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U.S. Department of Energy
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Variable speed drives for centrifugal compressors

Conference ·
OSTI ID:389975
 [1]
  1. Parsons Power Group, Inc., Pasadena, CA (United States)

Technology changes and environmental legislation have provided a challenge to the systems engineer to find the most economically viable drive system for large centrifugal compressor systems. In some instances, engineering and operating firms have been somewhat influenced by manufacturers that their technology offers the most cost effective solution for a particular variable speed drive (VSD) application. Invariably, this has resulted in the preparation of equipment specifications around a given VSD technology. Such an approach has invariably had the tendency to shut out competing technologies from the bid process. This paper deals with recent developments which have emerged in the drive industry which present a broader base from which to select a drive system for rotating equipment requiring a variable speed operating range. However, these technological advances also present a challenge to fully evaluate both the technical and economic merits of competing drive technologies. Key parameters that are necessary for a comprehensive evaluation of two competing technologies for environmentally acceptable drive systems have been identified and an approach for determining the most economically feasible offering is presented.

OSTI ID:
389975
Report Number(s):
CONF-960426--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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