Vehicle Air Compressor Bypass Cooling Around Air Foil Bearings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air compressors for fuel cell vehicles face reduced flow rates and decreased cooling efficiency due to air flow delays near air foil bearings, which hinder the self-cooling process.
Innovation Solution
An air compressor design that includes a bypass flow path to facilitate the circulation of compressed air around the bearing portion, enhancing the flow rate and heat exchange efficiency by diverging the cooling and bypass flow paths and utilizing a chamber to rotate air for efficient transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air passes through a narrow space near an air foil bearing, then the bearing is supported and the rotor is stabilized, but the flow rate of compressed air is reduced and the air flow is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compressed air flow path into two separate paths: a first cooling flow path that passes through the air foil bearing for cooling, and a second cooling flow path that bypasses the air foil bearing to maintain high flow rate. This segmentation allows each path to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chamber as an intermediary component that receives compressed air from the compression portion and distributes it to both the first and second cooling flow paths. The chamber acts as a mediator that enables the split flow path configuration, allowing compressed air to be efficiently distributed while maintaining high circulation flow rates.
2Productivity
If compressed air flow rate is reduced near the bearing, then the self-cooling efficiency decreases, but maintaining high flow rate through bypass reduces cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling function into two distinct flow paths: the first cooling flow path is dedicated to bearing cooling by passing compressed air through the air foil bearing, while the second cooling flow path maintains high circulation flow rate by bypassing the bearing. This segmentation ensures both cooling effectiveness and high productivity are achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing compressed air specifically through the air foil bearing in the first cooling flow path where cooling is most needed, while allowing the majority of compressed air to bypass through the second cooling flow path to maintain high overall circulation flow rate. Each region of the system receives the appropriate flow characteristics for its specific function.
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 bypass flow path secures a higher circulation flow rate of compressed air, preventing still air formation and improving heat exchange near the bearings, thereby enhancing the cooling efficiency of the air compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a compression portion disposed on one side of a rotor to generate compressed air by compressing air which flows therein
Implementation Method 2
a cooling circulation flow path configured to allow the compressed air discharged from the compression portion to flow in the bearing portion to cool the bearing portion
Data Source
AI summary
Air compressor for a vehicle having improved internal cooling efficiency by ensuring a circulation flow of compressed air for internal cooling and allowing the compressed air to sufficiently flow. The air compressor comprises: a housing with a compression unit for introducing and compressing air from outside; a motor unit which includes a rotor and a stator, and drives the compression unit to rotate according to the rotation of the rotor; a bearing unit supporting the rotor to be rotatable; a cooling circulation flow path formed inside the housing for moving, in an axial direction, some of the air compressed in the compression unit and circulating the air to the compression unit; and a bypass flow path which receives some of the air passing through the cooling circulation flow path and bypasses a partial region of the bearing unit to join the cooling circulation flow path.