Patent ID: 6860103
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
1. A multi-compressor system for providing compressed fluid to a load device set having a nominal demand flow rate and a maximum peak demand flow rate, the multi-compressor system comprising: a fluid distribution system coupled to the load device set; a base compressor set coupled to the fluid distribution system, and having a maximum base discharge flow capacity that is less than the maximum peak demand flow rate by a maximum peak deficit flow rate; a flow controller having a downstream side coupled to the fluid distribution system, and having an upstream side; a trim compressor set coupled to the upstream side of the flow controller, and having a maximum trim discharge flow capacity that is at least as great as the peak deficit flog rate; a trim volume coupled between the outlet of the trim compressor and the upstream side of the flow controller; and a control apparatus coupled to the trim compressor set, which controls the trim compressor set as a function of a rate-of-change of mass within the trim volume.