Air Dryer Regeneration Control Under High Compressed Air Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air supply systems face reduced performance of air dryers due to simultaneous high demand for compressed air and regenerating operations, leading to interrupted regenerating processes.
Innovation Solution
An air supply system with an ECU that controls the regenerating operation of the air dryer to continue even when compressed air demand is high, using a non-supply canceling value to ensure sufficient time for regeneration, thereby preventing interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air supply system stops the regenerating operation when compressed air demand is high (air pressure reaches supply start value), then compressed air supply demand is met, but the regenerating operation is interrupted and air dryer performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the regenerating operation duration based on real-time air pressure conditions. When air pressure reaches the supply start value during regenerating operation, the system determines whether to continue or interrupt regeneration based on elapsed time comparison with a predetermined threshold, enabling flexible adaptation to varying air demand conditions while maintaining air dryer performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the regenerating operation by comparing elapsed time against a predetermined time threshold. This parameter-based control decision (continue vs. interrupt) allows the system to balance between meeting compressed air supply demands and maintaining adequate regeneration time, thereby managing the trade-off between productivity and reliability
2Reliability
If the regenerating operation continues without interruption during high compressed air demand, then air dryer performance is maintained, but compressed air supply may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors air pressure in the storage tank and uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about the regenerating operation. By comparing current air pressure against the supply start value and elapsed time against the predetermined threshold, the system dynamically adjusts regeneration continuation or interruption, balancing air dryer performance maintenance with adequate compressed air supply
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures continuous operation of the air dryer's regenerating process, maintaining its performance by ensuring adequate time for regeneration despite overlapping demands.
Implementation Method 1
an air dryer is provided downstream of the compressor to remove impurities such as water and oil from the compressed air. The air dryer performs a dehumidifying operation to remove oil and water from the compressed air, and a regenerating operation to remove oil and water absorbed by the desiccant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is an air supply system that makes it possible to curb a decrease in the performance of an air dryer. The air supply system performs a supply operation for causing compressed air supplied from a compressor (4) to flow from upstream to downstream via an air dryer (11) that has a filter (17) and a check valve (19). The air supply system is provided with an ECU (80) for switching between a supply operation where a detected air pressure being a supply start value or below is a necessary condition for starting the supply operation, and a non-supply operation where no compressed air is supplied upstream of the check valve (19), the ECU performing a regeneration operation for regenerating the filter (17) during the non-supply operation. The ECU (80) is further provided with a non-supply continuation condition for not performing the supply operation if the renewal operation is ongoing, even though the detected air pressure falls to or below the supply start value.