regeneration zone (REG) and the drying zone (ADS) of the pressure vessel of the dryer system.

[0073] Figure 9 shows steps and aspects of an example of a temperature-based method for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, performed by a controller.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a range defined by a minimum initial reference speed and a maximum initial speed, according to an embodiment.

[0075] Figure 11 shows, according to an embodiment, the comparison of the initial reference speed and the actual speed over time Figure 10 within a range of.

[0076] Figure 12 shows steps, data, and calculated performance factors of an example of a temperature-based method for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, performed by a controller, according to an embodiment.

[0077] Figure 13 shows steps, data, and calculated performance factors of an example for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, Figure 12 performed by a controller, according to an embodiment, including the processing logic.

[0078] Figure 14 shows steps, data, and calculated performance factors of an example of a temperature-based method for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, performed by a controller, according to an embodiment.

[0079] Figure 15A , Figure 15B , Figure 15C and Figure 15D shows self-learning for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, performed by a controller, according to an embodiment.

[0080] The drawings are included to provide a better understanding of the components and are not intended to limit the scope but rather provide an exemplary illustration. Detailed Description

[0081] The inventive concept of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, the claimed invention is not limited thereto. The described drawings are only schematic and the scope is not limited. In the drawings, the sizes of some elements may be exaggerated and are not drawn to scale; this is for the convenience of illustration. The sizes and relative sizes are not necessarily corresponding to the actual embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] In addition, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe an order or sequence. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in an order other than the order described or illustrated herein.

[0083] Terms such as "topmost", "upper", "bottommost", "lower", "above", "below", etc. in the specification and claims are also for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily used to describe a relative position. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be implemented in other orientations than those described or illustrated herein.

[0084] In addition, various embodiments that may be described as "preferred embodiments" should be construed as merely illustrative of the ways and modes of implementing the present invention and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0085] The terms "comprising", "including" or "having" used in the claims should not be construed as being limited to the devices or steps mentioned after them. These terms should be construed as specifying the presence of the recited features, elements, steps or components, but not precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps or components or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device or apparatus comprises devices A and B" should not be regarded as being limited to the device or apparatus consisting of components A and B. The intention is that, for the purposes of the present disclosure, only parts A and B of the device are specifically mentioned, but the claims should be further construed as including equivalents of these parts.

[0086] Generally, the compressed gas dryer system of the present disclosure includes: a pressure vessel that includes a drying zone and a regeneration zone; and a rotating part or rotor, such as a rotatable drum in the pressure vessel. The rotor or drum is a multi-chamber adsorption separator that houses an adsorption medium, and the adsorption medium serves as a renewable desiccant. In addition, a cooling zone may also be included.

[0087] In Figure 1AIn the first embodiment of the compressed gas dryer system shown, a dryer 10 for the compressed gas system is provided for a compressed gas source 60. The compressed gas source 60 can be, for example, a compressor. However, the dryer system including the dryer 10 can have other compressed gas sources, such as a pre-compressed gas tank, reservoir, or supply pipeline or line. Additionally, multiple dryers 10 can be provided within the compressed gas system or along the compressed gas pipeline or line. The dryer 10 includes a pressure vessel 11, and the pressure vessel 11 includes a rotationally symmetric body in which a drying zone 12, a regeneration zone 13, and an optional cooling zone 29 are defined. A rotor (such as a drum 14) is disposed in the rotationally symmetric portion and is provided with a multi-chamber adsorption separator that houses an adsorption medium serving as a renewable desiccant. The adsorption medium can include silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieve, activated titanium dioxide, or activated carbon. A driver 114 or driving device is provided for rotating the drum relative to the rotationally symmetric body about an axis X, that is, for rotating the drum 14 within the rotationally symmetric body or for rotating the rotationally symmetric body about the stationary drum, such that the desiccant moves sequentially through the drying zone and the regeneration zone. The driver 114 can include a motor. The driver 114 shown in the figure is schematically illustrated. Although Figure 1A the driver 114 in

[0088] is disposed along the rotation axis X of the drum 14, this is not necessarily the case. The driver 114 can be disposed at a position offset from the rotation axis of the drum 14. The motor of the driver 114 is controllable and can be variable speed or can only be controlled by starting and stopping. The driver 114 can also rotate the drum 14 through a driving device, and the driving device can include a transmission, gears, pulleys, belts, chains, and / or drive shafts, or other devices that transfer rotation from a motor or engine to rotate the drum. Additionally, the driver 114 can be located within the pressurized volume of the dryer or outside the pressurized volume of the dryer.

[0088] The compressed gas to be dried is supplied from the main pipeline 18 to the drying zone 12 in the pressure vessel 11, and this main pipeline supplies the compressed gas to be dried to the inlet 15 of the drying zone. The dried compressed gas leaves the drying zone at the outlet 16, and this outlet is connected to the remaining downstream part (not shown) of the compressed gas system. The regeneration gas is supplied to the regeneration zone 13 in the pressure vessel 11 through the connecting pipeline 17, and this connecting pipeline supplies the regeneration gas or air from the regeneration gas source 67 to the inlet 25 of the regeneration zone 13. The regeneration air leaves the regeneration zone 13 at the outlet 26 and reaches the connecting pipeline 19, and then can return to the regeneration air source 67 through a supply pipeline (not shown) or can be further used as described in various embodiments provided below. As described herein, the regeneration gas source 67 can be provided with compressed gas from the compressed gas source 60, for example, through a compressor. Alternatively, the regeneration gas source 67 can be provided with regeneration air or gas from a completely independent source, such as from another compressor or a separate pipeline, line, or compressed gas system. The cooling zone 29 can optionally be supplied with a coolant through a separate cooling supply pipeline (not shown).

[0089] In an embodiment according to Figure 1A the following temperature sensors can be provided to measure the temperature of the corresponding compressed gas flow. The temperature sensor T1 is provided at the inlet 15 of the drying zone 12. The temperature sensor T1 can be provided within the main pipeline 18 near the inlet 15 or within the inlet side of the drying zone 12. Thus, the temperature sensor T1 obtains temperature data indicating the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received in the drying zone 12. The temperature sensor T2 is provided at the outlet 16 of the drying zone 12. The temperature sensor T2 can be provided within the pipeline connected to the outlet near the outlet 16 or within the outlet side of the drying zone 12. Thus, the temperature sensor T2 obtains temperature data indicating the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone 12. The temperature sensor T3 is provided at the inlet 25 of the regeneration zone 1. The temperature sensor T3 can be provided within the connecting pipeline 17 connected to the inlet near the inlet 25 of the regeneration zone 13 or within the inlet side of the regeneration zone 13. Thus, the temperature sensor T3 obtains temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas received in the regeneration zone 13. The temperature sensor T4 is provided at the outlet 26 of the regeneration zone 13. The temperature sensor T4 can be provided within the connecting pipeline 19 connected to the outlet 26 of the regeneration zone 13 near the outlet 26 or within the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. Thus, the temperature sensor T4 obtains temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone 13.

[0090] The temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4 and / or any other temperature sensors within the dryer 10 may include one or more thermocouples, liquid or gas thermometers, electrical thermometers (including, for example, resistance thermometers), silicon diodes, bimetallic devices, bulb and capillary sensors, sealed bellows and / or radiation thermometry devices, or any other type of temperature sensing device. Additionally, the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4 may be disposed within a volume defined by the pressure vessel 11 or a pipeline or duct 16, 17, 18, 19 attached to the pressure vessel. Alternatively, the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4 may be disposed at or within the wall or sidewall of the pressure vessel 11 or the pipeline or duct 16, 17, 18, 19. Additionally, the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4 may actually be disposed on or outside the outer surface of the wall or sidewall of the pressure vessel 11 or the pipeline or duct 16, 17, 18, 19. Additionally, the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4 may be remote from the wall or sidewall of the pressure vessel 11 or the pipeline or duct 16, 17, 18, 19 while still obtaining their respective temperature data, for example, based on radiation thermometry.

[0091] In Figure 1A an embodiment, a control unit or controller 100 is provided. The controller 100 includes a processor 150 (such as a microprocessor), a memory 160, an output interface 170, and an input interface 180. The controller 100 receives input signals via the input interface 180, which may be received in a wired or wireless manner, and processes the received sensor signals from sensors within the dryer system 10. For example, the controller 100 receives temperature signals from the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4, as described below. As described herein, the controller 100 outputs control signals to components of the dryer system via the output interface 170. As described in more detail below, based on the received sensor signals from sensors of the dryer system 10 (including, for example, the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4), the controller 100 sends control signals to adjust the operating parameters of the dryer system. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to send a control signal 101 to the driver 114 to adjust the frequency speed at which the driver rotates the drum, or to start or stop the driver 114, depending on the input received by the driver 114.

[0092] The controller or control unit 100 can be remote from the pressure vessel 11 as well as the compressed gas source and the regenerated gas source. For example, the controller 100 does not have to be integrally formed with or coupled to the pressure vessel. The controller 100 can be disposed close to the pressure vessel 11 or the driver 114, such as within the same room volume or housing. Alternatively, the controller 100 can be remote from the pressure vessel, the driver 114, and the sensors while still being able to receive signals from and send signals to other components of the dryer system 10. Additionally, the controller can be communicatively connected to a remote computer system, such as for remote monitoring, control, adjustment, and / or software updates, etc., and the data obtained by the controller or control unit 100 and the operating parameters sent by the controller or control unit 100 as control signals can be sent to the remote computer system or data storage device for further analysis and / or processing.

[0093] The controller or control unit 100 can include or use a dedicated or general-purpose computer system, or a computing system, particularly within the control unit or controller 100 or alternatively communicatively coupled to the controller 100, which includes computer hardware such as a processor 150 or more than one processor 150 and a system memory 160, as discussed in more detail below. The controller 100 can be relatively close to the pressure vessel 11 and the driver 114, and receive hardwired or wireless signals from and send hardwired or wireless signals to other components of the dryer system. Alternatively, the controller 100 can be arranged remote from other components of the dryer system and can receive signals from and send signals to other components of the dryer system (including from one or more temperature sensors for providing temperature data indicative of one or more temperatures within the pressure vessel) via a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or other network.

[0094] In Figure 1A an embodiment, the control unit or controller 100 receives and processes sensor signals within the dryer system, particularly the controller 100 receives temperature signals from temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4. As Figure 1B shown, another embodiment is provided, which includes similar components denoted by similar reference numerals as Figure 1A the system. Figure 1BThe dryer system 10 may include additional temperature sensors, including temperature sensors T41 and T42 described below. The first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 may be disposed at a first position within the regeneration zone 13 on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. The second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 may be disposed at a second position within the regeneration zone 13 on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. In one embodiment, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 is disposed in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the first position on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 is disposed in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the second position on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. Additional temperature sensors may be included in the regeneration zone 13. As described in more detail below, based on the received sensor signals from the sensors of the dryer system 10, the controller 100 sends control signals to adjust the operating parameters of the dryer system. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to send a control signal 101 to the driver 114 to adjust the frequency speed at which the driver rotates the drum, or to start or stop the driver 114, depending on the inputs that the driver 114 is configured to receive and use for adjustment.

