Co-Rotating Compressor With Windage-Assisted Suction Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in refrigeration, heat pump, and HVAC systems face challenges in achieving consistent and reliable operation while efficiently circulating working fluid, often due to inefficiencies in motor assemblies and lubrication systems, which can lead to windage losses and increased size.
Innovation Solution
A co-rotating compressor design featuring a motor assembly with a rotor that includes a radially and axially extending portion, a seal, and a lubrication system with high-side and low-side lubricant passages, along with a suction passage that utilizes windage to aid fluid circulation, reducing overall size and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional motor assembly is used to drive the compression mechanism, then the compressor can operate reliably, but the overall size of the compressor increases and windage losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is merged with the compression mechanism by directly coupling the rotor to the first scroll member, eliminating the need for a separate driveshaft and reducing overall compressor size. This integration maintains reliability while achieving compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is positioned to radially surround the first and second scroll members, creating a nested configuration where the motor assembly is contained within the compression mechanism. This nesting reduces the overall footprint and eliminates windage losses associated with external motor assemblies.
2Productivity
If the suction passage is designed with conventional fluid communication, then fluid flow is maintained, but windage losses increase and fluid circulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction passage delivers working fluid to a location radially inward of the suction inlet opening before the fluid enters the compression zone. This preliminary positioning allows the rotating first scroll member to actively draw fluid into the compression zone, improving circulation efficiency and reducing windage losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating first scroll member serves dual functions: it acts as both the compression element and the fluid delivery mechanism. The rotation of the scroll member itself creates the suction effect that draws fluid through the passage and into the compression zone, eliminating the need for separate fluid delivery mechanisms and reducing windage losses.
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
The design enhances fluid circulation efficiency, reduces windage losses, and minimizes compressor size, ensuring reliable operation and improved performance in climate control systems.
Implementation Method 1
windage produced by rotation of the first scroll member aids in forcing the working fluid radially outward toward the suction inlet opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor comprising: a first scroll member having a first end plate (1080) and a first spiral wrap (1082) extending from the first end plate; a second scroll member having a second end plate (1086) and a second spiral wrap (1088) extending from the second end plate and intermeshed with the first spiral wrap to define compression pockets therebetween; a first bearing housing (1014) supporting the first scroll member for rotation about a first rotational axis (A1); a second bearing housing (1016) supporting the second scroll member for rotation about a second rotational axis (A2) that is offset from the first rotational axis (A1); and a motor assembly (1020) engaging one of the first and second scroll members and driving rotation of the first and second scroll members about the first and second rotational axes, respectively, wherein the first bearing housing (1014) includes a radially extending suction passage (1102) providing fluid communication between a suction inlet (1028) of a shell of the compressor and a suction inlet opening (1094) in the first end plate (1080), and wherein working fluid exits the radially extending suction passage (1102) at a location (1106) that is disposed radially inward relative to the suction inlet opening (1094) such that windage produced by rotation of the first scroll member aids in forcing the working fluid radially outward toward the suction inlet opening (1094).