Introduction
The following main methods are used for capacity control of compressors:
- on-off control, if necessary of tandem compressors or several compressors in a compound
- integrated mechanical capacity control
- speed control, e.g. with frequency inverter
This document explains the integrated mechanical capacity control. It is available for all Bitzer screw compressors and is implemented differently depending on the series. The lowest capacity step usually also functions as start unloading; if necessary, a certain pause time must be observed before restarting the compressor.
For schematic wiring diagrams for different control variants:
- AT-300: Schematic wiring diagrams for BITZER products
The following variants of mechanical capacity control are found in Bitzer screw compressors:
Characterisation | Vi (internal volume ratio) | ECO port | in compressors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
stepped capacity control | 2 control pistons shift the suction side sealing contour in 2 steps (75 and 50%), low pressure drop | Vi changes with the capacity step, because the suction gas volume is reduced, but the discharge gas port is not. | fixed ECO port near discharge gas port | HS.53 .. 74 |
dual capacity control | stepless or 3- resp. 4-step slider control with Vi compensation, no pressure drop | Vi varies with capacity, because suction gas volume and discharge gas port / internal discharge port are modified. | With HS.85, OS.85 and CSH.5 integrated in slider. | HS.85 |
stepless capacity control | combined CR and Vi sliders, controlled by CM-SW module | Vi is automatically adjusted: | fixed in the housing | HS.95 |
For the combination of capacity control and ECO operation: ECO operation at part load.
Also observe the following technical documents
- SB-110: Operating instructions Semi-hermetic screw compressors HS.53 .. 95
- SB-170: Operating instructions Semi-hermetic compact screw compressors CS.65 .. 105
- SB-500: Operating instructions Open drive screw compressors OS.53 .. 74
- SB-520: Operating instructions Open drive screw compressors OS.85, OS.95, OS.105
- ST-420: Bitzer screw compressors with external frequency inverters
- ST-610: Economiser operation of screw compressors