[0095] As Figure 1C shown, another embodiment is provided that includes similar components denoted by like reference numerals as Figure 1A and Figure 1B the system of. Figure 1C The dryer system 10 may include additional temperature sensors, including temperature sensors T21, T22 described below. The first drying zone temperature sensor T21 may be disposed at a first position within the drying zone 12. The second drying zone temperature sensor T22 may be disposed at a second position within the drying zone 12. In one embodiment, the first drying zone temperature sensor T21 is disposed in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the first position within the drying zone 12. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second drying zone temperature sensor T22 is disposed in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the second position within the drying zone 12. Additional temperature sensors may be included in the drying zone 12. Although not shown, different temperature sensors may also be disposed at different positions within the cooling zone 29.

[0096] In Figure 2 the embodiment of the compressed gas dryer system shown, a dryer 10 for compressed gas is provided for a compressed gas source (such as a compressor 60). Although in Figure 1ACompressor 60 is shown, but the dryer system including dryer 10 may be provided with other compressed gas sources, such as pre-compressed gas. In addition, multiple dryers 10 may be provided within the compressed gas system. Dryer 10 includes: a pressure vessel 11, the pressure vessel 11 including a rotationally symmetric body in which a drying zone 12 and a regeneration zone 13 are defined; a drum 14 disposed within the rotationally symmetric portion and provided with a multi-chamber adsorbent sorter for containing an adsorbent medium serving as a renewable desiccant. The adsorbent medium may include silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieve, activated titanium dioxide, or activated carbon. A driver 114 is provided for rotating the drum about an axis X relative to the rotationally symmetric body, i.e., for rotating the drum 14 within the rotationally symmetric body or for rotating the rotationally symmetric body about the stationary drum, such that the desiccant moves successively through the drying zone and the regeneration zone.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the rotationally symmetric portion is cylindrical. However, this is not necessary and other rotationally symmetric shapes are also possible. The dryer further includes: an inlet 15 connected to the inlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 for supplying compressed gas to be dried; and an outlet 16 connected to the outlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 for discharging the dried compressed gas. The gas to be dried may be supplied by a compressed gas source (such as compressor 60). Compressor 60 may include a first compression stage 61, a second compression stage 62, and an intercooler ("IC") 63.

[0098] Figure 1A - Figure 1C Similar elements shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 6 In the embodiment of, where Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 show dryers 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90, respectively. In each case, the dryer includes: a pressure vessel 11, the pressure vessel 11 including a rotationally symmetric body in which a drying zone 12 and a regeneration zone 13 are defined; a drum 14 disposed within the rotationally symmetric portion and provided with a renewable desiccant; a driver 114 for rotating the drum relative to the rotationally symmetric body, i.e., for rotating the drum 14 within the rotationally symmetric body or for rotating the rotationally symmetric body about the stationary drum, such that the desiccant moves successively through the drying zone and the regeneration zone (although not shown in Figures 2 - 4(as shown). Preferably, the rotationally symmetric part is cylindrical; however, this is not necessary and other rotationally symmetric shapes are also possible. The dryer further includes: an inlet 15 connected to the inlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 to supply the compressed gas to be dried; and an outlet 16 connected to the outlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 to discharge the dried compressed gas. The gas to be dried is supplied by a compressor 60, which may include a first compression stage 61, a second compression stage 62, and an intercooler ("IC") 63. As Figure 5 shown in the embodiment of, in the delivery line from the compressor 60 to the inlet 15, the compressed gas may pass through a heat exchanger (heat exchanger HE) 64 and / or a cooling device (aftercooler AC) 65.

[0099] In accordance with Figures 2 to 4 the embodiment of, at the outlet side of the compressor 60, a part of the compressed gas to be dried (which has an elevated temperature due to compression) is branched off and transferred to the regeneration zone for regeneration. In accordance with Figure 2 the embodiment of, this is done via a connecting line 17 without further heating the branched-off flow. In accordance with Figure 3 the embodiment of, the branched-off flow is first further heated by an active heating device 31 (such as an electric heating device). In accordance with Figure 4 the exemplary embodiment of, the branched-off flow 51 is first further divided into a first branched-off flow 52 and a second branched-off flow 53, where only the first branched-off flow 52 is further heated by a heating device 54. As shown, the first branched-off flow 52 and the second branched-off flow 53 are respectively introduced into different regions of the regeneration zone 13.

[0100] In accordance with Figure 5 and Figure 6 the embodiment of, connecting lines 77, 97 are respectively provided at the outlet side of the dryer for branching off a split flow of the dried compressed gas. The split flow of the dried compressed gas is guided through the heat exchanger 64 to be heated using the heat present in the supply flow due to compression, and then further guided to the regeneration zone 13.

[0101] In accordance with Figures 2 to 6In each embodiment, the shunt for regeneration returns via connection line 19 to the main line 18 of the supply stream of the compressed gas to be dried. This is accomplished by a controllable device, such as a Venturi ejector 21 or other controllable device, which is used to create a pressure differential and maintain the shunt for regeneration, as further described herein. One or more cooling devices, such as the illustrated aftercooler 65 ("aftercooler AC") and / or regeneration cooler 20 ("regeneration cooler RC") and / or process cooler 91 ("process cooler PC"), may be provided in connection line 19 and / or main line 18 and / or at inlet 15 (after the confluence), each cooler being used to cool the respective gas stream by means of a coolant, such as cooling water or ice water.

[0102] Similar to Figure 1A - Figure 1C the embodiment, in accordance with Figures 2 to 6 the embodiment, the following temperature sensors may be provided to measure the temperature of the respective compressed gas stream: temperature sensor T1 at inlet 15 of drying zone 12, temperature sensor T2 at outlet 16 of drying zone 12, temperature sensor T3 at inlet 25 of regeneration zone 13, and temperature sensor T4 at outlet 26 of regeneration zone 13.

[0103] In accordance with Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figures 2 to 6 the embodiment, the following additional temperature sensors may be provided to measure the temperature of the respective compressed gas stream: temperature sensor T5 at the outlet side of the compressor (which is also the inlet side of heat exchanger 64 or aftercooler 65), temperature sensor T6 in main line 18 (between aftercooler 65 and Venturi ejector 21), temperature sensor T7 in connection line 19 (between regeneration cooler 20 and Venturi ejector 21), and temperature sensor T8 at the outlet side of heat exchanger 64. The respective output signals or data from temperature sensors T5 to T8 are sent to the control unit or controller 100 via hardwiring or wireless communication and may be further used by controller 100 to adjust or modify other operating parameters of dryer 10.

[0104] In accordance with Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figures 2 to 6 the embodiment, pressure sensors may be provided to measure the pressure differential of the respective compressed gas stream across the respective element, providing a measurement of the respective gas stream in each case as follows:

[0105] dP21: pressure sensor for measuring the pressure differential across Venturi ejector 21 (see also Figure 6 );

[0106] dP REG : A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the outlet side of the drying zone 12 and the inlet side of the regeneration zone 13;

[0107] dP HEhot : A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference generated by the heat exchanger 64 in the supply flow of the compressed gas to be dried supplied by the compressor 60;

[0108] dP HEcold : A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference generated by the heat exchanger 64 in the shunt branched off for regeneration purposes.

[0109] In accordance with Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figures 2 to 6 In the exemplary embodiments, the following sensors may be additionally provided:

[0110] "RPM": A sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the compressor 60 to provide a measurement of the flow rate of the supply gas to be dried;

[0111] "PDP": A pressure dew point sensor for measuring the pressure dew point at the outlet 16;

[0112] T ACin and T ACout : Temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the coolant (cooling water) at the inlet and outlet of the aftercooler 65;

[0113] T RCin and T RCout : Temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the coolant (cooling water) at the inlet and outlet of the regeneration cooler 20;

[0114] T PCin and T PCout : Temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the coolant (cooling water) at the inlet and outlet of the process cooler 91.

[0115] In accordance with Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figures 2 to 6 In the embodiments, a control unit 100 is provided in each case. Each of the above sensors may be provided with means for communicating with the control unit 100. The communication connection may be wired or wireless; for clarity, they are not shown in FIGS. 1 to Figure 6 . The corresponding output signals or data from these sensors are sent to the control unit or controller 100 via hardwiring or wireless communication and can be further used by the controller 100 to adjust or modify other operating parameters of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90).

[0116] In the embodiments according to Figures 2 to 6 , in each case, at least the confluence device (for confluencing the shunt for regeneration with the main stream of the supply gas to be dried) is designed as a controllable device 21, 121. The control unit 100 can be arranged to process at least one measurement value provided by the above sensors, to determine a control signal for the controllable device based on the at least one measurement value, and to apply the control signal to the controllable device. The controllable device can include, for example, a Venturi injector 21 with a controllable opening (see Figure 6 ). The controllable device can also include: a blower having a controller for controlling the blower speed; or a plurality of smaller Venturi injectors or nozzles arranged in parallel, each having a controller for opening or closing them. The advantage of this is that the controllable device can be smaller in size than a single Venturi injector and can thus be better integrated into the pressure vessel. Additionally, alternatively, the controllable device can include a Venturi injector surrounded by a controllable bypass. Other controllable devices can also be used.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the controller 100 can provide temperature-based monitoring of the rotation of the drum of the rotary drum dryer. In a rotary drum dryer, it is advantageous to ensure that the drum is always rotating. Additionally, it is advantageous to ensure that the drum is always rotating in the correct direction. For example, in Figure 1A , the drum 14 in the embodiment is configured to rotate counterclockwise, as indicated by the rotation annotation. In the examples described herein, when viewed from above, the drum or rotor is shown as being configured to rotate counterclockwise. However, the inventive concept described herein should not be limited thereby, and the dryer system can include a pressure vessel and an internal rotor configured to rotate clockwise when viewed from above, although this is less common in the industry.

[0118] In the case where the rotary drum 14 stops rotating or starts rotating in the wrong direction, if non-rotation or wrong rotation is not detected and not corrected promptly, it will cause severe damage to the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90) and the components of the compressed air system. As described above, this problem is generally solved by directly measuring the position or rotational vector of the rotary drum, the shaft of the rotary drum, or the motor itself through sensors provided in the motor, or in or on the rotary drum, or in a certain part of the dryer system. For example, such a rotational sensor may include a Hall effect sensor or a set of Hall effect sensors associated with one or more magnets. Other sensors for directly / physically measuring the position of the rotary drum or related rotating components are also known. However, such sensors occupy additional space within the dryer system, require additional components and hardware, require the use of additional current cabinets and pin connectors, and require additional input signal processing and analysis. In addition, the additional sensors are prone to failure and misreading, and cannot give correct feedback in the case of failure of the mechanical connection (pin) between the rotor and the motor.

[0119] In the present disclosure, the disadvantages of the rotational sensor or position sensor are solved by performing temperature-based monitoring of the position or rotational direction and speed according to the signal sent by the temperature sensor of the dryer system. In fact, the position, rotational direction, and rotational speed can be determined and monitored only based on the temperature information obtained by the temperature sensor of the dryer system. Only based on the temperature information, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that the stop of the drum rotation can be detected and confirmed within one minute after the drum actually stops rotating.

