Centrifugal Compressor Cooling Path Layout for Motor and Bearing Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cooling systems for aircraft compressors, particularly those with first and second compressor portions, face inefficiencies in thermal management due to thermal energy generation by motors and bearings, which are not adequately addressed by existing cooling methods.

Innovation Solution

A centrifugal compressor design incorporating a secondary flow path that diverts refrigerant fluid from the primary flow path to cool the compressor, motor, and bearings, utilizing a radial inward flow direction to effectively transport thermal energy away from these components and reintegrate the fluid back into the primary path for reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a motor and bearings are added to drive the compressor portions, then the compressor can perform two-stage compression, but thermal energy is generated that requires additional cooling hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor powerVSAvoidmotor and bearing temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor uses its own refrigerant fluid to cool the motor and bearings through internal flow paths, eliminating the need for external cooling hardware. The refrigerant fluid circulates through channels in the motor housing and bearing supports, absorbing heat generated by the motor and bearings directly within the compressor assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling function is merged with the primary compression function by using the same refrigerant fluid for both compression and cooling purposes. The cooling flow paths are integrated into the compressor structure, combining thermal management with the compression operation in a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If external cooling hardware is used to cool the motor and bearings, then thermal management is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor and bearing temperatureVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerant fluid serves multiple functions: it is the working fluid for compression and simultaneously serves as the cooling medium for the motor and bearings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If refrigerant fluid is diverted from the primary flow path to cool internal components, then thermal management is improved, but fluid flow efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent temperatureVSAvoidfluid flow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerant fluid flow is segmented into multiple paths: a primary flow path for compression and secondary flow paths for cooling the motor and bearings. This segmentation allows the system to maintain efficient primary compression flow while directing portions of the fluid to cooling functions without significantly impacting overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances thermal management by efficiently cooling critical components, reducing thermal energy within the compressor, and maintaining performance by preventing leakage and optimizing fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

The fluid is communicated through the at least one secondary flow path to cool the second compressor portion, the motor, and the first compressor portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

centrifugal compressor design incorporating a secondary flow path that diverts refrigerant fluid from the primary flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2409920B1Centrifugal compressor cooling path arrangement

Publication Date: 2015.12.16 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

A compressor arrangement includes a first compressor portion (20) configured to compress a fluid and a second compressor portion (24) configured to compress the fluid more than the first compressor portion (20). The compressor arrangement also includes a motor (22) disposed between the first compressor portion (20) and the second compressor portion (24). The first compressor portion (20) is configured to communicate the fluid to the second compressor portion (24) along a primary flow path (42). The second compressor portion (24) is configured to divert at least some of the fluid from the primary flow path (42), communicating the diverted fluid back to the first compressor portion (20) along a secondary flow path (50).