Liquid-Injected Compressor Cooling via Adjustable Injection Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cooling liquid-injected compressor elements fail to effectively manage temperature increases at higher speeds and pressures, leading to reduced oil life and potential damage to materials, and require overdesign or high costs for cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the quantity of liquid injected into the compressor element using a second adjustable injection valve based on temperature measurements, allowing for optimized operation and energy savings across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor operates at higher speed or higher working pressure, then productivity increases, but the temperature of the injected liquid increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the injection quantity adjustable through a second injection valve that can be controlled based on operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt the liquid injection rate dynamically to match the heat generation at different compressor speeds and pressures, preventing excessive temperature rise while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of injection quantity from fixed to variable by introducing a second adjustable injection valve. This enables optimization of the liquid injection rate according to actual operating conditions, allowing the system to handle higher productivity levels without excessive temperature increase of the injected liquid.
2Temperature
If the quantity of injected liquid is increased to lower outlet temperature, then temperature control improves, but the complexity of the injection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the injection system into two separate injection valves: a first injection valve for basic injection and a second adjustable injection valve for additional injection when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple operation under normal conditions while providing enhanced temperature control capability when required, balancing complexity and performance.
3Temperature
If a cooler is overdesigned to achieve lower injection liquid temperature, then temperature control improves, but the size and cost of the cooling system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a second injection valve that can be activated only when additional cooling is needed, rather than always operating at full capacity. This allows the cooler to be properly sized for normal conditions without excessive overdesign, while the adjustable injection provides supplementary cooling capability only when required, reducing overall system size and cost.
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 approach maintains lower outlet temperatures, extends oil life, and avoids overdesigning cooling systems, ensuring efficient operation and energy conservation without compromising lubrication or sealing qualities.
Implementation Method 1
the separated liquid is carried back to the injection valve, via a cooler, to be then injected again in the compressor element
Data Source
AI summary
Method for cooling a liquid-injected compressor element, where a liquid is injected in the compression chamber of the compressor element (2) via an injection valve (13). The method includes the step of adjusting the quantity of liquid which is injected in the compression chamber of this compressor element (2) as a function of a specific adjusting parameter, irrespective of any other possible adjustments. The quantity of liquid to be injected is adjusted by using a second injection valve (19), which has the shape of an adjustable valve to this end.