Centrifugal compressor controller for minimizing power consumption while avoiding surge
US4686834A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This controller is used for controlling a centrifugal compressor along its path of minimum power consumption while avoiding a surge condition. It is especially useful in a refrigeration system having a variable speed centrifugal compressor with adjustable inlet guide vanes. In such an application, the controller opens the inlet guide vanes enough to satisfy the cooling demand and then, to minimize power consumption, reduces the speed of the compressor while further opening the vanes (compensating for the reduced speed) until either the inlet guide vanes are fully open or an impending surge condition is detected. The onset of a surge condition is detected by monitoring motor current fluctuations. When fluctuations above a predetermined amplitude occur in excess of a predetermined frequency, the controller determines that a surge is impending. The controller continues to control the compressor in this manner, providing a capacity that is minimally above a level that would cause a surge yet is sufficient to satisfy the cooling demand.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.