Compression device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal compression devices with multiple motors are inefficient in heat management, leading to unsatisfactory performance and equipment requirements, particularly in architectures with several motors.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal compression device with a third cooling line that includes a gas cooling member and two parallel branches to cool separate motors, using control valves and heat exchangers to manage gas flow and recycle cooled gas to reduce motor heating, while maintaining efficient compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cooling line is used to cool multiple motors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling efficiency and temperature control for each motor becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single cooling line is segmented into multiple parallel branches, with each branch dedicated to cooling a specific motor. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for each motor while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and effective temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
Each parallel branch in the cooling line is configured with local characteristics (control valves, flow distributors) tailored to the specific cooling needs of each motor. This local customization enables precise temperature control for each motor without requiring a completely complex centralized system.
2Device complexity
If compression stages are used to generate motive force for gas flow, then equipment quantity is reduced, but the power consumption and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to generate the motive force needed for gas circulation - the compression stages that compress the gas also provide the pressure differential that drives the gas flow through the motors and cooling lines. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate motive force generation equipment while optimizing energy utilization within the compression process.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression stages serve multiple functions: they compress the gas for the refrigeration cycle, generate the motive force for gas circulation, and provide the pressure differential for cooling the motors. This multi-functionality reduces equipment quantity while the system optimizes energy use through integrated design.
3Temperature
If gas flow is used to cool motors, then motor temperature is controlled, but gas heat absorption increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generated by motor losses and friction, which would normally be wasted energy increasing power consumption, is converted into a beneficial cooling effect. The gas flowing through the motors absorbs this heat, cooling the motors while the heated gas is then cooled in heat exchangers and returned to the compression stages, creating an efficient thermal cycle that reduces overall power consumption by 1%.
4Temperature
If control valves are added to manage gas flow in parallel branches, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control valves are placed locally in each parallel branch of the cooling line, allowing independent adjustment of gas flow to each motor. This localized control approach provides precise temperature control for each motor without requiring a complex centralized control system, as each branch can be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valves enable dynamic adjustment of gas flow distribution to each parallel branch based on the specific cooling requirements of each motor. This dynamic control capability allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain optimal temperature control with relatively simple valve mechanisms.
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 improves overall efficiency by controlling motor temperatures and reducing energy consumption, achieving a 1% reduction in power consumption compared to previous designs while maintaining acceptable efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first gas cooling member includes a heat exchanger cooled by a heat-transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
transferring a fraction of the gas compressed in the at least one compressor into the at least one motor in order to limit the heating of the latter
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger cooled by a heat-transfer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method for centrifugal compression of a working gas comprising a plurality of centrifugal compressors forming a plurality of compression stages and plurality of drive motors for driving the compressors, the device comprising a gas circuit comprising a first, inlet, pipe for the gas to be compressed, connected to an inlet of a first compressor, the circuit comprising a second pipe connected to an outlet of said first compressor, the second pipe being connected to an inlet of a second compressor, the circuit comprising at least one third, cooling, pipe having one end connected to the outlet of at least one of the compressors and at least one second end connected to an inlet of at least one motor for cooling thereof, the third, cooling, pipe comprising a first member for cooling the gas and two parallel branches respectively supplying two distinct motors of the device for their respective cooling.