Multiple compressor controller and method

A method for obtaining control data from a multiple compressor distribution system using the system compressors which includes

• a. establishing a predetermined calibration psi range for each of said system compressors,
• b. loading one or more of said system compressors to raise the system pressure while monitoring said system pressure,
• c. unloading said one or more compressors when the system pressure exceeds the upper level of said calibration psi range to cause said system pressure to fall, and
• d. timing the period required for said system pressure to fall through said calibration psi range to obtain a system leakage value.

A multiple compressor and control system connected to a fluid distribution system so as to maintain system pressure at a desired level comprising:

• a. transducer means positioned in said distribution system to sense the system pressure and provide an electrical output signal indicative of said system pressure,
• b. a plurality of compressors connected to said fluid distribution system,
• c. a plurality of compressor control means connected to said compressors to start, load unload and stop said compressors, each such compressor being connected to one of said control means, and
• d. a central multiple compressor controller connected to said compressor control means and to said transducer means, said multiple compressor controller including
• (1) electronic data generating means connected to both said transducer means and said compressor control means and operative to provide electrical data signals indicative of compressor condition and system pressure;
• (2) data storage means for receiving said electrical data signals from said electronic data generating means, said electronic data generating means including a data input means for permitting the manual input of control data, compressor data and system data into said data storage means and a clock means for inputting timing data into said data storage means, and
• (3) system controller means to provide control signals to said compressor control means.

A multiple compressor and control system connected to a fluid distribution system so as to maintain system pressure at a desired level comprising:

• a. transducer means positioned in said distribution system to sense the system pressure and provide an electrical output signal indicative of said system pressure, said transducer means including
• a primary pressure transducer and a secondary pressure transducer, and electronic valve means for selectively connecting said primary transducer and said secondary transducer to either said distribution system or to atmosphere,
• b. a plurality of compressors connected to said fluid distribution system,
• c. a plurality of compressor control means connected to said compressors to start, load unload and stop said compressors, each such compressor being connected to one of said control means, and
• d. a central multiple compressor controller connected to said compressor control means and to said transducer means, said multiple compressor controller including
• (1) electronic data generating means connected to both said transducer means and said compressor control means and operative to provide electrical data signals indicative of compressor condition and system pressure;
• (2) data storage means for receiving said electrical data signals from said electronic data generating means, and
• (3) system controller means to provide control signals to said compressor control means.

A method for controlling the selective loading and unloading of a plurality of fluid pumps connected for fluid input to a fluid distribution system to maintain system pressure of a desired level which includes

• a. obtaining the load and unload reaction time for each of said system fluid pumps;
• b. setting a desired pressure range at which said system pressure is to be maintained;
• c. bringing said system pressure to within said desired pressure range;
• d. measuring any variation of system pressure in said fluid distribution system;
• e. selecting one or more fluid pumps having a combined output capacity sufficient to offset said variation of fluid pressure;
• and
• f. loading or unloading said selected fluid pumps in accordance with the load or unload reaction times thereof to offset any variation in the fluid pressure of the fluid distribution system before the system pressure varies beyond said desired pressure range.