Compressor device and refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compressor devices with multiple compressors operating at different suction and discharge pressures, the high-stage compressor experiences a larger discharge of lubricant, leading to a potential shortage of lubricant.
Innovation Solution
A compressor device with a two-stage compression system using carbon dioxide as refrigerant, incorporating oil discharge and return mechanisms to balance lubricant distribution across compressors, including oil separators and coolers to manage lubricant levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a two-stage compression system is used to compress refrigerant, then compression efficiency is improved, but lubricant discharge from the high-stage compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
An oil separator is introduced as an intermediary device between the high-stage compressor and the refrigerant discharge line. The oil separator captures lubricant droplets from the refrigerant gas stream using centrifugal separation and gravity, preventing lubricant loss while maintaining the efficient two-stage compression process
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers lubricant that would otherwise be discharged with the refrigerant. The oil separator collects lubricant from the high-stage compressor discharge, and an oil return line delivers the recovered lubricant back to the high-stage compressor, eliminating net lubricant loss while preserving compression efficiency
2Power
If the high-stage compressor operates at high discharge pressure, then compression performance is improved, but lubricant consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where lubricant discharged with refrigerant from the high-stage compressor is captured by the oil separator and returned to the compressor via the oil return line. This closed-loop feedback prevents lubricant depletion, allowing the high-stage compressor to maintain high discharge pressure and optimal compression performance without excessive lubricant consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters of lubricant by introducing the oil separator that utilizes centrifugal force and gravity to separate lubricant from refrigerant gas. This parameter change in the lubricant's flow path enables recovery and return of lubricant to the high-stage compressor, reducing consumption while maintaining compression performance
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
The solution effectively reduces lubricant discharge from the high-stage compressor, maintaining adequate lubrication levels and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the refrigeration apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a gas passage (P2) which extends from one axial end to the other axial end of the rotor (222) and through which the discharged refrigerant flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A compressor device (2) includes first and second compressors (10, 20) each including a casing (11, 21), a compression mechanism (14, 24), and a motor (12, 22). The second compressor (20) compresses a refrigerant discharged from the first compressor (10). The motors (12, 22) of the first and second compressors (10, 20) each have a gas passage (P1, P2) which extends from one axial end to another axial end of the motor (12, 22) and through which the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (14, 24) passes. A cross-sectional area of the gas passage (P2) of the second compressor (20) is larger than that of the gas passage (P1) of the first compressor (10).