SYSTEM AND METHOD TO POSITION VARIABLE DIFFUSER VANES IN A COMPRESSOR DEVICE

摘要

Embodiments of a system (118) and method can modify the position of diffuser vanes (114) to improve performance of a compressor device (100), e.g., a centrifugal compressor. These embodiments include a feedback loop (130) to manage the position of the diffuser vanes (114) relative to one or more operating characteristics of an actuator (116) that imparts movement to the diffuser vanes (114). In one embodiment, the system (118) and method measure the operating characteristic for the actuator (116) with the diffuser vanes (114) at a first position and a second position. The system (118) can compare values for the operating characteristics, wherein changes in the operating characteristic can identify other positions for the diffuser vanes (114) to reduce input power the actuator (116) consumes to move and/or maintain the position of the diffuser vanes (114). This feature can correlate with optimal performance of the compressor device (100) and with peak compressor efficiency within the entire operating envelope of the compressor device.