Compressor Mode Switching via Locking Part Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Two-stage enthalpy-increasing compressors experience low energy efficiency in low load working conditions due to inefficient pressure ratio allocation, leading to reduced energy efficiency and inability to switch between two-stage and single-stage working modes.

Innovation Solution

A compressor design with a locking part that includes a locking pin and sliding vane, allowing the compressor to switch between two-stage and single-stage modes by controlling the engagement and disengagement of the locking part based on air pressure differences between the secondary-stage and primary-stage cylinders, enabling efficient operation in low load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If two-stage compression is used to increase heating capacity at low temperatures, then heating capacity is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates under low load working conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the compressor configuration changeable between two-stage and single-stage modes. The locking part can move between locked and unlocked positions, dynamically altering the compression stage configuration based on operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying load requirements, maintaining optimal energy efficiency across different working conditions while preserving the heating capacity enhancement benefit when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If two-stage compression is used to allocate pressure ratio effectively under heavy load, then compression efficiency is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to switch modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidmode switching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking part mechanism enables dynamic configuration changes, allowing the compressor to switch between two-stage and single-stage modes based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by maintaining high compression efficiency under heavy load through two-stage operation while enabling single-stage mode under light load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor design incorporates multi-functionality by enabling both two-stage and single-stage compression modes within the same device. The locking part mechanism allows the system to universally handle different operating conditions, functioning effectively whether under heavy load requiring two-stage compression or light load suitable for single-stage operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the secondary-stage cylinder operates under low pressure ratio in low load conditions, then the cylinder becomes resistive, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecylinder operationVSAvoidcompressor energy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking part mechanism dynamically disables the secondary-stage cylinder when operating conditions indicate light load. By moving to the locked position, the locking part prevents the sliding vane from separating, effectively taking the secondary-stage cylinder out of service. This avoids the energy efficiency penalty of operating the cylinder as a resistive component under low pressure ratio conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 compressor achieves enhanced energy efficiency and reliability by allowing mode switching, preventing energy waste and ensuring high performance across various working conditions.

Implementation Method 1

based on air pressure differences between the secondary-stage and primary-stage cylinders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3217013B1Compressor, air-conditioning system and compressor control method
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ZHUHAI GREE REFRIGERATION TECH CENT OF ENERGY SAVING & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
  • EP3217013B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3217013B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3217013B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A compressor, an air-conditioning system and a compressor control method are disclosed. The compressor comprises two parallel arranged primary cylinders (10) and a secondary cylinder (20) arranged in the downstream of the two primary cylinders (10). The secondary cylinder (20) comprises a cylinder body (21) and a sliding vane (22). The sliding vane (22) is arranged inside the cylinder body (21). A locking part (30) is used for locking and unlocking the sliding vane (22). The locking part (30) is clamped with and separated from the sliding vane (22). When the sliding vane (22) is in the locking position, the sliding vane (22) is locked in a seal cavity inside the secondary cylinder (20), and the locking end of the locking part (30) extends to the side at which the secondary cylinder (20) is located. Because of setting of the locking part, the compressor can be switched between a single-stage mode and a double-stage mode. In the condition of light load, energy efficiency can be improved and the waste of energy sources is avoided.