Compressed-air system

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressed air system (10), in particular for the compressed air supply of at least one consumer with varying demand, having a plurality of compressed air compressors (12) connected in parallel, having a pressure boosting device (14) which is connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors for the variable boosting of a preliminary pressure, and having a control and / or regulating device (18) which is set up for controlling and / or regulating the pressure boosting device in accordance with a desired pressure and / or actual pressure on the consumer side.

Description

[0001] compressed air system

[0002] The present invention relates to a compressed air system, in particular for the compressed air supply of at least one consumer with fluctuating demand.

[0003] Compressed air systems typically consist of several fixed compressors that can be switched on or off as needed via a sequential pressure band control. Such a pressure band control results in permanent overcompression, which causes significant energy loss during operation. Depending on the number of compressors integrated into the respective compressed air system, pressure bands between approximately 1.0 and 2.5 bar are common. Each bar of overcompression results in approximately 6-7% higher energy consumption. Furthermore, compressed air systems can sometimes be subject to significant leakage, which is further exacerbated by overcompression. For every bar of pressure increase, the leakage rate increases by approximately 14%.

[0004] Furthermore, fluctuations in demand are usually compensated by switching air compressors on and off. Each switching process of air compressors on and off causes temperature changes with corresponding material expansion and wear. Furthermore, each switching process causes additional air loss (switching loss). Only compressors with low drive power may be switched on and off as often as required. Compressors in the medium power class are not switched off directly, but are operated in idle mode beforehand. Such idle mode results in approximately 30% power demand without air delivery. The frequency and duration of permissible switching processes depend on the specifications of the respective manufacturer for the air compressor motors and the respective power grid operator.

[0005] Ultimately, energy-efficient operation requires a relatively large number of air compressors with different performance classes. Depending on the operating situation, individual air compressors will be idle or run idle. This results in high overall operating costs.

[0006] Against this background, the object of the present invention was to provide a compressed air system that enables operation with increased efficiency and stability while at the same time improving cost-effectiveness.

[0007] This object has been achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and are explained below.

[0008] A compressed air system according to the invention, in particular for the compressed air supply of at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, has a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel, a pressure increasing device which is connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors for variably increasing a pre-pressure, and a control and / or regulating device which is designed to control and / or regulate the pressure increasing device as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure.

[0009] Connecting at least some or all of the air compressors in a compressed air system to a pressure boosting device according to the invention makes it possible to significantly increase their delivery capacity. Commercially available industrial blowers, for example, could generate a pre-pressure of approximately 400 mbar, which in turn corresponds to an increase in mass flow of approximately 40%. This allows the total number of air compressors to be reduced, thus lowering the initial investment. By varying the pre-pressure or intake pressure, the respective air compressors can function as control compressors or regulated compressors. Varying the pre-pressure also makes it possible to operate the connected air compressors permanently at their design point and thus in an operating range of their highest or highest efficiency.

[0010] With a control and / or regulating device provided according to the invention, a variation of the pre-pressure of the respective compressed air compressors can be achieved reliably and reproducibly.

[0011] By varying the pre-pressure, efficient operation can be achieved without a pressure band and without over-compression. This can result in significant energy savings of up to approximately 15%. These energy savings can largely offset any energy consumption for the pressure boosting device.

[0012] Finally, varying the pre-pressure and thus the delivery capacity of the air compressors ensures that fewer switching operations occur during operation of the compressed air system. This ensures lower maintenance requirements and thus reduced operating costs.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device to generate a variable pre-pressure depending on a target / actual comparison of a consumer-side network pressure. This enables precise adjustment of the consumer-side network pressure. Furthermore, the consumer-side actual pressure can be quickly adjusted to a new target pressure during operation. Further preferably, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate a consumer-side actual pressure by variably adjusting the pre-pressure for at least some or all air compressors using the pressure boosting device.Therefore, the actual pressure on the consumer side can be influenced in a suitable manner by adjusting the pre-pressure using the pressure boosting device, in particular without having to change the operation or the number of air compressors in operation.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate an actual pressure on the consumer side to a constant minimum pressure. In particular, control and / or regulation can be achieved by variably adjusting the admission pressure for at least some or all of the air compressors using the pressure boosting device. By setting a constant minimum pressure or a minimum pressure, particularly energy-efficient compressed air operation can be ensured.

[0015] In an even more preferred manner, the pressure boosting device can be configured to variably increase the pre-pressure for all air compressors. The pressure boosting device can be installed upstream of all air compressors. This allows the actual pressure on the consumption side to be adjusted over a particularly wide range, ensuring particularly efficient operation of the compressed air system.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the pressure boosting device can have at least one blower for variably increasing the pre-pressure for several or all air compressors. Such a blower can preferably be designed as a controllable blower. A blower can be provided cost-effectively and can be installed upstream of the respective air compressors with only minimal design effort. As explained above, commercially available industrial blowers could, for example, build up a pre-pressure of approximately 400 mbar. The energy required to operate such a blower can be largely offset by the energy savings resulting from efficient operation without a pressure band and without over-compression in the compressed air system.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the pressure boosting device can have a connection to a compressed air outlet, in particular a compressed air outlet for excess compressed air, for variably increasing the pre-pressure for several or all compressed air compressors. The pressure boosting device can also be formed by such a connection. Via a connection to a compressed air outlet, excess compressed air, for example from a downstream point of a compressed air system or from another compressed air system, can be directed to a point upstream of the respective compressed air compressors, so that the pre-pressure can be variably adjusted. Such a connection can be equipped, for example, with a valve.

[0018] It may also be advantageous if the pressure boosting device has a housing that is connected upstream of several or all of the air compressors and / or in which at least one blower for air compression is arranged. In this way, a variation of the pre-pressure for the respective air compressors can be achieved with minimal design effort. In particular, this allows an identical or essentially identical pre-pressure to be set for the respective air compressors.

[0019] Even more preferably, the pressure boosting device, in particular the blower, can be speed-controlled and / or speed-regulated. This allows for a particularly precise adjustment of the pre-pressure for the respective air compressors with relatively little effort.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the pressure boosting device, in particular the fan, can be regulated and / or controlled by an adjustable air guiding device, preferably an adjustable guide grille. An air guiding device or an adjustable guide grille is inexpensive to purchase.

[0021] In an even more preferred manner, at least one intake filter can be connected upstream of the pressure boosting device, in particular for filtering an intake flow for several or all compressed air compressors. Such an intake filter can preferably be designed as a belt filter. Such an intake filter can ensure the supply of clean air for several or all compressed air compressors. Furthermore, the individual compressed air compressors can be designed without separate intake filters, thereby reducing the design effort and the maintenance requirements of the compressed air compressors. A design as a belt filter is also particularly low-maintenance, and a belt filter requires only rare manual intervention for the purpose of carrying out maintenance work.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one pressure compensation device can be connected in parallel to the pressure boosting device, in particular the blower. Preferably, several pressure compensation devices can be connected in parallel to the pressure boosting device, in particular the blower. Such a pressure compensation device ensures that the compressors are still supplied with filtered intake air even if the blower fails.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the pressure compensation device can be arranged within a housing of the pressure booster device. The pressure compensation device and the pressure booster device can further preferably be arranged on a common housing wall section. This ensures an overall compact and robust design.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the pressure compensation device can be designed to automatically open a pressure compensation opening. The pressure compensation device can preferably have a vacuum flap, for example, a spring-loaded vacuum flap, as well as a pressure compensation opening that can be closed by the vacuum flap. Such a design ensures low susceptibility to failure and is structurally simple to implement.

[0025] In an even more preferred manner, the pressure compensation device can be configured to open a pressure compensation opening, in particular automatically and / or against a spring preload, if the pre-pressure or intake pressure for at least one air compressor and / or for all air compressors falls below a minimum pre-pressure, and / or if the pressure boosting device fails or stops. In this way, the operation of the air compressors at an excessively low pre-pressure or intake pressure can be prevented with a high degree of reliability.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, a cooling device for cooling a pre-compressed air stream can be connected downstream of the pressure boosting device. The cooling device can preferably be connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors or all of the compressed air compressors. The pressure boosting device provided according to the invention can lead to an increase in the temperature of the pre-compressed process air due to the variable increase in the pre-pressure or intake pressure. A temperature increase initially has a detrimental effect on the delivery volume and / or the efficiency of the compressed air compressors. However, such effects can be compensated for in a suitable manner and with little effort using a cooling device. In particular, a cooling device ensures that the compressed air compressors can be operated efficiently and therefore with relatively low energy consumption.Overall, this contributes to the fact that energy savings due to efficient operation without a pressure band and without overcompression in the compressed air system largely offset any energy expenditure for the pressure booster device. Even more preferably, the cooling device can extend at least partially through a housing for the pressure booster device. This ensures a simple and compact design.