[0120] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Shows another embodiment of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90), which includes a pressure vessel 11, in which a regeneration zone is provided with an inlet 25 and an outlet 26.

[0121] Figure 7C Shows Figure 7A and Figure 7B of the embodiment or the corresponding area of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90) of the embodiment of FIG. 1 - Figure 6 of the embodiment, including a drying zone 12, a regeneration zone 13, and a cooling zone 29. In Figure 7CIn an embodiment, the regeneration zone 13 extends around approximately 90° of the circle defining the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, the starting point or origin of which circle begins at the position marked 0°, and the regeneration zone extends to the position marked 90°. Thus, in the case where the regeneration zone extends around 90° of the circle defining the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, the regeneration zone extends around approximately 1 / 4 of the volume of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum or occupies approximately 1 / 4 of the volume of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. However, the regeneration zone 13 can extend around more than 90° or less than 90°. For example, the regeneration zone 13 can extend within the range of 10° to 270° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. In one embodiment, the regeneration zone extends 180° around the cross-sectional circle of the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, such that the regeneration zone occupies half of the volume of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. Preferably, the regeneration zone 13 extends within the range of 45° to 135° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. More preferably, the regeneration zone 13 extends within the range of 75° to 105° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum.

[0122] The cooling zone 29 extends within the range of 5° to 45° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. More preferably, the cooling zone 29 extends within the range of 10° to 30° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. More preferably, the cooling zone 29 extends within the range of 10° to 20° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. Generally, the cooling zone 29 extends around approximately 15° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, from the portion marked 90° to the portion marked 105°, as Figure 7C shown in the embodiment of

[0123] The drying zone 12 extends around the remaining degrees not covered by the regeneration zone or not covered by the combination of the regeneration zone and the cooling zone. Thus, in Figure 7C the example of the embodiment of Figure 7C shown, the drying zone extends around the remaining 255° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. Additionally, as Figure 7C shown in the example of the embodiment of the temperature within the drying zone 12 (also referred to as the adsorption zone (ADS)) can be on average approximately 60°C. The temperature within the drying zone 12 can be from 20°C to 80°C. The temperature within the cooling zone 29 can also be from 20°C to 80°C. In contrast, the temperature within the regeneration zone (REG) 13 can be as high as 150°C.

[0124] An example of rotational state monitoring of the rotor or drum based on temperature can be based on the temperature information obtained by temperature sensors provided in the corresponding regions within the pressure vessel. In Figure 7DIn an embodiment, each part can be considered to extend around a cross-sectional circle of the axis of a cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, the starting point or origin of which circle starts at the position marked 0°, including parts 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 of substantially equal size, which overlap at least a part of the cooling zone 29 and the regeneration zone 13.

[0125] A first temperature sensor T41 can be arranged at a first position within the regeneration zone 13, and a second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 can be arranged at a second position within the regeneration zone 13, such as Figure 1B and Figure 7D shown in. The first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 can be arranged in, on or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at a first position within the regeneration zone 13. The second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 can be arranged in, on or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at a second position within the regeneration zone 13. As described herein, the rotational state monitoring of the rotor or drum can include determining the rotational position of the rotor, the rotational speed of the rotor, whether the rotor has stopped or in other words whether the rotor is not rotating relative to the pressure vessel, and the rotational direction of the rotor or rotating drum.

[0126] Figure 7D shows a typical evolution of the temperature in the regeneration outlet sector extending over a total of approximately 105° (90° + 15° = 105°) of the circle defining the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, starting from the origin or starting position marked 0° to the position marked 105°. Since the regeneration gas or regeneration air is provided at a higher temperature than the compressed gas or compressed air to be dried in the drying zone, the temperature within the regeneration zone increases and is greater at the second position detected by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 than at the first position detected by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41. The first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 can be arranged in an early stage of the regeneration zone 13 (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°), within the regeneration zone 13 from approximately 0° to 45° from the origin of 0°, preferably 5° to 40°, more preferably 10° to 40°, and even more preferably between 20° and 25°. The second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 can be arranged at the second position, in a later stage of the regeneration zone, at a greater distance from the origin of 0°, within the regeneration zone 13 from approximately 50° to 90° from the origin of 0°, more preferably between 70° and 90° from the origin of 0°, more preferably between 85° and 90° from the origin of 0°, and even more preferably approximately 88° from the origin of 0° within the regeneration zone 13.

[0127] Optionally, a third temperature sensor T43 may be included at a third location within the regeneration zone 13, such as within the section 74. The temperature sensor T43 may not be essential or necessary. However, temperature data obtained from the third temperature sensor T43 is provided herein to better understand the temperature variations within different parts of the regeneration zone 13 when the rotor is rotating correctly relative to the pressure vessel 11 and when the rotor stops.

[0128] Figure 7E Shown are temperature sensor signals received at the controller 100 from the temperature sensors T41 and T42 as well as the temperature sensor T43. The rotation or stop of the rotor relative to the pressure vessel is provided at the Figure 7E bottom. The signals and data obtained from the temperature sensors T41 and T42 are particularly important because the stop of the drum rotation can be detected by the rapid increase in the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor T41. When the rotor is rotating, the temperature sensed by T41 is typically the lowest among the temperatures sensed by the sensors T41, T42, or T43, while when the rotor stops, the temperature sensed by T41 is typically the highest among the temperatures sensed by the sensors T41, T42, or T43. The stop also causes a significant decrease in the temperature at the temperature sensor T42, which is typically the highest among the temperatures sensed by the sensors T41, T42, or T43 under normal rotation of the rotating drum. However, when the rotor becomes stopped, the temperature of T42 becomes the lowest among the temperatures sensed by the sensors T41, T42, or T43 due to the interaction with the adjacent cooling flow in the cooling zone 29. That is, the proximity of the temperature sensor T42 to the cooling zone 29 causes the temperature at the location of the sensor T42 to become cooler.

[0129] In another embodiment, the correct rotation direction of the rotating drum or the rotation stop of the rotating drum can be determined efficiently and effectively using the following formula:

[0130] If T42 - T41 < 0, then RPH = 0; and

[0131] Otherwise, T42 - T41 > 0.

[0132] Figure 7F Shown is additional information regarding the revolutions per hour (RPH) of the rotating drum determined based on the temperature sensor signals received at the controller 100 from the temperature sensors T41 and T42. Similar to Figure 7E , at the actually measured rotor RPH at Figure 7FRotation or stoppage of the rotor relative to the pressure vessel is provided at the bottom. The double-dashed line “—--—” represents the calculation of the usually highest temperature at sensor T42 (at a later part of the regeneration zone in the case of rotor rotation) minus the usually lowest temperature at sensor T41 (at an earlier part of the regeneration zone). The temperature at T42 (“—-—”) and the temperature at T41 (“—-—”) are also respectively shown in Figure 7F the graph data of. It can be seen therefrom when the rotor stops relative to the pressure vessel, as shown when the double-dashed line “—--—” is below zero, which is associated with the known stoppage (RPH = 0) indicated by the measured RPH marked at the bottom of the graph. Similarly, if the rotation direction of the rotary drum is reversed, then this will also be detected by the analysis of the temperature data received from sensors T41 and T42, because the temperatures at the two corresponding positions will become opposite when the rotary drum rotates in the correct (counterclockwise) direction.

[0133] Therefore, the monitoring of the rotational position, speed or direction based on temperature according to the temperature readings obtained by the temperature sensors of the dryer system and sent to the controller 100 for monitoring and analysis can provide a cheaper, faster and “faultless” solution for confirming problems of drum stoppage or incorrect rotation, while freeing up space within the motor or dryer system and reducing current pin connectors, thereby reducing costs. Additionally, since no additional position sensors such as Hall effect sensors are required in the method and system of the present disclosure, the risk of sensor failure in the system is small.

[0134] According to the monitoring of the correct rotation of the rotor based on temperature, a notification or alarm can be sent by the controller 100 to the system operator or user. Alternatively, the controller 100 can take remedial measures to prevent system damage caused by incorrect rotation (stoppage or rotation in the wrong direction) of the rotor relative to the pressure vessel.

[0135] In Figure 7C and Figure 7D In the above example of the embodiment, three temperature sensors T41, T42 and T43 are shown, which are arranged in the regeneration zone 13. In a preferred embodiment, the dryer system includes two temperature sensors, namely a first temperature sensor T41 and a second temperature sensor T42. The first temperature sensor T41 is arranged at a first position within the regeneration zone 13 between 20° and 25° from the origin 0°, and the second temperature sensor T42 is arranged at a second position between 85° and 90° (about 88° from the origin 0°). The regeneration zone extends about 90° from the origin 0° of the rotor, and particularly strict rotation monitoring and determination of stoppage or rotation in the wrong direction can be carried out, as described above.

[0136] However, the concepts of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to or requiring the two temperature sensors T41 and T42 as described above. For example, a single temperature sensor within the regeneration zone may be used. For example, the temperature fluctuations at the relative positions of sensors T41 or T42 may be considered individually and uniquely to monitor the correct rotation of the rotor based on, for example Figure 7E the data shown in. Additionally, although in the embodiments described so far, the temperature sensors are described as being located within the pressure vessel. However, this is not necessary. For example, the temperature sensors may be provided outside the pressure vessel, such as a thermocouple that measures the temperature at a certain part of the pressure vessel or an infrared analyzer that obtains a temperature reading outside the pressure vessel. Importantly, the temperature data obtained indicates the temperature within the pressure vessel and within a predetermined region or volume of the rotor.

[0137] As mentioned regarding sensor T43, additional or alternative temperature sensors may be included in the regeneration zone 13. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1C , a first drying zone temperature sensor T21 may be provided at at least a first position within the drying zone 12. A second drying zone temperature sensor T22 may be provided at a second position within the drying zone 12. Additional temperature sensors may be included in the drying zone 12. Although not shown, different temperature sensors may also be provided at different positions within the cooling zone 29. Similar to the analysis provided above for the temperature sensors provided in the regeneration zone, in these embodiments, the stop or reverse movement of the rotary drum is detected by analyzing the temperature data received at the controller 100 from the sensors T21 and T22 within the drying zone or from a single temperature sensor T21 or a single temperature sensor T22 or optionally even from the sensors within the cooling zone 29.

[0138] Furthermore, although the temperature sensors provided within the pressure vessel (such as sensors T41 and T42) are shown as examples provided near the bottom or the outlet side of the regeneration zone, this is not necessarily the case. The corresponding temperature sensors within the pressure vessel may be provided on the side walls or any side within the area to be measured. The temperature sensors used are not necessarily within the same area within the pressure vessel. Instead, temperature comparison or temperature measurement at a single position may be used to determine the rotational or non-rotational state of the rotary drum or the rotational direction of the rotary drum.

[0139] Although not shown, the Venturi injector 21 may be provided with a controllable opening driven by a drive rod having a gear drive. The pressure drop in the main stream 18 of the gas to be dried caused by the controllable opening can be measured by pressure sensors P1 and P2 communicating with the control unit 100. The control unit 100 determines the control signal 102 to be applied to the driver 121 based on this. By changing the position of the controllable opening, the pressure drop changes, and thus the suction force applied to the shunt 19 for regeneration changes. In this way, the flow rate of the shunt for regeneration can be controlled.

