Vehicle Air Compressor Cooling via Segmented Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air compressors for fuel cell vehicles face reduced flow rate and delayed air flow due to heat loss from high-speed rotation, leading to inefficient self-cooling, especially when compressed air passes through narrow spaces around air foil bearings.
Innovation Solution
An air compressor design that incorporates a cooling unit where compressed air exchanges heat with cooling water flowing through a connection pipe, utilizing a first flow path to cool the rotor and bearing, a second flow path to cool the front impeller, and a third flow path to bypass the rotor and cool the motor housing, with an open shaft unit for further cooling, optimizing the cross-sectional area for improved airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If compressed air passes through narrow spaces around air foil bearings for self-cooling, then cooling function is provided, but flow rate is reduced and air flow is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented from the compressed air flow path. A separate cooling water circulation system is introduced to cool the bearing, while the compressed air flow path remains separate and uninterrupted. This segmentation allows the bearing to be cooled effectively without restricting the compressed air flow through narrow spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling water is introduced as an intermediary medium to transfer heat from the bearing. Instead of using compressed air directly to cool the bearing (which restricts flow), cooling water circulates through the bearing housing and absorbs heat, then dissipates it through the water circulation system. This intermediary approach decouples the cooling function from the compressed air flow path.
2Power
If high-speed rotation of rotor is used to compress air, then compression performance is improved, but heat loss increases due to air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generated by high-speed rotor rotation and air resistance, which is normally a harmful energy loss, is converted into a beneficial cooling resource. The cooling water system captures this heat and dissipates it through the bearing housing, transforming the harmful thermal energy into effective cooling for the bearing, thereby reducing overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from pneumatic cooling (using compressed air) to hydraulic cooling (using cooling water). The cooling water circulation system provides more efficient heat transfer compared to pneumatic cooling, allowing the high-speed rotor to operate with better thermal management and reduced energy loss.
3Temperature
If separate air input and discharge configurations are used for cooling, then cooling function is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling water circulation system serves multiple functions: it cools the bearing, absorbs heat from the rotor, and dissipates thermal energy. This multi-functional approach consolidates several cooling requirements into a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate air input and discharge configurations and thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 design stabilizes the air compressor's operation by enhancing cooling performance without the need for separate air input or discharge configurations, ensuring efficient cooling of the driving unit and improving airflow through the compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit (500) into which a portion of compressed air compressed by the first compression unit (100) and flowing through the connection pipe (400) is introduced, exchanges heat with the cooling water to cool the driving unit (300)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an air compressor for a vehicle and, more specifically, to an air compressor for a vehicle wherein the entire operation of the air compressor may be stabilized by a cooling unit in which a portion of the compressed air that moves through a connection pipe conveying primarily compressed air exchanges heat with a cooling water flowing part to cool the driving unit.