[0027] Further preferably, the cooling device can comprise a heat exchanger, in particular a liquid-operated heat exchanger. Such a heat exchanger can be operated with cold river water and thus ensures a sufficient air volume for the air compressors even at high intake temperatures, for example, in midsummer.

[0028] Even more preferably, at least some or all of the air compressors can be preceded by a distributor for distributing a pre-compressed air flow to the respective air compressors. Such a distributor allows a pre-compressed air flow to be distributed evenly and with a high degree of reliability to the respective air compressors. At the same time, the pre-compression of the air flow or the variable change in the pre-pressure can be carried out in a compact housing.

[0029] It may also be advantageous if the distributor is connected downstream of the cooling device for cooling a pre-compressed air stream. In particular, the distributor can be arranged between the pressure booster and the respective air compressors and / or between the cooling device and the respective air compressors. The already pre-compressed and / or post-cooled process air stream can thus be fed to the respective air compressors.

[0030] Even more preferably, the distributor can be designed as a component of a housing for the pressure booster device and / or can be integrally connected or formed in one piece with a housing for the pressure booster device. This ensures a structurally robust and space-saving design as well as simple assembly of the compressed air system. According to a further preferred embodiment, a common blow-off valve for reducing pressure on the consumer side can be connected downstream of at least some or all of the compressed air compressors. Such a common blow-off valve can, in turn, be connected upstream of the respective compressed air consumers that are supplied with compressed air from the compressed air system.

[0031] A common blow-off valve can be used advantageously to maintain the consumer-side discharge pressure at a constant minimum pressure by blowing off. This can improve operational reliability and ensure the maintenance of a desired or set consumer-side pressure.

[0032] In particular, a common blow-off valve enables individual air compressors to be switched on and / or off without disrupting the downstream process. A sudden change in the pressure level caused by switching individual air compressors on and / or off can be compensated for by controlled or regulated operation of the common blow-off valve.

[0033] For example, a failure of the pressure booster may require the activation of at least one or more air compressors. In such a case, operating the common blow-off valve can prevent large pressure fluctuations on the consumer side. A setpoint of a pressure limiting regulator of the common blow-off valve can be set to the current actual value of the consumer-side pressure. Finally, the provision of a common blow-off valve can eliminate the need for buffer tanks, thus ensuring an overall simple system design.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the common blow-off valve can be designed as a control valve. The common blow-off valve can preferably be controlled and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device. In this way, a high degree of adjustment accuracy for the consumer-side pressure level can be achieved by means of the common blow-off valve.

[0035] Further preferably, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the common blow-off valve as a function of a consumer-side target pressure. Additionally or alternatively, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the common blow-off valve as a function of an actual consumer-side pressure and / or a target-actual comparison of the consumer-side pressure. The control and / or regulating device can thus be configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device and also the common blow-off valve, thereby resulting in a particularly high degree of adjustment accuracy and flexibility in the operation of the compressed air system.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the actual pressure on the consumer side to a constant minimum pressure using the blow-off valve. This can prevent unwanted overpressures or significant pressure fluctuations on the consumer side.

[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, and / or to control and / or regulate at least one compressed air compressor depending on an operating position of the blow-off valve. In this way, it can be ensured that a suitable number of compressed air compressors is in operation for the respective operating situation or that the respective compressed air compressors are suitably adjusted. This can, for example, prevent an unnecessarily large amount of excess compressed air from having to be blown out via the blow-off valve due to an excessive number of active compressed air compressors for the respective operating situation.The position of the blow-off valve can also be used to detect when switching on air compressors or increasing the flow rate of controllable or adjustable air compressors is necessary, or will become necessary in the short term, in order to maintain a certain pressure level on the consumer side. The operational reliability and accuracy of the compressed air system can be further improved in this way.

[0038] Further preferably, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, and / or to control and / or regulate at least one compressed air compressor depending on an operating position assumed by the blow-off valve when it passes through a limit setting value. Thus, when the blow-off valve passes through a limit setting value, a switch, in particular to switch on or off, or a control and / or regulation of at least one compressed air compressor can be initiated. Such a switching, control and / or regulation of at least one compressed air compressor can ensure compliance with a consumer-side target pressure with increased reliability and overall reduced energy consumption.

[0039] Even more preferably, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, and / or to control and / or regulate at least one compressed air compressor depending on the operating position of the blow-out valve when a lower limit setting value is undershot and / or an upper limit setting value is exceeded. Particularly preferably, a lower limit setting value of the blow-out valve can be preset at a 20% open operating position and / or an upper limit setting value of the blow-out valve can be preset at an 80% open operating position. Any limit setting values ​​can, for example, be preset and / or subsequently changeable with little effort, for example to adapt or optimize the compressed air system with regard to the respective operating conditions.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one expansion turbine can be provided and / or connected downstream of the common blow-off valve. Blown-out compressed air can be fed to an expansion turbine via the blow-off valve. The use of an expansion turbine can advantageously be used to recover energy from blown-out compressed air, thus ensuring overall energy-saving operation.

[0041] Likewise, an expansion turbine can be installed upstream of the common blow-off valve and / or compressed air blown out via the blow-off valve can be fed to an expansion turbine before blowing out. Such an arrangement allows already expanded compressed air to be blown out via the blow-off valve. At the same time, the use of an expansion turbine can also enable energy recovery using the blown-out compressed air, thus ensuring overall energy-saving operation.

[0042] Further preferably, a plurality of blow-out valves can be provided, in particular several blow-out valves connected in parallel. Such an arrangement of several blow-out valves allows compressed air to be blown out via different blow-out valves and / or blow-out lines, particularly depending on different operating conditions. For example, blow-out via one blow-out valve can occur depending on and / or independently of blow-out via the other blow-out valve.

[0043] Even more preferably, when a plurality of blow-off valves are arranged, at least one first blow-off valve can be connected upstream or downstream of an expansion turbine. A different or second blow-off valve, or several further blow-off valves, can be connected in parallel with the first blow-off valve assigned to the expansion turbine. Compressed air can be blown out via a second blow-off valve not assigned to the expansion turbine without having to be expanded via the expansion turbine. If a first blow-off valve is connected upstream of an expansion turbine, it can be a supply valve for supplying compressed air to an expansion turbine.

[0044] Particularly preferably, a measuring device for temperature measurement can be provided at the outlet of the expansion turbine or in a line downstream of the expansion turbine. If temperature monitoring by the measuring device detects a critical operating condition, in particular a risk of icing, a supply valve for supplying compressed air to an expansion turbine can be throttled or closed. Any necessary pressure limitation of the process pressure can be provided by a blow-off valve arranged in parallel.

[0045] Preferably, the expansion turbine can be connected to a generator for power generation. Exhausted compressed air can thus be used to generate electricity, further increasing overall energy efficiency. In particular, electricity generated in this way can be used to operate individual or multiple system components or fed into a power grid.

[0046] It may also be advantageous if the expansion turbine is connected to a drive motor for the pressure booster, particularly via an intermediate gear and / or an intermediate freewheel. The energy recovered by the exhausted compressed air can thus be used to save energy for driving the pressure booster.

[0047] In a further preferred manner, the expansion turbine can be connected to at least one drive motor for an air compressor, in particular via an intermediate gear and / or an intermediate freewheel. The energy recovered from the exhausted compressed air can thus be used to drive an air compressor. The need for externally sourced energy to operate the respective air compressor can be reduced in this way.

[0048] In an even more preferred manner, the expansion turbine can be connected to a drive motor of another unit with a rotating shaft, in particular via an interposed gearbox and / or via an interposed freewheel. This unit can be a component of the respective compressed air system or not, i.e., with the exception of the coupling to the expansion turbine, it can be provided and / or designed independently of the compressed air system.

