Multiple-compressor system having base and trim compressors

Abstract

A multi-compressor system is described, which includes a fluid distribution system coupled to a load device, a base compressor set coupled to the fluid distribution system, and a flow controller having a downstream side coupled to the fluid distribution system. A trim compressor set is coupled to an upstream side of the flow controller. A trim volume is coupled between the outlet of the trim compressor and the upstream side of the flow controller. A control apparatus is coupled to the trim compressor set, which controls the trim compressor set as a function of a rate-of-change of mass within the trim volume.

1 . A multi-compressor system for providing compressed fluid to a load device, the multi-compressor system comprising: 
 a fluid distribution system coupled to the load device;    a base compressor set coupled to the fluid distribution system;    a flow controller having a downstream side coupled to the fluid distribution system, and having an upstream side;    a trim compressor set coupled to the upstream side of the flow controller;    a trim volume coupled between the outlet of the trim compressor and the upstream side of the flow controller; and    a control apparatus coupled to the trim compressor set, which controls the trim compressor set as a function of a rate-of-change of mass within the trim volume.