Parallel centrifugal gas compressors can be controlled more effectively
Energy efficiency of parallel, centrifugal gas compressors can be improved by controlling the compressors to unload simultaneously to their surge limits. Simultaneous unloading to the surge limits can also allow more precise pressure control, provide better compressor protection, and allow simpler automated control systems. Specific power consumption is also offered as an improved definition of energy efficiency. Because polytropic efficiency, the most common efficiency measure, defines only the energy efficiency to compress a gas between the inlet port and the discharge port of a compressor, it does not account for the efficiency of gas delivery to the user. Specific power consumption includes energy costs that must be paid for but which are not accounted for by polytropic efficiency. This first of two articles discusses the concept of simultaneous loading and unloading of centrifugal compressors and compares the method with other control strategies. The concept of specific power consumption is also defined. The conclusion describes an algorithm for simultaneous loading and unloading to the surge limit. The efficiency and reliability of centrifugal compressors can be severely limited by the control system. Less-than-effective controls, rather than mechanical design, is often the cause of lost efficiency, shutdowns, and damage.
- Research Organization:
- Compressor Controls Corp.
- OSTI ID:
- 7229396
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 84:44; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
032000* -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
COMPRESSION
COMPRESSORS
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL THEORY
DAMAGE
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
LOADING
MATERIALS HANDLING
NATURAL GAS
PLANNING
PRESSURE CONTROL
PUMPING
PUMPS
RELIABILITY
SHUTDOWNS
TRANSPORT
UNLOADING