[0049] Furthermore, the expansion turbine can particularly preferably be connected to a shaft end, in particular to a free shaft end, of a unit and / or a motor. Such a connection can in turn be realized via an intermediate gear and / or an intermediate freewheel. This ensures particularly reliable power transmission from the expansion turbine to the respective shaft of the unit or motor.

[0050] In an even more preferred manner, several expansion turbines can be provided, each coupled to a drive motor for an air compressor, in particular via an intermediate gear and / or an intermediate freewheel. The energy recovered from the exhausted compressed air can thus be used to drive several air compressors. The need for externally sourced energy to operate the multiple air compressors can be reduced in this way. The energy efficiency of the compressed air system can thereby be further improved.

[0051] According to an even more preferred embodiment, a supply valve for supplying compressed air to the expansion turbine can be connected between the common exhaust valve and the expansion turbine, in particular a supply valve designed as a switching valve and / or an ON / OFF valve. Depending on the operating situation, a coordinated supply of compressed air to the expansion turbine can be ensured. If a supply of compressed air to the expansion turbine is not required in the respective operating state, the switching valve can remain in a CLOSED position.

[0052] According to an even more preferred embodiment, a common blow-off valve and a supply valve for supplying compressed air to the expansion turbine can be connected in parallel. In this way, excess compressed air can be blown out via the common blow-off valve and, in parallel, fed to the downstream expansion turbine via the supply valve.

[0053] Further preferably, at least some or all of the air compressors can be equipped with an outlet valve for discharging compressed air into the atmosphere, in particular an outlet valve designed as a switching valve and / or an on / off valve. Excess compressed air can be released into the environment via such an outlet valve with minimal effort.

[0054] Preferably, the outlet valve can be connected downstream of the common blow-out valve. When the outlet valve is in the OPEN position, excess compressed air can be blown off into the environment, and the amount of excess compressed air blown out can be appropriately controlled and / or regulated via the common blow-out valve.

[0055] More preferably, the outlet valve can be connected in parallel with the supply valve for supplying compressed air to the expansion turbine. Excess compressed air can be fed to the outlet valve and / or the supply valve via the common exhaust valve. The compressed air fed through the common exhaust valve can thus be fed to the outlet valve and vented into the environment or directed to the expansion turbine via the supply valve.

[0056] According to a further preferred embodiment, a buffer tank for compressed air storage can be provided and / or connected downstream of the common blow-off valve. Compressed air blown out via the blow-off valve can be fed to a buffer tank. The compressed air stored in a buffer tank can be supplied to the respective compressed air consumers in the event of a temporary pressure drop or a temporary increase in pressure demand. This can ensure improved operational reliability and a more reliable compressed air supply.

[0057] It may also be advantageous to install a pressure booster upstream of the buffer tank and / or downstream of the blow-off valve to increase the pressure of the compressed air blown into the buffer tank. Such a pressure booster can increase the pressure level and thus the amount of air buffered within the buffer tank, and a predetermined or required pressure level can be maintained for a specific period of time by feeding air from the buffer tank.

[0058] According to a further preferred embodiment, a feed valve for supplying compressed air to the consumer side can be connected downstream of the buffer tank. Such a feed valve can be designed as a controlled and / or regulated valve or as a switching valve or an open / close valve. Depending on the operating position, the feed valve can be actuated, thus ensuring a controlled supply of compressed air to the consumer side.

[0059] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control the outlet valve and / or the supply valve and / or the feed valve. Likewise, with a corresponding design of the respective valve, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to regulate the outlet valve and / or the supply valve and / or the feed valve. Thus, the control and / or regulating device can be designed as a central or common control and / or regulating device. In particular, several or all components or valves of the compressed air system can be controlled and / or regulated via the control and / or regulating device, so that several or all settings can be initiated by a single unit.

[0060] In an even more preferred manner, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the outlet valve and / or the supply valve and / or the feed valve as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure and / or as a function of a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure and / or to control and / or regulate an actual consumer-side pressure to a constant minimum pressure by means of the outlet valve and / or the supply valve and / or the feed valve.

[0061] Controlling and / or regulating a constant minimum pressure can, on the one hand, ensure a high degree of energy efficiency. At the same time, such a design increases the flexibility of possible settings, since the actual pressure on the consumer side can be influenced not only via the pressure boosting device, but also via the outlet valve and / or the supply valve and / or the feed valve. Furthermore, such a control and / or regulating device can be used to control and / or regulate a plurality of valves, in particular beyond the control and / or regulation of the pressure boosting device.

[0062] More preferably, at least some or all of the air compressors can be designed as unregulated fixed-speed compressors. Such fixed-speed compressors can be operated, within the meaning of the present invention, with preset and unchanging operating parameters or with a preset and unchangeable speed. Fixed-speed compressors are inexpensive to purchase, require little maintenance, and ensure efficient operation for compressed air generation and / or pressure boosting.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the air compressors can be designed as a regulated or controllable air compressor. Likewise, several air compressors can be designed as regulated or controllable air compressors. Regulated or controllable air compressors, within the meaning of the present invention, can be adjustable with regard to flow rate and / or operating power and / or speed and can therefore be adapted to the respective operating situations with regard to their operating parameters. Such a regulated or controlled compressor can be a VSD compressor, for example. A VSD compressor with variable speed control can be adapted to the respective requirements with regard to motor and compressor speed.The use of a regulated or controllable air compressor increases the flexibility of the compressed air system with regard to different operating situations and thus serves to maintain the desired or required target pressure on the consumer side.

[0064] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the air compressors can be designed as a regulated or controllable air compressor and operated as a fixed compressor with a fixed preset speed. Such an air compressor can be operated in an optimal efficiency range, for example, with a capacity of more than 70% or less than 90%, in particular approximately 80%.

[0065] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control range of a regulated or controllable air compressor can be larger than the delivery capacity of a fixed compressor, in particular larger than the delivery capacity of the fixed compressor with the largest delivery capacity. In this way, the delivery capacity of a fixed compressor can be compensated by adjusting the at least one regulated or controllable air compressor, thereby further reducing the number of times air compressors are required to be switched on or off during operation.

[0066] In an even more preferred manner, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to switch, in particular to connect or disconnect, at least one compressed air compressor designed as a fixed compressor depending on a speed and / or an operating state of a regulated compressed air compressor. This ensures that an advantageous number of fixed compressors is in operation for the respective operating situation, or that a regulated compressed air compressor is set or operated within a suitable operating range.

[0067] It may further be advantageous if the control and / or regulating device is configured to switch, in particular connect or disconnect, at least one compressed air compressor designed as a fixed compressor depending on an operating state assumed by a controlled compressed air compressor when passing through a limiting speed. Thus, when the controlled compressed air compressor passes through a limiting control value, a switching operation, in particular connect or disconnect, or a control and / or regulation of at least one fixed compressor can be initiated. Such a switching, control and / or regulation of at least one fixed compressor can ensure compliance with a consumer-side target pressure with increased reliability and overall reduced energy consumption.

[0068] According to a further preferred embodiment, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, at least one compressed air compressor designed as a fixed compressor depending on an operating state of a regulated compressed air compressor assumed when a lower limit speed is undershot and / or when an upper limit speed is exceeded. Particularly preferably, a lower limit speed of a regulated compressed air compressor can be preset at 40% and / or 50% of the maximum speed and / or at a value greater than 40% and / or 50% of the maximum speed. Additionally or alternatively, an upper limit speed of a regulated compressed air compressor can be preset at 80% and / or 90% and / or 100% and / or at a value greater than 80% of the maximum speed.Such limit control values ​​can be preset in a particularly advantageous manner and / or subsequently changed with little effort, for example to adapt or optimize the compressed air system with regard to the respective operating conditions.

[0069] Even more preferably, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate an actual pressure on the consumer side to a constant minimum pressure, independent of a pressure band. The energy efficiency of the compressed air system can be particularly advantageously improved in this way, in particular by avoiding excess compressed air generation or by avoiding excessive overpressure on the consumer side.

