Speed and surge control for a low order centrifugal compressor model

Abstract

A model of a variable speed centrifugal compression system is presented. The model is based on the work of Greitzer (1976), but the compressor characteristic is developed by modelling the losses in the compressor. For surge control, a close coupled valve is employed. This valve is placed immediately downstream of the compressor, and the pressure drop over the valve is used as the control variable. This makes it possible to manipulate the shape of the equivalent compressor, consisting of compressor and valve. The speed of the compressor is controlled with a PI-controller. Semi-global exponential stability of the model with the proposed controllers is proven by the use of Lyapunovs theorem.