[0140] As described above, in each embodiment according to Figure 1A - Figure 1C and Figures 2 to 6 the drive rotor 114 is arranged to rotate the drum 14 relative to the axis of rotational symmetry of the pressure vessel 11. The drive means may comprise a motor, preferably an electric motor. The electric motor may be configured to drive the rotor within the pressure vessel at a speed greater than 0 and less than 100 revolutions per hour (RPH). A typical rotational speed of the rotor within the pressure vessel is less than 10 RPH. A typical rotational speed of the rotor within the pressure vessel is about 5 RPH. The electric motor may have a variable speed controller or may have a start / stop controller. The speed of the electric motor or whether the electric motor is started or stopped is controlled by a first control signal 101 from the control unit 100.

[0141] The start / stop controller is arranged to switchingly start and stop the motor, thereby providing an adjustable average rotational speed of the drum relative to the axis of rotational symmetry. More specifically, the start / stop controller is set to switch the start and stop of the motor during a preferred continuous operation of the dryer, wherein on the one hand a continuous flow of compressed gas is supplied to the drying zone and dried therein, and on the other hand a continuous (shunt) flow of compressed gas to be dried is directed to the regeneration zone to regenerate the desiccant. Compared to, for example, frequency control for adjusting the rotational speed of an electric motor, the start / stop controller is more economically advantageous and can thus provide cost savings in terms of investment costs. In addition, the start / stop controller is less complex and requires less control electronics. In particular, the start / stop controller only needs to switch the start and stop of the motor according to a desired duty cycle (in terms of on / off ratio) in order to provide a desired average rotational speed of the drum. Additionally, the start / stop controller can rotate the drum relative to the axis of rotational symmetry in stages, for example, each precise movement corresponding to the size of the regeneration zone (or a part thereof), and then stopping the movement of that part for a given period of time. Another advantage of the start / stop controller is that the range of average rotational speeds is wider compared to when frequency control is employed; in particular, the average rotational speed can be adjusted from 0 to the maximum motor speed.

[0142] The dryer system according to the present disclosure may include a start / stop controller. The average speed may be the maximum motor speed v max1 / 3 of which, the average speed can be the maximum speed v of the motor max 2 / 3 (1) thereof. The duty cycle has a period T. The average speed can be changed by changing the time during which the motor is started during the period T. The average speed can also be changed by keeping the starting time of the motor constant and changing the stopping time of the motor, which means that the length T of the duty cycle is variable.

[0143] In another embodiment that can be included together with the above-described embodiments, a relatively high-temperature and saturated gas (such as air) is supplied to the inlet 15 for the gas to be dried. The gas being at a relatively high temperature T1 means that it has a relatively high moisture content, so the drying drum 14 needs to remove more moisture from the gas, which in turn means that more regeneration is required, and thus a higher regeneration gas flow rate is needed. By measuring the temperature T1 (which can vary depending on, for example, the ambient temperature of the compressor equipment), a measure of the moisture load of the gas supplied to the inlet 15 can be obtained. The control unit 100 can control the flow rate of the regeneration flow (the shunt for regeneration) according to T1; specifically, as T1 increases, the control unit increases the flow rate, for example, according to a predetermined table or characteristic control curve. The normal operation of the dryer can be monitored by the feedback provided by the measurement of the pressure dew point sensor "PDP" at the outlet 16.

[0144] In another embodiment that can be included together with the embodiments described herein, if the flow rate of the regeneration flow changes (for example, to keep the pressure dew point PDP stable or within a certain range, or varies depending on pressure fluctuations), then preferably the cooling of the outflowing regeneration flow 19 and / or the rotational speed of the adjustment drum 14 are adjusted according to the flow rate of the regeneration flow. By measuring the pressure drop across the venturi ejector 21, a measure of the regeneration flow rate can be obtained. The control unit 100 can, for example, control the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the cooling device 20 to cool the outflowing regeneration flow, or can control the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the cooling device 91 to cool the combined flow (the supply flow of the regeneration flow and the gas to be dried), such that more cooling is performed when the regeneration flow increases, thereby avoiding the situation of too little cooling due to an increase in the regeneration flow rate. In combination with or independently of this, the control unit 100 can control the rotational speed of the drum 14 according to the regeneration flow rate to optimize the ratio between them. In this way, the control unit can take into account the life of the desiccant and can adjust the drum speed to adapt to any decrease in the regeneration or absorption capacity of the desiccant over time.

[0145] Among the above parameters, it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, T1 is based on Figures 2 to 6 the mixture provided in the embodiment, wherein the shunt for regeneration returns to the main pipeline 18 of the supply flow of the compressed gas to be dried via the connecting pipeline 19. This can be accomplished by a controllable device, such as a venturi ejector 21 or other controllable devices for generating a pressure difference and maintaining the shunt for regeneration.

[0146] Temperature - based self - learning dryer system speed control to improve efficiency and stability

[0147] In addition to and in combination with the above monitoring of the rotational speed and direction of the rotor, the rotational speed of the rotor disposed in the pressure vessel is particularly important for the efficiency and stability of the operation of the dryer system. This document describes a particularly effective, simple, robust, and efficient method and system for accurate and rapid monitoring using temperature-based parameters and for improving the efficiency and stability of a rotary drum. The temperature-based method and system described herein provide improved efficiency and stability without relying on the numerous parameters and variables previously considered and used in efficiency calculations as described in the background art section. The inventors have found that temperature-based parameters are the key to determining the efficiency and stability of the performance of the dryer system. All rotary drum dryers can be improved and benefited from temperature-based rotor speed control based on the principles described in this disclosure.

[0148] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing relevant measurable temperatures of a dryer system having a drying zone or adsorption zone (ADS) and a regeneration zone (REG) is shown. Compressed gas to be dried having a temperature Temp1 is received into the drying zone ADS. Dried compressed gas having a temperature Temp2 exits the drying zone ADS through the dryer outlet. Regeneration gas having a temperature Temp3 is received into the regeneration zone REG, and regeneration gas having a temperature Temp4 exits the regeneration zone REG.

[0149] The rotational speed of the rotor in the dryer or within the pressure vessel will determine the balance that can be considered between the quality of the regeneration process within the regeneration zone and the amount of time the rotor is considered to be in the "operating state". Depending on the environment in which a particular dryer is located, including ambient temperature, the quality of the dried compressed gas required, humidity, altitude, etc., different optimal rotor speeds are required. In the method and system described herein, the performance of adsorption or drying and regeneration is monitored and optimized based on temperature-based parameters. Based on the temperature-based parameters, the controller of the dryer system will calculate and confirm the optimal or balanced values of regeneration and adsorption performed by the dryer system.

[0150] The dryer system as described herein can be initially manufactured to include or a dryer system that has already been manufactured can be upgraded to include the features of the dryer system described herein or to perform the temperature-based speed control described herein.

[0151] The rotational speed or revolutions per hour (RPH) or revolutions per minute (RPM) is a key factor in determining the performance and efficiency of the dryer, as it determines how long the rotor is in the "operating state" in the drying zone and how much regeneration time is given to the rotor. The optimal or most efficient or balanced speed provides sufficient regeneration time while keeping the rotor in the operating state for an optimal time. Therefore, although the drying zone and the regeneration zone are within the same pressure vessel and thus have the same rotational speed, the balance must be determined or calculated to confirm the most efficient or optimal rotational speed. The inventors of the present disclosure have found that this balance can be effectively and efficiently determined and calculated primarily or even more preferably based only on temperature readings obtained from the gas within the pressure vessel, e.g., by one or more, preferably all four, of the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried, the temperature of the dried compressed gas, the temperature of the regeneration gas entering the regeneration zone, and the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone T1, T2, T3, and T4.

[0152] Figure 9 Steps and aspects of an example of a temperature-based method 900 performed by a controller according to a preferred embodiment are shown for improving the rotational stability and efficiency of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system. In step 901, the controller controls the rotation of the rotor speed to rotate at a predetermined initial reference speed. The predetermined initial reference speed is selected within the range of the maximum speed and the minimum speed shown. The adjustment or control of the initial reference speed can be accomplished using the free air delivery (FAD) or the compressor speed. Depending on whether FAD or the compressor speed is selected, the reference speed, the minimum speed (MIN), and the maximum speed (MAX) are represented by a 2-point curve or a 3-point curve. Figure 10 As an example, the FAD calculation can be obtained based on the following geometric, computational, and measured inputs and steps.

[0153] As an example, the air density ρ0 can be 1188 g / m

[0154]

[0155] ³, the nozzle inlet diameter can be 128 mm, the nozzle outlet diameter can be 53 mm, the compressor unloaded flow rate can be 250 l / s, and the compressor loaded flow rate can be 300 l / s. 3

[0156] The maximum and minimum limits of the initial reference speed set the boundaries within which the controller can freely operate and work. The rotational speed should not exceed the maximum limit or be lower than the minimum limit. This ensures that the control and regulation remain within a known region ("known range") and avoids damage caused by operating under adverse conditions or possible incorrect calculations.

[0157] As an example of parameters used in the FAD calculation for determining the initial reference speed, the FAD at point 1 can be 350 l / s, the dryer reference speed at point 1 can be 600 rpm, the dryer minimum speed at point 1 can be 350 rpm, and the dryer maximum speed at point 1 can be 950; and the FAD at point 2 can be 1050 l / s, the dryer reference speed at point 2 can be 1180 rpm, the dryer minimum speed at point 2 can be 830 rpm, and the dryer maximum speed at point 2 can be 1530 rpm.

[0158] After waiting for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of rotations or revolutions (or fraction of a revolution), the stability of the dryer system at the initial reference speed is determined at step 910. The stability check can be performed by retrieving a sample of the dryer motor speed measured at a given time and ensuring that the actual dryer speed does in fact remain within a certain range defined by the maximum and minimum speeds over a certain number of complete rotations or a certain period of time. Figure 11 Illustrated is a measurable difference (offset) between the initial reference speed at which the controller sends a signal to the drive to operate the dryer and the actually measured dryer speed. During the first startup, the temperatures (Temp1, Temp2, Temp3, and Temp4) of the dryer are unstable but become stable over time. To avoid prematurely starting the stability check procedure, a parameter can be introduced to have a certain waiting time or a certain number of rotations before starting the stability check. In other words, based on a predetermined parameter, the controller waits for a certain period of time or number of rotations (or fraction of a revolution) before retrieving the first sample temperature value. In a preferred example, the waiting period is set to 2 complete rotations of the rotor, or at least 1 to 3 complete rotations.

[0159] After determining the stability of the dryer system, first temperature data is received in step 920. In a preferred embodiment, the first temperature data includes Figure 8 temperature readings or measurements indicating one or more (and most preferably all) of the four temperatures Temp1, Temp2, Temp3, and Temp4 of the dryer system. As described above, the temperature data for the temperatures Temp1, Temp2, Temp3, and Temp4 can be obtained by one or more corresponding temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4, T41, T42, T43, T21, and T21 of the system of the Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, Temp2 is measured at the outlet 16 duct. In a preferred embodiment, Temp4 is obtained at or near the rotating end of the regeneration zone, for example, within sections 73, 74, or 75, as Figure 7DAs shown. For example, Temp4 can be obtained by sensor T43, or preferably by sensor T42.