[0070] The control and / or regulating device can even more preferably be configured to switch individual or multiple air compressors on and / or off and / or to control and / or regulate their operating state depending on a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure and / or depending on a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure. The consumer-side actual pressure can be adjusted via the variable adjustment of the admission pressure by the pressure boosting device and thus also by switching individual or multiple air compressors on and / or off and / or by changing the operating state. This allows an overall larger adjustment range for the consumer-side actual pressure to be realized, thus further improving operational flexibility and reliability.

[0071] In an even more preferred manner, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to generate a variable adjustment of the admission pressure for at least some or all of the air compressors by means of the pressure boosting device when individual or multiple air compressors are switched on and / or off. Malfunctions or strong pressure fluctuations on the consumer side caused by switching air compressors on or off can thereby be avoided or at least reduced. In an even more preferred manner, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device as a function of a speed and / or an operating state of a controlled air compressor, in particular to control and / or regulate it to generate a variable admission pressure. Energy efficiency can be further improved in this way.On the one hand, the pre-pressure can be adjusted in a further advantageous manner taking into account other operating parameters.

[0072] At the same time, a controlled air compressor can be set or operated in an advantageous operating range with even greater reliability and accuracy.

[0073] Even more preferably, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device depending on an operating state assumed by a controlled air compressor when passing through a limit speed. Thus, when the controlled air compressor passes through a limit setting value, control and / or regulation of the pressure boosting device can be initiated. Control and / or regulation of the pressure boosting device initiated in this way can ensure compliance with a consumer-side target pressure with increased reliability and overall reduced energy consumption.

[0074] In a particularly preferred manner, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device as a function of an operating state of a regulated air compressor when a lower limit speed is undershot and / or an operating state when an upper limit speed is exceeded. More preferably, a lower limit speed of a regulated air compressor can be preset at 40% or 50% of the maximum speed and / or preset at a value greater than 40% and / or 50% of the maximum speed. Additionally or alternatively, an upper limit speed of a regulated air compressor can be preset at 80% and 90% or 100% of the maximum speed and / or preset at a value greater than 80%.Such limit control values ​​can be preset in a particularly advantageous manner and / or subsequently changed with little effort, for example to adapt or optimize the compressed air system with regard to the respective operating conditions.

[0075] In an even more preferred manner, the control and / or regulating device can be configured to continue controlling and / or regulating and / or changing the operating state of the pressure boosting device until a controlled air compressor has reached and / or passed a predefined speed within a target speed range. The operating efficiency of the controlled air compressor can thus be improved in a particularly advantageous manner and with high operational reliability.

[0076] According to a further preferred embodiment, a control and / or regulation range realized by the pressure boosting device can be larger than the delivery capacity of at least one compressed air compressor, in particular the compressed air compressor with the largest delivery capacity. In this way, the delivery capacity of an air compressor can be compensated by variably adjusting the admission pressure using the pressure boosting device, thereby further reducing the number of times air compressors are required to be switched on or off during operation.

[0077] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the blow-out valve and / or the outlet valve can be designed and / or dimensioned to exhaust the delivery capacity of at least one of the air compressors, in particular the air compressor with the largest delivery capacity, preferably with a reserve of at least 30%. In this way, the delivery capacity of an air compressor can be completely exhausted, for example, for a relatively short period of time, thereby further reducing the number of times air compressors are required to be switched on or off during operation.A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a compressed air system, in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, comprising a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel and a pressure boosting device connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors for variably increasing a pre-pressure. Such a compressed air system can preferably be equipped with a control and / or regulating device configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device.

[0078] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a compressed air system, in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, comprising a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel, a blow-out valve designed as a control valve and connected downstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors for reducing the pressure on the consumer side, and a control and / or regulating device configured to control and / or regulate the blow-out valve as a function of a target pressure and / or actual pressure on the consumer side.

[0079] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a compressed air system, in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, comprising a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel and a blow-off valve configured as a control valve and jointly connected downstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors for reducing pressure on the consumer side. Such a compressed air system can preferably be equipped with a control and / or regulating device configured to control and / or regulate the blow-off valve.

[0080] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a compressed air system, in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, comprising a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel and comprising a control and / or regulating device, wherein at least one of the compressed air compressors is designed as a fixed compressor and at least one of the compressed air compressors is designed as a regulated compressed air compressor, and wherein the control and / or regulating device is configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, at least one compressed air compressor designed as a fixed compressor depending on a rotational speed and / or an operating state of a regulated compressed air compressor.

[0081] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a compressed air system, in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, in which a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel are operated and in which the pre-pressure of at least some of the compressed air compressors is increased variably and as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure by means of a pressure increasing device.

[0082] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a compressed air system, in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, in which a plurality of compressed air compressors connected in parallel are operated and in which a consumer-side pressure reduction is carried out by means of a blow-off valve, which is designed as a control valve and is connected downstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors, as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure.

[0083] The preferred embodiments and advantages described above regarding the compressed air system also apply equally to the other independent aspects described above, as well as to the described methods for operating a compressed air system. With regard to the advantages resulting from the present invention, reference is also made to the following details and calculations.

[0084] Based on a 2021 report by the German Federal Environment Agency, "Potential Study: Energy Cost Savings in Fluid Technology," it is estimated that Germany has approximately 70,000 air compressors with a total electricity demand of approximately 20 billion kWh. Assuming a power consumption of just €0.1 per kWh, this results in total costs of €2 billion per year.

[0085] If, for example, in Germany alone 50 compressed air suppliers were to optimize or implement just two systems each with an average output of 500 kW according to an inventive design and thereby save at least 10% energy, this would result in savings of 5 million euros in the first year, 10 million euros in the second year, and so on. Germany's share of the global market is less than 10%.

[0086] For each optimization project, for example, up to three containers would be required—a box for the blower, filter, injection, heat exchanger, and intake manifold. This results in an attractive ROI for the operator, at least within three years, which becomes even more affordable the larger the system.

[0087] The solution presented is also particularly advantageous from an environmental perspective. The energy efficiency of a technology is key to reducing energy demand and thus also CO2 emissions. Apart from the fact that specific carbon dioxide emissions vary depending on the type of electricity generation, according to a publication by the German Federal Office "Development of Specific Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the German Electricity Mix in the Years 1990 - 2021," the generation of one kilowatt-hour of electricity in Germany in 2021 caused an average of 420 grams of CO2. In the above example, this would correspond to a total saving of approximately 17,640 tons of CO2 per year, or an average annual saving of 176.4 tons of CO2 per plant designed or converted according to the invention.

[0088] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show, schematically:

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a compressed air system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0090] Fig. 2 shows a compressed air system according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0091] Fig. 3 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,

[0092] Fig. 4 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,

[0093] Fig. 5 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,

[0094] Fig. 6 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,

[0095] Fig. 7 a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention

[0096] Fig. 8 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention,

[0097] Fig. 9 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows a compressed air system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Fig. 1 shows a compressed air system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The compressed air system 10 is designed in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one compressed air consumer (not shown in detail here) with fluctuating demand, preferably to a plurality of compressed air consumers, each with a fluctuating demand or a total of them.

[0099] The compressed air system 10 comprises a plurality of air compressors 12 connected in parallel, as well as a pressure booster device 14, which is connected upstream of at least some of the air compressors 12 for variably increasing the pre-pressure. A check valve 16 is connected downstream of each of the air compressors 12. The check valves 16 prevent damage to the respective air compressors 12, particularly when the respective air compressor 12 is at a standstill. Furthermore, the check valves 16 prevent compressed air from escaping via a stationary air compressor 12.

[0100] Furthermore, the compressed air system 10 has a control and / or regulating device 18, which is configured to control and / or regulate the pressure booster 12 as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure. An actual consumer-side pressure can be detected by the control and / or regulating device 18, for example, in a line section 20. The control and / or regulating device 18 can be configured to control and / or regulate the pressure booster 14 to generate a variable pre-pressure as a function of a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure, in particular a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure in the line section 20.The control and / or regulating device 18 can preferably be configured to control and / or regulate an actual pressure on the consumer side, in particular in the line section 20, to a constant minimum pressure, in particular by variably adjusting the pre-pressure for at least some or all of the compressed air compressors 12 by means of the pressure boosting device 14. The pressure boosting device 14 can be configured to variably increase the pre-pressure for all of the compressed air compressors 12. For this purpose, the pressure boosting device 14 can be connected upstream of all of the compressed air compressors 12.

