Gas Compressor Master-Slave Communication Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas compressor control systems require external control devices, making them expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A master gas compressor with a communication interface and control unit that manages a network of slave compressors, allowing for internal communication and control without external panels, enabling efficient and simple compressor number control by distinguishing successful and failed communication connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external control devices are used to control multiple gas compressors, then compressor number control can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function into the compressors themselves by equipping each compressor with a control unit and communication interface. This eliminates the need for separate external control devices, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to control compressor number efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compressor is equipped with its own control unit that can autonomously communicate with other compressors and make control decisions. The compressors self-manage the control process through internal communication networks, eliminating dependency on external control systems and reducing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If external control devices are used to manage compressor operations, then centralized control is achieved, but additional equipment and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is merged into the compressor units themselves. Each compressor contains a control unit that integrates the automation capabilities directly within the compressor, eliminating the need for separate external control equipment and reducing the total quantity of control devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control units embedded in each compressor serve multiple functions: they can communicate with other compressors, determine operational status, make control decisions, and execute control actions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external control devices for each function.
3Device complexity
If communication protocols are simplified for easier implementation, then system complexity is reduced, but communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary communication checks to determine whether a slave compressor is connected before attempting control operations. This preliminary action ensures that communication connections are verified in advance, maintaining reliability while keeping the communication protocol itself simple and easy to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from slave compressors through the communication interface to determine their operational status. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable communication by continuously monitoring connection status and adjusting control actions accordingly, while maintaining a simple communication protocol structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control system for a number of gas compressors where one gas compressor is set as a master gas compressor that controls communication with N slave gas compressors. A cycle of communication with the N slave compressors in N communication sets is defined as a total compressor number communication cycle. In first to Nth communication sets, a first response request is transmitted to each of the first to Nth gas compressors. When a response is received from one of the gas compressors, the system determines that connection with the one gas compressor has succeeded. When no response is received, the system determines that connection has failed. In following communication cycles, a second response request is transmitted to the slave compressors with which communication has succeeded. The first response request is then transmitted to the slave compressors with which the communication connection has failed using a different timing sequence.