Compressor Oil Temperature Control via Feedback Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial compressor systems face inefficiencies in controlling the temperature of lubricants, leading to suboptimal performance and increased costs, as existing methods fail to effectively manage the pressure dew point temperature of compressed air.
Innovation Solution
A control system that regulates the oil inlet temperature using a control valve and sensors to ensure the compressed air's pressure dew point temperature is minimized, incorporating an oil cooler and a controller to adjust oil flow rates and air mover speeds for precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If lubricant temperature is not controlled, then system complexity is reduced, but thermodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the lubricant temperature and adjusts the control valve position based on feedback signals to maintain optimal temperature for thermodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A control valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the lubricant supply and compressor to regulate temperature, balancing system complexity with efficiency requirements
2Device complexity
If lubricant temperature is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but compressor performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from temperature sensors to dynamically adjust lubricant flow through the control valve, ensuring optimal compressor performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically regulates lubricant temperature without manual intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize performance while managing complexity
3Ease of operation
If lubricant temperature is not controlled, then operational simplicity is maintained, but pressure dew point temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors temperature parameters and automatically adjusts lubricant flow to maintain pressure dew point temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
Manual temperature control operations are replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors and control valves to manage pressure dew point temperature
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 solution enhances the thermodynamic efficiency of compressor systems by maintaining the compressed air temperature above the dew point, preventing condensation and improving overall system performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an oil cooler configured to cool oil downstream of the fluid compressor
Implementation Method 2
an aftercooler configured to cool compressed air downstream of the fluid compressor
Implementation Method 3
a control valve operably coupled to the controller and in fluid communication with the oil cooler, wherein the control valve controls an oil flow rate through the oil cooler
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor system (200) comprising: an oil flooded fluid compressor (260) operable to compress a compressible working fluid; a dehumidifier (220) operable for removing moisture from the compressible working fluid upstream of the fluid compressor, the dehumidifier (200) including a conditioner (214) and a regenerator (218); a lubrication supply system operable for supplying oil to the compressor; an oil cooler (290) configured to cool oil downstream of the fluid compressor; an aftercooler (274) configured to cool compressed air downstream of the fluid compressor; a controller operable for determining a target temperature of a compressed working fluid discharged from the compressor; a control valve (281) operably coupled to the controller and in fluid communication with the oil cooler; and wherein the control valve controls an oil flow rate through the oil cooler such that oil is supplied to the compressor at a predetermined temperature effective to produce compressed working fluid at the target temperature. The corresponding method of controlling the temperature of the working fluid discharged by the fluid compressor is also disclosed.