[0101] The pressure boosting device 14 can include a blower 22 for variably increasing the pre-pressure for several or all of the air compressors 12. The blower 22 can be driven by a drive motor 24, which is controlled by the control and / or regulating device 18 or is connected to it. Depending on the desired target pressure and / or the prevailing actual pressure on the consumer side, the control and / or regulating device 18 can appropriately control the drive motor 24 for the blower 22 and thus increase or decrease the pre-pressure of the air compressors 12.

[0102] The pressure booster device 14, in particular the blower 22, can be designed with a speed-regulated and / or speed-controlled design. Speed ​​regulation and / or speed control of the pressure booster device 14 or the blower 22 can be accomplished via the control and / or regulating device 18. Likewise, a separate control and / or regulating device (not shown in detail here) can be provided for this purpose.

[0103] The pressure boosting device 14, in particular the blower 22, can additionally or alternatively be regulated and / or controlled by an adjustable air guiding device 26. The air guiding device 26 can in particular be designed as an adjustable guide grille. The air guiding device 26 can be driven by a drive motor 28, which in turn is controlled by the control and / or regulating device 18 or is connected thereto. Depending on the desired target pressure and / or the prevailing actual pressure on the consumer side, the control and / or regulating device 18 can suitably control the drive motor 28 for the air guiding device 26 and thus increase or decrease the pre-pressure of the compressed air compressors 12.For example, in a closed position of the air guiding device 26, the pre-pressure for the compressed air compressors 12 can be reduced and in an open position of the air guiding device 26, the pre-pressure for the compressed air compressors 12 can be increased.

[0104] The pressure booster 14 may further comprise a housing 30 that is connected upstream of several or all of the air compressors 12. The pressure booster 14, in particular the blower 22 and / or the air guiding device 16, may be arranged in the housing 30.

[0105] An intake filter 32 can also be connected upstream of the pressure booster 14, in particular for filtering an intake flow for several or all of the air compressors 12. The intake filter 32 can preferably be designed as a belt filter. The intake filter 32 can be arranged within the housing 30. Finally, a bird protection grid 34 can be arranged upstream of the intake filter 32. Such a bird protection grid 34 can be inserted into an opening 36 of the housing 30 or positioned in an opening 36 of the housing 30.

[0106] At least one pressure compensation device 38, preferably a plurality of pressure compensation devices 38, can be connected in parallel to the pressure-increasing device 14, in particular to the blower 22. The pressure compensation device 38 can also be arranged within a housing 30 and, together with the pressure-increasing device 14, arranged on a common housing wall section 40. The pressure compensation device 38 can be designed to automatically open a pressure compensation opening 42. For this purpose, the pressure compensation device 38 can have a vacuum flap 46 loaded by a spring 44, by which the pressure compensation opening 38 can be closed.The pressure compensation device 38 can be configured to open the pressure compensation opening 42 when the pressure drops below a minimum pre-pressure for at least one air compressor 12 or for all air compressors 12, in particular automatically and / or against the preload of the spring 44. Likewise, the pressure compensation device 38 can be configured to open the pressure compensation opening 42 when the pressure booster 14 fails or stops, in particular automatically and / or against the preload of the spring 44. The formation of an undesirable negative pressure within the housing 30 or upstream of the air compressors 12 can thus be prevented with a high degree of reliability.

[0107] The compressed air system 10 can further be equipped with a cooling device 48. The cooling device 48 can be connected downstream of the pressure booster 12 for cooling a pre-compressed air stream and upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors 12. The cooling device 48 can extend at least partially through the housing 30 for the pressure booster 12. The cooling device 48 can have a heat exchanger, in particular a liquid-operated heat exchanger, or can be formed by a heat exchanger.

[0108] The compressed air system 10 can further comprise a distributor 50, which is arranged upstream of at least some or all of the compressed air compressors 12 for distributing a pre-compressed air flow to the respective compressed air compressors 12. The distributor 50 can be arranged downstream of the cooling device 48 or between the pressure booster 14 and the respective compressed air compressors 12 and / or between the cooling device 48 and the respective compressed air compressors 12. The distributor 50 can further be formed as a component of the housing 30 for the pressure booster 12 or can be integrally connected to the housing 30 for the pressure booster 12 or formed in one piece. As can be further seen from Fig. 1, the compressed air system 10 can further be equipped with a common blow-off valve 52.The common blow-off valve 52 can be connected downstream of at least some or all of the air compressors 12 for reducing pressure on the consumer side. The common blow-off valve 52 can, in particular, be designed as a control valve. In this case, the common blow-off valve 52 can also be controlled and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device 18.

[0109] The control and / or regulating device 18 can further be configured to control and / or regulate the blow-out valve 52 as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure. The control and / or regulating device 18 can further be configured to control and / or regulate an actual consumer-side pressure to a constant minimum pressure by means of the common blow-out valve 52.

[0110] As already explained above, an actual pressure on the consumer side can be detected by the control and / or regulating device 18, for example, in a line section 20. The control and / or regulating device 18 can further be configured to control and / or regulate the blow-out valve 52 as a function of a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure, in particular a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure in the line section 20.

[0111] Fig. 2 shows a compressed air system 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 with respect to the configuration downstream of the air compressors 12. Therefore, the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 upstream of the air compressors 12 is not shown in detail in Fig. 2.

[0112] The compressed air system 10 according to Fig. 2 is provided with at least one expansion turbine

[0113] 54. The expansion turbine 54 can be connected downstream of the common blow-off valve 52. Exhausted compressed air can be fed to the expansion turbine 54 via the blow-off valve 52. The expansion turbine 54 can also be connected to a generator 56 for power generation. Excess compressed air can thus be exhausted via the common blow-off valve 52 and fed to the expansion turbine 54, which can drive the generator 56 to generate power.

[0114] A supply valve 58 for supplying compressed air to the expansion turbine 54 can also be connected between the common blow-off valve 52 and the expansion turbine 54. The supply valve 58 can be designed as a switching valve and / or an ON / OFF valve. Such a switching valve or ON / OFF valve can be switched between a fully open and a fully closed position, whereby permanent retention in intermediate positions can be excluded. If the supply valve 58 is switched to an OPEN position, the compressed air supply to the expansion turbine 54 can be regulated via the regulated or controlled blow-off valve 52.

[0115] The compressed air system 10 can, as further shown in Fig. 2, have an outlet valve 60 connected downstream of some or all of the air compressors 12 for discharging compressed air to the atmosphere. The outlet valve 60 can also be designed as a switching valve and / or an ON / OFF valve. If the outlet valve 60 is switched to an OPEN position, the regulation of the compressed air discharge to the atmosphere can be carried out via the regulated or controlled blow-off valve 52. For this purpose, the outlet valve 60 can be connected downstream of the common blow-off valve 52.

[0116] The compressed air system 10 according to Fig. 2 can further comprise a buffer reservoir 62 for storing compressed air. The buffer reservoir 62 can be connected downstream of the common blow-off valve 52. Compressed air blown out via the common blow-off valve 52 can be supplied to the buffer reservoir 62. Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 2, a pressure booster 64 can be connected upstream of the buffer reservoir 62 to increase the pressure of the compressed air blown out into the buffer reservoir 62. For this purpose, the pressure booster 64 can be connected downstream of the common blow-off valve 52, thus being arranged between the common blow-off valve 52 and the buffer reservoir 62.

[0117] As can also be seen from Fig. 2, a feed valve 66 for supplying compressed air to the consumer side can be connected downstream of the buffer tank 62. Depending on the operating situation of the compressed air system 10, stored compressed air from the buffer tank 62 can be fed via the feed valve 66, namely into the consumer-side line section 20. The feed valve 66 can be designed as a switching valve and / or an open / close valve. Likewise, the feed valve 66 can be designed as a regulated or controlled valve, thus also being designed for adjustment to intermediate positions between a fully open and fully closed position.

[0118] The control and / or regulating device 18 can be configured to control and / or regulate the outlet valve 60 and / or the supply valve 58 and / or the feed valve 66. The control and / or regulating device 18 can thus be configured to coordinate all valve positions and / or the operation of the compressed air compressors 12 and / or the pressure boosting device 14 (not shown in detail in Fig. 2).

