US 12,247,773 B2
System and method for extending the operating range of a dynamic compressor
Michael M. Perevozchikov, Tipp City, OH (US); Matthew J. Swallow, Versailles, OH (US); and Zheji Liu, Tipp City, OH (US)
Assigned to Copeland LP, Sidney, OH (US)
Filed by Copeland LP, Sidney, OH (US)
Filed on Mar. 22, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/613,762.
Application 18/613,762 is a division of application No. 17/585,736, filed on Jan. 27, 2022, granted, now 11,946,678.
Prior Publication US 2024/0230197 A1, Jul. 11, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F25B 49/02 (2006.01); F04D 27/02 (2006.01); F25B 31/02 (2006.01)
CPC F25B 49/022 (2013.01) [F04D 27/0246 (2013.01); F25B 31/026 (2013.01); F25B 2600/022 (2013.01); F25B 2600/0253 (2013.01); F25B 2700/193 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
a dynamic compressor operable to compress a working fluid, the dynamic compressor comprising:
a first compressor stage having a first variable inlet guide vane (VIGV) controllable to selectively introduce pre-whirl into working fluid entering the first compressor stage; and
a second compressor stage having a second VIGV controllable to selectively introduce pre-whirl into working fluid entering the second compressor stage; and
a motor configured to drive the first compressor stage and the second compressor stage at a same speed;
a valve in fluid communication with the dynamic compressor between the first compressor stage and the second compressor stage; and
a controller connected to the dynamic compressor, the controller comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that program the processor to:
operate the dynamic compressor at a current speed, a first position of the first VIGV, and a second position of the second VIGV to compress the working fluid;
determine, while operating the dynamic compressor, if a condition is satisfied;
continue to operate the compressor at the current speed, the first position of the first VIGV, and the second position of the second VIGV when the condition is not satisfied; and
change the second position of the second VIGV to a third position different than the second position and maintain the first position of the first VIGV when the condition is satisfied.