Compressor Speed Control via Pressure Regulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressor/vacuum pump systems experience frequent speed fluctuations and noise intensity variations due to complex speed control mechanisms, leading to premature motor wear and increased maintenance needs, which compromise efficiency and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A method that regulates the speed of a compressor/vacuum pump by connecting it to a process channel after reaching a preset speed value, using a pressure regulating valve to maintain constant power and minimize torque modulus, thereby reducing speed fluctuations and noise, and employing a controller unit to adjust motor speed based on current parameters within predetermined limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the speed of the compressor/vacuum pump is regulated based on pressure ratio and minimum allowable fluid volume, then the motor damage risk is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to multiple parameters and computational requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor damage riskVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from complex multi-parameter speed regulation (pressure ratio, fluid volume, efficiency operating line) to a simple pressure-difference-based regulation. The pressure regulating valve adjusts fluid flow based solely on the difference between actual and set pressure values, eliminating the need for complex computational determination of optimal speed lines while maintaining motor protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the speed control function from the pressure regulation function. By using a dedicated pressure regulating valve mounted on an influence channel in direct fluid communication with the compressor element, pressure regulation is achieved independently without requiring complex speed control algorithms, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the speed is compared with minimum allowable value to prevent motor damage, then motor protection is improved, but speed fluctuations increase causing premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidmotor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback pressure regulation where the pressure regulating valve constantly monitors the pressure difference between the compressor element and the set pressure value, and adjusts fluid flow accordingly. This continuous adjustment prevents speed fluctuations by maintaining stable operating conditions, thereby extending motor lifespan while preserving motor protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent connects the compressor/vacuum element to the process channel only after the speed reaches a preset value. This preliminary speed establishment ensures the motor is already operating at a stable speed before connection, preventing sudden load changes and speed fluctuations that would cause premature wear, while the pressure regulation mechanism continues to provide ongoing protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If complex speed control mechanisms are used to regulate compressor speed, then motor protection is improved, but noise intensity fluctuates generating unwanted noise effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor protectionVSAvoidnoise intensity fluctuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control mechanism from complex speed-based regulation to simple pressure-based regulation. The pressure regulating valve controls fluid flow based on pressure difference, which indirectly stabilizes speed without direct speed control. This eliminates the noise fluctuations associated with complex speed control while maintaining motor protection through stable pressure regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 stabilizes motor operation, reduces noise fluctuations, extends motor lifespan, and enhances efficiency by maintaining constant power usage, thus minimizing maintenance and operational costs while allowing for a wider range of applications.

Implementation Method 1

regulating the pressure within the compressor/vacuum element by adjusting the volume of fluid flowing between a process channel and the compressor/vacuum element relative to the difference between the pressure value within said compressor/vacuum element and a preset pressure value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4027016A1Method for controlling the speed of a compressor/vacuum pump
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER NV
  • EP4027016A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4027016A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4027016A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method for regulating the speed of a compressor/vacuum element, said method comprising the steps of: - starting the compressor/vacuum element (1); - regulating the pressure within the compressor/vacuum element (1) by adjusting the volume of fluid flowing between a process channel (4) and the compressor/vacuum element (1) relative to the difference between the pressure value within said compressor/vacuum element (1) and a preset pressure value; characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of: - connecting the compressor/vacuum element (1) to a process channel (4) after the speed of the compressor/vacuum element (1) reaches a preset speed value; and - adjusting the speed of the compressor/vacuum element (1) such that the power of the compressor/vacuum element (1) is maintained at a relatively constant value.