Compressor Inlet Throttling for Pressure and Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor systems face limitations in achieving maximum operating pressure due to constraints in flow rate and rotational speed, leading to inefficient power delivery and reduced operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method for actuating a compressor system that involves throttling the inlet of the compressor element by a specific percentage greater than zero when the operating pressure exceeds the maximum obtainable pressure, allowing for increased rotational speed and torque while reducing power absorption, thereby enabling higher operating pressures without reducing rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the rotational speed of the drive is reduced to decrease power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the maximum operating pressure that can be achieved is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inlet throttling valve adjustable and variable during operation. The control unit dynamically adjusts the opening degree of the inlet throttling valve based on real-time monitoring of operating pressure, flow rate, and power consumption, allowing the system to adaptively optimize between power consumption and maximum operating pressure achievement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting the inlet throttling valve opening degree as a controllable parameter. By varying this parameter along with rotational speed, the system can achieve different operating points on the power curve, enabling higher operating pressures to be reached even at reduced rotational speeds by optimizing the throttling percentage.
2Productivity
If the inlet throttling valve is fully open to maximize flow rate, then productivity improves, but the operating pressure drops below desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operating pressure and flow rate, comparing them against desired setpoints, and automatically adjusting the inlet throttling valve opening degree and rotational speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the operating pressure is maintained at desired levels while optimizing flow rate and power consumption.
3Power
If the rotational speed is increased to achieve higher operating pressure, then power delivery improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using inlet throttling to restrict flow partially, which allows the drive to operate at higher rotational speeds (excessive speed relative to what would be needed without throttling) while maintaining acceptable power consumption levels. The throttling creates a backpressure that enables higher pressure delivery without requiring proportional increases in power input.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor system is designed for broad applicability across wide pressure and flow rate ranges, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a control system that can handle multiple operating conditions and scenarios through a unified control algorithm. The same control unit and inlet throttling valve mechanism serve multiple functions: pressure regulation, flow rate control, power optimization, and adapting to different consumer network demands, eliminating the need for separate systems for different operating modes.
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 enables the compressor system to achieve higher operating pressures with increased surplus power and maintained maximum rotational speed, while optimizing efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet is throttled by the aforementioned means for at least a specific percentage x greater than zero
Implementation Method 2
a compressor element with an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the compressor element is driven by a drive
Data Source
AI summary
A method for actuating a compressor system in order to set a measured operating pressure, which serves as a measure for the operating pressure that the compressor system supplies to a user network at a flow rate demanded by a user network, to a desired operating pressure. The compressor system includes a compressor element with an inlet and an outlet. The compressor element is driven by a drive. The compressor system is provided with a way for throttling the inlet of the compressor element. As long as an operating pressure p, selected from the measured operating pressure pw and the desired operating pressure pset, is higher than the maximum obtainable operating pressure pw,max for the aforementioned compressor system, the inlet is throttled for at least a specific percentagexgreater than zero.