Cryopump Compressor Control Switching for Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic systems face challenges in maintaining operational continuity and stability due to abrupt changes in compressor unit operation, which can impact cooling temperature stability and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cryopump system with a control unit that selectively performs two types of operation control for the compressor unit using a common control amount, allowing for switching between differential pressure stabilization control and supply or return pressure control based on evaluated operation status to maintain stability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the compressor unit operates with a single control mode focusing on differential pressure stabilization, then energy consumption is reduced, but operational stability may be compromised under varying pressure conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically switches between first operation control (differential pressure stabilization) and second operation control (supply/return pressure control) based on real-time pressure conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain operational stability under varying conditions while preserving energy efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from differential pressure to supply pressure or return pressure based on the operational state. When abnormal pressure conditions are detected, the control unit switches to alternative control modes, thereby maintaining reliability without compromising overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the compressor unit switches control modes abruptly to protect from excessive pressure, then compressor protection is achieved, but cooling temperature stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcessive pressure protectionVSAvoidcooling temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary evaluation of pressure conditions before switching control modes. By assessing whether abnormal pressure exists and predicting the impact of mode switching, the system prepares appropriate control actions in advance, thereby protecting the compressor while minimizing disruption to cooling temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors pressure conditions and cooling temperature, using this feedback to determine when and how to switch between control modes. This feedback mechanism ensures that mode switching occurs only when necessary for protection, while maintaining cooling temperature stability through adaptive control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures operational continuity and stability by minimizing abrupt changes in compressor unit operation, enhancing cooling capability and energy savings while protecting the compressor units from excessive pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a refrigerator operative to cool the cryopanel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

a compressor unit operative to supply refrigerant gas to the refrigerator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9759467B2Cryopump system, cryogenic system, and apparatus and method of controlling compressor unit
Publication Date: 2017.09.12 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • US9759467B2 patent drawing
  • US9759467B2 patent drawing
  • US9759467B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A compressor controller includes: a control amount calculation unit configured to calculate at least two control amounts including a first control amount for controlling a first control object that relates to a gas amount for cooling a cryogenic apparatus, and a second control amount for controlling a second control object that relates to the refrigerant gas amount and that is different from the first control object, the second control amount being common with the first control amount; and a selection unit configured to select a control object to be controlled from at least two control objects including the first control object and the second control object on the basis of a comparison between the at least two common control amounts.