초록 ▼

The multiple compressor controller and method accomplishes the control of a plurality of variable sized compressors in a multiple compressor distribution system to maintain system pressure at a desired level while maximizing compressor operating efficiency. Control data for use in determining system

The multiple compressor controller and method accomplishes the control of a plurality of variable sized compressors in a multiple compressor distribution system to maintain system pressure at a desired level while maximizing compressor operating efficiency. Control data for use in determining system volume and leakage and various individual compressor parameters is obtained by using the system compressors in a calibration mode and monitoring the effect of each compressor on the system. Once such data is obtained and stored, a plurality of system operating pressures can be preset into a time clock controlled controller, and the controller will automatically maintain these pressures over the time periods indicated by efficiently selecting one or more compressors with the output capacity necessary to match any variation in system demand.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for controlling the selective loading and unloading of a plurality of fluid pumps connected for fluid input to a fluid distribution system to maintain system pressure of a desired level, said method including the steps of: (a) determining the total volume of the fluid distribution system; (

A method for controlling the selective loading and unloading of a plurality of fluid pumps connected for fluid input to a fluid distribution system to maintain system pressure of a desired level, said method including the steps of: (a) determining the total volume of the fluid distribution system; (b) determining the rate of fluid leakage from the fluid distribution system; (c) determining the effect of the output capacity of each fluid pump on the fluid distribution system; (d) measuring any variation in demand on the fluid distribution system; (e) employing said total volume and/or said rate of fluid leakage to ascertain the amount of change in fluid input to the fluid distribution system required to match said variation in demand; (f) selecting one or more fluid pumps having a combined output capacity at least equal to said amount of change in fluid input to the distribution system required to match said variation in demand; and (g) loading or unloading said one or more fluid pumps to provide said change in fluid input to the distributution system. A multiple compressor and control system connected to a fluid distribution system so as to maintain system pressure at a desired level comprising: a. transducer means positioned in said distribution system to sense the system pressure and provide an electrical output signal indicative of said system pressure, said transducer means including a primary pressure transducer and a secondary pressure transducer, and electronic valve means for selectively connecting said primary transducer and said secondary transducer to either said distribution system or to atmosphere, b. a plurality of compressors connected to said fluid distribution system, c. a plurality of compressor control means connected to said compressors to start, load unload and stop said compressors, each such compressor being connected to one of said control means, and d. a central multiple compressor controller connected to said compressor control means and to said transducer means, said multiple compressor controller including (1) electronic data generating means connected to both said transducer means and said compressor control means and operative to provide electrical data signals indicative of compressor condition and system pressure; (2) data storage means for receiving said electrical data signals from said electronic data generating means, and (3) system controller means to provide control signals to said compressor control means.