Compressor unit

Abstract

This compressor unit (10) is provided with: a screw-type compressor body (11); a water introduction unit (31) for introducing water into a compression chamber of the compressor body; a first silencer (18) positioned below the compressor body; a first collector (20) configured to cool a gas that has passed through the first silencer and store condensed water; a first communication pipe (19) that connects an outflow port of the first silencer and an inflow port of the first collector to each other; and a compressor stand (45) that supports the compressor body and has a space for disposing the first silencer on the lower side of the compressor body. The length of the first communication pipe is shorter than the total length of the first collector.

Description

Compressor Unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a screw-type compressor unit.

[0002] In recent years, with environmental considerations in mind, the use of hydrogen as a fuel for power generation and automobiles has been considered, and demand for hydrogen is increasing. Conventionally, water-injected screw compressors have been known. Patent Document 1 below discloses a water-injected screw compressor having a high pressure ratio, although it is not a compressor for compressing hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 8 , the water-injected screw compressor 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a compressor body 91 that compresses air, an injection device 92 that injects water into the compressor body 91, a cooling device 93 that cools the air compressed by the compressor body 91, and a condensate separator 94 that separates water from the air that has passed through the cooling device 93 and stores the separated water.

[0003] Patent Document 1 does not provide any explanation regarding noise from the compressor body 91. However, a silencer may be installed in the discharge flow path 95 of the compressor body 91 to suppress noise caused by the gas discharged from the compressor body 91. Both the cooling device 93 and the silencer are devices that require a large installation space, which increases the size of the compressor unit.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-500048

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make compact a compressor unit having a silencer and a device for cooling gas compressed in the compressor body.

[0006] A compressor unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a compressor unit for compressing gas, and includes: a screw-type compressor main body configured to compress gas, a water injection unit for injecting water into a compression chamber of the compressor main body, a silencer located below the compressor main body and configured to circulate gas discharged from the compressor main body, a collector configured to cool the gas that has passed through the silencer and to accumulate condensed water, a communication pipe connecting an outlet of the silencer and an inlet of the collector, and a stand that supports the compressor main body and has a space below the compressor main body for disposing the silencer. The length of the communication pipe is shorter than the overall length of the collector.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a compressor unit according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the compressor unit as viewed from the side; FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the compressor unit as viewed from above; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a compressor unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a compressor unit according to a second embodiment as viewed from above; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a compressor unit according to another embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a compressor unit according to another embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a conventional water injection screw compressor.

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1 , a compressor unit 10 according to this embodiment is a two-stage compressor unit. The compressor unit 10 includes a compressor main body (first compressor main body 11) configured to compress hydrogen gas, and another compressor main body (second compressor main body 12) that further compresses the hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor main body 11. The hydrogen gas is generated, for example, by a water electrolysis device. Therefore, the compressor unit 10 processes hydrogen gas containing moisture. Note that renewable energy may be used for the water electrolysis device. Note that the gas compressed by the compressor unit 10 is not limited to hydrogen gas, and may be other gases such as air, nitrogen gas, or carbon dioxide gas.

[0010] An intake pipe 14 is connected to the first compressor body 11. The first compressor body 11 draws in gas supplied from a supply source 15 through the intake pipe 14.

[0011] A silencer (first silencer 18) is connected to the first compressor body 11, and a recovery device (first recovery device 20) is connected to the first silencer 18 through a connecting pipe (first connecting pipe 19). The first recovery device 20 is connected to the second compressor body 12 through a connecting pipe 21. Another silencer (second silencer 23) is connected to the second compressor body 12, and another recovery device (second recovery device 26) is connected to the second silencer 23 through another connecting pipe (second connecting pipe 24). The first recovery device 20 is connected to a gas demand destination through a supply pipe 28. A check valve 35 is provided in the first connecting pipe 19 between the first silencer 18 and the first recovery device 20. This prevents hydrogen gas, accompanied by moisture, from flowing back from the first recovery device 20 to the first compressor body 11 when the compressor unit 10 is stopped, for example. This prevents unexpected effects caused by moisture entering the first compressor body 11. Furthermore, a check valve 36 is provided in the second communication pipe 24 between the second silencer 23 and the second recovery device 26. This prevents hydrogen gas carrying moisture from flowing back toward the second compressor body 12.