[0119] In particular, the control and / or regulating device 18 can be configured to control and / or regulate the outlet valve 60 and / or the supply valve 58 and / or the feed valve 66 as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure and / or as a function of a target-actual comparison of the consumer-side pressure. The control and / or regulating device 18 can in particular be configured to control and / or regulate an actual consumer-side pressure to a constant minimum pressure by means of the outlet valve 60 and / or the supply valve 58 and / or the feed valve 66. Fig. 3 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 differs from the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 with regard to the design and arrangement of the expansion turbine 54. In Fig.3, the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 upstream of the compressed air compressors 12 is shown in more detail, as is also shown in Fig. 1.

[0120] In the exemplary embodiment of the compressed air system 10 according to Fig. 3, the expansion turbine 54 is connected to the drive motor 24 for the pressure booster device 14. An intermediate gear 68 can be provided between the drive motor 24 and the expansion turbine 54. Additionally or alternatively, a freewheel (not shown in detail here) can be provided between the drive motor 24 and the expansion turbine 54.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, excess compressed air can be fed to the expansion turbine 54 via the common blow-off valve 52 and the supply valve 58. The expansion turbine 54 can drive the drive motor 24 via the gear 68 and / or the freewheel (not shown in detail). This allows for energy-saving operation of the pressure booster 14, since the energy from excess compressed air can be used to drive the pressure booster 14.

[0122] Fig. 4 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 4 differs from the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3 with respect to the design and arrangement of the expansion turbine 54. Fig. 4 shows the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 upstream of the air compressors 12 in more detail, as are also shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0123] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4, no pressure increasing device is shown. However, the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4 can also be equipped with a pressure increasing device, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. In the exemplary embodiment of the compressed air system 10 according to Fig. 4, the expansion turbine 54 is connected to at least one drive motor 70 for a compressed air compressor 12. In particular, according to Fig. 4, a plurality of expansion turbines 54 can be provided, each of which is connected to a drive motor 70 for a compressed air compressor 12. An intermediate gear 68 can be provided between the drive motor 70 of the respective compressed air compressor 12 and the respective expansion turbine 54. Additionally or alternatively, a freewheel (not shown in detail here) can be provided between the drive motor 70 of the respective expansion turbine 54 and the respective expansion turbine 54.For each of the expansion turbines 54, a separate supply valve 58 can be provided, via which compressed air can be supplied to the respective expansion turbine 54.

[0124] In the embodiment according to Fig. 4, excess compressed air can thus be fed to the downstream expansion turbine 54 via the common exhaust valve 52 and the respective supply valve 58. The expansion turbine 54 can drive the drive motor 70 of the respective compressed air compressor 12 via a gear 68 and / or a freewheel (not shown in detail). This allows for energy-saving operation of the respective compressed air compressors 12, since energy from excess compressed air can be used to drive the compressed air compressors 12.

[0125] In individual or all exemplary embodiments of the compressed air system 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 4, at least some or all of the compressed air compressors 12 can be designed as unregulated fixed compressors. Fixed compressors within the meaning of the present invention can be either switched on or switched off and, when switched on, can be operated at a predefined power. It is also possible for at least one of the compressed air compressors 12 to be designed as a regulated compressed air compressor 12, in particular for several compressed air compressors 12 to be designed as regulated compressed air compressors 12. Within the meaning of the present invention, regulated compressed air compressors 12 can be set between different power levels when switched on, so that different delivery capacities can be realized.The control range of a controlled air compressor 12 can be greater than the delivery capacity of another air compressor 12 or a fixed compressor, in particular greater than the delivery capacity of an air compressor 12 or the fixed compressor with the largest delivery capacity.

[0126] In individual or all embodiments according to Figs. 1 to 4, the control and / or regulating device 18 can be configured to control and / or regulate an actual pressure on the consumer side to a constant minimum pressure, free from a pressure band.

[0127] Furthermore, in individual or all exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 1 to 4, the control and / or regulating device 18 can be configured to switch individual or multiple compressed air compressors 12 on and / or off and / or to control and / or regulate their operating state, in particular the delivery rate, as a function of a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure and / or as a function of a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure. The control and / or regulating device 18 can further be configured to generate a variable adjustment of the admission pressure for at least some or all of the compressed air compressors 12 by means of the pressure boosting device 14 when individual or multiple compressed air compressors 12 are switched on and / or off.

[0128] A control and / or regulation range realized by the pressure boosting device 14 can be greater than the delivery capacity of at least one compressed air compressor 12, in particular the compressed air compressor 12 or fixed compressor with the largest delivery capacity. Finally, in individual or all exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 1 to 4, the common blow-off valve 52 and / or the outlet valve 60 can be designed and / or dimensioned to blow out the delivery capacity of at least one of the compressed air compressors 12, in particular the compressed air compressor 12 or fixed compressor with the largest delivery capacity, preferably with a reserve of at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, or more than 30%.

[0129] The air compressors 12 can be, for example, piston compressors, screw compressors, vane compressors, turbo compressors, diaphragm compressors, or scroll compressors. The compressed air systems 10 described above can also have different types of air compressors 12.

[0130] With a compressed air system 10 as described above, significant energy savings, for example, energy savings of over 10%, can be achieved. The operation of the air compressors 12 requires significantly fewer switching cycles, which has a positive impact on maintenance costs. Pre-compression by means of the pressure boosting device 14 makes it possible to specifically influence the delivery volume of the air compressors 12 without switching individual air compressors 12 on or off, or changing their delivery capacity or operating speed.

[0131] Fig. 5 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 differs from the embodiments of Figs. 2 to 4 with regard to the design and arrangement of the expansion turbine 54, the supply valve 58 and the blow-off valve 52. In Fig. 5, the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 downstream of the compressed air compressors 12 is shown in more detail. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, no pressure increasing device is shown. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 can also be equipped with a pressure increasing device, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Likewise, the embodiment according to Fig. 5 can be designed without a pressure increasing device.

[0132] In the embodiment of the compressed air system 10 according to Fig. 5, the expansion turbine 54 can be connected to at least one drive motor (not shown in detail here) of a compressed air compressor 12 or a direct mechanical coupling can be provided between the expansion turbine 54 and a drive component of at least one compressed air compressor 12.

[0133] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the supply valve 58 and the blow-out valve 52 can be connected in parallel. In the embodiment shown in Fig.

[0134] 5, excess compressed air can therefore be blown out via the common blow-out valve 52 and, in parallel, fed to the downstream expansion turbine 54 via the supply valve 58.

[0135] The control and / or regulating device 18 is shown in more detail in Fig. 5. The control and / or regulating device 18 can preferably be designed as a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or as a process control system (PCS). The control and / or regulating device 18 can have a logic unit 72 and / or a valve control unit 74 for controlling the blow-out valve 52. The valve control unit 74 can control the blow-out valve 52 depending on a consumer-side pressure in the line section 20.

[0136] To detect the consumer-side pressure in the line section 20, a pressure detection device 73 can be provided, which can in particular be a PD transmitter. The pressure detection device 73 can transmit a detected pressure to the control and / or regulating device 18. Furthermore, according to the embodiment in Fig. 5, a valve control 75 can be provided to control the supply valve 58. The valve control 75 can control the supply valve 58 as a function of a pressure and / or a temperature downstream and / or within the expansion turbine 54. The valve control 75 can in particular control the supply valve 58 as a function of a minimum temperature downstream and / or within the expansion turbine 54, particularly preferably as a function of icing downstream and / or within the expansion turbine 54.

[0137] A selection circuit 77 can be arranged between the valve control 75 and the supply valve 58. The supply valve 58 can also be controlled by the control 74 via the selection circuit 77. The valve control 74 can control the supply valve 58 depending on a consumer-side pressure in the line section 20.

[0138] Fig. 6 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, at least one of the compressed air compressors 12 is designed as a regulated compressed air compressor 12a, as also explained above with reference to the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 6 shows the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 downstream of the compressed air compressors 12 in more detail.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, no pressure booster is shown. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 can also be equipped with a pressure booster, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Likewise, the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 can be designed without a pressure booster.

