Refrigeration Compressor Discharge Valve Accelerating Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas discharge systems in refrigeration compressors suffer from power loss and inefficiency due to pressure transients and thermal exchange issues, particularly in hermetic compressors driven by linear motors, where compressed gas is discharged into a chamber leading to random and turbulent flow, resulting in power loss and reduced mass efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gas discharge system with an accelerating means within the discharge chamber, such as a tubular conduit, accelerates the refrigerant gas flow, reducing pressure gradients and thermal exchange by minimizing direct contact between the gas and the valve plate, and incorporating a stop mechanism to control the maximum opening of the discharge valve, thereby reducing power loss and pulsations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the compressed gas is discharged directly into a discharge chamber, then the discharge process is simple, but the gas flow becomes random and turbulent resulting in power loss
Solution Approach 1:
A tubular conduit is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge valve and the discharge chamber. This conduit guides the refrigerant gas flow in a directed manner, preventing random and turbulent flow patterns while reducing power loss. The conduit acts as a mediator that transforms the discharge process from uncontrolled to controlled flow.
2Productivity
If the discharge valve opens fully to release gas, then the discharge capacity is maximized, but pressure transients and pulsations increase causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
A stop mechanism is implemented to dynamically control the maximum opening of the discharge valve. This dynamic control prevents excessive valve opening that would cause large pressure transients and pulsations, while still maintaining adequate discharge capacity. The stop mechanism allows the valve to open to an optimized position that balances discharge capacity with pressure stability.
3Reliability
If the discharge valve opens and closes with oscillation, then the valve responds to pressure changes, but mass efficiency is reduced due to reflux
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism performs a preliminary action by limiting the maximum valve opening before excessive oscillation and reflux can occur. By pre-establishing a controlled opening position, the system prevents the valve from opening too wide and subsequently oscillating, thereby reducing reflux and improving mass efficiency while maintaining adequate response to pressure changes.
4Device complexity
If the compressed gas contacts the valve plate directly, then the discharge process is straightforward, but thermal exchange between the gas and valve plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular conduit serves as an intermediary that directs the refrigerant gas flow away from direct contact with the valve plate. By channeling the gas through the conduit, the system reduces unwanted thermal exchange between the compressed gas and the valve plate, while maintaining a relatively simple discharge path structure.
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 power loss and thermal exchange, enhances mass efficiency, and improves acoustic performance by accelerating the gas flow and controlling pressure transients, leading to increased compressor efficiency and thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
accelerating means... to receive the entire flow of refrigerant gas released by the discharge valve through the discharge orifice, accelerating said flow of refrigerant gas and producing an instantaneous reduction in the pressure gradient between the upstream and downstream sides of the discharge valve
Implementation Method 2
reducing the power loss in the discharge system and the intensity of the pulsations caused by the operation of the discharge valve, further minimizing the thermal exchange between the compressed gas in the interior of the discharge chamber and the valve plate
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a cylinder crankcase defining a cylinder which is closed by a valve plate provided with at least one discharge orifice associated with a discharge valve and defining, with the cylinder, a compression chamber; a cylinder cap seated against the valve plate and inside which is defined a discharge chamber. A portion of the cylinder cap is dimensioned to receive the entire flow of refrigerant gas released through the discharge orifice and accelerate said gas flow so as to produce an instantaneous reduction in the pressure gradient between the upstream and downstream sides of the discharge valve, in the moment the latter opens.