Variable Frequency Compressor for Adsorption Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing components from gas mixtures, such as moisture from compressed air, face inefficiencies in compressor unit performance when reversing flow directions and energy losses due to throttling for temperature regulation during desorption and cooling processes.
Innovation Solution
Controlling the compressor unit's power via frequency adjustment and regulating desorption gas flow using AC frequency to maintain constant power consumption, eliminating the need for throttling and enhancing performance, especially when operating in non-preferred directions, while using a closed circuit for cooling to isolate environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the compressor unit runs in the opposite direction to the preferred direction for desorption gas flow, then the flow direction requirement is met, but the performance and power output are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor unit's operating parameters are made dynamic by adjusting the frequency of the alternating current based on the operational phase. During desorption, a higher frequency is applied to compensate for the performance loss when running in the non-preferred direction, while during cooling, the frequency is optimized for the preferred direction. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between flow direction flexibility and compressor performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (frequency of alternating current) to compensate for the performance degradation occurring during desorption when the compressor runs in the non-preferred direction. By increasing the frequency during desorption and optimizing it during cooling, the system maintains adequate performance across both operational phases while preserving the ability to reverse flow directions.
2Temperature
If a throttle element is used to adjust the volume flow of the blower to match the heat output, then the desorption gas temperature can be regulated, but energy is consumed through throttling losses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical throttling system with an electrical control system. Instead of using a throttle element to mechanically restrict flow and dissipate energy, the system uses frequency conversion of the alternating current to electrically control the compressor's power output. This substitution eliminates the energy losses associated with throttling while maintaining precise temperature regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameter of the compressor from fixed frequency to variable frequency control. By adjusting the frequency of the alternating current, the power consumption and volume flow of the compressor are dynamically matched to the heat output requirements during desorption, eliminating the need for throttling and its associated energy losses.
3Ease of operation
If the compressor unit power is fixed at usual mains frequency, then the system is simple to operate, but the performance is suboptimal during non-preferred direction operation and cannot be optimized for different phases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic frequency adjustment capability to the compressor unit while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control. The frequency of the alternating current is dynamically changed based on the operational phase (desorption or cooling), allowing the compressor to operate at optimized performance levels for each phase without requiring complex manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and performance optimization.
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 improves compressor unit performance and achieves significant energy savings by optimizing power usage and maintaining consistent temperature control during desorption and cooling phases, even when operating in non-preferred directions.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber which is filled with an adsorbent used to adsorb the component to be removed
Implementation Method 2
the desorption gas is heated by means of a heating device arranged upstream or downstream of the blower in the direction of flow
Implementation Method 3
the chamber heated during the desorption process is cooled using a cooling gas in order to prepare it for the subsequent adsorption process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The method involves producing a desorption gas flow and a cooling gas flow by a same alternating current (AC)-operated compressor unit (11). A power of the compressor unit is controlled during one of the gas flows over a frequency of an AC. The desorption gas is heated before entry into associated chambers (1, 2) by a heating device (13). A temperature, which is measured in a flow direction behind the heating device, of the desorption gas is controlled over a volume flow of the desorption gas. The AC frequency lying at the compressor unit is used as a control variable. An independent claim is also included for a device for performing a method for removing components from an output gas by adsorption.