Compressor Axial Seal Assembly for Pressure Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressor high-side axial seal designs face challenges in efficiently separating intermediate-pressure and discharge-pressure working fluids, leading to reduced operational reliability and efficiency in climate-control systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first annular seal engaging the hub and bearing housing, defining a biasing chamber with intermediate-pressure working fluid, and a second annular seal engaging the first annular seal and hub, along with a spring and stop ring, to effectively separate and modulate pressures, while a seal retainer ensures proper assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single annular seal is used to separate working fluid pressures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the separation effectiveness between intermediate-pressure and discharge-pressure working fluids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is divided into two distinct annular seals (first annular seal and second annular seal) positioned at different radial locations. The first annular seal separates intermediate-pressure working fluid from discharge-pressure working fluid, while the second annular seal provides an additional sealing barrier. This segmentation allows each seal to handle specific pressure differentials, improving overall separation effectiveness while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second annular seal is positioned within the radial space defined by the first annular seal, creating a nested configuration. The second seal engages with the hub at a different radial location than the first seal, allowing both seals to function simultaneously without interfering with each other. This nested arrangement maximizes sealing effectiveness within the available radial space
2Reliability
If the orbiting scroll is biased toward the non-orbiting scroll with high-pressure working fluid, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the energy loss increases due to the high-pressure biasing fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The first annular seal acts as an intermediary barrier that isolates the biasing chamber containing intermediate-pressure working fluid from the discharge-pressure working fluid. By using intermediate-pressure fluid rather than high-pressure fluid for biasing, the system achieves adequate sealing effectiveness while significantly reducing the energy loss associated with confining high-pressure fluid in the biasing chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the working fluid used for biasing from discharge-pressure (high pressure) to intermediate-pressure (lower pressure). This parameter change maintains the necessary biasing force for sealing effectiveness while reducing the energy penalty associated with containing and circulating high-pressure fluid in the biasing chamber
3Reliability
If multiple seals and springs are added to improve sealing, then the pressure separation effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first annular seal serves multiple functions: it separates intermediate-pressure and discharge-pressure working fluids, defines the biasing chamber, and provides a mounting surface for the second annular seal. The hub structure serves as both a structural component and a sealing surface for both annular seals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing chamber is merged with the discharge chamber, eliminating the need for a separate biasing chamber structure. The first annular seal simultaneously performs the functions of pressure separation and chamber definition. This merging of functions and structures increases pressure separation effectiveness while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 configuration enhances the separation of intermediate and discharge pressures, improving the axial direction biasing of the orbiting scroll, thereby increasing the operational reliability and efficiency of the compressor by maintaining a sealed relationship during orbital motion.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed within the annular space in the first annular seal and biasing the second annular seal into engagement with the axial end surface
Implementation Method 2
The working fluid disposed within the biasing chamber is at an intermediate pressure between the suction pressure and the discharge pressure. The first annular seal may separate the intermediate-pressure working fluid from discharge-pressure working fluid disposed in a space radially inward relative to the first annular seal
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include a non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, a drive shaft, a bearing housing and an annular seal. The non-orbiting scroll includes a first spiral wrap. The orbiting scroll includes an end plate having a second spiral wrap ending from a first side of the end plate and an annular hub extending from a second side of the end plate. The first and second spiral wraps cooperate to compress working fluid from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure. The drive shaft includes a crankpin received in the hub and drives the orbiting scroll. The bearing housing rotatably supports the drive shaft and may define a biasing chamber containing working fluid biasing the orbiting scroll toward the non-orbiting scroll in an axial direction. The annular seal may engage a diametrical surface of the hub and engage the bearing housing, thereby defining the biasing chamber.