[0160] Based on the first temperature data obtained when the dryer rotates at an initial reference speed, the controller calculates a first performance factor PF1 based on the first temperature data. Calculating the first performance factor PF1 can include multiplying a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at a first speed by a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed. In a preferred embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed includes calculating a first parameter REG, which is calculated based on the following example of Equation 1 for REG:

[0161]

[0162] where T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone.

[0163] According to another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed includes calculating a first parameter REG, which is calculated based on the following example of Equation 2 for REG:

[0164]

[0165] where T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, a is a non-zero value or constant, b is a non-zero value or constant, c is a non-zero value or constant, z is a positive, negative or constant value, or z can be equal to zero. In the example of Equation 2 for calculating REG, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1.

[0166] According to another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed includes calculating a first parameter REG, which is calculated based on the following example of Equation 3 for REG:

[0167]

[0168] where T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, T41 is the temperature sensed by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor, T42 is the temperature sensed by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor, and the first regeneration zone temperature sensor is set at an earlier stage (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°) of the regeneration zone compared to the position where the second regeneration zone temperature sensor is set in the regeneration zone.

[0169] According to another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed includes calculating a first parameter REG, which is calculated based on the following example of Equation 4 for REG:

[0170]

[0171] Among them, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, T41 is the temperature sensed by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor, T42 is the temperature sensed by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged at an earlier stage of the regeneration zone (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°) compared to the position where the second regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged in the regeneration zone, a is a non-zero value or a constant, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or z can be equal to zero. In an example of Equation 4 for calculating REG, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1.

[0172] According to another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed includes calculating a first parameter REG, which is calculated based on the following example of Equation 5 for REG:

[0173]

[0174] Among them, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, T41 is the temperature sensed by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor, T42 is the temperature sensed by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor, and the first regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged at an earlier stage of the regeneration zone (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°) compared to the position where the second regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged in the regeneration zone.

[0175] According to another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed includes calculating a first parameter REG, which is calculated based on the following example of Equation 6 for REG:

[0176]

[0177] Among them, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, T41 is the temperature sensed by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor, T42 is the temperature sensed by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged at an earlier stage of the regeneration zone (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°) compared to the position where the second regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged in the regeneration zone, a is a non-zero value or a constant, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, d is a non-zero value or a constant, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or z can be equal to zero. In an example of Equation 6 for calculating REG, one or more of a, b, c, and d can be equal to 1.

[0178] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed and the second speed includes calculating a second parameter ADS, which is calculated based on Equation 1 for ADS as follows:

[0179]

[0180] where T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, and T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone.

[0181] According to another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed and the second speed includes calculating a second parameter ADS, which is calculated based on Equation 2 for ADS as follows:

[0182]

[0183] where T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, a is a non-zero value or a constant, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or z can be equal to zero. In an example of Equation 2 for calculating ADS, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1.

[0184] In addition, in another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed and the second speed includes calculating a second parameter ADS, which is calculated based on Equation 3 for ADS as follows:

[0185]

[0186] where T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, and TCW is the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature). Alternatively, in an alternative air-cooling embodiment, the parameter of TCW can be replaced by TCF (cooling flow temperature), which is the temperature of the cooling air flow.

[0187] In addition, in another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed and the second speed includes calculating a second parameter ADS, which is calculated based on Equation 4 for ADS as follows:

[0188]

[0189] Wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, and TCW is the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature). Alternatively, in an alternative air-cooling embodiment, the parameter of TCW can be replaced by TCF (cooling flow temperature), which is the temperature of the cooling air flow, a is a non-zero value or a constant, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or z can be equal to zero. In an example of Equation 4 for calculating ADS, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1.

[0190] In addition, in another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed and the second speed includes calculating a second parameter ADS, which is calculated based on Equation 5 for ADS as follows:

[0191]

[0192] Wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, and TCW is the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature). Alternatively, in an alternative air-cooling embodiment, the parameter of TCW can be replaced by TCF (cooling flow temperature), which is the temperature of the cooling air flow.

[0193] In addition, in another embodiment, calculating the first performance factor PF1 at the first speed and the second speed includes calculating a second parameter ADS, which is calculated based on Equation 6 for ADS as follows:

[0194]

[0195] Wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, and TCW is the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature). Alternatively, in an alternative air-cooling embodiment, the parameter of TCW can be replaced by TCF (cooling flow temperature), which is the temperature of the cooling air flow, a is a non-zero value or a constant, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, d is a non-zero value or a constant, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or z can be equal to zero. In an example of Equation 6 for calculating ADS, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, in the numbered embodiments and claims, the non-zero values or constants a, b, c, and d and the positive value, negative value or constant z used to calculate the first parameter REG are not necessarily the same as the non-zero values or constants a, b, c, and d and the positive value, negative value or constant z used to calculate the second parameter ADS, and may actually be different. In a preferred embodiment, the controller calculates a first performance factor PF1 by multiplying the first parameter REG and the second parameter ADS based on the temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at a first speed, which is the initial reference speed.

[0196] After calculating the first performance factor in step 920, the controller performs an adjustment of the rotational speed of the dryer. In the adjustment, the rotational speed of the dryer can be increased or decreased by a predetermined amount. For example, the rotational speed of the dryer can be adjusted in increments of 1 RPH, decreased by 1 RPH or increased by 1 RPH. The adjustment of the dryer speed can be increased or decreased by up to 5 RRH or 10 RPH. Alternatively, the adjustment can be much smaller, such as increasing or decreasing the RPH by 0.5 RPH, 0.25 RPH, 0.125 RPH, 0.1 RPH, 0.05 RPH, 0.01 RPH, or as small as 0.001 RPH. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment of the rotational speed of the dryer includes increasing the RPH of the dryer by 1.0 RPH, 0.5 RPH or 0.25 RPH. In another embodiment, the adjustment of the rotational speed of the dryer includes decreasing the RPH of the dryer by 1.0 RPH, 0.5 RPH or 0.25 RPH.

[0197] After adjusting the rotational speed of the dryer in step 930, the controller waits for a period of time or a certain number of rotations to allow the dryer to reach equilibrium. After waiting for a period of time, when the dryer rotates at a second speed different from the initial reference speed, temperature data is obtained again, or in other words, second or subsequent temperature data is obtained.

[0198] In a preferred embodiment, the second temperature data matches the data obtained in the first temperature data, including after waiting for a period of time and when the dryer rotates at a second speed after the speed adjustment as Figure 8Temperature readings or measurements indicating one or more (most preferably all) of the four temperatures Temp1, Temp2, Temp3, and Temp4 of the dryer system. As described above, it can be obtained by Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C from one or more of the corresponding temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4, T41, T42, T43, T21, and T21 of the system of the embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, Temp2 is measured again at the outlet 16 duct. In a preferred embodiment, Temp4 is obtained at or near the rotating end of the regeneration zone, for example, within parts 73, 74, or 75, as Figure 7D shown, similar to the acquisition of the first temperature data. For example, Temp4 can be obtained by sensor T43 or preferably by sensor T42.

[0199] Based on the second temperature data obtained when the dryer rotates at the second speed (after speed adjustment), the controller calculates the second performance factor PF2 based on the second temperature data. Similar to the calculation of the first performance factor PF1, calculating the second performance factor PF2 may include multiplying a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed by a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed. For example, calculating the second performance factor PF2 at the second speed may include calculating the first parameter REG at the second speed, and the first parameter is calculated based on an example of Equation 1 to Equation 6 for REG provided in the above paragraphs

[121] to

[126] . For example, in a preferred embodiment, calculating the second performance factor PF2 at the second speed includes calculating the first parameter REG again, and the first parameter can be calculated based on the following calculation:

[0200]

[0201] where, when the dryer operates at the second speed, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone.

[0202] In addition, calculating the second performance factor PF2 at the second speed may include calculating the second parameter ADS at the second speed, and the second parameter is calculated based on an example of Equation 1 to Equation 6 for ADS provided in paragraphs

[127] to

[132] . For example, in a preferred embodiment, calculating the second performance factor PF1 at the second speed includes calculating the second parameter ADS, and the second parameter can be calculated based on the following:

[0203]

[0204] Wherein, when the dryer operates at the second speed, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, and T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone.

[0205] In a preferred embodiment, the controller calculates the second performance factor PF2 by multiplying a first parameter REG and a second parameter ADS based on temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at the second speed.

[0206] Then, the calculated performance factors PF1 and PF2 are compared by the controller. Then, based on the comparison of the performance factors, the controller determines whether to repeat the speed adjustment 970A, maintain the adjusted speed 970B, or reverse the speed adjustment 970C.

[0207] Although the temperature data is specifically modified above to achieve the specified first parameter REG and second parameter ADS, other modifications or manipulations can be performed on the temperature data to evaluate or analyze the efficiency performance of the dryer at that particular speed. The inventors have found that the above parameters for REG and ADS are particularly effective, accurate, and stringent. However, the inventive concept of the present disclosure should not be considered to specifically require these specified parameters REF and ADS, and other parameters and performance factors can be envisioned while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0208] In the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the second performance factor is calculated by the controller to be superior (e.g., lower) than the first performance factor, the controller can make a second adjustment of the speed to reach a third speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed. In this case, compared with the first speed adjustment of the dryer speed, the second adjustment will be in the same "direction" (i.e., increasing). The magnitude of the second adjustment can be greater than, equal to, or less than the first adjustment.

[0209] In the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the second performance factor is calculated by the controller to be superior (e.g., lower) than the first performance factor, the controller can make a second adjustment of the speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed. In this case, compared with the first speed adjustment of the dryer speed, the second adjustment of the dryer speed will be in the same direction (i.e., decreasing). The magnitude of the second adjustment can be greater than, equal to, or less than the first adjustment.

[0210] In the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the second performance factor is calculated by the controller to be less favorable (e.g., higher) than the first performance factor, the controller can make a second adjustment of the speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed. In this case, compared with the first speed adjustment of the dryer speed, the second adjustment will be reversed or in the opposite direction (i.e., decreasing), wherein the first adjustment is an increase in speed. The magnitude of the second adjustment can be greater than, equal to, or less than the first adjustment.

[0211] In the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the second performance factor is calculated by the controller to be less favorable (e.g., higher) than the first performance factor, the controller can make a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed. In this case, compared with the first speed adjustment of the dryer rotational speed, the second adjustment will be reversed or in the opposite direction (i.e., increasing), where the first adjustment is a reduction in rotational speed. The magnitude of the second adjustment can be greater than, equal to, or less than the first adjustment.

[0212] In the case where the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 are the same as each other or within a predetermined range or threshold, the controller can instruct the dryer to return to the lower one of the first rotational speed or the second rotational speed, or maintain operation at the adjusted rotational speed.

