Compressed Gas SEC Analysis for Rapid Energy Savings Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating compressor system efficiency are time-consuming and lack the ability to quickly relate energy savings to specific optimization measures, as they typically involve comparing energy consumption over long periods before and after changes, rather than providing real-time analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) by collecting and analyzing data points over specific time intervals to determine energy use per unit of mass or volume of compressed gas, allowing for immediate assessment of energy savings following system modifications, applicable to both single and multiple compressor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods compare energy consumption over long periods before and after changes, then comprehensive energy saving evaluation is achieved, but the analysis becomes time-consuming and cannot quickly relate energy savings to specific optimization measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a reference SEC curve before system changes occur, creating a baseline for future comparisons. This preliminary action enables rapid post-change evaluation without requiring long-term data collection, as the pre-established reference can be directly compared against new measurements to quickly assess optimization impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SEC curves as an intermediary representation that simplifies complex energy consumption data into comparable formats. By converting raw energy and flow data into SEC curves, the system enables rapid visual and quantitative comparison between reference and actual performance, bridging the gap between comprehensive analysis and quick evaluation needs
2Measurement precision
If detailed data collection and analysis is performed to accurately assess energy efficiency, then comprehensive evaluation is achieved, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key performance indicator (SEC) from complex multi-parameter data sets. By focusing specifically on SEC as the primary metric and deriving it systematically from energy consumption and flow rate data, the method simplifies analysis while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capability, isolating the essential efficiency measure from extraneous data complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw measurement data (energy consumption E and flow rate F) into a derived parameter (SEC = E/F) that directly represents energy efficiency. This parameter transformation simplifies the interpretation of system performance and enables straightforward comparison between different operating conditions and time periods, reducing data processing complexity while preserving assessment accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for analyzing energy used for producing a unit of mass or volume of compressed gas (Specific Energy Consumption) in relation to a common output flow in a compressor system, said method comprising the following steps: —for time interval, Tref, collecting reference measured data points of common output flow Fref and energy (or power) consumption Eref (or Pref) in the compressor system; —calculating energy (or power) use as a function of the common output flow Eref (F) (or <Pref>t(F)) from the measured data points and calculating volume output as a function of the common output flow Vref(F): —calculating average energy consumed for producing a unit of mass or volume of compressed gas as a function of the common output flow <SECref>t(F) from equation Eref(F)/Vref(F) (Or <Pref>t)/Pref); —for time interval, Tsav, collecting measured data points of common output flow Fsav and energy (or power) consumption Esav (Psav) in the compressor system; —calculating energy consumed for producing a unit of mass or volume of compressed gas as a function of the common output flow <SECsav>t(F) from equation Esav(F)/Vsav (F) (or <Psav>t(F)/F sav) or SECsav(t,F) from Psav/Fsav; —calculating the difference between <SECref>t(F) and <SECsav>t(F) or SECsav(t,F) over a range of common output flow F in the compressor system.