Compressor Heat Recovery Control for Stable Coolant Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite devices comprising compressor installations and heat recovery systems lack optimization in controlling coolant flow, leading to inefficient energy use and temperature fluctuations, which result in reduced efficiency and premature wear.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a controller to determine system parameters of both the compressor installation and heat recovery system, allowing for dynamic control of coolant flow and energy usage to optimize overall efficiency, reducing energy consumption and protecting against temperature fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a thermostatic valve with a fixed preset value is used to control coolant flow, then the temperature at the output of the cooling circuit remains constant, but the overall efficiency of the composite device cannot be optimized and temperature fluctuations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed preset value of the thermostatic valve with a dynamically adjustable preset value that can be modified based on actual operating conditions. The controller continuously monitors system parameters and adjusts the preset value accordingly, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing heat consumption patterns and operational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the preset value of the thermostatic valve to vary based on multiple system parameters including heat consumption, ambient temperature, and operational mode. This enables the system to optimize the balance between temperature stability and energy efficiency by adjusting the coolant flow control parameter (preset value) according to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the preset value of the thermostatic valve is adjusted according to heat consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but temperature stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual temperature at the output of the cooling circuit and comparing it with the dynamically adjusted preset value. The controller uses this feedback information to make real-time adjustments to the thermostatic valve, ensuring that temperature stability is maintained even as the preset value changes in response to varying heat consumption conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically adjusting the preset value and controlling the coolant flow without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously monitors system parameters, determines optimal preset values, and regulates the thermostatic valve to maintain both energy efficiency and temperature stability, allowing the system to self-optimize based on its own operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If basic regulation is used to control the compressor according to demanded quantity of compressed air, then the compressor meets demand, but neither the efficiency of the compressor installation nor the efficiency of the entire composite system is optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air quantityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by integrating a single controller that manages multiple functions across different system components. The controller simultaneously regulates the compressor operation, adjusts the thermostatic valve preset value, monitors temperature, and optimizes heat recovery, creating a multi-functional control system that coordinates all components to achieve both productivity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated control that adjusts compressor operation and coolant flow based on real-time monitoring of system parameters. The controller autonomously optimizes the balance between compressed air production and energy consumption without requiring external intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate for maximum efficiency while meeting demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The method enhances the overall efficiency of the composite device by optimizing energy use and extending the lifespan by minimizing wear and temperature-related issues, while allowing for flexible operation based on user settings and system parameters.

Implementation Method 1

a heat recovery system (3) absorbing heat from the compressor installation (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the compression of gas in a compressor installation is coupled with enormous heat generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdiabatic heating: Adiabatic Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9016072B2Method for controlling a composite device and a composite device in which the method can be applied
Publication Date: 2015.04.28 ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER NV
  • US9016072B2 patent drawing
  • US9016072B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for controlling a device that includes at least a compressor installation and/or a drying device and a heat recovery system. The heat recovery system absorbs heat from the compressor installation, and the device further includes a controller and device for determining one or more system parameters. The controller controls both the compressor installation and/or the drying device and the heat recovery system on the basis of the system parameters, so that the overall efficiency of the device is optimized.