Phased PSA Concentrator Control for Peak Airflow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems experience increased peak airflow demands when multiple concentrators are synchronized, potentially exceeding the air supply capacity and reducing operating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves phasing multiple PSA concentrators by dividing the half-cycle time of a single concentrator by the number of concentrators, shifting each successive cycle in time to reduce peak airflow, and using a controller to periodically adjust the phasing to maintain optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple PSA concentrators operate with synchronized cycles, then each concentrator can operate independently and simply, but the peak airflow demand increases significantly exceeding air supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing phased cycling of multiple PSA concentrators. Each concentrator operates on a periodic cycle, but the cycles are phased relative to each other so that peak airflow demands are distributed over time rather than occurring simultaneously. This allows independent operation of each concentrator while preventing peak demand from exceeding air supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-setting the phase offsets between concentrator cycles. The controller is programmed with the optimal phasing configuration before operation begins, allowing the system to automatically maintain optimal operation without requiring real-time adjustments or complex control logic during runtime.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple PSA concentrators are phased to reduce peak airflow, then air supply capacity is not exceeded, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-setting the phase offsets between concentrator cycles. The controller is programmed with the optimal phasing configuration before operation begins, allowing the system to automatically maintain optimal operation without requiring real-time adjustments or complex control logic during runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a control system that automatically maintains optimal phasing between concentrators without requiring external intervention. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts the cycling of concentrators to maintain the optimal phase relationships, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain optimal operation.
3Productivity
If concentrator cycles are phased to distribute peak demand, then operating efficiency improves, but the timing control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-setting the phase offsets between concentrator cycles. The controller is programmed with the optimal phasing configuration before operation begins, allowing the system to automatically maintain optimal operation without requiring real-time adjustments or complex control logic during runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors the operation of PSA concentrators and adjusts timing parameters to maintain optimal phasing. The controller receives feedback on actual operational conditions and makes real-time adjustments to ensure peak airflow demands remain distributed effectively, maintaining optimal operating 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 approach reduces peak airflow to less than twice that of a single concentrator, enhancing system reliability and efficiency by allowing independent operation of multiple concentrators and preventing synchronization of cycles.
Implementation Method 1
An oxygen concentrating system produces an oxygen concentrated gas output and includes at least 2 operable molecular sieve beds generating a product gas
Implementation Method 2
employing a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process that has been used for many years to generate either Nitrogen or Oxygen product gas respectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A gas generating system (S) has a plurality of product gas generating modules (18) each of which comprises a plurality of molecular sieve beds (bed 1, bed 2) generating a product gas acting in a repetitive cycle with each cycle having a period of the cycle with peak product gas flow (106). A manifold (52) combines the product gas from the plurality of modules (18). The processor (58) generates a control signal that is communicated to the gas generating modules (18) such that the peak product gas flow period (106) of the repetitive cycle of the modules (18) is adjusted in response to the control signal. The processor (58) causes the peak period (106) for the modules (18) to be timed across the repetitive cycles in a controlled distribution.