Patent ID: 6499504
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: F04B,F04C,F04D,Y10T

Abstract:
A control system for controlling a compressor system having a plurality of compressors, wherein each of the compressors is capable of compressing a fluid at a predetermined volumetric flow rate, the control system comprising:means for establishing a set-point pressure; means for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the compressor system; means for measuring the volumetric flow rate of the fluid within the compressor system; means for determining which of the compressors are operating; means for determining the online volumetric flow rate capacity, wherein the online volumetric flow rate capacity is equal to the sum of corresponding predetermined volumetric flow rates for each of the operating compressors; means for determining the excess volumetric flow rate of the compressor system, wherein the excess volumetric flow rate is equal to the online volumetric flow rate capacity minus the measured volumetric flow rate; and means for unloading one of the plurality of compressors upon sensing that the pressure of the fluid in the compressor system is greater than the set-point pressure and that the corresponding predetermined volumetric flow rate for said one compressor is less than the excess volumetric flow rate.