The present invention is a more efficient compressor control system and a
more efficient method of operating a multiple compressor system because
the method and control system are a function of both the system pressure
and the volumetric flow rate capacity of the system. Specifically, a
compressor is loaded or unloaded from the compressor system after sensing
the actual system pressure and volumetric flow rate capacity. The
inventor(s) of the present invention have discovered that it is more
efficient to control the compressors upon sensing both the pressure and
volumetric flow rate capacity of the fluid. Moreover, controlling the
compressor system in response to sensing both the pressure and volumetric
flow rate capacity of the fluid insures that the appropriate blend of
compressors is loaded to the system in order to produce the most suitable
pressure and volumetric flow rate capacity. In other words, the control
system of the present invention loads the most appropriate compressors to
the system in order to produce the most suitable pressure and volumetric
flow rate capacity and minimizes the production of any excessive amounts
thereof. Thus, controlling the compressors in response to both a change in
pressure and a change in the volumetric flow rate capacity prevents the
unwarranted utilization of electrical power, thereby producing a more
efficient compressor control system.