Compressor Crankcase Suction Valve for Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid compressor designs face issues such as venting to atmosphere, reduced efficiency due to fluid oscillations in the crankcase vent line, increased frictional heat, and parasitic power load, which lead to higher energy consumption and potential component wear.
Innovation Solution
The compressor design incorporates a crankcase suction valve and one-way suction valves in the pistons to prevent backflow and allow fluid flow only from the crankcase into the cylinders, reducing oscillations and heat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the crankcase is vented to atmosphere with a vent line, then the crankcase pressure is maintained, but fluid oscillation causes frictional heat buildup and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful oscillating fluid flow from the vent line by introducing a check valve that allows fluid to enter the crankcase but prevents it from oscillating back and forth. The check valve removes the oscillation component while maintaining the pressure equalization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as an intermediary element between the vent line and crankcase interior. It mediates the fluid flow by allowing unidirectional entry while blocking the oscillating exit flow, thereby eliminating the harmful frictional heat generation without compromising pressure maintenance.
2Stress or pressure
If fluid oscillates in the vent line, then crankcase pressure is maintained, but the oscillation causes parasitic power load and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve extracts and eliminates the parasitic oscillating flow from the system. By allowing fluid to enter the crankcase during pressure equalization but preventing it from oscillating back through the vent line, the valve removes the source of parasitic power consumption while maintaining necessary pressure balance.
3Stress or pressure
If the vent line is used for pressure equalization, then crankcase pressure is maintained, but heated fluid enters the inlet reducing mass flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve extracts and prevents the heated oscillating fluid from reaching the inlet. By allowing fluid to enter the crankcase for pressure equalization but blocking its return through the vent line, the valve ensures that only cool, dense fluid enters the compressor inlet, maintaining optimal mass flow rate.
4Stress or pressure
If fluid flows constantly in the ventilation line, then pressure equalization occurs, but additional power is utilized reducing mechanical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve enables periodic action where fluid flows into the crankcase during pressure equalization strokes but is blocked during the return stroke. This periodic unidirectional flow achieves pressure equalization without the continuous energy consumption associated with constant bidirectional flow in the vent line.
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 improves compressor efficiency by reducing frictional heat, parasitic power load, and energy consumption, while extending the lifespan of components by maintaining lower discharge temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A one-way suction valve may be located in a piston, allowing fluid to flow from the crankcase into the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A crankcase suction valve may be located between the fluid connection of interior of the crankcase and suction pipe, wherein the crankcase suction valve is configured to prevent backflow of fluid from the interior of the crankcase into the suction pipe
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a compressor assembly that may comprise a crankcase with a suction pipe connected to the crankcase, wherein the crankcase suction pipe is configured to be in fluid communication with the crankcase. A crankcase suction valve may be located between the crankcase suction pipe and the crankcase, wherein the crankcase suction valve is configured to prevent backflow from the crankcase into the suction pipe. A first piston may include a suction valve which allows fluid to flow from the crankcase through the first piston and into a first cylinder. A discharge valve may be connected to a head of the first cylinder, facilitating the expulsion of compressed fluid out of the first cylinder.