Abstract: A fluid compression system includes a plurality of compressors, each compressor having a local controller for controlling operation thereof and a sensor for sensing the pressure of compressed fluid discharged therefrom. A method for controlling operation of the fluid compression system includes establishing a set point pressure threshold for loading and unloading each compressor, and assigning a ranking to each compressor for identifying a highest ranked compressor and a lowest ranked compressor, whereby the highest ranked compressor for the compression system initiates all commands for controlling all of the lower ranked compressors in the compression system.

Abstract: A compression system includes a sequencing switch movable between a first switch position and a second switch position for alternating a first compressor and a second compressor between a lead mode and a lag mode so that one of the compressors is always in the lead mode and one of the compressors is always in the lag mode. The compression system includes a first compressor including a first microcontroller having a data entry device for establishing a lead mode pressure range and a lag mode pressure range. The first compressor includes a first pressure gauge for sensing the pressure level of compressed fluid discharged therefrom and for relaying the sensed pressure level to the first microcontroller. The first microcontroller continuously monitors the pressure level of the compressed fluid discharged from the first compressor and compares the pressure level of the compressed fluid to the lead mode pressure range and the lag mode pressure range.