Compressor Cooling via Silencer Recess Flow Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor and vacuum pump designs face challenges in maintaining component temperatures efficiently, leading to increased manufacturing costs, complexity, and reduced component lifespan due to inefficient cooling and structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A compressor or vacuum pump design with a casing having a single cooling gas inlet and outlet, featuring a fan that directs cooling gas flow via a recess structure on the silencer's cover towards the driving module, optimizing cooling gas distribution to components based on temperature needs, reducing the footprint, and simplifying the layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple fans and multiple cooling inlets/outlets are used to cool different zones, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single cooling gas flow is segmented into different directional streams using deflecting elements positioned at specific locations within the casing. These deflecting elements split the flow to target different thermal zones (compression chamber, driving module, fan) separately, achieving zoned cooling without requiring multiple fans or complex inlet/outlet structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Deflecting elements act as intermediary components that redirect the cooling gas flow from the single inlet toward specific components requiring cooling. These intermediaries enable precise flow direction control without adding complex structural features to the casing itself.
2Temperature
If multiple cooling inlets and outlets are provided, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and structural weakness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single cooling gas flow is segmented into different directional streams using deflecting elements positioned at specific locations within the casing. These deflecting elements split the flow to target different thermal zones (compression chamber, driving module, fan) separately, achieving zoned cooling without requiring multiple fans or complex inlet/outlet structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cooling gas inlet serves multiple functions by directing cooled air to different zones through the deflecting elements. One inlet structure performs the work of multiple inlets would traditionally be needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effective cooling across all thermal zones.
3Reliability
If materials with high thermal resistance are used for all components, then protection from thermal wear is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling is applied locally to specific components based on their thermal needs. The deflecting elements direct cooling gas preferentially toward the compression chamber and driving module, which generate the most heat. This allows these critical components to be protected from thermal wear without requiring all components throughout the system to be made from expensive high-thermal-resistance materials.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact design with adjacent components is used, then footprint is reduced, but thermal influence between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Deflecting elements are positioned between adjacent components to actively redirect cooling gas flow toward heat-generating areas. These intermediaries ensure that even in compact configurations where components are close together, thermal interference is minimized by actively managing the cooling gas distribution to target specific hot spots rather than allowing heat to spread between adjacent parts.
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
This design enhances cooling efficiency, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, prolongs component lifespan, and allows for easier assembly and maintenance by directing cooling gas to components based on their temperature requirements, minimizing thermal influences between adjacent components.
Implementation Method 1
a fan mounted at the cooling gas inlet, comprising a fan housing and configured to blow said cooling gas into said casing
Implementation Method 2
said silencer comprises a recess structure on its cover, configured to deflect the cooling gas flow from the fan towards the driving module
Implementation Method 3
guiding the flow of cooling gas towards a first surface of a first housing of a compression or vacuum chamber comprising at least one rotating element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a compressor or vacuum pump comprising: - a casing 2 having a cooling gas inlet 3 and a cooling gas outlet 4 for allowing a cooling gas to flow therethrough; - a fan 12 mounted at the cooling gas inlet 3, comprising a fan housing 13 and configured to blow said cooling gas into said casing 2; - a compression or vacuum chamber 5 comprising a first housing 6, a process gas inlet 7 and outlet 8 for allowing a process gas to flow therethrough and at least one rotating element 9; - a driving module 15 comprising a second housing 16 and at least one bearing 17 for supporting said at least one rotating element 9; - a silencer 18 comprising a cover 19 and configured to attenuate noise generated by the compressor or vacuum pump 1; characterized in that said silencer 18 comprises a recess structure 20 on its cover 19, configured to deflect the cooling gas flow from the fan 12 towards the driving module 15.