Adaptive Braking Torque for Refrigerant Compressor Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant compressors experience undesirable noise emissions and prolonged stopping processes due to varying crankshaft speeds and load torques, especially at low rotational speeds, leading to increased energy consumption and longer stopping times.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device that detects a switch-off signal and applies a braking torque to the crankshaft immediately, with the magnitude of the braking torque adjusted based on the rotational speed or power consumption, allowing for a more efficient and rapid stopping process while minimizing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigerant compressor is operated at low rotational speeds to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but noise emissions increase due to crankshaft speed variations and load torque fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the braking torque adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the braking torque magnitude based on the current operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize between energy efficiency and noise reduction by varying the braking force as needed during the stopping process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of braking torque from a constant value to a variable value that depends on crankshaft speed. By making the braking torque a function of rotational speed, the system can adapt the braking force to minimize noise at different speed levels while still achieving energy-efficient operation
2Loss of time
If the refrigerant compressor is stopped immediately after switch-off signal to reduce stopping time, then productivity is improved, but noise emissions increase due to uncontrolled crankshaft deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing and applying braking torque immediately when the switch-off signal is detected, rather than waiting for natural deceleration. This proactive braking action controls the crankshaft deceleration from the beginning of the stopping process, achieving both quick stopping and noise reduction by preventing uncontrolled speed variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring the crankshaft rotational speed and using this information to regulate the braking torque. The control device adjusts the braking force based on the actual speed conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both stopping time and noise emissions through real-time adjustments
3Loss of time
If a high braking torque is applied to stop the crankshaft quickly to reduce stopping time, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases during the braking process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the braking torque adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the braking torque magnitude based on the current operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize between energy efficiency and noise reduction by varying the braking force as needed during the stopping process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by varying the braking torque in a structured sequence - applying higher braking force when speed is high and reducing it as speed decreases. This time-varying braking strategy follows a predetermined pattern that minimizes total energy consumption while achieving quick stopping
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 significantly shortens the stopping process, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes noise emissions by applying a tailored braking torque that adapts to the crankshaft's speed, ensuring quick and energy-efficient braking.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic control device is set up to apply a braking torque to the crankshaft, in particular immediately after detection of the switch-off signal, with the braking torque being directed in the opposite direction to the positive torque prevailing during the operating phase and with an amount of the braking torque being a function of the detected physical process parameter
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Electronic control device for a refrigerant compressor, comprising at least one drive unit and a compression mechanism which is in operative connection with the drive unit and has at least one piston which, in an operating state of the refrigerant compressor, moves back and forth in a cylinder of a cylinder block of the refrigerant compressor for the operational compression of refrigerant and is driven by a crankshaft of the drive unit, wherein the electronic control device of the refrigerant compressor is at least designed to detect at least one physical process parameter, preferably the rotational speed (n) of the crankshaft or the power consumption of the refrigerant compressor, and to detect a switch-off signal directed at the refrigerant compressor, said switch-off signal terminating a refrigerant compressor operating phase in which the refrigerant compressor is operated as intended with a positive operating torque; and is also designed to regulate a torque applied by the drive unit to the crankshaft so as to adjust the rotational speed (n) of the crankshaft, wherein the electronic control device is further designed to apply a braking torque to the crankshaft immediately after detecting the switch-off signal, wherein the braking torque is applied in the opposite direction to the positive torque acting during the operating phase and the value of this braking torque is a function of the detected physical process parameter, preferably the rotational speed (n) of the crankshaft or the power consumption of the refrigerant compressor.