Linear Compressor Refrigerant Separation for Gas Bearing Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In linear compressors using gas bearing technology, the presence of oil in supplemental refrigerant can cause nozzle clogging and increased friction due to oil being suctioned into the compression space, leading to inefficient refrigerant supply.
Innovation Solution
A separation mechanism is introduced, including a resistor or barrier within the compressor casing that separates refrigerant from oil during injection, ensuring only refrigerant is supplied to the compression space, preventing oil from entering the nozzle and maintaining smooth gas bearing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If oil is included in the supplemental refrigerant without separation, then the refrigerant can be injected into the compression space, but the nozzle becomes clogged and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigerant supply system into two separate pathways: one for refrigerant injection and another for oil separation. The separation mechanism divides the mixed refrigerant-oil flow, allowing refrigerant to proceed to the compression space while oil is diverted and collected in a reservoir, preventing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separation mechanism as an intermediary component between the refrigerant injection point and the compression space. This mechanism includes a separator that acts as a mediator to filter out oil from the refrigerant stream, ensuring only pure refrigerant reaches the nozzle and compression space
2Productivity
If oil is suctioned into the compression space, then the compression process continues, but friction between cylinder and piston increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by separating oil from refrigerant before the refrigerant enters the compression space. The separation mechanism is positioned upstream to remove oil contaminants in advance, preventing oil from being suctioned into the compression space and causing friction losses during compression
3Reliability
If a separation mechanism is added to separate refrigerant from oil, then oil is prevented from entering the compression space, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation mechanism is designed to operate automatically using the inherent properties of the refrigerant-oil mixture. The separator utilizes density differences and flow dynamics to separate oil from refrigerant without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The separation mechanism is integrated into the existing refrigerant circulation system, serving multiple functions: separating oil from refrigerant, collecting oil in a reservoir, and maintaining proper refrigerant flow to the compression space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 separation mechanism effectively prevents oil from entering the compression space, ensuring efficient refrigerant supply and reducing friction, thereby maintaining the compressor's performance and extending its operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a resistor disposed or provided in the casing, and the resistor may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of a supply opening of the process pipe in a direction in which the refrigerant is injected through the process pipe
Implementation Method 2
a gas bearing technology in which a refrigerant gas is supplied into a space between a cylinder and a piston to perform a bearing function
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear compressor is provided that may include a casing, a compressor body accommodated in the casing and defining a compression space for a refrigerant, a suction pipe coupled to a first side of the casing to supply the refrigerant to the compression space, a discharge pipe coupled to a second side of the casing to discharge the refrigerant compressed in the compression space outside of the casing, a process pipe coupled to the second side of the casing spaced apart from the discharge pipe to inject a refrigerant for supplement into the casing, and a separator that separates a mixed fluid of a refrigerant and oil injected through the process pipe.