[0012] The gas discharged from the first compressor body 11 flows into the first silencer 18. The first silencer 18 reduces noise caused by the gas being discharged from the first compressor body 11. The gas discharged from the second compressor body 12 flows into the second silencer 23. The second silencer 23 reduces noise caused by the gas being discharged from the second compressor body 12.

[0013] The compressor unit 10 includes a water injection section (first water injection section 31) for injecting water into the compression chamber of the first compressor body 11, and another water injection section (second water injection section 32) for injecting water into the compression chamber of the second compressor body 12. The first compressor body 11 and the second compressor body 12 are screw-type as described below. Therefore, even if the gas is a low-molecular-weight gas such as hydrogen gas, water is injected into the compression chamber by the water injection sections 31, 32, thereby obtaining a seal between the screw rotors and between the screw rotor and the casing.

[0014] The first recovery unit 20 condenses moisture contained in the gas flowing out from the first compressor body 11 to separate the moisture from the gas. The first recovery unit 20 has a shell-and-tube cooling unit 20b having heat transfer tubes 20a and a separation unit 20d in which a separator 20c such as a demister is disposed. The cooling unit 20b condenses moisture entrained in the gas introduced into the first recovery unit 20 to separate the condensed water from the gas. The separation unit 20d removes moisture from the gas that has passed through the cooling unit 20b. The heat transfer tubes 20a of the cooling unit 20b and the separator 20c of the separation unit 20d are disposed in a common housing 20e. In other words, the cooling unit 20b and the separation unit 20d are configured integrally. By providing the first recovery device 20, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas from flowing into downstream equipment (such as the second compressor body 12 in this embodiment), and also to prevent high-temperature gas from flowing into the first compressor body 11 when gas is in recycle bypass operation. The same applies to the second recovery device 26.

[0015] The second recovery device 26 condenses moisture contained in the gas flowing out from the second compressor body 12 and separates the moisture from the gas. That is, the second recovery device 26 has a shell-and-tube cooling section 26b having a heat transfer tube 26a and a separation section 26d in which a separator 26c is arranged. The cooling section 26b condenses moisture entrained in the gas introduced into the second recovery device 26 and separates the condensed water from the gas. The separation section 26d removes moisture that has passed through the cooling section 26b from the gas. The heat transfer tube 26a of the cooling section 26b and the separator 26c of the separation section 26d are arranged in a common housing 26e. In other words, the cooling section 26b and the separation section 26d are integrally configured.

[0016] The condensed water separated in the first collector 20 is sent to the first water injection section 31 through the first return path 33. The condensed water separated in the second collector 26 is sent to the second water injection section 32 through the second return path 34.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the compressor unit 10 includes a horizontally disposed base plate 40 that is elongated in one direction, and the first compressor body 11 and other components are installed on the base plate 40. A mount (motor mount 42) that supports a motor 41, a mount (speed-up gear mount 44) that supports a speed-up gear 43, and a mount (compressor mount 45) that supports the first compressor body 11 and the second compressor body 12 are fixed to the base plate 40. Support members 47 that support the first and second collectors 20 and 26 are also fixed to the base plate 40. The support members 47 are attached to longitudinal ends of the base plate 40 and are positioned at the same height as the base plate 40. The first and second compressor bodies 11 and 12 are positioned higher than the first and second collectors 20 and 26. This allows the condensed water to flow into the first recovery vessel 20 and the second recovery vessel 26 due to gravity, even if condensed water occurs in the flow path from the first compressor body 11 and the second compressor body 12 to the first recovery vessel 20 and the second recovery vessel 26.

[0018] The motor 41 is installed on the motor stand 42 with its drive shaft 41a extending in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 2 and 3). The drive shaft 41a of the motor 41 is connected to a speed increaser 43. The speed increaser 43 has a gear mechanism coupled to the tip of the drive shaft 41a.

