Compressor Inlet Valve Modulation for Higher Suction Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacity modulation systems in compressors reduce efficiency by creating leak paths and increasing energy consumption as suction pressure decreases during loading, leading to inefficient compression and higher energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system with a valve that permits communication between an accumulator and the compressor inlet during loading, increasing vapor pressure and reducing energy consumption by allowing high-pressure vapor from the accumulator to enter the compressor, thereby maintaining engagement of scroll members and enhancing compression efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional capacity modulation systems create leak paths by separating scroll members, then compressor capacity is reduced, but compressor efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A solenoid valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the communication between the accumulator and compressor inlet. The valve acts as a mediator that selectively permits or prevents high-pressure vapor flow, enabling capacity modulation without creating leak paths that would reduce efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled flow path that maintains compression efficiency while adjusting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the vapor entering the compressor by introducing high-pressure vapor from the accumulator during loading cycles. This parameter change allows the compressor to operate at higher suction pressure, reducing the work required for compression and thereby decreasing energy consumption while maintaining capacity control.
2Productivity
If suction pressure decreases during loading, then compressor capacity is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to compressing low-pressure vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator stores high-pressure vapor in advance during unloading cycles. When loading begins and suction pressure starts to decrease, the pre-stored high-pressure vapor is released through the solenoid valve to maintain higher suction pressure. This preliminary action of storing vapor at high pressure eliminates the need to compress low-pressure vapor, reducing energy loss while maintaining capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system actively changes the suction pressure parameter by introducing high-pressure vapor from the accumulator when detection indicates suction pressure is decreasing. This parameter change transforms the compression process from compressing low-pressure vapor (high energy loss) to compressing high-pressure vapor (lower energy loss), thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining appropriate capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scroll members are separated to create leak paths, then capacity modulation is achieved, but compression efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve serves as an intermediary that controls vapor flow between the accumulator and compressor inlet. Instead of using scroll member separation to modulate capacity, the valve provides a controlled flow path that adjusts capacity while maintaining proper engagement of scroll members. This preserves compression efficiency while achieving the desired capacity modulation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacity modulation function is segmented from the compression function. Rather than using scroll member separation (which affects both capacity and efficiency), the patent separates the capacity control function into a distinct mechanism using the solenoid valve and accumulator. This segmentation allows capacity modulation to occur independently while maintaining optimal compression efficiency through proper scroll member engagement.
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 increases compressor capacity and efficiency by maintaining engagement of scroll members and reducing energy consumption, as evidenced by increased suction pressure and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first valve permits communication between the accumulator and the inlet of the compressor during loading of the compressor to increase the pressure of vapor received by the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor system includes a compressor having an inlet, a first conduit fluidly coupled to the inlet, an accumulator fluidly coupled to the inlet by a second conduit, and a first valve disposed in the second conduit that prevents fluid communication between the accumulator and the inlet in a closed state and permits fluid communication between the accumulator and the inlet in an open state.