[0213] After the second speed adjustment is made, whether by repeating the rotational speed adjustment (with the same or different magnitudes), maintaining the adjusted rotational speed, or returning to the first rotational speed, or reversing the rotational speed adjustment (with the same or different magnitudes), it is allowed to pass a certain period of time or a certain number of rotations (or fractional rotations) to repeat the cycle, and calculate the third performance factor PF3 at the third rotational speed and the resulting temperature, in the same way as calculating PF1 and PF2. Then, compare the third performance factor PF3 with the second performance factor PF2, and the controller executes the same decision process to determine the next or subsequent rotational speed adjustment (or maintain the same rotational speed).

[0214] It should be noted that the extent of the second adjustment and all subsequent adjustments can be determined from the comparison or difference between the two previous performance factors. As Figure 9 shown, repeat the cycle of steps 940 to 970 while maintaining the stability of the dryer. If the dryer loses stability, for example, when the load is released or the dryer is idle, the cycle can be restarted at step 901 at a rotational speed set to the first initial reference speed.

[0215] The repetition of the cycle of method 900 is shown in Figure 12 the chart of the calculated performance factors shown. In Figure 12Among them, based on the first temperature data, the first performance factor PF1 is calculated at time T0, and the rotational speed adjustment is performed by increasing the RPH of the dryer by 1 RPH. Subsequently, at time T2, based on the second temperature data, the second performance factor PH2 is calculated. Since the second performance factor is more favorable (in this case, lower) than the first performance factor PF1, a second rotational speed adjustment is made to the dryer, changing by 1 RPH in the same direction (in this case, increasing). However, at time T3, based on the third temperature data, the third performance factor PF3 is calculated, which is less favorable (in this case, higher) than the second performance factor PF2. Based on the comparison between the second performance factor PF2 and the third performance factor PF3, the rotational speed of the dryer is reduced. But this time, the magnitude of the rotational speed reduction is different from the previous adjustment. For example, in Figure 12 In the embodiment, the rotational speed adjustment is a reduction of 0.5 RPH (i.e., -0.5 RPH). Subsequently, at time T3, based on the fourth temperature data, the fourth performance factor PF4 is calculated. Since the fourth performance factor is more favorable (i.e., improved) than the third performance factor, the controller continues to make a speed adjustment in the same direction (reducing the rotational speed) by the same magnitude of 0.5 (i.e., -0.5) RPH. At time T4, the cycle continues, and the fifth temperature data is calculated to reflect a fifth performance factor that is more favorable (in this case, smaller) than the fourth performance factor, which results in another speed adjustment of the RPH in the same direction (i.e., continuing to reduce) by the same magnitude of 0.5 (i.e., -0.5) RPH. However, at time T5, the calculated sixth performance factor PF6 is less favorable compared to PF5, so the controller then increases the rotational speed by 0.5 RPH as a speed adjustment. Thus, the cycle continues. The cycle can be repeated relatively frequently to achieve efficient and balanced operation of the dryer system. For example, temperature data can be obtained and the performance factors can be calculated and compared at intervals of every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, at 20 - second or 30 - second intervals, or at intervals of 1 to 5 minutes or 1 to 30 minutes, or hourly, or at even larger intervals.

[0216] Figure 13 shows a logic table applied by the controller according to an embodiment (e.g., according to the method shown in Figure 12 )

[0217] When there is an "inversion" or in other words a change in the direction of temperature increase or decrease, the controller can "halve" the speed adjustment. This allows the controller to more efficiently reach the most efficient rotational speed. For example, as Figure 12As shown, at time T2, due to the reversal, the magnitude of the adjustment is halved. The adjustment can be subdivided differently, for example, by factors of 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1 / 4, or 3 / 4, or by decimals, for example, by factors of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, or 0.75. Additionally, a counter can be used to limit the number of reversals that can occur before the adjustment is reset to the default adjustment (e.g., +1RPH or -RPH). An adjustment step can be used to limit the percentage of the speed that will be adjusted first. However, the minimum adjustment step can be set to the lowest possible speed adjustment allowed by the controller. Additionally, the calculation of each performance factor can be based on the average of the temperature data obtained over a period of time. For example, the performance factor can be calculated at intervals of every 1, 5, 10, or 30 minutes based on the average of the temperature data obtained during that time period (e.g., every 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.).

[0218] As Figure 9 shown, the method also includes or optionally includes writing the rotational speed data, temperature data, and / or the calculated performance factor to a memory. The memory can be a component of the controller or located external to the controller. In a preferred embodiment, the controller writes such data to the memory and accesses such data to perform and apply self-learning. The self-learning of the controller can be applied to Figure 9 many aspects of the method 900. For example, based on past data and self-learning, the initial reference speed when the dryer restarts can be set more accurately. Additionally, based on the stored data and self-learning, the direction (increase or decrease) of the first speed adjustment and the magnitude or increment of the first speed adjustment and subsequent speed adjustments can be improved, thereby allowing the controller to quickly and effectively reach the optimized rotational speed that can maximize the efficiency and stability of the dryer system.

[0219] Additionally, as Figure 14 shown, based on self-learning, when the compressor of the system restarts and reaches the same flow rate, for example, the learning from previous cycles can be utilized to immediately correct the speed of the dryer. When the compressor of the system unloads, the rotational speed difference relative to the initial reference speed can be saved and used as the optimized speed for the future (e.g., the next time the compressor reaches the same load range).

[0220] It is noteworthy that in this embodiment, the speed of the dryer is based only on the temperature data obtained from the dryer system. The speed has not been determined by other parameters believed or considered in the prior art, such as humidity, ambient temperature, altitude, pressure, etc. The inventors have found that this provides a particularly robust, efficient, and accurate solution for calculating the stable and optimized rotational speed of the dryer system.

[0221] Figure 15A , Figure 15B , Figure 15C and Figure 15DShows self - learning performed by a controller according to an embodiment for improving the rotational stability and efficiency of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system.

[0222] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include or utilize a special - purpose or general - purpose computer system, or a computing system, particularly in or alternatively in communication with a control unit or controller 100, which includes computer hardware such as one processor 150 or multiple processors 150 and a system memory 160, as discussed in more detail below. The controller 100 may be relatively close to the pressure vessel 11 and the driver 114, and receive and send hard - wired or wireless signals to and from other components of the dryer system. Alternatively, the controller 100 may be arranged to be remote from other components of the dryer system, and may receive signals from other components of the dryer system (including from one or more temperature sensors providing temperature data indicating one or more temperatures within the pressure vessel) and send signals to other components of the dryer system via a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or other network.

[0223] Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also include physical media and other computer - readable media for carrying or storing computer - executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer - readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general - purpose or special - purpose computer system. A computer - readable medium that stores computer - executable instructions and / or data structures is a computer - storage medium. A computer - readable medium that carries computer - executable instructions and / or data structures is a transmission medium. Thus, by way of example, embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least two distinctly different computer - readable media: computer - storage media and transmission media.

[0224] Computer - storage media is physical storage media for storing computer - executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media includes computer hardware such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid - state drives (“SSD”), flash memory, phase - change memory (“PCM”), optical disk memory, magnetic disk memory, or any other magnetic memory, or any other hardware memory that can be used to store program code in the form of computer - executable instructions or data structures, which can be included in or accessed and executed by the controller 100, a general - purpose computer system, or a special - purpose computer system to implement the functions disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0225] The transmission medium can include a network and / or a data link, which can be used to carry program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A network can be defined as one or more data links capable of transmitting electronic data between computer systems and / or between modules and / or between other electronic devices. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer system via a network or other communication connection (whether hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the computer system can regard the connection as a transmission medium. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0226] In addition, when reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can automatically be transferred from the transmission medium to a computer storage medium (and vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received via a network or a data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., “NIC”) and then ultimately transferred to the computer system RAM and / or the non-volatile computer storage medium of the computer system. Therefore, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize the transmission medium.

[0227] Computer-executable instructions can include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a general-purpose computer system, a special-purpose computer system, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or a set of functions. Computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions (such as assembly language), or even source code.

[0228] The disclosure of the present application can be implemented in a network computing environment having a variety of computer system configurations, including but not limited to personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, messaging processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablet computers, pagers, routers, switches, etc. The present disclosure can also be implemented in a distributed system environment, where local computer systems and remote computer systems are linked together via a network (whether a hardwired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of a hardwired data link and a wireless data link) and all perform tasks. Therefore, in a distributed system environment, a computer system can include multiple constituent computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in local memories and remote memories.

[0229] The disclosure of the present application can also be implemented in a cloud computing environment. The cloud computing environment can be distributed, but this is not necessary. When it is distributed, the cloud computing environment can be internationally distributed within an organization and / or have components owned across multiple organizations. In this specification and the appended claims, "cloud computing" is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, memory, applications, and services). The definition of cloud computing is not limited to any one of the numerous other advantages that can be obtained from such a model when appropriately deployed.

[0230] The cloud computing model can consist of various characteristics, such as on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, customized services, and so on. The cloud computing model can also take the form of various service models, such as software as a service ("SaaS"), platform as a service ("PaaS"), and infrastructure as a service ("IaaS"). The cloud computing model can also be deployed using different deployment models, such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so on.

[0231] Some embodiments, such as a cloud computing environment, can include a system that includes one or more hosts, each of which is capable of running one or more virtual machines. During operation, the virtual machines simulate an operating computing system, support an operating system, and perhaps also support one or more other applications. In some embodiments, each host includes a virtual machine monitor that uses physical resources abstracted from the perspective of the virtual machine to simulate virtual resources for the virtual machine. The virtual machine monitor also provides appropriate isolation between the virtual machines. Thus, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the virtual machine monitor provides the illusion that the virtual machine is interfacing with physical resources, even though the virtual machine is only interfacing with the appearance of physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing capabilities, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, media drives, and so on.

[0232] Throughout this specification and the claims, certain terms are used to refer to specific methods, features, or components. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, different people may refer to the same method, feature, or component by different names. This disclosure is not intended to distinguish between methods, features, or components that have different names but the same function. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features and components herein may be shown at an exaggerated scale or in a slightly schematic form, and details of some conventional elements may not be shown or described to facilitate clarity and conciseness.

[0233] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily understand upon reading this disclosure that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the concepts of this disclosure. Accordingly, any such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, although this disclosure contains many specific details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure or any of the appended claims, but merely as providing information related to one or more specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. Any described features from the various disclosed embodiments can be employed in combination. Additionally, other embodiments of this disclosure can be designed that also fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. Any additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be covered by the claims.

[0234] Certain embodiments and features may have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, ranges that include any combination of any two values (e.g., any combination of any lower value and any higher value, any combination of any two lower values, and / or any combination of any two higher values) are contemplated. A particular lower limit, upper limit, and range may appear in one or more of the following claims. Any numerical value is “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art are taken into account.

[0235] This disclosure provides various examples, embodiments, and features that, unless explicitly stated or mutually exclusive, should be understood to be combinable with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein.

[0236] In addition to the above, other embodiments and examples include the following:

[0237] 1. A compressed gas dryer system, comprising: a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, the drying zone having an inlet for receiving compressed gas to be dried into the drying zone and an outlet for discharging the dried compressed gas from the drying zone, the regeneration zone having an inlet for receiving regeneration gas into the regeneration zone and an outlet for discharging the regeneration gas from the regeneration zone; and a controller configured to receive temperature data indicative of the temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas discharged from the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas discharged from the regeneration zone, and / or indicative of the temperature within the drying zone, and / or the temperature within the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel, and based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel.