[0019] A first rotating shaft 43a that rotates at a rotation speed that is a predetermined number of rotations higher than the rotation speed of the drive shaft 41a, and a second rotating shaft 43b that rotates at a rotation speed that is a predetermined number of rotations higher than the rotation speed of the drive shaft 41a are connected to the gear mechanism of the speed increaser 43. The first rotating shaft 43a and the second rotating shaft 43b extend from the speed increaser 43 in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40, in the opposite direction to the drive shaft 41a. In other words, the first rotating shaft 43a and the second rotating shaft 43b are arranged parallel to each other.

[0020] The first rotating shaft 43a is connected to a screw rotor (described later) of the first compressor body 11, and the second rotating shaft 43b is connected to a screw rotor (described later) of the second compressor body 12. The rotation speed of the first rotating shaft 43a and the rotation speed of the second rotating shaft 43b may be the same or different. However, because the second compressor body 12 compresses gas to a higher pressure than the first compressor body 11, the gear mechanism of the speed increaser 43 is configured to enable the second rotating shaft 43b to generate a greater torque.

[0021] The first compressor body 11 is a screw type and includes a casing 11a and a pair of screw rotors (not shown) housed within the casing 11a. The first compressor body 11 is disposed such that the axial direction of the screw rotors is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). One of the screw rotors is connected to a first rotating shaft 43a. Driving the first rotating shaft 43a rotates the pair of screw rotors, thereby compressing gas in a compression space between the screw rotors. The first compressor body 11 may also have a tandem structure.

[0022] The second compressor body 12 is disposed adjacent to the first compressor body 11 in the width direction of the base plate 40 (the vertical direction in FIG. 3 ). The second compressor body 12 is a screw type compressor and includes a casing 12a and a pair of screw rotors (not shown) housed within the casing 12a. The second compressor body 12 is disposed with the axial direction of the screw rotors aligned along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). That is, the second compressor body 12 is disposed next to the first compressor body 11 with the axial direction of the screw rotors parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotors of the first compressor body 11. One of the screw rotors is connected to a second rotating shaft 43b. Driving the second rotating shaft 43b rotates the pair of screw rotors. This compresses gas in the compression space between the screw rotors. The second compressor body 12 may have a tandem structure.

[0023] The compressor stand 45 that supports the first compressor body 11 and the second compressor body 12 includes a plurality of pillars that are spaced apart in the width direction of the base plate 40 (the vertical direction in FIG. 3 ). As shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of pillars include a first pillar 49 a, a second pillar 49 b that is spaced apart from the first pillar 49 a in the width direction of the base plate 40, and an intermediate pillar 49 c that is located between the first pillar 49 a and the second pillar 49 b.

[0024] The first compressor body 11 is arranged to be supported by the first column portion 49a and the intermediate column portion 49c. The second compressor body 12 is arranged to be supported by the second column portion 49b and the intermediate column portion 49c. The first column portion 49a, the intermediate column portion 49c, and the second column portion 49b extend from the upper surface of the base plate 40 to above the first silencer 18 and the second silencer 23. The first silencer 18 is arranged in a space S1 between the first column portion 49a and the intermediate column portion 49c, and the second silencer 23 is arranged in a space S2 between the second column portion 49b and the intermediate column portion 49c. That is, the compressor stand 45 has a space S1 below the first compressor body 11 for arranging the first silencer 18 and a space S2 below the second compressor body 12 for arranging the second silencer 23.

[0025] The first compressor body 11 may be fixed directly to the first pillar portions 49a and the intermediate pillar portions 49c, or may be fixed indirectly via other members. That is, a bracket 51 for fixing the first compressor body 11 may be fixed to the first pillar portions 49a and the intermediate pillar portions 49c, and the first compressor body 11 may be fixed to this bracket 51. Alternatively, the bracket 51 may be omitted, and the first compressor body 11 may be fixed directly to the first pillar portions 49a and the intermediate pillar portions 49c. The same applies to the second compressor body 12.

[0026] The first silencer 18 is formed to be hollow and extend horizontally, and is located below the first compressor body 11. Gas discharged from the first compressor body 11 is introduced into the first silencer 18. The first silencer 18 reduces noise generated by the gas being discharged from the first compressor body 11. The first silencer 18 is provided with legs 52 (see FIG. 2 ) that protrude downward and land on the base plate 40, and the first silencer 18 is attached to the base plate 40 via the legs 52.

