Compressor Control Range Adjustment for Altitude Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors and pumps face operational challenges when working conditions deviate from nominal conditions, leading to issues such as starting problems, reduced performance, and inefficient operation due to inaccuracies in power and torque curves, especially in varying environmental conditions like high altitude or extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an additional control function that dynamically or statically adjusts the limits of the working range of control parameters, such as rotational speed and pressure, based on actual working conditions, including altitude, temperature, and power surplus, to maintain optimal operation within allowed ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor or pump operates within a fixed nominal working range determined by design, then the basic control can maintain stable operation under nominal conditions, but the system cannot adapt when actual working conditions deviate from nominal conditions, leading to starting problems, shutdowns, or inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control parameters (minimum and maximum values of control parameters) adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically modifies the nominal working range based on detected actual working conditions, allowing the compressor or pump to adapt to varying environments such as different altitudes, temperatures, and load conditions without requiring complete redesign of the control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the control parameters (minimum and maximum values) based on detected working conditions. When actual conditions deviate from nominal conditions, the system adjusts these parameter limits to reflect the new operating environment, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions while using the same physical hardware
2Reliability
If the control parameters are adjusted to accommodate unfavorable working conditions, then the system can continue operating without shutdowns, but the power surplus cannot be fully utilized for increased performance when conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously detecting actual working conditions and using this information to adjust the control parameters. The system monitors parameters such as altitude, temperature, and power availability, and based on this feedback, dynamically modifies the minimum and maximum control parameter values to optimize both reliability and productivity according to current conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the control range based on real-time conditions. When conditions are favorable, the system expands the control range to allow higher performance; when conditions are unfavorable, it contracts the range to prevent shutdowns. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining operational continuity and maximizing productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the motor is dimensioned with power surplus to handle varying conditions, then the system can operate under unfavorable conditions, but the inaccuracies in power and torque curves lead to inefficient operation and inability to start or shut down when conditions deviate significantly from nominal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the control parameter limits based on detected working conditions. Instead of relying on fixed motor dimensioning with inherent inaccuracies, the system modifies the operational parameters (minimum and maximum values) to match actual conditions, enabling reliable starting and shutdown across varying environments including different altitudes and temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor or pump, including at least one compressor or pump element for pressurised supply of a fluid to a network of consumers of such pressurised fluid; a motor coupled with the compressor or pump element. The compressor or pump is equipped with a control having a basic control for the nominal regulation of one or more control parameters (Q, pw) as a function of a desired, set working point of the compressor within the nominal set working range of the compressor or pump, set during design. The control is further provided with an additional control function for static or dynamic adjustment of the working range limit values. The nominal control range of one or more control parameters is adjusted as a function of the actual working conditions of the compressor or pump that deviate from the nominal working conditions.