Compressor including flow control insert and electromagnetic actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal refrigerant compressors with vaned diffusers require complex mechanical and/or hydraulic components to adjust the flow, which complicates regulation and reduces efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electromagnetic actuator to move a flow control insert that regulates the fluid flow expelled by the impeller, eliminating the need for mechanical components and allowing for precise control of the flow through the diffuser vanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical and/or hydraulic actuators are used to adjust the diffuser vanes or move the sidewall, then the flow can be regulated, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and hydraulic actuators with an electromagnetic actuator that uses magnetic fields to move the flow control insert. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, bearings, and hydraulic systems, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability through fewer moving parts and no lubrication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the flow control insert. The electromagnetic actuator generates a magnetic field that directly actuates the flow control insert without mechanical contact, serving as a non-contact mediator that simplifies the actuation mechanism and reduces mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If mechanical and/or hydraulic actuators are used to regulate the flow, then the flow control function is achieved, but the system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator replaces inefficient mechanical and hydraulic systems with a direct magnetic field actuation mechanism. This substitution reduces energy losses associated with mechanical friction, hydraulic leakage, and complex transmission mechanisms, thereby improving overall system efficiency while achieving the same flow control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator is a self-contained device that generates its own magnetic field for actuation without requiring external mechanical linkages or hydraulic fluid systems. This self-service characteristic eliminates energy losses in intermediate transmission systems and improves overall efficiency by directly coupling the control signal to the flow control insert movement.
3Reliability
If mechanical and/or hydraulic actuators are used to adjust the flow, then the flow regulation is achieved, but the reliability reduces due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator replaces mechanical and hydraulic systems with an electrically actuated device that controls flow through magnetic field interaction. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating mechanical wear, lubrication requirements, and hydraulic fluid management, while maintaining ease of operation through electrical control signals that are simple to implement and manage.
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 solution simplifies the system, increases reliability, and expands the stable operating range while maintaining pressure recovery and efficiency, similar to vaned diffusers, without the need for mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator, and a flow control insert selectively moveable in response to the electromagnetic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes an impeller, an electromagnetic actuator, and a flow control insert. The flow control insert is selectively moveable in response to the electromagnetic actuator to regulate a flow of fluid expelled by the impeller.