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Compressor control system and method

  • US 6,082,971 A
  • Filed: 10/30/1998
  • Issued: 07/04/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for optimizing the operating efficiency of a compressor having a compression module for compressing a fluid, the compression module including an inlet for receiving the fluid and an outlet for discharging compressed fluid, the compressor including a prime mover for driving the compression module and a rotatable fan for drawing ambient air into the compressor, the compressor including a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of compressed fluid discharged from the compression module, a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a coolant circulating through the prime mover, a third temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the fluid entering the compression module, and a fourth temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a lubricant mixed with the fluid as the fluid is compressed in said compression module, the compressor including an electronic control module (ECM) electrically connected to the temperature sensors for receiving signals therefrom, the ECM including a non-volatile memory containing empirical data relating to optimal operating set points of the compressor and a logic routine for controlling the rotational speed of the fan and the volume of the lubricant mixed with the fluid so as to optimize the efficiency of the compressor, the method comprising the steps of:

  • A) executing a temperature sensing subroutine whereby the first, second, third and fourth temperature sensors collect temperature data during operation of the compressor and relay the temperature data to the ECM;

    B) executing a fan speed subroutine whereby the ECM generates signals in response to the temperature data received for controlling the rotational speed of the fan; and

    C) executing a lubricant volume control subroutine whereby the ECM generates signals in response to the temperature data received for controlling the volume of the lubricant mixed with the fluid during compression of the fluid in the compression module.

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