Multistage Centrifugal Compressor with Alternating Inward-Outward Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multistage centrifugal compressors and expanders face inefficiencies due to heat loss, turbulence, and friction, particularly in internal combustion engines and external heat engines, where fluid flow direction changes cause eddy currents and pressure losses, and existing technologies require regenerators that introduce additional energy losses.
Innovation Solution
The use of centrifugal pumps with flow guides to transition fluid flow from radial to axial and vice versa, minimizing eddy currents and friction by maintaining smooth, unidirectional flow and reducing the need for regenerators, while also optimizing blade placement and disc geometry to minimize moving parts and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fluid flow direction is changed between stages in multistage centrifugal compressors, then compression function is achieved, but eddy currents and pressure losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inward-flowing centrifugal compressor stages where fluid flows from the periphery toward the center, opposite to the conventional outward-flowing design. This inversion allows the discharge of one stage to directly connect to the inlet of the next stage without requiring flow direction changes, thereby eliminating eddy currents and pressure losses associated with traditional flow reversal between stages
2Power
If flow direction changes are implemented in multistage centrifugal compressors, then multi-stage compression is achieved, but turbulence and eddy currents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple compression stages into a single continuous axial flow path where the discharge of one compressor stage directly connects to the inlet of the next stage. This integration eliminates the need for separate flow direction change mechanisms between stages, thereby reducing turbulence and eddy currents while maintaining multi-stage compression capability
3Power
If conventional outward-flowing centrifugal compressors are used, then compression is achieved, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional outward-flowing centrifugal compressor design to use inward-flowing stages where fluid moves from the periphery toward the center. This inversion enables direct axial connection between stages, creating a more streamlined flow path that reduces turbulence and minimizes heat loss, thereby improving overall compression efficiency
4Ease of operation
If flow guides are added to transition between radial and axial flow, then flow direction control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex flow guides by designing the compressor stages to naturally produce axial discharge flow. The inward-flowing centrifugal compressor stages inherently direct fluid axially toward the center, allowing direct connection to the next stage without requiring additional flow direction control components, thereby reducing device complexity
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 approach results in a more efficient engine with reduced heat loss, minimal pressure loss around pistons, and negligible metal fatigue, eliminating the need for lubrication and seals, and allowing for variable temperature ratios through rotation speed adjustments, while maintaining high pressure and efficiency in both internal and external heat engines.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal compressors comprising a centrifugal compressor acting in the conventional fashion with flow from the center proceeding to the periphery
Implementation Method 2
flow guides to change flow direction... flow guides to convert radial flow to axial flow and a group to convert axial flow to radial flow
Implementation Method 3
The blades appear concave to the pushing fluid while it spirals outward. This would be true of any spiral much like a pinwheel rotating due to the flow
Implementation Method 4
centrifugal expander is defined as a centrifugal pump operated with new art flow directions to act as an expander... the gas expands within the expander
Data Source
AI summary
An engine using centrifugal pumps to form a centrifugal multistage reverse compressor with flow alternating inward and outward in series. It is fed, at either the periphery or the center of one of the pumps, by either compressed then heated air or by products of combustion. This invention also includes a set of related inventions, comprising a group of flow guides to convert radial flow to axial flow and a group to convert axial flow to radial flow and the combination of those flow guides. The invention also includes a multistage centrifugal compressor using combinations of centrifugal pumps with alternating pumps having inward flow of gas traveling from the periphery to the vicinity of the axle and having outward flow of gas traveling from the vicinity of the axle to the periphery. The invention also includes the using the above in an external heat engine or heat pump.