Electric Compressor Inlet Port Tangential Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of electric compressors in motor vehicles results in substantial pressure drops and inefficient cooling of the refrigerant fluid, leading to poor cooling of the electric motor and control module, which can cause failures.
Innovation Solution
The electric compressor is designed with a tangentially arranged inlet port for the refrigerant fluid, positioned between the control module and the axial end of the stator core, allowing the refrigerant to flow closer to the heat-generating components and minimizing pressure drops by optimizing the flow direction and location within the compressor casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inlet port is arranged radially with respect to the rotor axis and located opposite the electric coils, then the compressor structure is simplified, but the refrigerant fluid causes substantial pressure drop and poor cooling of the coils and control module
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet port is repositioned from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement at the axial end of the stator core, changing the dimensional orientation of refrigerant entry. This axial positioning allows the refrigerant to flow directly along the stator core and coils, improving cooling efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stator core acts as an intermediary structure that guides the refrigerant fluid flow. By positioning the inlet port at the axial end of the stator core, the refrigerant flows through the stator core region first, which then distributes the cooling effect to the coils and control module, reducing pressure drop while improving cooling
2Reliability
If the inlet port is positioned to cool the longitudinal ends of the coils, then cooling efficiency improves, but the compressor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator core region serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the coils, acts as a flow guide for the refrigerant, and serves as a cooling channel. The inlet port positioned at the axial end of the stator core utilizes this multi-functional region to cool the coils efficiently without requiring additional space
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the compressor axially to provide cooling paths, the invention utilizes the radial and axial dimensions already present in the stator core structure. The refrigerant flows axially through the stator core region, cooling the coils from their ends, thereby achieving effective cooling within the existing compressor footprint
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 configuration enhances the cooling efficiency of the electric compressor, reduces pressure drops, and improves overall efficiency, while also making the compressor more compact for easier integration into refrigerant circuits.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant FR strikes an electric coil body located axially substantially in the middle of the coils... This also results in a reduction in the cooling of the longitudinal ends of the coils
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor for operating the compression mechanism, the electric motor comprising a rotor rotating around an axis of rotation and a stator comprising electric coils wound around a core
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant compression mechanism; an electric motor for operating the compression mechanism, in order to pressurize the refrigerant fluid FR
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Electric compressor (1) having an inlet port (7) of the refrigerant (FR) in said electric compressor (1) arranged radially with respect to the axis of rotation (A1) of the rotor (32) of the electric motor (3) driving in rotation the compression mechanism (2) of said electric compressor (1), said inlet port (7) also being arranged tangentially to the electric motor (3) and located between the control module (4) and an axial end (311a) of a core (312) of the stator (31) located on the side of said control module (4) in order to facilitate the fluidic flow of the refrigerant (FR) entering the electric compressor 1. Refrigerant (FR) circuit (9) comprising such an electric compressor (1).