Control system for optimization of productivity and energy demand of batch-type centrifugals
The demand for highest throughput at the best possible energy consumption are two of the main factors in designing and selecting batch-type centrifugals. While the first can be achieved by the size of centrifugals and electrical drives, the latter might be affected negatively if the demand for electrical energy is not controlled and managed properly. Besides the total energy consumption of the system, the demand pattern for electrical power might cause further requirements to local power supply or to the grid. This might lead to fluctuations in the energy supply with impact on the power house or the energy billing. Standard ways of interlocking the drives of multiple centrifugal stations can minimize these requirements but lead to reduced capacity utilization. Another common way to save energy is the operation of regenerative drive modules that allow supply of electrical energy back into the power network during deceleration. To avoid power problems like harmonic issues, reactive power, etc., with potentially costly electrical equipment malfunctions, the use of additional electrical components (conditioners, filters) for correction and reduction is advised. In a recent installation, an innovative approach to optimize power demand and reduce peak power was successfully introduced by BMA Automation. To minimize the issues mentioned above, a joint energy system for a multiple centrifugal station was created. Using the latest technology drive modules, yield was optimized by maintaining and exchanging the energy within the system. A superior control system was developed to allow for energy or productivity optimized operation of the centrifugals. The solution can be applied to both new systems and retrofit solutions for existing batch-type centrifugals.