[0238] 2. The dryer system according to any one of the above 1 and / or any one of the following 3 - 39 or a combination thereof further includes one or more temperature sensors configured to obtain temperature data.

[0239] 3. The dryer system according to any one of the above 1 - 2 and / or any one of the following 4 - 39 or a combination thereof further includes a driver configured to drive a rotor disposed in a pressure vessel to rotate in a predetermined rotational direction at the rotational speed based on an input signal obtained from a controller.

[0240] 4. The dryer system according to any one of the above 1 - 3 and / or any one of the following 5 - 39 or a combination thereof, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor at a first speed, and when the rotor rotates at the first speed, the controller is configured to receive first temperature data indicating a first temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel when the rotor rotates at the first speed, wherein the controller is configured to perform a first adjustment to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a second speed different from the first speed, the second speed being higher or lower than the first speed, and wherein when the rotor rotates at the second speed, the controller is configured to receive second temperature data indicating a second temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0241] 5. The dryer system according to any one of the above 1 - 4 and / or any one of the following 6 - 39 or a combination thereof, wherein the controller is configured to compare the first temperature data and the second temperature data, and the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor based on the comparison, and the controller is configured to perform control to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor.

[0242] 6. The dryer system according to any one of the above 1 - 5 and / or any one of the following 7 - 39 or a combination thereof, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a first performance factor PF1 based on the first temperature data and calculate a second performance factor PF2 based on the second temperature data, and the controller is configured to compare the first performance factor and the second performance factor.

[0243] 7. The dryer system according to any one of the above 1 - 6 and / or any one of the following 8 - 39 or a combination thereof, wherein calculating the first performance factor PF1 includes multiplying a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed by a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed.

[0244] 8. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-7 and / or the following 9-39, wherein calculating the second performance factor PF2 includes multiplying a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed by a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed.

[0245] 9. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-8 and / or the following 10-39, wherein the controller is configured to make a second adjustment to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a third speed.

[0246] 10. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-9 and / or the following 11-39, in a case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to make a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed.

[0247] 11. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-10 and / or the following 12-39, in a case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to make a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed.

[0248] 12. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-11 and / or the following 13-39, in a case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to make a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed.

[0249] 13. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-12 and / or the following 14-39, in a case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to make a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed.

[0250] 14. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-13 and / or the following 15-39, wherein the second adjustment of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor to the third speed is an adjustment with a smaller amplitude than the first adjustment.

[0251] 15. The dryer system according to any one or combination of the above 1-14 and / or the following 16-39, wherein calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a first parameter REG at the first speed and the second speed, and the first parameter REG is calculated based on one of the following equations 1 to 6 for REG:

[0252]

[0253]

[0254] or

[0255]

[0256] wherein, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, wherein, T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, wherein, T41 is the temperature sensed by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor, and T42 is the temperature sensed by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor is disposed at an earlier stage (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°) of the regeneration zone compared to the position of the second regeneration zone temperature sensor disposed within the regeneration zone, and wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, and d is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b, c, and d can be equal to 1.

[0257] 16. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1 - 15 and / or the following 17 - 39, wherein calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a second parameter ADS at a first speed and a second speed, and the second parameter ADS is calculated based on one of the following equations 1 to 6 for ADS:

[0258]

[0259] or

[0260]

[0261] wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, wherein, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, and wherein, TCW is the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature). Alternatively, in an alternative air-cooling embodiment, the parameter of TCW can be replaced by TCF (cooling stream temperature), which is the temperature of the cooling air stream, wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, c is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, d is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b, c, and d can be equal to 1.

[0262] 17. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 16 and / or the following 18 - 39, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a first performance factor PF1 by multiplying a first parameter REG and a second parameter ADS based on temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at a first speed.

[0263] 18. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 17 and / or the following 19 - 39, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a second performance factor PF2 by multiplying a first parameter REG and a second parameter ADS based on temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at a second speed.

[0264] 19. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 18 and / or the following 20 - 39, wherein the temperature data indicates two or more of the following: compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature in the drying zone, and / or the temperature in the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0265] 20. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 19 and / or the following 21 - 39, wherein the temperature data indicates three or more of the following: compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature in the drying zone, and / or the temperature in the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0266] 21. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 20 and / or the following 22 - 39, wherein the temperature data indicates four or more of the following: compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature in the drying zone, and / or the temperature in the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0267] 22. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 21 and / or the following 23 - 39, wherein the temperature data indicates the temperatures of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone.

[0268] 23. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 1 - 22 and / or the following 24 - 39, wherein the temperature data indicates the temperature in the drying zone and the temperature in the regeneration zone.

[0269] 24. The dryer system according to any one or a combination of the above 1-23 and / or the following 25-39 further includes: a first temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone; a second temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone; a third temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone; and / or a fourth temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone.

[0270] 25. The dryer system according to any one or a combination of the above 1-24 and / or the following 26-39 further includes: a first temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone; a second temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone; a third temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone; and / or a fourth temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone.

[0271] 26. The dryer system according to any one or a combination of the above 1-25 and / or the following 27-39 further includes: a drying zone sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone; and / or a regeneration zone sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone; and / or a pressure vessel sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0272] 27. The dryer system according to any one or a combination of the above 1-26 and / or the following 28-39 further includes: a drying zone sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone; and a regeneration zone sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone.

[0273] 28. The dryer system according to any one or a combination of the above 1-27 and / or the following 29-39, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor only based on the received temperature data.

[0274] 29. The dryer system according to any one or a combination of the above 1-28 and / or the following 30-39, wherein the controller is configured to perform a first adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotor after a predetermined time after the dryer system is started.

[0275] 30. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-29 and / or the following 31-39, wherein the controller is configured to limit a first adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotor within a range defined by a predetermined minimum speed and a predetermined maximum speed.

[0276] 31. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-30 and / or the following 32-39, further comprising a memory in which past temperature data and the corresponding rotational speed of the rotor are stored.

[0277] 32. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-31 and / or the following 33-39, wherein data on past speed adjustments and resultant temperature data are stored in the memory.

[0278] 33. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-32 and / or the following 34-39, wherein data on calculated performance factors, efficiency factors, and / or stability factors corresponding to the past rotational speed of the rotor and past speed adjustments are stored in the memory.

[0279] 34. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-33 and / or the following 35-39, wherein the adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotor is performed by the controller based on self-learning executed by the controller and data stored in the memory.

[0280] 35. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-34 and / or the following 36-39, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor based on self-learning executed by the controller and data stored in the memory.

[0281] 36. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-35 and / or the following 37-39, wherein the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor based only on the received temperature data, self-learning, and data stored in the memory.

[0282] 37. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-36 and / or the following 38-39, further comprising a compressed gas source for providing compressed gas to be dried and a regeneration gas source for providing regeneration gas.

[0283] 38. The dryer system according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 1-37 and / or the following 39, wherein the dryer system is configured to operate at a rotational speed of the rotor within a range greater than 0 RPH and less than 30 RPH in a pressure vessel.

[0284] 39. The dryer system according to any one of 1-38 above or a combination thereof, wherein the dryer system is configured such that the difference between the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed is greater than 0 RPH and less than 5 RPH.

[0285] 40. A controller for a compressed gas dryer system, wherein the controller is configured to receive temperature data indicative of temperature readings of one or more of the following: compressed gas to be dried received into a drying zone of a pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into a regeneration zone of the compressed gas dryer system, and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or temperature data of the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; and based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel.

[0286] 41. A temperature-based method for enhancing the rotational stability and efficiency of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, the compressed gas dryer system including a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, the drying zone having an inlet for compressed gas to be dried to be received into the drying zone and an outlet for dried compressed gas to leave the drying zone, the regeneration zone having an inlet for regeneration gas to be received into the regeneration zone and an outlet for regeneration gas to leave the regeneration zone, the method comprising: receiving, by a controller, temperature data indicative of the temperature of one or more of compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or indicative of the temperature within the drying zone, and / or within the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; and controlling, by the controller, the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel based on the temperature data.

[0287] 42. The method according to 41 above or any one of 43-79 below or a combination thereof, further comprising obtaining the temperature data by one or more temperature sensors.

[0288] 43. The method according to any one of 41-42 and / or any one of 43-79 below or a combination thereof, further comprising driving the rotor at the rotational speed in a predetermined rotational direction by a driver based on an input signal obtained from the controller.

[0289] 44. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-43 and / or the following 45-79 includes controlling the rotational speed of the rotor at a first speed, and when the rotor rotates at the first speed, receiving, by a controller, first temperature data indicating a first temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel; making a first adjustment by the controller to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a second speed different from the first speed, the second speed being higher than or lower than the first speed; and when the rotor rotates at the second speed, receiving, by the controller, second temperature data indicating a second temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0290] 45. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-44 and / or the following 46-79 further includes comparing, by a controller, the first temperature data and the second temperature data; controlling, by the controller, the rotational speed of the rotor based on the comparison; and adjusting, by the controller, the rotational speed of the rotor.

[0291] 46. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-45 and / or the following 47-79 further includes calculating, by a controller, a first performance factor PF1 based on the first temperature data; calculating, by the controller, a second performance factor PF2 based on the second temperature data; and comparing, by the controller, the first performance factor and the second performance factor.

[0292] 47. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-46 and / or the following 48-79, wherein calculating the first performance factor PF1 includes multiplying a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed by a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed.

[0293] 48. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-47 and / or the following 49-79, wherein calculating the second performance factor PF2 includes multiplying a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed by a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed.

[0294] 49. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-48 and / or the following 50-79 further includes making a second adjustment by the controller to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a third speed.

[0295] 50. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-49 and / or the following 51-79, wherein, in the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed.

[0296] 51. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-50 and / or the following 52-79, wherein, in the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed.

[0297] 52. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-51 and / or the following 53-79, wherein, in the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed.

[0298] 53. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-52 and / or the following 54-79, wherein, in the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed.

[0299] 54. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-53 and / or the following 55-79, wherein the second adjustment for adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor to the third speed is an adjustment with a smaller amplitude than the first adjustment.

[0300] 55. The method according to any one or a combination of any of the above 41-54 and / or the following 56-79, wherein calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a first parameter REG at the first speed and the second speed, and the first parameter REG is calculated based on one of the following equations 1 to 6 for REG:

[0301]

[0302] or

[0303]

[0304] Wherein, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, wherein, T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, wherein, T41 is the temperature sensed by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor, and T42 is the temperature sensed by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor is arranged at an earlier stage (closer to the starting point or origin of 0°) of the regeneration zone compared to the position of the second regeneration zone temperature sensor in the regeneration zone, and wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, c is a non-zero value or a constant, and d is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b, c and d can be equal to 1.

[0305] 56. The method according to any one or a combination of the above 41-55 and / or the following 57-79, wherein calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a second parameter ADS at a first speed and a second speed, and the second parameter ADS is calculated based on one of the following equations 1 to 6 for ADS:

[0306]

[0307]

[0308] or

[0309]

[0310] Wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, wherein, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, and wherein, TCW is the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature). Alternatively, in an alternative air-cooling embodiment, the parameter of TCW can be replaced by TCF (cooling flow temperature), which is the temperature of the cooling air flow, wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, c is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, d is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b, c and d can be equal to 1.

