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System and method for operating a compressorRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, With Condition Responsive Pumped Fluid Control, Expansible Chamber Pump Distributor Operation Modified, Inlet ValveSystem and method for operating a compressor description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070065302, System and method for operating a compressor. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] The invention relates generally to a reciprocating compressor and, more specifically, to a system and method for controlling a valve closing time of a compressor inlet valve. [0002] A compressor is typically used to boost pressure of a working fluid by receiving power from an electric machine or a turbine, and applying a compressive force to the working fluid. The working fluid may be air, refrigerant, or the like. Compressors are typically classified as positive displacement compressors, dynamic compressors or turbo compressors, depending on the method they employ for compression. [0003] Positive displacement compressors are typically used to boost pressure of the working fluid by reduction in volume, and may be further classified into categories of reciprocating compressors and rotary compressors. Reciprocating compressors typically compress the working fluid via a piston reciprocating inside a cylinder. Rotary compressors typically compress the working fluid via a roller revolving inside a cylinder having an eccentricity. [0004] Large industrial reciprocating compressors are often operated at constant speed. Such compressors may be operated at partial load by controlling opening and closing of compressor inlet valves. By varying the timing of the opening and closing of compressor valves, the mass flow of fluid through the compressor is reduced. Hence, overall performance of the compressor over widely varying speed and load ranges may be improved. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the phase angle between a crankshaft and a camshaft may be changed so as to adjust the valve timing events. In this way, it is possible to obtain improved performance for a wider range of engine running characteristics and conditions than when fixed valve timing is employed. [0005] In one example, the compressors use a hydraulic actuation mechanism to control the opening and closing of the inlet valve during partial load conditions. The pressure control of the hydraulic actuation mechanism is controlled via electromagnetic valves. Thereby, mass flow of fluid through the compressor is reduced and the performance of the compressor is enhanced. Such hydraulic actuation mechanisms may employ high pressure pipes and in addition electrical connections to each inlet valve. Moreover, such hydraulic systems do not facilitate flexibility in the controlled opening and closing of inlet valve during partial load conditions. [0006] An improved system and method for controlling valve timing of compressor inlet valves to achieve flexibility in partial load operation of the compressor is desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION [0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present embodiment, a compressor includes an inlet adapted to intake a fluid at an inlet pressure and an inlet valve coupled to the inlet. The inlet valve is adapted to control intake of the fluid at the inlet pressure through the inlet. The compressor further includes a cam adapted to control a valve closing time of the inlet valve during a compression stroke of the compressor to pressurize the fluid. Also included is an outlet adapted to discharge pressurized fluid subsequent to the compression stroke. [0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, a compressor includes an inlet adapted to intake a fluid at an inlet pressure and an inlet valve coupled to the inlet. The inlet valve is adapted to control intake of the fluid at the inlet pressure through the inlet. The compressor further includes at least one blocking solenoid adapted to control a valve closing time of the inlet valve during a compression stroke of the compressor, the at least one blocking solenoid being further adapted to maintain the inlet valve at least one stop point during the compression stroke of the compressor. [0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, a method of operating a compressor includes supplying a fluid at the inlet pressure via an inlet. The method further includes actuating a cam to control a valve closing time of an inlet valve coupled to the inlet during the compression stroke of the compressor. [0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, a method of operating a compressor includes supplying a fluid at an inlet pressure via an inlet; and actuating at least one blocking solenoid to control valve closing time of an inlet valve coupled to the inlet during a compression stroke of the compressor. DRAWINGS [0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: [0012] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical representation of a reciprocating compressor having valve closing control features in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present embodiment; [0013] FIG. 2 is a detailed diagrammatical representation of a reciprocating compressor having valve closing control features in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present embodiment; [0014] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical representation of a reciprocating compressor having a cam adapted to control valve closing time of an inlet valve in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present embodiment; [0015] FIG. 4 is a graph representing variation of pressure versus volume during a full load cycle operation of a reciprocating compressor in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present embodiment; [0016] FIG. 5 is a graph representing variation of pressure versus volume during a partial load cycle operation of a reciprocating compressor in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present embodiment; [0017] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical representation of a reciprocating compressor having a plurality of blocking solenoids adapted to control valve closing time of an inlet valve in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present embodiment; and [0018] FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts illustrating exemplary processes of operating a compressor in accordance with certain exemplary aspects of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] Referring generally to FIG. 1, in accordance with several aspects of the present embodiment, a compressor 10 includes a piston 38 slidably inserted inside a cylinder 42. A suction valve assembly 46 is provided for opening and closing a suction hole 11 mounted at a front side of the piston 38. The suction valve assembly is adapted to control intake of fluid through the suction hole 11. The compressor 10 further includes an electromechanical valve mechanism 52 adapted to control a valve closing time of an inlet valve (not shown) during a compression stroke of the compressor 10 to pressurize the fluid. A control unit 54 may be coupled to the electro-mechanical valve actuation mechanism 52 and configured to control the operation of the valve actuation mechanism 52. [0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, this figure additionally shows further optional exemplary aspects for compressor 10 which are described in greater detail. The reciprocating compressor 10 may be used for domestic and industrial purposes. The compressor 10 is typically driven by an electric motor, steam or gas turbine, combustion engine, or the like. As appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the compressor 10 may be used to compress air, hydrogen, methane, butane, or other liquids or gases. The reciprocating compressor 10 includes a suction pipe or inlet 12 and a discharge pipe or outlet 14 coupled to a casing 16. The suction pipe 12 is configured to receive a fluid at an inlet pressure and the discharge pipe 14 is configured to discharge a compressed fluid. The inlet pressure of the fluid may be ambient pressure or any other appropriate pressure as known to those skilled in the art. A reciprocating motor 18 is disposed inside the casing 16 for generating a reciprocation force. A compressing unit 20 is also located inside the casing 16 and configured to compress the fluid by receiving the reciprocation force generated from the reciprocating motor 18. A plurality of frames 22, 24, and 26 are provided for supporting the reciprocating motor 18 and the compressing unit 20. Continue reading about System and method for operating a compressor... Full patent description for System and method for operating a compressor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this System and method for operating a compressor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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