Compressor Control Mode Switching for Rock Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rock drilling processes, the existing power source management systems often result in suboptimal power usage, leading to excessive fuel consumption and noise due to the need to maintain a minimum speed for all consumers, including compressors and percussion mechanisms, even when the compressor demand is lower.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling the compressor by switching between two modes: one where the compressor's work is controlled by rotation speed and another where it's controlled by air flow at the inlet, allowing for precise adjustment of the work produced to match demand, independent of the power source speed, and prioritizing flow control over pressure control to maintain consistent flushing air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power source maintains minimum speed to ensure all consumers receive sufficient power, then reliability of consumer operation is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor speed variable rather than fixed. The control system continuously adjusts the compressor rotation speed based on real-time demand signals from the rock drilling apparatus, allowing the power source to operate at optimal speeds matching actual consumer needs rather than maintaining a constant minimum speed for all consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the compressor by adjusting its rotation speed dynamically. The control system modifies speed parameters according to varying demand conditions, enabling the power source to adapt its output to match actual consumer requirements and reduce fuel consumption during periods of lower demand.
2Ease of operation
If the power source maintains minimum speed to ensure all consumers receive sufficient power, then functionality of consumers is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor speed based on actual demand, allowing the power source to operate at lower speeds when full functionality is not required. This dynamic speed adjustment reduces noise generation while maintaining sufficient consumer functionality through demand-responsive operation.
3Device complexity
If the compressor is controlled by rotation speed only, then power delivery is simplified, but adaptability to varying demand decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is made dynamic by implementing real-time demand monitoring and speed adjustment capabilities. The system adapts to varying demand conditions through continuous feedback from the rock drilling apparatus, enabling flexible response to changing operational requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through electronic control.
4Power
If the compressor operates at high speed to meet peak demand, then power availability is improved, but energy waste increases when demand is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the compressor by dynamically adjusting its rotation speed according to demand. This allows the system to deliver full power when needed while operating at reduced speeds during lower demand periods, thereby minimizing energy waste while maintaining power availability capability.
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
This approach reduces unnecessary power consumption and noise by ensuring the compressor only generates the required work, maintaining a consistent flushing air flow regardless of pressure variations, thus optimizing energy use and preventing clogging issues.
Implementation Method 1
The compressed air is obtained from a compressor which, similar to other consumers present at a rock drilling apparatus, is driven by a power source
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control of a compressor (8) at a rock drilling apparatus, said rock drilling apparatus including a power source for driving a compressor (8) at a rock drilling process, said compressor (8) being arranged to operate according to a first mode and according to a second mode, wherein, in said first mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of said compressor (8), and wherein, in said second mode, the work produced by the compressor (8) is arranged to be controlled by controlling the air flow at the compressor inlet. The method includes determining a parameter value representing a demand of work from said compressor (8), controlling the compressor (8) according to said first mode when said parameter value representing a demand of work from said compressor (8) exceeds a first demand, and controlling the compressor (8) according to said second mode when said parameter value representing a demand of work from said compressor is lower than said first demand. The invention also relates to a system and a rock drilling apparatus.