초록 ▼

An energy conserving apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is used for conserving power supplied to a multi-phase motor used to power a compressor having a high pressure output line. The motor has a plurality of voltage input lines for connection to receive a multi-phase input voltage. T

An energy conserving apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is used for conserving power supplied to a multi-phase motor used to power a compressor having a high pressure output line. The motor has a plurality of voltage input lines for connection to receive a multi-phase input voltage. The apparatus includes a monitor for connection to monitor a parameter of the high pressure output line. A plurality of voltage limiting circuits in respective ones of the voltage input lines limit a voltage on the input linesto below selectable voltage levels in response to a control signal. A control circuit is connected to the monitor. The control circuit has a plurality of discrete programmed output levels to provide the control signal to the voltage limiting circuits. Each output level corresponds to a range of the parameter values of the high pressure output line, whereby the voltage limiting circuits limit the input voltage in discrete increments in relation to the parameter values in said high pressure output line. The monitored parameter in the case of a gas/fluid compressor may be a pressure or a temperature in the high pressure output line. The control circuit controls the timing for transitions between discrete voltage levels.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] Apparatus for conserving power supplied to a multi-phase motor used to power a load which may vary, said load having a load line providing an indication of a magnitude of said load, said motor having a plurality of voltage input lines for connection to receive a multi-phase

[ What is claimed:] [1.] Apparatus for conserving power supplied to a multi-phase motor used to power a load which may vary, said load having a load line providing an indication of a magnitude of said load, said motor having a plurality of voltage input lines for connection to receive a multi-phase input voltage comprising:a monitor for connection to monitor a parameter of said load line;a plurality of voltage limiting circuits in respective ones of said voltage input lines, said voltage limiting circuits limiting a voltage on said input lines to below selectable voltage levels in response to a control signal; anda control circuit connected to said monitor having a plurality of discrete programmed output levels to provide the control signal to said voltage limiting circuits, each output level corresponding to a range of said parameter values of said load line, whereby said voltage limiting circuit limits the input voltage to the load to one of said selectable voltage levels corresponding to said parameter range monitored on said load output line.