Compressor Reconfiguration Between Parallel and Series Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid compression systems struggle to efficiently adjust between parallel and series arrangements of compressor units to achieve desired pressure and flow rates, leading to inefficiencies in fluid transport.
Innovation Solution
A configurable fluid compression system that switches between parallel and series arrangements of compressor units using control valves and differential pressure sensors, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on measured pressure thresholds to optimize compression rates and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple compressors are used in parallel arrangement, then flow rate is improved, but pressure capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures compressor arrangements from parallel to series based on differential pressure thresholds. Control valves switch the flow path configuration automatically, allowing the system to adapt between parallel (for high flow) and series (for high pressure) modes, resolving the contradiction between flow rate and pressure capability
2Stress or pressure
If multiple compressors are used in series arrangement, then pressure capability is improved, but flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic reconfiguration with control valves to switch between series and parallel compressor arrangements based on operational requirements. When high pressure is needed, compressors are arranged in series; when high flow is needed, they are arranged in parallel, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure capability and flow rate
3Device complexity
If fixed compressor arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reconfiguration capability through control valves that can switch compressor arrangements from parallel to series and vice versa. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle varying pressure and flow requirements without increasing fundamental system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Differential pressure sensors provide feedback to the control system, enabling automatic switching between parallel and series compressor configurations based on measured pressure conditions. This feedback mechanism enhances adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control
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 system achieves flexible and efficient fluid transport by optimizing compression rates and pressures, reducing power consumption and compression time, and accommodating a wider range of differential pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a differential pressure sensor coupled between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and further coupled to the air supply to measure a differential pressure of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
When the fluid is a gas, the compressors can increase pressure of the fluid while decreasing volume of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to transfer a fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet is disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first compressor unit and a second compressor unit fluidly coupled between the first and second locations, and a valve coupled between the first and second compressor units, the valve to switch between a first state and a second state, the fluid to flow through the first and second compressor units in a parallel configuration when the valve is in the first state, the fluid to flow through the first and second compressor units in a series configuration when the valve is in the second state.