[0027] The discharge port 11b (see FIG. 1), through which gas is discharged from the casing 11a of the first compressor body 11, opens downward at a position opposite the inlet 18a. That is, the first compressor body 11 discharges gas downward in the direction of gravity. On the other hand, the inlet 18a (see FIG. 1), through which gas flows into the first silencer 18, opens upward in the first silencer 18. The inlet 18a of the first silencer 18 may be directly connected to the discharge port 11b of the first compressor body 11. That is, the nozzle of the first silencer 18 may be directly attached to the nozzle of the first compressor body 11. In this case, condensation of the gas before it flows into the first silencer 18 can be prevented. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, the inlet 18a of the first silencer 18 and the discharge port 11b of the first compressor body 11 may be connected to each other via a first discharge pipe 17 extending vertically.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , an outlet 18b through which gas flows out of the first silencer 18 is located at the lower end of the first silencer 18. A first connecting pipe 19 is connected to this outlet 18b. The first connecting pipe 19 extends horizontally and is connected to a cooling section 20b of a first recovery unit 20. A gas inlet 20f in the first recovery unit 20 to which the first connecting pipe 19 is connected is located at the same height as the outlet 18b of the first silencer 18. As a result, even if some of the moisture contained in the gas that has flowed into the first silencer 18 condenses, this condensed water can flow from within the first silencer 18 to the cooling section 20b of the first recovery unit 20. In this way, the compressor unit 10 is configured so that even if condensed water is generated in the first silencer 18, the condensed water flows through the first connecting pipe 19 toward the first recovery unit 20.

[0029] The first communication pipe 19 does not necessarily have to be arranged horizontally, and may be configured, for example, to be slightly inclined downward from the end on the first silencer 18 side to the end on the first collector 20 side. Even in this configuration, condensed water flows from the first silencer 18 toward the first collector 20. When the first communication pipe 19 is slightly inclined, the inlet 20f of the first collector 20 is located lower than the outlet 18b of the first silencer 18.

[0030] The housing 20e of the first collector 20 has a shape that extends straight in one direction. The housing 20e is arranged so that the extension direction of the housing 20e is parallel to the extension direction of the first silencer 18. That is, the first collector 20 is arranged in an orientation such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the first compressor body 11. The first collector 20 is also arranged on the support member 47 in an orientation such that its longitudinal direction is along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40. The first collector 20 is provided with legs 54 (see FIG. 2 ) that protrude downward and land on the support member 47, and the first collector 20 is installed on the support member 47 via the legs 54.

[0031] The first connecting pipe 19 is a straight pipe, and the length of the first connecting pipe 19 is shorter than the overall length of the first recovery device 20. This makes it difficult for pressure loss to occur in the first connecting pipe 19. Furthermore, the first recovery device 20 can be disposed close to the first compressor body 11, which contributes to making the entire compressor unit 10 more compact. Furthermore, the first connecting pipe 19 is thinner and smaller in volume than the first recovery device 20, and therefore is likely to be a source of vibration and noise. However, because the first connecting pipe 19 is shorter than the overall length of the first recovery device 20, the generation of vibration and noise in the first connecting pipe 19 can be suppressed. Note that it is preferable that the inside of the first connecting pipe 19 does not have any depressions or pockets where condensed moisture can accumulate.

[0032] The gas from which moisture has been removed in the separation section 20d of the first recovery device 20 is introduced into the second compressor body 12 through the connection pipe 21. The gas discharged from the second compressor body 12 flows into the second silencer 23.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3 , the second silencer 23 is disposed adjacent to the first silencer 18 in the width direction of the base plate 40 (the vertical direction in Fig. 3 ). The second silencer 23 is formed to be hollow and extend in the horizontal direction, and is located below the second compressor body 12. The second silencer 23 is disposed at approximately the same height as the first silencer 18 and in parallel with the first silencer 18.

[0034] The gas discharged from the second compressor body 12 is introduced into the second silencer 23. The second silencer 23 reduces noise generated by the gas being discharged from the second compressor body 12. The second silencer 23 is provided with legs (not shown) that protrude downward and land on the base plate 40, and the second silencer 23 is attached to the base plate 40 via the legs.