[0140] In the exemplary embodiment of the compressed air system 10 according to Fig. 6, a plurality of compressed air compressors 12 are provided, which are designed as fixed compressors 12b. Furthermore, at least one regulated compressed air compressor 12a is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the control and / or regulating device 18 can be configured, in particular, to switch on or off at least one compressed air compressor 12 designed as a fixed compressor 12b depending on a rotational speed and / or an operating state of the regulated compressed air compressor 12a.

[0141] Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device 18 according to the embodiment in Fig. 6 can have a control 76 for controlling the regulated compressed air compressor 12a. The controlled compressed air compressor 12a can be controlled via the control 76, in particular as a function of a consumer-side pressure in the line section 20. The regulated compressed air compressor 12a can, in particular, be a so-called VSD compressor.

[0142] Fig. 7 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, with the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 upstream of the air compressors 12 also being shown in more detail.

[0143] In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, a bird protection grid 34, an intake filter 32, a cooling device 48, and a distributor 50 can be provided. In Fig.

[0144] No pressure booster device is shown in Fig. 7. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 can also be equipped with a pressure booster device, as described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 8. Likewise, the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 can be designed without a pressure booster device.

[0145] Fig. 8 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment according to Fig. 8 differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 in the arrangement of the pressure increasing device 14. The pressure increasing device 14 corresponds to the design according to the embodiments in Figs. 1 and 3. The control and / or regulating device 18 according to the embodiment in Fig. 8 is designed to control and / or regulate the pressure increasing device 14 as a function of a rotational speed and / or an operating state of the regulated compressed air compressor 12a, in particular to control and / or regulate it to generate a variable pre-pressure.For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 18 can have a control 76 which is designed to control the regulated compressed air compressor 12a and also to control the pressure increasing device 14, in particular the motor 28 of the pressure increasing device 14.

[0146] Fig. 9 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 with respect to the design and arrangement of the expansion turbine 54. Fig. 9 shows the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 downstream of the air compressors 12 in more detail.

[0147] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, no pressure booster is shown. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 can also be equipped with a pressure booster, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Likewise, the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 can be designed without a pressure booster.

[0148] In the embodiment according to Fig. 9, the expansion turbine 54 can be connected to at least one drive motor for an air compressor 12, or a direct mechanical coupling can be provided between the expansion turbine 54 and a drive component of at least one air compressor 12. Additionally, the expansion turbine 54 can be connected, in particular via a gear 78, preferably in the form of a spur gear, and / or via a clutch 80, to a drive motor 28 of a pressure booster device 14. This allows for overall efficient operation of the compressed air system 10.

[0149] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Fig. 10, an exhaust air return 82 of the compressed air expanded by the expansion turbine 54 can be provided. The compressed air expanded by the expansion turbine 54 can be supplied to at least one of the compressed air compressors 12 through the exhaust air return 82.

[0150] Fig. 10 shows a compressed air system 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Fig. 10 differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 with respect to the design and arrangement of the buffer storage 62. Fig. 10 shows the area of ​​the compressed air system 10 downstream of the air compressors 12 in more detail.

[0151] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, no pressure booster is shown. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 can also be equipped with a pressure booster, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Likewise, the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 can be designed without a pressure booster.

[0152] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the buffer tank 62 can be connected to the line section 20, in which an actual pressure is present on the consumer side, via a pressure booster 64. The buffer tank 62 can thus be filled via the pressure booster 64. Furthermore, a feed valve 66 is provided, from which compressed air from the buffer tank 62 can be fed parallel to the line section 20 to a consumer with fluctuating demand or with demand peaks. Likewise, compressed air from the buffer tank 62 can be fed back into the line section 20 via the feed valve 66.Regardless of the opening position of the feed valve 66, compressed air can also be supplied directly from the line section 20 with the actual pressure applied on the consumer side, parallel to the power section, to a consumer with fluctuating demand or with demand peaks, namely via a bridging line by which the buffer tank 62, the pressure booster 64 and the feed valve 66 are bridged.

[0153] The control and / or regulating device 18 in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 10 can be configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, at least one compressed air compressor 12 designed as a fixed compressor 12b depending on the position of the feed valve. Likewise, the control and / or regulating device 18 in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 10 can be configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, at least one compressed air compressor 12 designed as a fixed compressor 12b depending on an actual pressure on the consumer side in the line section 20. Finally, the control and / or regulating device 18 in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 10 can be configured to set the position of the feed valve 66 depending on the operation of at least one compressed air compressor 12 and / or depending on an actual pressure on the consumer side in the line section 20, in particular to open or close it.

[0154] A compressed air system 10 as described above can be implemented either by a completely new installation or by retrofitting individual system components and thus improve the energy and operating efficiency of existing compressed air systems.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Compressed air system (10), in particular for the compressed air supply of at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, - with a plurality of parallel connected compressed air compressors (12), - with a pressure boosting device (14) which is connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors (12) for the variable increase of a pre-pressure, and - with a control and / or regulating device (18) configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device (14) depending on a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device (14) to generate a variable inlet pressure depending on a target-actual comparison of a consumer-side pressure. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate a consumer-side actual pressure by variably adjusting the inlet pressure for at least some or all compressed air compressors (12) by means of the pressure boosting device (14).Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate a consumer-side actual pressure to a constant minimum pressure, in particular by means of variable Adjustment of the pre-charge pressure for at least some or all compressed air compressors (12) by means of the pressure boosting device (14).

5. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure boosting device (14) is configured to variably increase the pre-pressure for all compressed air compressors (12) and / or that the pressure boosting device (14) is connected upstream of all compressed air compressors (12).

6. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure boosting device (14) has at least one blower (22) for variably increasing the pre-pressure for several or all compressed air compressors (12).

7. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure boosting device (14) has a housing (30) which is connected upstream of several or all compressed air compressors (12) and / or in which at least one blower (22) is arranged for air compression.

8. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure boosting device (14), in particular the blower (22), is speed-controlled and / or speed-regulated.

9. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure boosting device (14), in particular the blower (22), is adjustable and / or controllable by an adjustable air guide device (26), preferably by an adjustable guide grid.

10. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure boosting device (14) has at least one An intake filter (32) is installed upstream, in particular for filtering an intake flow for several or all compressed air compressors (12), wherein the intake filter (32) is preferably designed as a belt filter.

11. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pressure equalization device (38) is connected in parallel to the pressure boosting device (14), in particular to the blower (22), preferably several pressure equalization devices (38) are connected in parallel.

12. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the pressure equalization device (38) is arranged within a housing (30) of the pressure boosting device (14) and / or that the pressure equalization device (38) and the pressure boosting device (14) are arranged on a common housing wall section (40).

13. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the pressure equalization device (38) is designed for the automatic opening of a pressure equalization opening (42) and / or that the pressure equalization device (38) has a vacuum flap (46), in particular a spring-loaded vacuum flap (46), and a pressure equalization opening (42) that can be closed by the vacuum flap (46).

14. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the pressure equalization device (38) is configured to open a pressure equalization opening (42) when a minimum pre-pressure is undershot for at least one compressed air compressor (12) and / or for all compressed air compressors (12) and / or when the pressure boosting device (14) fails or stops, in particular to open automatically and / or against a spring preload. A compressed air system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooling device (48) for cooling a pre-compressed air stream is connected downstream of the pressure boosting device (14) and / or that the cooling device (48) is connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors (12). A compressed air system (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the cooling device (48) extends at least partially through a housing (30) for the pressure boosting device (14) and / or comprises a heat exchanger, in particular a liquid-operated heat exchanger. A compressed air system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distributor (50) for distributing a pre-compressed air stream to the respective compressed air compressors (12) is connected upstream of at least some or all of the compressed air compressors (12).Compressed air system (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the distributor (50) is preferably located downstream of the cooling device (48) for cooling a pre-compressed air stream and / or that the distributor (50) is arranged between the pressure boosting device (14) and the respective compressed air compressors (12) and / or between the cooling device (48) and the respective compressed air compressors (12). Compressed air system (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the distributor (50) is designed as part of a housing (30) for the pressure boosting device (14) and / or is integrally connected to or formed in one piece with a housing (30) for the pressure boosting device (14). A compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some or all of the compressed air compressors (12) are connected downstream of a common discharge valve (52) for pressure reduction on the consumer side. A compressed air system (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the common discharge valve (52) is designed as a control valve and / or that the common discharge valve (52) is controlled and / or regulated by the control and / or regulating device (18). A compressed air system (10) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate the discharge valve (52) depending on a consumer-side setpoint pressure and / or actual pressure and / or to control and / or regulate a consumer-side actual pressure to a constant minimum pressure by means of the discharge valve (52).Compressed air system (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch at least one compressed air compressor (12) depending on an operating position of the discharge valve (52), in particular to switch it on or off, and / or to control and / or regulate it. Compressed air system (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch at least one compressed air compressor (12) depending on an operating position assumed by the discharge valve (52) when passing through a limit value, in particular to switch it on or off, and / or to control and / or regulate it.

25. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch, in particular to switch on or off, and / or to control and / or to regulate at least one compressed air compressor (12) depending on an operating position of the discharge valve (52) assumed when a lower limit setpoint is undershot and / or when an upper limit setpoint is exceeded.

26. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 25, characterized in that a lower limit setting value of the blow-off valve (52) is preset at an operating position opened to 20% and / or that an upper limit setting value of the blow-off valve (52) is preset at an operating position opened to 80%.

27. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one expansion turbine (54) is provided and / or is connected downstream of the common discharge valve (52) and / or that compressed air discharged via the discharge valve (52) can be supplied to an expansion turbine (54) and / or that an expansion turbine (54) is connected upstream of the common discharge valve (52) and / or that compressed air discharged via the discharge valve (52) can be supplied to an expansion turbine (54) before discharge.

28. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 27, characterized in that the expansion turbine (54) is connected to a generator (56) for generating electricity.

29. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the expansion turbine (54) is connected to a drive motor (24) for the pressure boosting device (14), in particular via an intermediate gearbox (68) and / or via an intermediate freewheel.

30. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the expansion turbine (54) is connected to at least one drive motor (70) for a compressed air compressor (12), in particular via an intermediate gearbox (68) and / or via an intermediate freewheel.

31. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that several expansion turbines (54) are provided, each of which is connected to a drive motor (70) for a compressed air compressor (12), in particular via an intermediate gearbox (68) and / or via an intermediate freewheel.

32. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that a supply valve (58) for the compressed air supply to the expansion turbine (54) is connected between the common discharge valve (52) and the expansion turbine (54), in particular a supply valve (58) designed as a switching valve and / or ON / OFF valve.

33. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some or all compressed air compressors (12) are connected downstream of an exhaust valve (60) for the discharge of compressed air into the atmosphere, in particular an exhaust valve (60) designed as a switching valve and / or ON / OFF valve.

34. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 33, characterized in that the outlet valve (60) is connected downstream of the common blow-off valve (52).

35. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a buffer storage tank (62) is provided for compressed air storage and / or is connected downstream of the common discharge valve (52). compressed air system (10) according to claim 35, characterized in that a pressure booster (64) for increasing the pressure of the compressed air blown into the buffer storage tank (62) is connected upstream of the buffer storage tank (62) and / or downstream of the discharge valve (52). Compressed air system (10) according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that a feed valve (66) for supplying compressed air to the consumer is connected downstream of the buffer storage tank (62). Compressed air system (10) according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control the discharge valve (60) and / or the supply valve (58) and / or the feed valve (66).Compressed air system (10) according to claim 38, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control the outlet valve (60) and / or the supply valve (58) and / or the feed valve (66) depending on a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure and / or to control and / or regulate a consumer-side actual pressure to a constant minimum pressure by means of the outlet valve (60) and / or the supply valve (58) and / or the feed valve (66). Compressed air system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some or all of the compressed air compressors (12) are designed as unregulated fixed compressors. Compressed air system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the compressed air compressors (12). is designed as a regulated compressed air compressor (12), in particular several compressed air compressors (12) are designed as regulated compressed air compressors (12).

42. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 41, characterized in that the control range of a controlled compressed air compressor (12) is greater than the delivery capacity of a fixed compressor, in particular greater than the delivery capacity of the fixed compressor with the largest delivery capacity.

43. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch on at least one compressed air compressor (12) designed as a fixed compressor depending on a speed and / or an operating state of a regulated compressed air compressor (12), in particular to switch on or off.

44. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch at least one compressed air compressor (12) designed as a fixed compressor depending on an operating state assumed by a regulated compressed air compressor (12) when passing through a limit speed, in particular to switch on or off.

45. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch on or off at least one compressed air compressor (12) designed as a fixed compressor depending on an operating state of a regulated compressed air compressor (12) when a lower limit speed is undershot and / or when an upper limit speed is exceeded. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 45, characterized in that a lower limit speed of a controlled compressed air compressor (12) is preset at 40% or 50% of the maximum speed and / or at a value greater than 40% and / or 50% of the maximum speed and / or that an upper limit speed of a controlled compressed air compressor (12) is preset at 80% or 90% or 100% and / or at a value greater than 80% of the maximum speed. Compressed air system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate a consumer-side actual pressure, free from a pressure band, to a constant minimum pressure.Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch one or more compressed air compressors (12) on and / or off and / or to control and / or regulate their operating state depending on a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure. Compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to generate a variable adjustment of the inlet pressure for at least some or all compressed air compressors (12) by means of the pressure boosting device (14) when one or more compressed air compressors (12) are switched on and / or off. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 41 to 49, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to adjust the pressure boosting device (14) depending on a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure. to control and / or regulate the speed and / or operating state of a controlled compressed air compressor (12), in particular to control and / or regulate the generation of a variable pre-pressure.

51. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 41 to 50, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device (14) depending on an operating state assumed by a regulated compressed air compressor (12) when passing through a limit speed.

52. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 41 to 51, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to control and / or regulate the pressure boosting device (14) depending on an operating state of a regulated compressed air compressor (12) assumed when a lower limit speed is undershot and / or when an upper limit speed is exceeded.

53. Compressed air system (10) according to claim 52, characterized in that a lower limit speed of a controlled compressed air compressor (12) is preset at 40% or 50% of the maximum speed or at a value greater than 40% and / or 50% of the maximum speed and / or that an upper limit speed of a controlled compressed air compressor (12) is preset at 80% or 90% or 100% and / or at a value greater than 80% of the maximum speed.

54. Compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 41 to 53, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to continue controlling and / or regulating and / or changing the operating state of the pressure boosting device (14) until a controlled compressed air compressor (12) reaches a predefined The rotational speed has been reached and / or exceeded within a target speed range. A compressed air system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control and / or regulating range realized by the pressure boosting device (14) is greater than the delivery capacity of at least one compressed air compressor (12), in particular the compressed air compressor (12) with the largest delivery capacity. A compressed air system (10) according to one of claims 20 to 55, characterized in that the discharge valve (52) and / or the outlet valve (60) is designed and / or dimensioned to discharge the delivery capacity of at least one of the compressed air compressors (12), in particular the compressed air compressor (12) with the largest delivery capacity, preferably with a reserve of at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30% or more than 30%.Compressed air system (10), in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, comprising a plurality of parallel-connected compressed air compressors (12) and a pressure boosting device (14) which is connected upstream of at least some of the compressed air compressors (12) for variably increasing a pre-charge pressure. Compressed air system (10), in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand. - with a plurality of parallel connected compressed air compressors (12) and - with a control and / or regulating device (18), - wherein at least one of the compressed air compressors (12) is designed as a fixed compressor and at least one of the compressed air compressors (12) is designed as a regulated compressed air compressor (12) and - wherein the control and / or regulating device (18) is configured to switch on or off at least one fixed-speed compressed air compressor (12) depending on the speed and / or operating state of a controlled compressed air compressor (12). Method for operating a compressed air system (10), in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, - in which a plurality of parallel connected compressed air compressors (12) are operated and - in which the inlet pressure of at least some of the compressed air compressors (12) is variably increased by means of a pressure boosting device (14) depending on a consumer-side target pressure and / or actual pressure. Method for operating a compressed air system (10), in particular for supplying compressed air to at least one consumer with fluctuating demand, - in which at least one compressed air compressor (12) is operated as a fixed compressor and at least one compressed air compressor (12) is operated as a regulated compressed air compressor (12) and - in which at least one compressed air compressor (12) designed as a fixed compressor is switched on or off depending on a speed and / or an operating state of at least one regulated compressed air compressor (12).

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