Gas Compressor Program Updates During Continuous Gas Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating gas compressor programs require factory shutdowns, leading to time-consuming and costly processes that disrupt compressed gas supply.
Innovation Solution
A method for updating gas compressor programs that allows automatic updates via a remote server while maintaining predetermined pressure and flow rates by utilizing multiple gas compressors and a management device to coordinate operations, enabling updates without stopping the compressed gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the program is updated by having service workers load the updated programs directly into the fluid machinery at the site, then the update can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid machinery performs program updates automatically using its own controller to communicate with a program management server, eliminating the need for service workers to physically visit the site. The system self-updates by downloading programs autonomously, transforming a manual service task into an automated self-service process.
Solution Approach 2:
A program management server is introduced as an intermediary between the fluid machinery and the program source. This server handles program distribution, version management, and coordination, enabling automated updates without requiring direct human intervention at the machinery location.
2Extent of automation
If the program is updated automatically by sending the updating program from a remote server to the fluid machine, then the update process is automated, but the fluid machine must be stopped and restarted, during which time the supply of compressed gas is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple fluid machines (first fluid machine and second fluid machine) that can operate independently. During program updates, one machine can be updated while the other continues normal operation, segmenting the update process to maintain overall system productivity and gas supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks to determine whether fluid machines are in a state suitable for updates before initiating the update process. The control device monitors operational status and coordinates updates to occur during appropriate moments, minimizing disruption to gas supply.
Solution Approach 3:
The control device continuously monitors the operational status of fluid machines and uses this feedback to coordinate update timing. When one machine is updated, the system feedback mechanism ensures another machine is available to maintain gas supply, creating a coordinated update schedule that preserves productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of updating the program of a gas compressor system is provided. The system has gas compressors, a controller that controls the gas compressors by a program, a discharge piping system coupled with each of the gas compressors, and a control terminal that controls the controller of the gas compressors. Gas discharged from the discharge piping system is controlled by the controller by at least one of a predetermined pressure value and flow rate of the gas value, including obtaining a program update, updating the program for a first gas compressor in operation that is a target of the program update among the gas compressors, and operating at least one of a second or a third gas compressor of the gas compressors based on the predetermined pressure value and the predetermined flow rate of the gas value.