[0035] The discharge port 12b (see FIG. 1), through which gas is discharged from the casing 11a of the second compressor body 12, opens downward at a position opposite the inlet 23a. That is, the second compressor body 12 discharges gas downward in the direction of gravity. On the other hand, the inlet 23a (see FIG. 1), through which gas flows into the second silencer 23, opens upward in the second silencer 23. The inlet 23a of the second silencer 23 may be directly connected to the discharge port 12b of the second compressor body 12. That is, the nozzle of the second silencer 23 may be directly attached to the nozzle of the second compressor body 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet 23a of the second silencer 23 and the discharge port 12b of the second compressor body 12 may be connected to each other via a second discharge pipe 22 extending in the vertical direction.

[0036] An outlet 23b (see FIGS. 1 and 3 ) through which gas flows out of the second silencer 23 is located at the lower end of the second silencer 23. A second connection pipe 24 is connected to this outlet 23b. The second connection pipe 24 extends horizontally and is connected to a cooling section 26b of the second recovery unit 26. A gas inlet 26f in the second recovery unit 26 to which the second connection pipe 24 is connected is located at the same height as the outlet 23b of the second silencer 23. As a result, even if some of the moisture contained in the gas that flows into the second silencer 23 condenses, this condensed water can flow from the second silencer 23 to the cooling section 26b of the second recovery unit 26. In this way, the compressor unit 10 is configured so that even if condensed water is generated in the second silencer 23, the condensed water flows toward the second recovery unit 26 through the second connection pipe 24.

[0037] The second communication pipe 24 does not necessarily have to be arranged horizontally, and may be configured, for example, to be slightly inclined downward from the end on the second silencer 23 side to the end on the second collector 26 side. Even in this configuration, condensed water flows from the second silencer 23 toward the second collector 26. When the second communication pipe 24 is slightly inclined, the inlet 26f of the second collector 26 is located lower than the outlet 23b of the second silencer 23.

[0038] The housing 26e of the second collector 26 has a shape that extends straight in one direction. The housing 26e is arranged so that the direction in which the housing 26e extends is parallel to the direction in which the second silencer 23 extends. In other words, the second collector 26 is arranged in an orientation such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the second compressor body 12. The second collector 26 is also arranged on the support member 47 in an orientation such that its longitudinal direction is along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 40.

[0039] The second connecting pipe 24 is a straight pipe, and the length of the second connecting pipe 24 is shorter than the overall length of the second recovery device 26. This makes it possible to reduce pressure loss in the second connecting pipe 24. Furthermore, the second recovery device 26 can be disposed closer to the second compressor body 12, which contributes to making the entire compressor unit 10 more compact. Furthermore, the second connecting pipe 24 is thinner and smaller in volume than the second recovery device 26, and therefore is likely to be a source of vibration and noise. However, because the second connecting pipe 24 is shorter than the overall length of the second recovery device 26, the generation of vibration and noise in the second connecting pipe 24 can be suppressed. It is preferable that the interior of the second connecting pipe 24 does not have any depressions or pockets where condensed moisture can accumulate.

[0040] The gas from which moisture has been removed in the separation section 26d of the second recovery vessel 26 is supplied to a gas consumer through a supply pipe 28.

[0041] As described above, in the compressor unit 10 according to this embodiment, the first silencer 18 is disposed below the first compressor body 11, and the first communication pipe 19 between the first silencer 18 and the first recovery device 20 is formed to be shorter than the first recovery device 20. This allows the first recovery device 20 to be disposed closer to the first compressor body 11. As a result, the entire compressor unit 10 can be made compact. Furthermore, packaging (such as testing and painting) can be performed in a factory, eliminating the need for on-site construction. This is particularly advantageous for large compressor units 10 that are prone to transportation restrictions.

[0042] Furthermore, the outlet 18b of the first silencer 18, to which the first communication pipe 19 is connected, is located at the lower end of the first silencer 18. Therefore, even if some of the water contained in the gas discharged from the first compressor body 11 condenses in the first silencer 18, the condensed water flows from the first silencer 18 toward the first communication pipe 19. The condensed water that has flowed into the first communication pipe 19 flows into the first recovery device 20 through the inlet 20f of the first recovery device 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensed water from accumulating upstream of the first recovery device 20.

