Screw Compressor Torque Profile Control to Reduce Pulsating Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw compressors in refrigeration systems face challenges in efficiently managing torque profiles to minimize non-productive radial and axial forces, leading to pulsating torque and dynamic transmission of forces, which affects stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to control screw compressors by receiving status signals, determining the operating point, and selecting a torque profile based on the operating conditions, using a controller to drive the compressor with a variable frequency drive and torque sensors to adjust torque delivery, thereby reducing non-productive forces and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw compressor operates with traditional constant torque control, then the compressor can maintain steady operation, but non-productive radial and axial forces cause pulsating torque and dynamic transmission of forces, reducing stability and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant torque control to variable torque control that adapts to changing operating conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts torque delivery based on real-time status signals and operating point, allowing the compressor to optimize performance across different load conditions while minimizing non-productive forces and pulsating torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying torque as a function of operating conditions rather than maintaining constant torque. The controller modifies torque parameters based on status signals and determined operating points, enabling the compressor to operate more efficiently across different modes while maintaining stability by reducing dynamic force transmission.
2Loss of energy
If variable frequency drive is used to control torque delivery, then torque profiles can be adjusted to reduce non-productive forces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using status signals from the compressor to determine the operating point and select appropriate torque profiles. The controller continuously monitors compressor operation and adjusts torque delivery accordingly, enabling efficient reduction of non-productive forces while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Productivity
If torque profile is selected based on operating point, then compressor efficiency is improved across various modes, but measurement and control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from status signals to determine the operating point and select appropriate torque profiles. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to adapt torque delivery to actual operating conditions, improving compressor efficiency across different modes while managing measurement precision requirements through systematic control strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of method used to control operation of a screw compressor of a refrigeration system may include receiving status signals regarding operation of the screw compressor of the refrigeration system. The method may further include determining an operating point of the screw compressor based upon the received status signals, and selecting a torque profile for the screw compressor based upon the operating point. The method may also include driving the screw compressor per the selected torque profile. Refrigeration systems and compressor systems suitable for implementing the method are also presented.