Centrifugal Compressor Management and Optimization

What are the right steps to take to optimize the performance of centrifugal compressors? For many, the answer to this question may seem easy and obvious, but it is not at all. This is simply because it is not always easy to identify the right optimization processes, especially when there are multiple compressors pumping air into the same system.

This is where things get complicated and risk becoming a real problem. So how can we get the most out of our systems while saving money and ensuring optimal efficiency and energy savings?

First of all, the parameters to keep in mind in an operation of this type are always: identification of the characteristics and peculiarities of the compressors; the flow rate required by the system on which they operate; hourly analysis of system demand; the optimal combination of compressors. These aspects must not be overlooked under any circumstances. From the data obtained from an in-depth analysis, it will then be possible to identify the right solutions and, among these, focus on the most convenient one. To this end, a simple graphical system can be used to correlate the capacity of the compressors and the required flow rate, helping to immediately identify critical conditions.

This operation must be carried out for each compressor installed: for each one, it is necessary to check the design performance in advance and, in the case of centrifugal compressors, to analyze both winter and summer conditions. These two parameters determine the maximum and minimum flow rates that can be obtained at full load. When carrying out this analysis, the support of the manufacturer itself can be of great importance, as it usually has software capable of accurately calculating the performance to be expected for each machine under different operating conditions.