Oil distribution system for multiple-compressor systems

An oil distribution system for use with a plurality of compressors, each compressor of the plurality of compressors comprising an oil separator, and oil sump, an oil level sensor operably connected to the oil sump, a suction port, and an oil outlet port fluidly connected to the oil sump, the oil distribution system comprising:

• an oil manifold fluidly connected to each oil outlet port of the plurality of compressors;
• a plurality of oil outlet valves, each oil outlet valve fluidly connecting a respective oil outlet port of the plurality of compressors to the oil manifold, each oil outlet valve of the plurality of oil outlet valves positionable between a closed position and an open position;
• a plurality of oil inlet valves, each oil inlet valve fluidly connecting the oil manifold to a respective suction port of the plurality of compressors, each oil inlet valve positionable between a closed position and an open position;
• and
• a controller connected in communication with each oil level sensor, each oil outlet valve, and each oil inlet valve, the controller including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that program the processor to:
• determine that an oil level of a compressor of the plurality of compressors is below a predetermined threshold value based on signals received from each oil level sensor of the plurality of compressors;
• identify a compressor of the plurality of compressors with a highest oil level based on signals received from each oil level sensor of the plurality of compressors;
• open the oil inlet valve associated with the compressor having an oil level that is below the predetermined threshold value;
• and
• open the oil outlet valve associated with the compressor having the highest oil level to transfer oil from the compressor having the highest oil level to the compressor having an oil level that is below the predetermined threshold value.

A method of distributing oil in a multiple compressor system, the multiple compressor system including a plurality of compressors, each compressor of the plurality of compressors comprising an oil separator separating oil from fluid flowing through the compressor, the method comprising:

• determining that an oil level of a compressor of the plurality of compressors is below a predetermined threshold value based on signals received from an oil level sensor of each compressor of the plurality of compressors;
• identifying a compressor of the plurality of compressors with a highest oil level based on signals received from each oil level sensor of the plurality of compressors;
• open an oil inlet valve associated with the compressor having an oil level that is below the predetermined threshold value;
• and
• open an oil outlet valve associated with the compressor having the highest oil level to transfer oil from the compressor having the highest oil level to the compressor having an oil level that is below the predetermined threshold value.