Multi-Stage Compressor Gear Ratio for Motor Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-stage compressor units face limitations in flexibility of speed regulation and inefficiencies due to large motors being underutilized, leading to higher manufacturing and operational costs, as well as increased energy footprint and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage compressor unit design featuring separate gear-transmissions for each compressor stage with a gear ratio between the driven and driving gears set between two and six, allowing smaller motors to operate at higher speeds, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large motor is used to drive compressor stages at low speeds, then the motor can provide sufficient power, but the motor is not used at full capacity leading to higher manufacturing costs and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the motor by introducing a gear transmission system with a specific gear ratio (between 2 and 6). This allows the motor to operate at higher speeds and higher capacity while driving the compressor stage, transforming the motor from a low-speed high-torque application to a high-speed high-power application, thereby utilizing the motor's full capacity and reducing costs.
2Power
If a large motor is used to drive compressor stages at low speeds, then the motor can provide sufficient power, but the energy footprint and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the speed-power relationship through the gear transmission system. By setting the gear ratio between 2 and 6, the system transforms the motor's operating characteristics, allowing smaller motors to achieve the required compressor stage power output. This reduces the motor's dimensions and volume while maintaining sufficient power capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate motors are used for each compressor stage, then flexibility in speed regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the drive system into separate motor-compressor stage pairs, with each stage having its own motor and gear transmission. This modular approach provides independent speed regulation for each compressor stage, enhancing flexibility and adaptability. The segmentation is further simplified by using identical motor and transmission components across stages, reducing overall system complexity.
4Speed
If the gear ratio is increased to drive compressor stages at higher speeds, then smaller motors can be used, but the gear transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the gear ratio parameter to fall within the range of 2 to 6. This specific parameter range achieves the desired higher rotor speeds while avoiding excessive gear transmission complexity. The gear ratio is carefully selected to balance speed increase with transmission simplicity, ensuring that the system remains manageable and cost-effective.
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 enhances operational efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies handling and transportation by utilizing smaller motors that achieve higher rotor speeds, maintaining system performance and reducing energy consumption while maintaining optimal temperature and pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
each of said first and second gear transmissions comprises a driving gear connected to the first motor or the second motor respectively, and a driven gear configured to be a multiplier
Implementation Method 2
the gear ratio between the driven gear and the driving gear of either one of said first gear transmission and second gear transmission is situated between two and six
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a multi-stage compressor unit (1) comprising at least a first compressor stage (2) comprising a first compressor element (5) driven through a first gear-transmission (9) and a second compressor stage (3) comprising a second compressor element (10) driven through a separate second gear-transmission (14), said first and second gear transmissions (9, 14) comprises a driving gear and a driven gear configured to be a multiplier, each of said driven gear being connected to a shaft of a rotor of said first compressor element (5) or second compressor element (10) respectively, whereby the first motor (8) and the second motor (13) are adapted to drive the first compressor stage (2) and the second compressor stage (3) separately, wherein the gear ratio between the driven gear and the driving gear of either one of said first gear transmission (9) and second gear transmission (14) is situated between two and six.