Compressor Thermal Protection Using Shape Memory Scroll Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors in cooling, refrigeration, and heat-pump systems face inefficiencies due to thermal overload, leading to reduced performance and potential damage, as existing thermal protection systems are inadequate in managing temperature fluctuations effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal protection system with a shape memory material, such as bi-metal or tri-metal alloys, that translates the compressor's scrolls and valve assemblies in response to temperature changes, allowing for adaptive operation between full load and no load conditions to manage thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermal protection system is added to manage temperature fluctuations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement member is made of shape memory material that automatically responds to temperature changes without external control. When the compressor overheats, the shape memory material autonomously changes shape to translate the scroll and reduce compression, providing thermal protection without requiring sensors, controllers, or complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electronic thermal protection systems (sensors, controllers, actuators) with a passive mechanical system based on shape memory material. The thermal response is directly converted into mechanical displacement of the scroll through the shape memory material's phase transition, eliminating the need for electronic control components.
2Productivity
If the compressor operates at full load continuously, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases causing thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll's position is made dynamically adjustable through the shape memory material's response to temperature. As temperature rises during full-load operation, the shape memory material gradually translates the scroll, reducing compression ratio and heat generation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity when cool while automatically reducing thermal stress when hot.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ratio parameter is automatically changed in response to temperature changes. When the compressor operates at full load and temperature rises, the shape memory material causes the scroll to translate, altering the compression pockets' geometry and reducing the compression ratio, thereby reducing heat generation and thermal stress.
3Strength
If thermal protection mechanisms are implemented, then thermal stress is reduced, but operational efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory material provides partial thermal protection only when needed. During normal operation at acceptable temperatures, the scroll maintains its optimal position for maximum efficiency. Only when temperature exceeds the shape memory material's transition point does the protective action activate, partially reducing compression to dissipate heat, thus minimizing efficiency loss while providing necessary thermal protection.
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 system effectively reduces thermal stress by adjusting operational conditions based on temperature, enhancing compressor efficiency and longevity by preventing overheating and maintaining optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
the displacement member includes a shape memory material
Implementation Method 2
configured to translate the second scroll relative to the first scroll between first and second positions in response to a change in an operating temperature of the compressor
Implementation Method 3
the shape memory material includes at least one of a bi-metal and tri-metal shape memory alloy
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a housing, a partition, a first scroll, a second scroll, and a thermal protection system. The partition is disposed within the housing and defines a suction chamber and a discharge chamber. The partition includes a discharge passage in fluid communication with the discharge chamber. The thermal protection system includes a positioning body and a displacement member. The positioning body is coupled to the second scroll and translatably disposed within the discharge passage. The displacement member is disposed between the positioning body and the partition and configured to translate the second scroll relative to the first scroll between first and second positions.