Method for controlling a compressor installation

A method for controlling a compressor system, the method comprising:

• determining in real-time during operation of the compressor system a variable switch-off pressure for the compressor system, the determining of the variable switch-off pressure comprising basing the variable switch-off pressure on a minimum value of a function that determines a total power loss of a plurality of compressors in the compressor system during one switching cycle as a function of switch-off pressure;
• and
• adapting the compressor system to current conditions by:
• identifying a plurality of switching alternatives for the plurality of compressors, each switching alternative comprising a defined change in a configuration of the compressor system;
• pre-selecting a smaller number of switching alternatives from the plurality of switching alternatives;
• selecting a given switching alternative from the smaller number of switching alternatives;
• increasing generation of a compressed pressurized fluid by the compressor system using the given switching alternative when a prevailing pressure of the pressurized fluid in the compressor system reaches a switch-on pressure, the switch-on pressure greater than an adaptation pressure that should not be undercut by the prevailing pressure;
• and
• reducing generation of the pressurized fluid by the compressor system using the given switching alternative when the prevailing pressure of the pressurized fluid in the compressor system reaches the determined variable switch-off pressure, the variable switch-off pressure and the adaptation pressure defining a varying pressure band, the prevailing pressure moving along a pressure profile from at least the variable switch-off pressure and a minimum pressure between the switch-on pressure and the adaptation pressure during each switching cycle between two points at which the prevailing pressure equals the switch-on pressure.