Reciprocating Compressor-Expander Valve Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reciprocating compressors and expanders face inefficiencies due to leakage, limited capacity, and the need for additional power devices and converters, making them unsuitable for large-capacity energy storage and expensive to implement in power grids.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating compressor-expander design featuring a piston sliding tightly within a cylinder, a crankshaft, and a valve drive mechanism that synchronizes the operation of intake and discharge valves using hydraulic pistons and electronic control, allowing for optimal adjustment of valve operations and eliminating the need for converters in power grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a screw type compressor is used, then the structure is simple and continuous operation is possible, but leakage occurs between rotors and casing resulting in decreased compression and expansion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-type mechanical compression system with a reciprocating piston system. This substitution eliminates the inherent leakage problem of screw compressors by using a sealing piston that moves within a cylinder, achieving hermetic sealing during compression and expansion cycles, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by implementing a reciprocating motion system with controlled valve timing. By adjusting the intake and discharge valve operations based on pressure differential detection, the system optimizes the compression and expansion processes to maintain high efficiency while preserving mechanical simplicity through a single integrated device.
2Device complexity
If a conventional reciprocating compressor with spring-operated valves is used, then the structure is simple, but the intake and discharge flow rates cannot be optimally adjusted and it cannot function as an expander
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static spring-operated valve system into a dynamic control system. The intake and discharge valves are now operated based on real-time pressure differential detection, allowing the system to adaptively adjust flow rates and switch between compression and expansion modes. This dynamic approach enables optimal performance while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal device that can function as both a compressor and an expander. By using the same reciprocating piston mechanism with controllable valve timing, the system achieves dual functionality without requiring separate devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotation direction of motor and generator is reversed for compression and expansion processes, then the same compressor-expander can be used for both processes, but additional switching devices are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reversing the rotation direction to switch between compression and expansion modes, the patent inverts the approach by maintaining constant rotation direction and using valve timing control to differentiate between the two processes. This inversion eliminates the need for switching devices while preserving dual functionality.
4Volume of moving object
If a screw type compressor is used for large capacity energy storage, then the structure is compact, but the capacity is limited and pressure regulating devices and converters are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacity adjustment through controllable valve timing and reciprocating piston motion. This allows the system to scale its effective capacity by adjusting operational parameters rather than being limited by fixed physical dimensions, enabling large-capacity energy storage applications without requiring additional pressure regulating devices or converters.
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 achieves high efficiency, maintains consistent rotation direction for both compression and expansion, is scalable for large-capacity power storage, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for converters in power grids, while allowing for precise control of valve operations.
Implementation Method 1
a piston sliding tightly inside the cylinder... the high-pressure compressible fluid compressed in the cylinder is discharged
Implementation Method 2
a valve drive mechanism for driving the first valve and the second valve to open and to close... configured to drive the first valve and the second respectively such that, during a compression process, the low-pressure compressible fluid is sucked into the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating compressor-expander according to the present invention comprises a cylinder, a piston, a crankshaft connected to the piston, a first valve for a low pressure compressible fluid, a second valve for a high pressure compressible fluid, and a valve drive mechanism for driving the first valve and the second respectively such that, during a compression process, the low-pressure compressible fluid is sucked into the cylinder from the first valve in synchronization with the rotation of the crankshaft and the high-pressure compressible fluid compressed in the cylinder is discharged from the second valve, and that, during an expansion process, the high-pressure compressive fluid is introduced from the second valve into the cylinder, and the low-pressure compressible fluid expanded in the cylinder is discharged from the first valve.