Patent ID: 8781636

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 ); and after expiration of a predetermined time period T 1 that commences upon the compressor motor ( 14 ) reaching steady state speed, compares the three-point moving average to the current (IMTR) drawn by the compressor motor ( 14 ) to determine whether the current (IMTR) drawn by the compressor motor ( 14 ) 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 ).