Compressed Air System Configuration Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of compressed air systems is a complex and time-consuming process requiring significant user involvement and expertise, often resulting in suboptimal configurations due to the vast number of possible component combinations and the need for manual simulation and evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted method using a branched data structure and branch-and-bound algorithm to systematically generate and evaluate compressed air system configurations, minimizing user involvement by automating the process and ensuring the optimal configuration is found.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual design and simulation of compressed air system configurations is performed, then user expertise and control are utilized, but the design process becomes time-consuming and may not guarantee optimal solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical design process with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to generate and evaluate configurations. The computer automatically creates configuration models, performs simulations, and ranks options, eliminating the need for manual iteration while maintaining or improving design quality through systematic evaluation of all possible configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service design by allowing users to input basic requirements and constraints, after which the computer autonomously generates multiple configuration options, evaluates them through simulation, and presents optimized solutions without requiring continuous user intervention or expertise in system design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of component combinations is increased to explore more configuration options, then the likelihood of finding optimal solutions improves, but the complexity of the design process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex design process into distinct automated stages: component selection, configuration model generation, simulation execution, and evaluation ranking. Each stage is handled independently by the computer system, managing complexity through systematic breakdown of the overall design task into manageable computational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically varies multiple parameters including component types, quantities, arrangements, and operational settings to generate diverse configuration options. By systematically changing these parameters within defined constraints, the computer explores the solution space efficiently without requiring manual intervention for each parameter combination.
3Measurement precision
If multiple simulations are performed to evaluate different configurations, then accurate assessment of configuration quality is achieved, but the computational resources and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing simulations on a selective basis - the computer generates multiple configurations but only simulates and evaluates those that meet preliminary criteria or represent promising solutions. This approach provides sufficient evaluation accuracy for making design decisions without exhaustively simulating every possible configuration, thus conserving computational resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing at least one design configuration of a compressed air system (1) comprising at least two compressors (11,12) connected in parallel, wherein the method comprises the following steps. Receiving component data (Dk) by a computer, wherein the component data (Dk) comprises a compressor list (Lv) containing a plurality of compressors (V1, V2, . . . , Vn) of different types. Generating a branched data structure (B) by the computer. Generating compressed air system configuration data (DKonf1, DKonf2) by a computer indicating compressed air system configurations (Konf1, Konf2) in which two of the compressors from the compressor list (V1, V2, . . . , Vn) are connected in parallel. Calculating at least one quality value by the computer for at least one of the compressed air system configurations (Konf1, Konf2) based on the compressed air system configuration (Konf1, Konf2) and at least one technical parameter (Kt) of the compressors of the compressed air system configuration (Konf1, Konf2), wherein the at least one quality value indicates the quality of the compressed air system configuration (Konf1, Konf2) with respect to a quality criterion, preferably specified by a user. Providing at least one compressed air system configuration (Konf1, Konf2) with in each case at least one assigned quality value by the computer.