Patent · US Expired

System and methods for controlling rotary screw compressors

US6077051A · kind A · utility

62Cited by
14References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 8, 1997
Grant dateJun 20, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 8, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F11/327
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An electronic control system dynamically varies the output capacity of a compressor by controlling plural valves associated with the compressor to provide pressurized air to a distribution system at an appropriate rate. The control system operates in any of three modes for standalone operation, including continuous run, auto/dual pressure band, and target pressure modes. In the first two modes, pressure bands are dynamically calculated based on load and unload values entered by an operator. These electronic control systems can also be connected in a peer-to-peer network to coordinate control of up to 16 compressors feeding the same distribution system, so as to maintain a desired target pressure in the system. A modem connected to the system supports remote diagnostics, monitoring, and control. Specialized startup, operating, and shutdown diagnostic algorithms prevent damage to the compressor and avert unsafe operating conditions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.