Liquid-Injected Gas Compressor Assembly for Efficient Partial-Load Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas compression assemblies become inefficient when dealing with highly variable demand for compressed gas, particularly at partial loads, leading to increased costs and reduced energetic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The assembly comprises two liquid-injected elements, each driven by its own motor, with interconnected liquid circuits that allow for liquid exchange and pressure regulation, enabling optimal operation and minimizing pressure losses through proportional fluid distribution and shared gas cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gas compression element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energetic efficiency deteriorates when operating at partial load
Solution Approach 1:
The gas compression system is divided into multiple independent compression elements (first liquid-injected element, second liquid-injected element), each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary number of elements based on demand, enabling each active element to operate at or near its optimal operating point and maintaining high energetic efficiency even when total system load is reduced.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple gas compression elements are used to maintain efficiency at variable load, then the energetic efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compression elements share common infrastructure including a common liquid supply line, common liquid cooler, and interconnected liquid circuits. This merging of common resources reduces the overall device complexity compared to having completely separate systems for each element, while still allowing each element to operate independently at its optimal point when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid circuit system is designed with multi-functionality where a single liquid cooler serves multiple compression elements, and the liquid supply line can serve any active element. This universal design reduces the number of redundant components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each element's performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each element has its own separate liquid circuit, then the operational independence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid circuit system is designed dynamically with valves that can selectively connect or disconnect different elements from the common liquid supply and cooler. This dynamic configuration allows each element to operate independently when needed while also allowing the system to optimize liquid distribution across multiple elements simultaneously, reducing the need for completely separate dedicated circuits for each element.
4Reliability
If liquid is injected during gas compression, then the lubrication and cooling are improved, but the energy consumption increases due to liquid handling
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid circuit incorporates a liquid cooler that receives liquid from the compression elements and cools it before returning it to the liquid supply. This feedback loop ensures that the liquid maintains optimal temperature and properties for continued lubrication and cooling, allowing the compression elements to operate reliably at their optimal points with minimized energy consumption for liquid handling.
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 configuration maintains energetic efficiency and optimizes cost by allowing each element to operate at its optimal point, even under variable demand, reducing energy consumption and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
liquid, said liquid being oil or water, respectively, is added while the gas is compressed in order to lubricate parts of the element
Implementation Method 2
provide cooling during the compression process
Implementation Method 3
provide a seal
Implementation Method 4
a first liquid separator in fluid connection via a first fluid line with a gas outlet of the first liquid-injected element
Implementation Method 5
This liquid is separated from this flow
Implementation Method 6
a first liquid cooler in fluid connection between a liquid outlet of the first liquid separator and the first liquid supply line
Implementation Method 7
a first motor for driving the first element; a second motor for driving the second element
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying compressed gas via an assembly (1) having a plurality of liquid-injected elements (6, 8) for compressing gas, wherein the method includes providing a first liquid connection between a first liquid circuit related to a first of the plurality of liquid-injected elements (6) and the second liquid circuit related to a second of the plurality of liquid-injected elements (8).