Overpressure Valve Limits Intermediate Pressure in Multi-Stage Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multistage compressors in pressure control systems face inefficiencies in energy consumption and compression power management, particularly in closed operating modes, where the first compression stage's energy contribution is not optimally reduced, leading to increased energy consumption and performance limitations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an overpressure valve that limits the intermediate pressure of the precompressed pressure medium, allowing it to be discharged automatically when exceeding a set limit, thereby reducing the compression power of the first compression stage and shifting energy consumption to the second stage, optimizing the system's efficiency and power distribution between operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the first compression stage operates at full power to provide precompressed pressure medium, then the intermediate pressure is sufficient for two-stage compression, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily in closed operating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The first compression stage is designed with variable compression power that can be dynamically adjusted between full power (for open operating mode) and reduced power (for closed operating mode). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption based on the operating mode while maintaining sufficient intermediate pressure for the second compression stage to function effectively.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the first compression stage is disabled to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the intermediate pressure becomes insufficient for proper two-stage compression operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different compression power levels to the first compression stage depending on the operating mode. In closed operating mode, the first stage operates at reduced power specifically sufficient for closed-mode requirements, while in open operating mode it operates at full power. This localized optimization ensures each stage receives appropriate pressure without unnecessary energy consumption.
3Loss of energy
If an electrically actuated shut-off valve is used to block the first compression stage, then compression work is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service control mechanisms where the first compression stage automatically adjusts its compression power based on system conditions and operating mode. This self-regulating capability eliminates or reduces the need for complex electrically actuated shut-off valves and control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 solution allows for automatic adaptation of compression power, reducing energy consumption and optimizing the final volume flow, ensuring efficient operation by limiting the first compression stage's power consumption and enhancing the second stage's performance within energy limits, thus achieving a balanced and efficient compression process.
Implementation Method 1
An intermediate pressure of the precompressed pressure medium conveyed into the intermediate volume is limited by an overpressure valve interacting with the first compression stage. The overpressure valve is configured to open if the intermediate pressure exceeds a limit value, and the precompressed pressure medium is thereby partly discharged from the first compression stage
Implementation Method 2
The multistage compressor here compresses the pressure medium introduced into an intake space from the atmosphere via two or more compression stages, and delivers the pressure medium, compressed in multiple stages, to the compression springs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a pressure control system having a multistage compressor. The method comprises providing a pressure medium compressed multiple times by the multistage compressor in order to fill a pressure medium reservoir or pressure medium chambers of the pressure control system, by performing (i) providing, by a first compression stage, a precompressed pressure medium and additionally compressing the precompressed pressure medium via a second compression stage, and/or (ii) introducing, into an intermediate volume between the first compression stage and the second compression stage of the multistage compressor, an already compressed charge pressure medium and compressing, by the second compression stage, the charge pressure medium again. An intermediate pressure of the precompressed pressure medium conveyed into the intermediate volume is limited by an overpressure valve interacting with the first compression stage. The overpressure valve is configured to open if the intermediate pressure exceeds a limit value.