Air compressor having an oil separator, an oil cooler, first and second evaporators, and wherein intake air and the oil are simultaneously cooled in the first and second evaporators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air compressors face limitations in reducing power consumption due to the condensation of moisture in compressed air when low-temperature lubricating oil is used, which restricts the supply temperature of the lubricating oil and affects the reliability and efficiency of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
An air compressor system with a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, where intake air passes through a first evaporator for cooling and dehumidification, and lubricating oil passes through a second evaporator, allowing simultaneous cooling and dehumidification, ensuring the lubricating oil is supplied at a temperature that prevents condensation in the compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low temperature lubricating oil is supplied during compression, then power consumption is reduced, but moisture condenses in the compressed air causing reliability to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling function into two separate evaporators: a first evaporator for cooling and dehumidifying intake air, and a second evaporator for cooling lubricating oil. This segmentation allows independent control of cooling processes, enabling low-temperature oil supply without causing moisture condensation in the compressed air, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption reduction and reliability maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different cooling treatments to different components: the intake air undergoes cooling and dehumidification in the first evaporator, while the lubricating oil receives dedicated cooling in the second evaporator. This local quality approach ensures that each component receives the appropriate temperature treatment, allowing low-temperature oil supply without compromising system reliability.
2Power
If low temperature lubricating oil is supplied during compression, then compression power is reduced, but dew point temperature increases causing moisture condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control functions by providing separate evaporators for air cooling/dehumidification and oil cooling. This allows the lubricating oil to be supplied at low temperatures for reduced compression power while the intake air is independently dehumidified to lower its dew point, preventing moisture condensation despite low oil temperature supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the refrigeration system by introducing two evaporators with different functions. The first evaporator changes the humidity parameter of the intake air through dehumidification, while the second evaporator changes the temperature parameter of the lubricating oil. This parameter change approach enables low-temperature oil supply without increasing the dew point temperature of the compressed air.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces power consumption during air compression, enhances energy saving, and maintains the reliability of the lubricating oil, preventing moisture condensation and improving the overall efficiency of the air compressor.
Implementation Method 1
causing the refrigerant to flow through a secondary side of the first evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration cycle of a vapor compression type, in which the refrigeration cycle is constructed by annularly connecting a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator together
Implementation Method 3
causing the refrigerant to flow through a secondary side of the second evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a refrigeration cycle of a vapor compression type, in which the refrigeration cycle is constructed by annularly connecting a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator together
Implementation Method 5
a refrigeration cycle of a vapor compression type, in which the refrigeration cycle is constructed by annularly connecting a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator together
Implementation Method 6
a refrigeration cycle of a vapor compression type, in which the refrigeration cycle is constructed by annularly connecting a refrigerant compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a first evaporator, and a second evaporator together
Data Source
AI summary
An oil—cooled air compressor is provided with: an oil—cooled air compressor for compressing sucked-in air and discharging the compressed air; an oil separator for separating the compressed air and lubricating oil, which are discharged from the air compressor body; an oil cooler for cooling, by outside air, lubricating oil discharged from the oil separator; oil supply pipe passage for supplying lubricating oil, which is discharged from the oil cooler, to a bearing of the air compressor body and to an intermediate section in the process of compression by the air compressor; and an after-cooler for cooling, by outside air, air discharged from the oil separator. The oil-cooled air compressor in which the air compressor, the oil separator, the oil cooler, and the after-cooler are connected to supply high-pressure air to the outside of the compressor is provided with a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle.