Compressor Cooling Case Curved Inner Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing compressor designs suffer from decreased cooling efficiency due to turbulent air flow and accumulation of condensed water in the cooling means, which is exacerbated by the shape of the casing and the flow patterns within the cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
The compressor incorporates a cooling case with partitioned areas and arc-like curved surfaces in the inner walls of the cooling areas, along with flow-smoother protrusions to guide compressed air smoothly through the cooling devices, reducing turbulence and the risk of condensed water being raised and carried downstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling means is used to cool compressed air, then the cooling function is achieved, but the air flow becomes turbulent and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surface design to the inner wall of the cooling case, specifically using an arc-like curved surface that extends from the drain space to the case upper surface. This curvature design smooths the air flow path through the cooling device, reducing turbulence and improving cooling efficiency by ensuring laminar flow of compressed air.
2Speed
If the compressed air flows fast through the cooling means, then the cooling process is quick, but the condensed water is raised and carried to the downstream side
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-like curved surface design creates a gradual transition in the air flow path, allowing the air to change direction smoothly without creating strong upward currents that would lift condensed water. The curved geometry maintains flow speed while directing it away from the drain space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling case is divided into distinct functional zones: a drain space at the bottom for water accumulation, a cooling device area in the middle, and an outlet-side cooling area with the curved inner wall. This segmentation allows the air flow to be controlled differently in each zone, preventing water carryover while maintaining cooling efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the casing shape is not appropriate, then the manufacturing is simple, but the air flow becomes turbulent and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a curved inner wall surface in the outlet-side cooling area, which can be manufactured using standard casting or forming processes. The curvature radius is designed to be practical for manufacturing while effectively smoothing the air flow, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and improved cooling efficiency.
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 cooling efficiency by smoothing air flows and minimizing the carryover of condensed water, resulting in improved temperature efficiency characteristics for both the intercooler and after-cooler.
Implementation Method 1
an intercooler is provided between the first-stage compressor and the second-stage compressor, and an after-cooler is provided downstream of the second-stage compressor. Further, air compressed by the first-stage compressor is cooled by the intercooler
Implementation Method 2
When the air compressed by a compressor is cooled by cooling means of the intercooler or the after-cooler, the saturation vapor pressure decreases, and therefore water condenses in a casing of the cooling means
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The inner wall surfaces on the discharge sides (42out, 52out) of a cooling area have arc-like curved surfaces. The curvature of upper-side inner wall surfaces (47a, 57a) above a boundary part (47c) and the curvature of lower-side inner wall surfaces (47b, 57b) below the boundary part (47c) are set to be different from one another, the boundary part (47c) being located above the center line (43a) of cooling devices (43, 53).