Compressor Airflow Path Design for Magnet and Stator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors face inefficiencies due to restricted airflow that limits cooling of components, particularly in electric motors, affecting performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a stator assembly, rotor assembly, support body with hollow elongate central part, and an outer can with axially aligned air inlet, allowing for both axial and radial airflow to cool internal and external components, including stator windings and electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow through the compressor is restricted, then the compressor structure can be simpler, but the cooling effectiveness of motor components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple sections with separate openings positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows different airflow paths to cool different components (magnet through central openings, stator windings through peripheral openings) independently, improving overall cooling effectiveness without requiring a complex unified airflow system
Solution Approach 2:
The support body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the rotor assembly, acts as a airflow distribution manifold with multiple openings for different cooling paths, and positions the magnet and stator elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling components, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving effective cooling
2Reliability
If airflow paths are increased to cool more components, then cooling coverage is improved, but the compressor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling airflow path is merged with the main compressor airflow path. The air inlet of the compressor serves dual purposes: supplying air for compression and providing cooling airflow through the support body openings. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling air inlets and complex dedicated cooling passages, achieving comprehensive component cooling while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor's own operating airflow serves the cooling function. The air drawn in by the impeller naturally flows through the support body openings to cool the magnet and stator elements, eliminating the need for external cooling systems or additional energy input. The system uses its own operational resources to achieve cooling
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
Enhances cooling efficiency, improving performance and reliability by ensuring effective airflow distribution across all components, leading to improved compressor efficiency and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
airflow generated by the compressor during use is able to flow into the compressor through the air inlet of the outer can and through the opening of the elongate central part of the support body to cool the magnet during use
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor comprising: a stator assembly comprising a plurality of stator elements; a rotor assembly comprising a shaft to which is mounted at least one bearing, a permanent magnet and an impeller; a support body; and an outer can comprising an air inlet. The support body comprises a hollow elongate central part to which is mounted the at least one bearing, and inside which the magnet is positioned, the elongate central part comprising a plurality of openings, and the air inlet of the outer can is axially aligned at least partially with the plurality of openings in the elongate central part.