[0043] Furthermore, the first recovery unit 20 has a configuration in which the heat transfer tubes 20a and the separator 20c are arranged in a common housing 20e, which eliminates the need to provide a separator separate from the first recovery unit 20. Furthermore, condensed water produced by cooling the gas and moisture in the gas separated by the separator 20c can be obtained in the common housing 20e.

[0044] Furthermore, since the first connecting pipe 19 is configured as a straight pipe, it is possible to further shorten the first connecting pipe 19. In this case, space is freed up next to the compressor unit 10, which improves the maintainability and accessibility of the compressor unit 10.

[0045] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the first collector 20 is disposed adjacent to the first silencer 18 in the longitudinal direction, whereas in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the first collector 20 is disposed adjacent to the first silencer 18 in the width direction (the vertical direction in Fig. 5). The same arrangement relationship exists between the second collector 26 and the second silencer 23. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] As in the first embodiment, the first recovery device 20 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the first compressor body 11 and parallel to the extending direction of the first silencer 18. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first recovery device 20 is disposed at a position shifted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw rotor (the up-down direction in FIG. 5 ) with respect to the first silencer 18 and the first compressor body 11. That is, in the second embodiment, the first recovery device 20 is disposed alongside the first compressor body 11.

[0047] The first communication pipe 19 connecting the first silencer 18 and the first recovery device 20 is not straight in plan view but is bent. That is, the first communication pipe 19 has a first section 19a, a bent section 19b, and a second section 19c. One end of the first section 19a is connected to a longitudinal end face of the first silencer 18 and extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor. The bent section 19b bends from the first section 19a toward the first recovery device 20. The second section 19c extends from the bent section 19b in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw rotor. The second section 19c of the first communication pipe 19 is connected to the side of the first recovery device 20.

[0048] As in the first embodiment, the second collector 26 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the second compressor body 12 and parallel to the extending direction of the second silencer 23. However, in the second embodiment, the second collector 26 is disposed at a position offset in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw rotor (the up-down direction in FIG. 5 ) with respect to the second silencer 23 and the second compressor body 12. In other words, the second collector 26 is disposed alongside the second compressor body 12.

[0049] The second collector 26 is disposed at a position that protrudes from the base plate 40 on the opposite side from the first collector 20. Therefore, the support member 47 has a first support portion 47a that supports the first collector 20 from below, and a second support portion 47b that is formed separately and independently from the first support portion 47a and supports the second collector 26 from below.

[0050] The second communication pipe 24 connecting the second silencer 23 and the second collector 26 is not straight in plan view but is bent. That is, the second communication pipe 24 has a first section 24a, a bent section 24b, and a second section 24c. One end of the first section 24a is connected to a longitudinal end face of the second silencer 23 and extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor. The bent section 24b bends from the first section 24a toward the second collector 26. The second section 24c extends from the bent section 24b in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw rotor. The second section 24c of the second communication pipe 24 is connected to a side portion of the second collector 26.

[0051] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to arrange the first recovery unit 20 close to the first compressor body 11, which makes it possible to reduce the installation space for the compressor unit 10.

[0052] Although the description of other configurations, actions, and effects will be omitted, the description of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0053] (Other Embodiments) The disclosed embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the above-described embodiments include the second compressor body 12, the second silencer 23, and the second collector 26, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 6 , the second compressor body 12, the second silencer 23, and the second collector 26 may be omitted. Alternatively, a third compressor body, a third silencer, and a third collector (not shown) may be provided downstream of the second collector 26. Note that, although FIG. 6 illustrates the inlet 18a of the first silencer 18 being connected to the discharge port 11b of the first compressor body 11 through the first discharge pipe 17, the inlet 18a of the first silencer 18 may be directly connected to the discharge port 11b of the first compressor body 11.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the first communication pipe 19 extends horizontally. However, as shown in FIG. 7 , the first communication pipe 19 may be configured to include a portion that slopes downward toward the inlet 20f of the first recovery unit 20 when viewed from the side. This allows condensed water to be more reliably guided to the first recovery unit 20, even if it occurs between the first compressor body 11 and the first recovery unit 20. Furthermore, if the distance from the first silencer 18 to the first recovery unit 20 is increased, the height of the inlet 18a (outlet nozzle) of the first silencer 18 must be increased accordingly in accordance with the slope angle. In this case, the first compressor body 11 must also be elevated. However, in the compressor unit 10, the first communication pipe 19 is short, eliminating unnecessary elevation of the compressor body. The same applies to the second communication pipe 24.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the compressor pedestal 45 is configured to support the first compressor body 11 and the second compressor body 12 by the first pillar portion 49 a, the intermediate pillar portion 49 c, and the second pillar portion 49 b, but is not limited to this. The compressor pedestal 45 may include a first pedestal that supports the first compressor body 11, and a second pedestal that is formed separately from the first pedestal and supports the second compressor body 12.

