Method and apparatus for monitoring the performance of a compressor

Abstract

A method of monitoring the operation of a compressor includes sensing a parameter on a housing of the compressor from a device placed on the housing, generating a representative sensor signal in response to the sensed parameter, transmitting from the device a data signal related to the representative sensor signal, and receiving the data signal at a location remote from the housing. Other methods and an apparatus for monitoring the compressor are further disclosed.

1 . A method of monitoring the operation of a compressor, the compressor having a housing and a reciprocating member disposed within the housing, the method comprising:
 sensing a parameter on the housing from a device placed on the housing;   generating a representative sensor signal in response to the sensed parameter;   transmitting from the device a data signal related to the representative sensor signal; and   receiving the data signal at a location remote from the housing.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sensing a parameter comprises monitoring a load on the housing. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein transmitting a signal comprises manipulating the representative sensor signal. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein generating a representative signal comprises generating a voltage signal, and wherein transmitting from the device a data signal comprises manipulating the voltage signal to a frequency signal. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sensing a parameter comprises mounting a plurality of strain gauges on a load cell mounted on the housing. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising calculating a load on the housing. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising calculating the power used by the compressor. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compressor has a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet, and wherein the method further comprises sensing the pressure at the pressure inlet and outlet. 
   
   
       9 . A method of monitoring a machine, the machine having a housing and a reciprocating member disposed within the housing, the method comprising:
 sensing at least one parameter on the housing of the machine from a device placed on the housing;   generating a representative sensor signal in response to the at least one sensed parameter;   transmitting from the device on the housing a data signal related to the representative senor signal; and   receiving the data signal at a location remote from the housing.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein sensing at least one parameter further comprises monitoring a load on the housing. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein transmitting a signal further comprises manipulating the representative sensor signal. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein sensing at least one parameter comprises mounting a plurality of strain gauges on a load cell mounted on the housing of the machine. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising calculating a load on the housing. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein receiving the data signal further comprises manipulating the data signal. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the transmitting a signal is performed by a transmitter. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the sensing at least one parameter is performed by at least one sensor. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the compressor has a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet, and wherein the method further comprises sensing the pressure at the pressure inlet and outlet. 
   
   
       18 . A compressor comprising:
 a housing;   a reciprocating member disposed in the housing;   a motor coupled to the reciprocating member; and   an apparatus comprising
 a mobile assembly attachable to the housing, the mobile assembly having a sensor, a transmitter and a power source, the sensor being operable to measure a parameter of the housing and generate a representative sensor signal, the representative sensor signal being input to the transmitter, the transmitter being operable to transmit a data signal related to the representative sensor signal, and the power source being operable to power the transmitter and sensor, and 
 a stationary assembly having a receiver operable to receive the data signal from the transmitter.