V(L) SERIES – CAPACITY CONTROL PHILOSOPHY

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The purpose of this document is to outline the capacity control methodology and limitations
that need to be adhered to for V(L) series compressors.

The V(L) series comprises of the following models: V700(T), V1100(T), V1400(T) & V1800(T)

MAIN SETUP DATA

Description Limit
Start Frequency Maximum of 6 starts per hour
Time between stopping & re-starting Minimum of 2 minutes
Time between consecutive starts Minimum of 10 minutes
Time between loading/unloading (Solenoids) Minimum of 3 minutes
Continuous minimum part load operation Less than 30 minutes (consult GEA if longer)
Minimum suction pressure 0.3 Bar (a)
Maximum suction pressure 7.0 Bar (a)
Minimum operating speed 500 RPM
Acceleration time with VFD (0 to 500 RPM) 4 to 6 seconds (to build oil pressure)
Maximum operating speed 1200 rpm

Start Up Procedure
• To ensure unloaded start the Normally Open (NO) solenoid valve must be energised for 10
seconds on stopping to drain oil from unloader cylinders.
• On start up the NO solenoid must be energised for the first +/- 10 seconds to enable
compressor to reach minimum speed and hence develop oil pressure.

For single stage compressors the NO solenoid valve controls the loading of the first capacity step.

Loading Procedure
• On reaching minimum operating speed and with the NO solenoid valve de-energised the
compressor will be operating at minimum capacity step
• With reference to the above minimum loading/unloading intervals the cylinder capacity control
system must become operational
• Once all cylinders are loaded the VFD must then regulate the motor speed to suit load
requirements (“black spots” might occur – these speeds are not permitted and need to be
bypassed)

Unloading Procedure
• Speed needs to be reduced to minimum speed with all cylinders operational
• On further requirement for reduction in capacity the cylinders must be unloaded, with
reference to the above minimum loading/unloading intervals
• Compressor to switch off after a minimum time of 3 minutes running at minimum capacity if
load dictates

Special Notes Regarding High Suction Pressure Limits

• Continuous operation above limit is not permitted
• With frequent system start-ups (daily), system controls must be put in place to prevent this
limit being exceeded
• Pressure swings above this limit should be avoided as the service life of valve gear will be
reduced
• Occasional pressure swings (< 5 per day), of less than 5 minute duration, will not have a
significant effect on the service life of the valve gear