Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method can modify the position of diffuser vanes to improve performance of a compressor device, e.g., a centrifugal compressor. These embodiments form a feedback loop to manage the position of the diffuser vanes relative to one or more operating parameters on the compressor device. In one embodiment, the system and method measure input power with the diffuser vanes at a first position and a second position. Changes in the input power will identify other positions for the diffuser vanes that optimize performance of the compressor device, e.g., to reduce power consumption and to achieve and maintain peak compressor efficiency within the entire operating envelope of the compressor device.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method manipulate the position of inlet guide vanes and the drive speed for optimizing performance of a compressor device (e.g., a centrifugal compressor). In one embodiment, the systems and methods can correlate setpoints (e.g., inlet volume flow and discharge pressure) desired for installation and/or implementation of the compressor device with reference data collected as part of in-situ performance testing. This reference data identifies, in one embodiment, a position for the inlet guide vanes and a drive speed for a number of different setpoints at a set of reference conditions (e.g., ambient temperature and ambient pressure).