Two-Stage Fluid Compressor Motor Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-speed fluid compressors are bulky and inefficient, wasting energy due to separate cooling circuits and inability to integrate in compact environments due to heat management issues.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage high-speed fluid compressor design with integrated channels for both fluid compression and cooling, where the fluid used for compression also cools the motor and electronic components, and an inner housing with channels to recover heat losses, allowing for a compact and energy-efficient system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate cooling circuits are used for the motor and electronic components, then the compressor can be cooled effectively, but the compressor becomes bulky and cannot be integrated in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the compression function by using the compressed fluid itself to cool the motor and electronic components through integrated channels. This eliminates the need for separate cooling circuits and external cooling systems, thereby reducing the overall compressor volume while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed fluid serves dual purposes: it is both the working fluid for compression and the cooling medium for the motor and electronic components. This multi-functionality allows the same fluid to perform multiple roles within the system, eliminating the need for additional cooling systems and reducing compressor size.
2Temperature
If separate cooling circuits are used, then cooling is provided, but heat recovered by the cooling liquid is wasted, constituting considerable energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by the motor and electronic components into a beneficial resource by using it to preheat the compressed fluid. The compressed fluid absorbs heat from the motor and electronics during compression, and this heat is then utilized to preheat the fluid before it enters the expansion device in a refrigeration cycle, thereby reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers heat that would otherwise be discarded by the motor and electronic components. The integrated channels allow the compressed fluid to absorb heat from these components, and this recovered heat is then utilized to preheat the fluid, converting what would be waste into a useful energy resource.
3Temperature
If electronic components are cooled directly by the fluid, then cooling is achieved, but special sealing is required and work on electronic components requires draining the fluid, which is complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic components into a separate integrated housing that is thermally coupled to the compressed fluid channels but fluid-tight. This segmentation allows the electronic components to be cooled by the fluid through thermal conduction via the housing walls, eliminating the need for direct fluid contact and special sealing around the electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing acts as an intermediary between the compressed fluid and the electronic components. The housing walls conduct heat from the fluid to the electronics, providing thermal coupling while maintaining fluid tightness. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct fluid-electronic contact and simplifies sealing requirements.
4Productivity
If the compressor is designed for high rotational speed and high compression ratio, then compression performance is improved, but the compressor generates very high heating that requires extensive cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compression process with the cooling process by integrating channels that allow the compressed fluid to cool the motor and electronic components during the compression cycle. This combination allows the system to achieve high compression performance while simultaneously managing the heat generated, eliminating the need for separate extensive cooling systems.
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 high rotational speed, high compression ratio, and optimal energy efficiency while occupying a small volume, enabling integration in limited spaces and utilizing waste heat for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
channels extending between the first compression stage and the second compression stage, to cool the motor in contact with the fluid to be compressed flowing in the channels
Implementation Method 2
said inner housing having an inner wall arranged to form, with the motor, channels between at least said inner wall and the motor
Implementation Method 3
a first compression wheel and a second compression wheel mounted back-to-back on said shaft, said first compression wheel forming a first compression stage and said second compression wheel forming a second compression stage
Data Source
AI summary
A two-stage, high speed fluid compressor including a case having a fluid inlet and a compressed fluid outlet and containing a shaft rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis, a first compression wheel and a second compression wheel mounted back-to-back on the shaft, the first compression wheel forming a first compression stage and the second compression wheel forming a second compression stage, and a motor positioned between the first compression wheel and the second compression wheel and arranged to rotate the shaft. The case includes an inner through housing inside which is arranged at least the motor, the inner housing having an inner wall arranged to form, with the motor, channels between at least the inner wall and the motor, the channels extending to cool the motor in contact with the fluid flowing in the channels.