Patent ID: 8768523

Claim:
A motor controller unit (MCU) ( 20 ) that facilitates detecting a blocked air discharge line of an air compressor, comprising: a processor ( 22 ) that executes, and a memory ( 24 ) that persistently stores, computer-executable instructions including: a motor monitor module ( 26 ) that monitors motor current (IMTR) drawn by a compressor motor ( 14 ); a blockage detection module ( 29 ) that: calculates a three-point moving average for a steady state current drawn by the compressor motor ( 14 ); calculates a current threshold (IMTR_LIMIT) ( 28 ) as a function of the three-point moving average; and determines that a current drawn by the compressor motor ( 14 ) has exceeded the current threshold ( 28 ) and is consistent with a current profile ( 34 ) indicative of a blocked air line ( 15 ); and a compressor shut-off module ( 32 ) that generates a compressor shut-off command and transmits the shut-off command to the compressor motor ( 14 ) to shut the compressor motor off upon detection of the current profile ( 34 ) indicative of a blocked air line ( 15 ), in order to shut off the compressor motor ( 14 ) prior to opening of a safety valve ( 21 ) on the compressor ( 12 ).