Reciprocating Compressor Cover for Intermediate-Pressure Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating compressors face challenges in efficiently injecting fluid at an intermediate pressure into multiple compression mechanisms from a single external source, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and performance in climate-control systems.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating compressor design incorporating a housing with a housing cover featuring intermediate-fluid ports and passages, allowing fluid at an intermediate pressure to be distributed to multiple compression mechanisms through a sleeve assembly and piston configuration, enabling selective fluid entry based on piston position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fluid injection system is added to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing cover integrates multiple functions: it seals the compressor, provides structural support, and incorporates the fluid injection system with intermediate-fluid passages and storage plenums. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts while adding energy-saving capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cover serves multiple purposes: it acts as a seal, a structural element, and a fluid distribution system. The intermediate-fluid passages and storage plenums are integrated into the housing cover, allowing it to perform both structural and fluid injection functions simultaneously.
2Productivity
If multiple compression mechanisms are used to increase productivity, then refrigerant supply capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single external fluid source connects to multiple compression mechanisms through the housing cover's intermediate-fluid passages. This allows one fluid supply system to serve multiple cylinders, reducing the need for separate injection systems for each mechanism while maintaining high refrigerant supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor is divided into multiple independent compression mechanisms (first and second compression mechanisms with separate cylinders and pistons), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger refrigerant loads while the shared fluid injection system reduces overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate pressure fluid storage plenums are added to each compression mechanism, then fluid distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing cover integrates the fluid storage plenums and intermediate-fluid passages into its structure. Instead of separate external reservoirs for each compression mechanism, the plenums are built into the housing cover, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining effective fluid distribution to multiple cylinders.
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
Enhances energy efficiency by minimizing energy consumption while ensuring sufficient discharge-pressure refrigerant supply, optimizing performance in climate-control systems.
Implementation Method 1
Working fluid at an intermediate pressure enters the intermediate-fluid port. The intermediate pressure is greater than the suction pressure and less than the discharge pressure. The first fluid storage plenum and the second fluid storage plenum are configured to store the fluid at the intermediate pressure therein.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A compressor includes a housing, a first compression mechanism and a second compression mechanism disposed in the housing, and a housing cover fixed to the housing. Both the first compression mechanism and the second compression mechanism are configured to compress a working fluid from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure. The first compression mechanism includes a first cylinder housing having a first fluid storage plenum. The second compression mechanism includes a second cylinder housing having a second fluid storage plenum. The housing cover defines an intermediate-fluid port in fluid communication with the first fluid storage plenum via a first intermediate-fluid passage and the second fluid storage plenum via a second intermediate-fluid passage. Working fluid at an intermediate pressure enters the intermediate-fluid port. The intermediate pressure is greater than the suction pressure and less than the discharge pressure.