Compressor System Modeling for Precise Control and Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compressor systems lack a generalized structure for analysis and control, leading to limited evaluation and control capabilities due to the absence of specific knowledge about the system's structure and causal relationships between components.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses derived models based on initial models of the compressor system, accounting for causal relationships and dynamic processes, to enhance control, monitoring, diagnostic, and evaluation routines, allowing for precise control and monitoring tailored to specific compressor systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standard control and analysis method is used with parameterization, then the method is easy to implement and adaptable to different sites, but it cannot precisely account for the specific circumstances and structural interrelationships of each compressor system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis precisionVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the compressor system into individual component models (compressors, dryers, filters, tanks, consumers) that can be independently defined and then combined. This allows the system to capture specific structural interrelationships while maintaining modularity. The segmentation enables precise modeling of causal relationships between components without requiring a completely custom approach for each system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic modeling capabilities that allow the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and system configurations. The models can dynamically simulate different scenarios, configurations, and operational states, enabling precise analysis of specific system circumstances while using a standardized framework that can be applied across different compressor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a mathematical model of the compressor system is used for control, then the control can be optimized, but the model may not capture the specific structural relationships and causal interactions between individual components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol optimizationVSAvoidstructural information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent breaks down the overall system model into segmented component models that explicitly represent individual compressors, peripheral devices, and their interconnections. This segmentation preserves structural information about system architecture while enabling optimized control through the integrated behavior of the component models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an information model as an intermediary layer between the physical system and the control algorithms. This information model captures structural relationships and causal interactions, serving as a mediator that translates physical system characteristics into control-relevant data without losing structural information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual analysis of each compressor system is performed without a general structure, then specific system characteristics can be captured, but the analysis and evaluation capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem-specific adaptationVSAvoidanalysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal modeling framework that can be applied to any compressor system regardless of its specific configuration. The standardized component models and their interconnection rules provide multi-functionality, enabling the same framework to analyze diverse systems while capturing their specific characteristics through parameterization and configuration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the system into standardized components, the patent enables individual analysis of each element while maintaining the ability to evaluate the overall system. The segmented approach allows comprehensive analysis capabilities to be applied systematically across different system configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2778412A1Development of a superior model for controlling and/or supervising a compressor system
Publication Date: 2014.09.17 KAESER KOMPRESSOREN SE
  • EP2778412A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2778412A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2778412A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method involves arranging compressors (11, 12, 13) and peripheral devices e.g. filters (14-16), valves (17, 18) and driers (19, 20), in a predetermined configuration. Derived models are created on the basis of initial models of a compressor system, where the initial modules comprise specification of the compressors and the peripheral devices and the derived models include operative interrelationships among the compressors and peripheral devices. The derived models are formed as basis for subsequent control, monitoring, diagnosis or evaluation routines. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a compressor system (2) a controlling and/or monitoring unit.