[0311] 57. The method according to any one or a combination of the above 41-56 and / or the following 58-79, wherein the controller calculates the first performance factor PF1 by multiplying a first parameter REG and a second parameter ADS based on the temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at a first speed.

[0312] 58. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 41 - 57 and / or the following 59 - 79, wherein the controller calculates a second performance factor PF2 by multiplying a first parameter REG and a second parameter ADS based on temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at a second speed.

[0313] 59. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 41 - 58 and / or the following 60 - 79, wherein the temperature data indicates two or more of the following: the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature in the drying zone, and / or the temperature in the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0314] 60. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 41 - 59 and / or the following 61 - 79, wherein the temperature data indicates three or more of the following: the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature in the drying zone, and / or the temperature in the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0315] 61. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 41 - 60 and / or the following 62 - 79, wherein the temperature data indicates four or more of the following: the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature in the drying zone, and / or the temperature in the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel.

[0316] 62. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 41 - 61 and / or the following 63 - 79, wherein the temperature data indicates the temperatures of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone.

[0317] 63. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in the above 41 - 62 and / or the following 61 - 79, wherein the temperature data indicates the temperature in the drying zone and the temperature in the regeneration zone.

[0318] 64. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 63 and / or the following 65 - 79 further includes: obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone through a first temperature sensor; obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone through a second temperature sensor; obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone through a third temperature sensor; and / or obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone through a fourth temperature sensor.

[0319] 65. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 64 and / or the following 66 - 79 further includes: obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone through a first temperature sensor; obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone through a second temperature sensor; obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone through a third temperature sensor; and / or obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone through a fourth temperature sensor.

[0320] 66. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 65 and / or the following 67 - 79 further includes: obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone through a drying zone sensor; and / or obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone through a regeneration zone sensor; and / or obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the pressure vessel through a pressure vessel sensor.

[0321] 67. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 66 and / or the following 68 - 79 further includes: obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone through a drying zone sensor; and obtaining temperature data indicating the temperature at a position within the regeneration zone through a regeneration zone sensor.

[0322] 68. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 67 and / or the following 69 - 79, wherein the controller controls the rotational speed of the rotor only based on the received temperature data.

[0323] 69. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 68 and / or the following 70 - 79, wherein the controller makes a first adjustment to the rotational speed of the rotor after a predetermined time after the dryer system is started.

[0324] 70. The method according to any one or a combination thereof of the above 41 - 69 and / or the following 71 - 79, wherein the controller limits the first adjustment of the rotational speed of the rotor within a range defined by a predetermined minimum speed and a predetermined maximum speed.

[0325] 71. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 70 above and / or 72 - 79 below further includes using a memory to store past temperature data and the corresponding rotational speed of the rotor.

[0326] 72. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 71 above and / or 43 - 79 below further includes storing past rotational speed adjustments and resultant temperature data in a memory.

[0327] 73. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 72 above and / or 74 - 79 below further includes storing in a memory data regarding calculated performance factors, efficiency factors, and / or stability factors corresponding to past rotational speeds and past rotor rotational speed adjustments.

[0328] 74. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 73 above and / or 75 - 79 below, wherein the rotor rotational speed adjustment performed by the controller is based on self - learning executed by the controller and data stored in the memory.

[0329] 75. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 74 above and / or 76 - 79 below, wherein the controller controls the rotational speed of the rotor based on self - learning executed by the controller and data stored in the memory.

[0330] 76. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 75 above and / or 77 - 79 below, wherein the controller controls the rotational speed of the rotor only based on the received temperature data, self - learning, and data stored in the memory.

[0331] 77. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 76 above and / or 78 - 79 below further includes providing compressed gas and regenerated gas.

[0332] 78. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 77 above and / or 79 below, wherein the controller controls the rotational speed within a range greater than 0 RPH and less than 30 RPH.

[0333] 79. The method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 78 above, wherein the controller controls the rotation of the rotor such that the difference between a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed is greater than 0 RPH and less than 5 RPH.

[0334] 80. A hardware storage device having computer - executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by one or more processors of a computing system configure the computing system to perform the method according to any one or a combination thereof in 41 - 79 above.

[0335] 81. A temperature-based method for improving the stability and efficiency of a rotor in a compressed gas dryer system, the method comprising: receiving, by a controller, temperature data indicative of a temperature reading of one or more of the following: compressed gas to be dried in a drying zone within a pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, dried compressed gas exiting the drying zone, regeneration gas received into a regeneration zone of the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, and / or regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone, and / or a temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; and controlling, by the controller, a rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel based on the temperature data.

Claims

1. A compressed gas dryer system, comprising: A pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, The drying zone having an inlet for receiving the compressed gas to be dried into the drying zone and an outlet for the dried compressed gas to leave the drying zone, The regeneration zone having an inlet for receiving the regeneration gas into the regeneration zone and an outlet for the regeneration gas to leave the regeneration zone; and A controller configured to receive temperature data indicative of the temperature of one or more of the following: The compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or indicative of the temperature within the drying zone, and / or indicative of the temperature within the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; and Based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel.

2. The dryer system according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more temperature sensors configured to obtain the temperature data.

3. The dryer system according to claim 1, further comprising a driver configured to drive the rotor disposed within the pressure vessel to rotate at the rotational speed in a predetermined rotational direction based on an input signal obtained from the controller.

4. The dryer system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor at a first speed, and when the rotor rotates at the first speed, the controller is configured to receive first temperature data indicative of a first temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel when the rotor rotates at the first speed, Wherein the controller is configured to make a first adjustment to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a second speed different from the first speed, the second speed being higher or lower than the first speed, and Wherein when the rotor rotates at the second speed, the controller is configured to receive second temperature data indicative of a second temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel.

5. The dryer system according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate a first performance factor PF1 based on the first temperature data and a second performance factor PF2 based on the second temperature data, and the controller is configured to compare the first performance factor and the second performance factor.

6. The dryer system according to claim 5, wherein, Calculating the first performance factor PF1 includes multiplying a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed by a modified subset of the first temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the first speed.

7. The dryer system according to claim 6, wherein, Calculating the second performance factor PF2 includes multiplying a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the regeneration zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed by a modified subset of the second temperature data obtained from the drying zone when the rotor rotates at the second speed.

8. The dryer system according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured to make a second adjustment to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a third speed.

9. The dryer system according to claim 8, wherein in the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to perform a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed; and / or in the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to perform a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed; and / or in the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to perform a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed; and / or in the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller is configured to perform a second adjustment of the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed.

10. The dryer system according to claim 9, wherein, The second adjustment for adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor to the third speed is an adjustment with a smaller amplitude than the first adjustment.

11. The dryer system according to claim 7, wherein, Calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a first parameter REG at the first speed and the second speed, and the first parameter is based on the following calculation: wherein, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and wherein, T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, and c is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value or a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1.

12. The dryer system according to claim 11, wherein, Calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a second parameter ADS at the first speed and the second speed, and the second parameter is based on the following calculation: wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, and wherein, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, and c is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value or a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b, and c can be equal to 1.

13. The dryer system according to claim 12, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate the first performance factor PF1 by multiplying the first parameter REG and the second parameter ADS based on the temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at the first speed.

14. The dryer system according to claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to calculate the second performance factor PF2 by multiplying the first parameter REG and the second parameter ADS based on the temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at the second speed.

15. The dryer system according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature data indicates two or more of the following: the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone and / or the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration zone, and the temperature in the drying zone.

16. The dryer system according to claim 1, further comprising: A first temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicating the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone; A second temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicative of the temperature of the dried compressed gas exiting the drying zone; A third temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicative of the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone; and / or A fourth temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature data indicative of the temperature of the regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone.

17. A controller for a compressed gas dryer system, Among them, The controller is configured to receive temperature data indicative of temperature readings of one or more of the following: The compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone of the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, The dried compressed gas exiting the drying zone, The regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone of the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, and / or The regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone, and / or The temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; And Wherein, based on the temperature data, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of a rotor disposed in the pressure vessel.

18. A temperature-based method for improving the stability and efficiency of a rotor of a compressed gas dryer system, the method comprising: Receiving, by a controller, temperature data indicative of temperature readings of one or more of the following: The compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone within the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, The dried compressed gas exiting the drying zone, The regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone of the pressure vessel of the compressed gas dryer system, and / or The regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone, and / or The temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; And Controlling, by the controller, the rotational speed of a rotor disposed in the pressure vessel based on the temperature data.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Controlling the rotational speed of the rotor at a first speed, and when the rotor is rotating at the first speed, receiving, by the controller, first temperature data indicative of a first temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel when the rotor is rotating at the first speed; Performing, by the controller, a first adjustment to adjust the rotational speed of the rotor to a second speed different from the first speed, the second speed being higher or lower than the first speed; When the rotor is rotating at the second speed, receiving, by the controller, second temperature data indicative of a second temperature of one or more of the compressed gas to be dried, the dried compressed gas, the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and / or the regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone, and / or the temperature at a location within the pressure vessel; Calculating, by the controller, a first performance factor PF1 based on the first temperature data; Calculating, by the controller, a second performance factor PF2 based on the second temperature data; Comparing, by the controller, the first performance factor and the second performance factor; Wherein, calculating the first performance factor PF1 and the second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a first parameter REG at the first speed and the second speed, the first parameter being calculated based on the following: Wherein, T3 is the temperature of the regeneration gas received into the regeneration zone, and Wherein, T4 is the temperature of the regeneration gas exiting the regeneration zone, Wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, and c is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b and c can be equal to 1; Wherein, calculating a first performance factor PF1 and a second performance factor PF2 respectively includes calculating a second parameter ADS at a first speed and a second speed, and the second parameter is calculated based on the following: Wherein, T1 is the temperature of the compressed gas to be dried received into the drying zone, and Wherein, T2 is the temperature of the dried compressed gas leaving the drying zone, Wherein, a is a non-zero value or a constant, wherein, b is a non-zero value or a constant, and c is a non-zero value or a constant, and wherein, z is a positive value, a negative value or a constant, or wherein, z can be equal to zero, and wherein, one or more of a, b and c can be equal to 1; Wherein, the controller calculates the first performance factor PF1 by multiplying a first parameter REG and a second parameter ADS based on the temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at the first speed; Wherein, the controller calculates the second performance factor PF2 by multiplying the first parameter REG and the second parameter ADS based on the temperature data obtained when the rotor rotates at the second speed; and In the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed, and / or In the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is lower than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed; and / or In the case where the second speed is higher than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is lower than the second speed; and / or In the case where the second speed is lower than the first speed and the controller calculates that the second performance factor is higher than the first performance factor, the controller makes a second adjustment to the rotational speed such that the third speed is higher than the second speed.

20. A hardware storage device having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by one or more processors of a computing system configure the computing system to perform the method as claimed in claim 18.

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