Multi-Motor Compressor Drive With Adjustable Speed Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor drive systems, particularly those using gas turbines, face limitations in speed variability, efficiency, and starting difficulties, and are constrained by precise operational designs, leading to inefficiencies and increased emissions. Additionally, they require larger starter motors and are less adaptable to varying energy demands.
Innovation Solution
A compressor drive system utilizing multiple electric motors connected to a common drive shaft, with adjustable speed drive controllers and torque controllers to distribute load and optimize efficiency, allowing for smoother operation and reduced waste energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gas turbine is used to drive the compressor, then the system can operate at high power output, but the speed variability is severely constrained and efficiency drops when operating away from design speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single gas turbine drive into multiple independent electric motors (typically three motors) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows flexible speed and power control, as each motor can be adjusted individually via adjustable speed drives to match varying compressor load requirements while maintaining high overall power output capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the gas turbine operates at lower fuel rates to reduce emissions, then emissions and fuel consumption decrease, but efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control through adjustable speed drives on each electric motor, allowing the system to continuously adapt power output to match actual compressor load requirements. This dynamic operation prevents the gas turbine from operating in inefficient partial-load conditions, maintaining high efficiency across varying demand while reducing emissions through optimized power matching rather than reduced fuel rates.
3Reliability
If a larger starter motor is used to overcome compression load during starting, then the gas turbine can be started successfully, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the starting function with the main drive function by using the same electric motors that drive the compressor during normal operation to provide starting torque. The motors are coupled to the compressor through a common shaft arrangement, eliminating the need for a separate starter motor system and reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable starting capability.
4Device complexity
If a single large motor is used to drive the compressor, then the system has simple structure, but the motor may not be adequately proven or tested compared to smaller motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into multiple smaller electric motors (typically three) instead of using one large motor. Each smaller motor has a more established industry proven track record and can be independently controlled. The motors are connected to a common shaft through adjustable speed drives, providing both the reliability of proven smaller motor designs and the flexibility of independent control while maintaining relatively simple overall system structure.
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
The multiple motor system provides higher torque control, improved efficiency, and reduced waste energy by allowing for flexible speed adjustment and load distribution, enabling more efficient operation and adaptability to varying energy demands.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor drive system is disclosed which utilizes multiple electric motors connected to a common drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of driving a compressor are provided. The compressor can be driven by multiple electric motors, which can be controlled by an adjustable speed drive (ASD) to increase efficiency. A torque controller may also be included.