[0056] Here, the above embodiment will be outlined.

[0057] (1) The compressor unit according to the embodiment is a compressor unit that compresses gas and includes a screw-type compressor main body configured to compress gas, a water injection unit for injecting water into a compression chamber of the compressor main body, a silencer located below the compressor main body and configured to circulate gas discharged from the compressor main body, a collector configured to cool the gas that has passed through the silencer and to accumulate condensed water, a communication pipe connecting an outlet of the silencer and an inlet of the collector, and a stand that supports the compressor main body and has a space below the compressor main body for disposing the silencer. The length of the communication pipe is shorter than the overall length of the collector.

[0058] In the compressor unit, a silencer is disposed below the compressor body, and the connecting pipe between the silencer and the collector is shorter than the collector. This allows the collector to be located closer to the compressor body. As a result, the entire compressor unit can be made more compact. Furthermore, packaging (testing, painting, etc.) can be performed in the factory, eliminating the need for on-site installation. This is particularly advantageous for large compressor units that are subject to transportation restrictions. Furthermore, the connecting pipe is thinner and smaller in volume than the collector, making it a likely source of vibration and noise. However, because the connecting pipe is shorter than the entire length of the collector, vibration and noise generation in the connecting pipe can be suppressed.

[0059] (2) The communication pipe may include a portion that slopes downward toward the inlet of the recovery vessel.

[0060] In this configuration, even if condensed water is generated, it can be more reliably guided to the collector. Furthermore, if the distance from the silencer to the collector is increased, the height of the silencer outlet (outlet nozzle) must be increased accordingly according to the gradient angle, which also requires the compressor body to be elevated. However, by shortening the connecting pipe, unnecessary elevation of the compressor body can be eliminated.

[0061] (3) The outlet of the silencer to which the communication pipe is connected may be located at a lower end of the silencer.

[0062] In this embodiment, the gas discharged from the compressor body is discharged downward toward the silencer located below the compressor body and flows into the silencer. Therefore, the gas is silenced by the silencer. A connecting pipe leading to the collector is connected to the silencer's outlet, and the silencer's outlet is located at the lower end of the silencer. Therefore, even if some of the water contained in the gas discharged from the compressor body condenses in the silencer, the condensed water flows from the silencer toward the connecting pipe. The condensed water that flows into the connecting pipe flows into the collector through the collector's inlet. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensed water from accumulating upstream of the collector.

[0063] (4) The inlet of the collector may be located at the same height as the outlet of the silencer or at a lower height than the outlet of the silencer. In this aspect, retention of moisture in the communication pipe or the silencer can be further suppressed.

[0064] (5) The recovery device may have a structure in which a heat transfer tube for cooling the gas introduced through the connecting pipe and a separator for separating moisture entrained in the gas are arranged in a common housing.

[0065] In this embodiment, the shell-and-tube cooling section having the heat transfer tubes and the separation section having the separator are integrally configured, which eliminates the need to provide the separator separately from the recovery section.

[0066] (6) The silencer may be directly connected to the compressor body. In this configuration, the gas discharged from the compressor body flows directly into the silencer. This prevents condensation from occurring in the gas before it flows into the silencer.

[0067] (7) The connecting pipe may be a straight pipe. In this embodiment, pressure loss in the connecting pipe can be reduced. For example, pressure loss in the connecting pipe can be reduced compared to when an elbow is provided in the connecting pipe.

