Compressor Seal Assembly for Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressor seal assemblies in heat-pump systems face challenges in maintaining efficient operation and preventing leakage during mode transitions, particularly due to pressure differentials and potential vibration between orbiting and non-orbiting scrolls, which can lead to noise and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly comprising an annular base plate, first, second, and third annular sealing members, and a valve assembly that controls fluid communication between the biasing chamber and suction chamber, utilizing a pressure differential to maintain sealing engagement and prevent leakage, even during mode transitions and start-up conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal assembly uses multiple sealing members to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into multiple functional sealing members (first annular sealing member for radial sealing, second annular sealing member for axial sealing, third annular sealing member for additional radial sealing) that work together to address different leakage paths independently, improving overall sealing reliability without creating a single point of failure
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple sealing members are arranged in a nested configuration where they concentrically seal different chambers (discharge chamber, intermediate chamber, suction chamber) within the compressor, allowing complex multi-chamber sealing through a compact nested structure rather than separate independent sealing systems
2Reliability
If the seal assembly maintains tight sealing engagement to prevent leakage, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but friction and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sealing members are made from different materials optimized for their specific sealing locations and requirements - the first sealing member uses material with specific friction characteristics for radial sealing, while the second sealing member uses different material properties for axial sealing, allowing each seal to have optimal local properties for its function
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly allows dynamic adjustment of sealing contact pressure through the interaction of multiple sealing members and chambers, where pressure differentials between chambers automatically modulate the contact force, maintaining effective sealing while reducing friction during different operating conditions compared to static high-contact-pressure seals
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor operates during mode transitions, then system versatility is improved, but vibration and noise increase due to pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate chamber acts as a pressure buffer and intermediary between the discharge and suction chambers during mode transitions, absorbing pressure differentials and reducing the direct impact on the scroll assembly, thereby minimizing vibration and noise while allowing mode transitions to occur
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly and intermediate chamber are designed to anticipate and cushion against pressure differential shocks during mode transitions, using the compliant sealing members and chamber volume to absorb sudden pressure changes before they can cause significant vibration or damage to the scroll assembly
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 seal assembly effectively isolates the discharge and suction chambers, maintaining axial biasing force on the non-orbiting scroll to prevent separation and noise, ensuring efficient operation and reducing leakage, even during pressure changes during mode transitions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a pressure differential to maintain sealing engagement and prevent leakage
Implementation Method 2
maintaining axial biasing force on the non-orbiting scroll to prevent separation and noise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A compressor may include a shell, first and second scroll members, and a seal assembly. The shell defines a first and second pressure regions. The first scroll member may include a first end plate defining a chamber. The seal assembly may surround the discharge passage and fluidly separate the first and second pressure regions from each other. The seal assembly may include first and second sealing members. The first sealing member may prevent communication between the chamber and the second pressure region when a first fluid pressure within the second pressure region is higher than a second fluid pressure within the chamber. The first sealing member may define a leakage path when the first fluid pressure is lower than the second fluid pressure. The second sealing member may fluidly separate the chamber and the second pressure region when the first fluid pressure is lower than the second fluid pressure.