Compressor Check Valve Curved Disc Reduces Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration compressor discharge valve assemblies experience significant flow restriction and turbulence, leading to increased pressure loss and reduced efficiency due to the design of existing check valve assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The check valve assembly incorporates convex and concave curvatures on the disc-shaped head and collar, along with radially extending vanes, to streamline the flow of compressed gas, reducing turbulence and obstruction, thereby minimizing pressure loss and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional check valve assembly is used in a compressor discharge valve, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow restriction is significant and turbulence is high
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member incorporates convex and concave curvatures on its surfaces. Specifically, a convex curvature is formed between the front face and side face of the disc-shaped head, another convex curvature between the side face and rear face, and a concave curvature between the rear face and collar side face. These curved surfaces streamline the flow of compressed gas, reducing turbulence and pressure loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Strength
If the valve member has a solid disc structure, then the structural integrity is high, but the flow passage cross-sectional area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented into a disc-shaped head portion and a collar portion with radially extending vanes. The vanes extend from the collar portion to enlarge the effective cross-sectional area of the flow passage, reducing flow obstruction. This segmentation maintains structural integrity through the head and collar design while maximizing flow capacity through the vane configuration.
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 streamlined design reduces pressure loss by up to 75% and increases compressor efficiency by 1.5%, improving power usage and output while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
This helps streamline the flow of compressed gas when the flow passes around the front and side faces of the head, thereby reducing turbulence as compressed gas flows over a front portion of the disc shaped head
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a compressor includes a flow passage defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat located proximate the inlet. The valve assembly also has a valve member that includes a head portion engageable with the valve seat. The head portion has a front face, a rear face located closer to the outlet than the front face, and a side face extending between the front and rear faces. The head portion further has a first convex curvature formed between the front face and the side face. The valve member also includes a collar portion extending toward the outlet from the rear face of the head portion.