[0068] (8) The collector may be disposed next to the compressor body such that a longitudinal direction of the collector is parallel to an axial direction of a screw rotor of the compressor body. In this case, the communication pipe may extend from the silencer in the axial direction of the screw rotor and bend toward the collector.

[0069] In this embodiment, the recovery device can be disposed close to the compressor body, thereby reducing the installation space for the compressor unit.

[0070] (9) The compressor unit may further include a check valve between the silencer and the collector. This prevents hydrogen gas, carrying moisture, from flowing back from the collector to the compressor body when the compressor unit is stopped, etc. This prevents moisture from entering the compressor body and causing unexpected damage to the compressor body.

[0071] (10) The compressor unit may include another screw-type compressor main body having a screw rotor and configured to further compress gas discharged from the compressor main body, another silencer located below the other compressor main body and configured to pass the gas discharged from the other compressor main body, another collector configured to cool the gas passing through the other silencer and collect condensed water, and another connecting pipe connecting an outlet of the other silencer to an inlet of the other collector. In this case, the frame may support the other compressor main body and form a space below the other compressor main body for disposing the other silencer, the length of the other connecting pipe may be shorter than the overall length of the other collector, and the other compressor main body may be arranged next to the compressor main body so that the axial direction of the screw rotor of the compressor main body is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the compressor main body.

[0072] In this embodiment, even when two compressor bodies are installed, the installation space for the compressor unit can be reduced.

[0073] (11) The outlet of the other silencer to which the other communication pipe is connected may be located at a lower end of the other silencer. In this aspect, even if some of the water contained in the gas discharged from the other compressor body condenses in the other silencer, the condensed water flows from the other silencer toward the other communication pipe. The condensed water that flows into the other communication pipe flows into the other recovery device through the inlet of the other recovery device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensed water from accumulating upstream of the other recovery device.

[0074] As described above, the compressor unit can be made compact.

[0075] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-66817 filed with the Japan Patent Office on April 17, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A compressor unit for compressing gas, comprising: a screw-type compressor body configured to compress gas; a water injection section for injecting water into the compression chamber of the compressor body; a silencer located below the compressor body and configured to circulate gas discharged from the compressor body; a collector configured to cool the gas that has passed through the silencer and to collect condensed water; a connecting pipe connecting the outlet of the silencer to the inlet of the collector; and a stand that supports the compressor body and has space for placing the silencer below the compressor body, wherein the length of the connecting pipe is shorter than the overall length of the collector.

2. The compressor unit of claim 1, wherein said connecting pipe includes a portion that slopes downward toward said inlet of said collector.

3. A compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet of the silencer to which the communication pipe is connected is located at the lower end of the silencer.

4. A compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet of the collector is located at the same height as or lower than the outlet of the silencer.

5. A compressor unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the recovery device has a structure in which a heat transfer tube for cooling the gas introduced through the connecting pipe and a separator for separating the moisture entrained in the gas are arranged in a common housing.

6. The compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silencer is directly connected to the compressor body.

7. The compressor unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication pipe is a straight pipe.

8. A compressor unit as described in claim 1, wherein the collector is arranged alongside the compressor body so that the longitudinal direction of the collector is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the compressor body, and the communication pipe extends from the silencer in the axial direction of the screw rotor and is bent towards the collector.

9. The compressor unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a check valve between the silencer and the collector.

10. A compressor unit as described in claim 1, comprising: another screw-type compressor body having a screw rotor and configured to further compress gas discharged from the compressor body; another silencer located below the other compressor body and configured to circulate gas discharged from the other compressor body; another collector configured to cool gas that has passed through the other silencer and to collect condensed water; and another connecting pipe connecting the outlet of the other silencer to the inlet of the other collector, wherein the frame supports the other compressor body and forms a space below the other compressor body for arranging the other silencer, the length of the other connecting pipe is shorter than the overall length of the other collector, and the other compressor body is arranged alongside the compressor body so that the axial direction of the screw rotor is parallel to the axial direction of the screw rotor of the compressor body.

11. The compressor unit according to claim 10, wherein the outlet of the other silencer to which the other communication pipe is connected is located at a lower end of the other silencer.

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