Configurable Compressor Control for Parallel-Series Pressure Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid compression systems require different configurations for varying pressure and flow rate requirements, necessitating separate setups for parallel and series arrangements of compressor units, which is inefficient and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A configurable fluid compression system with control valves that switch between parallel and series arrangements based on differential pressure, using a differential pressure sensor to adjust compressor unit operation dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate fixed configurations are used for parallel and series arrangements of compressor units, then each configuration is optimized for specific pressure and flow rate requirements, but the system becomes inflexible and requires multiple setups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to pressure and flow rate requirementsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor system configurable and adaptable through control valves that can switch between parallel and series arrangements. The system transitions from static fixed configurations to dynamic reconfigurable architecture, allowing the same physical components to adapt to different operational requirements by changing their interconnection topology based on real-time pressure and flow rate demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single compressor system that can perform multiple functions through different configurations. The same compressor units and piping infrastructure can serve both parallel arrangement mode (for high flow rate applications) and series arrangement mode (for high pressure applications), eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each operational mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple fixed configurations are maintained for different applications, then each configuration can be optimized for its specific use case, but the system requires multiple setups and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance optimization for specific applicationsVSAvoidnumber of configurations required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic control mechanisms with control valves that can reconfigure the compressor units between parallel and series arrangements based on real-time operational demands. This dynamic adaptability allows a single physical system to maintain optimized performance across different applications by switching configurations as needed, rather than requiring multiple fixed systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single compressor system is used for varying pressure and flow rate demands, then device complexity is reduced, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to different requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configuration simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to pressure and flow rate demands

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability into a single compressor system through control valves that can change the interconnection topology between compressor units. This allows the system to adapt between parallel mode (for high flow rate demands) and series mode (for high pressure demands) using the same physical infrastructure, achieving versatility without requiring multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system exploits parameter changes by using control valves to alter the flow distribution parameters and pressure distribution parameters dynamically. By changing how the compressor units are interconnected (parallel vs. series), the system can adjust its operational characteristics to match varying pressure and flow rate demands while maintaining a single physical configuration

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

Enables flexible and efficient fluid compression by automatically adapting to pressure and flow rate demands, optimizing performance across different applications without requiring multiple fixed configurations.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure sensing: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS20250291372A1Configurable fluid compression apparatus, control, and associated methods

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 TPE MIDSTREAM LLC

AI summary

Configurable fluid compression apparatus, control, and associated methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a compressor including a first piston in a first compression cylinder and a second piston in a second compression cylinder, a valve downstream of the first compression cylinder and upstream of the second compression cylinder, and a bypass line fluidly coupled between the valve and a location upstream of the first compression cylinder and downstream of the second compression cylinder, the valve in a first position to enable fluid to flow to the second compression cylinder, the first piston and the second piston to compress the fluid to a first pressure, and the valve in a second position to restrict the fluid from flowing to the second compression cylinder, the first piston to compress the fluid to a second pressure, the second piston to cause existing fluid to cycle through the second compression cylinder.