Compressor suction pipe, compression unit, and chiller
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Solution Overview
Problem
In turbo chillers, the use of low-pressure refrigerants leads to uneven refrigerant flow due to increased pipe diameter, causing performance issues in compressors when the refrigerant flows through bent pipes connecting the evaporator and compressor.
Innovation Solution
A compressor suction pipe with a bent portion divided by partitions that guide the refrigerant flow, ensuring even distribution by altering the flow direction and reducing velocity variations, thereby preventing performance reductions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the pipe diameter is increased to accommodate low-pressure refrigerant with higher volume flow rate, then the refrigerant capacity is improved, but the flow becomes uneven after passing through the bent portion causing compressor performance reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The bent portion is divided into multiple flow passages by partitions, segmenting the single large-diameter flow path into several smaller parallel paths. This segmentation equalizes the flow distribution across the pipe cross-section, preventing the uneven flow that would otherwise occur in a large-diameter bent pipe and protect compressor performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Partitions are strategically positioned at specific locations within the bent portion (including the inner side, outer side, and apex of the bend) to create locally optimized flow conditions. This local modification of the flow path geometry ensures uniform flow distribution precisely where the bending causes flow imbalance, while maintaining the overall large diameter capacity for low-pressure refrigerant.
2Device complexity
If the compressor is disposed above the evaporator to efficiently place components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pipe length is shortened and bent portions are required causing flow unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The bent portion connecting the evaporator to the compressor is segmented into multiple flow passages using partitions. This allows the pipe to maintain a compact configuration suitable for placing the compressor above the evaporator, while internally creating multiple flow paths that prevent flow unevenness despite the bent geometry and short length.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure adds a dimensional element within the bent portion, creating flow passages that extend in multiple directions (inner side, outer side, apex). This dimensional approach to flow path design allows the pipe to achieve both compact external geometry and internal flow uniformity simultaneously.
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 solution effectively suppresses uneven refrigerant flow into the compressor, maintaining performance and efficiency by guiding the flow through strategically positioned partitions within the bent pipe sections.
Implementation Method 1
the partition divides the bent portion forming the flow passage for the refrigerant into a flow passage on the inner side with respect to the radial direction of the incircle and a flow passage on the outer side with respect to the radial direction of the incircle
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor suction pipe includes a bent portion at least including a first pipe segment on the most upstream side with respect to flow of a fluid to be compressed, a second pipe segment connected to a suction side of a compressor and extending in a direction different from the extension direction of the first pipe segment, and a third pipe segment disposed between the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment and extending in a direction different from the extension directions of the first and second pipe segments, and at least one partition extending at least from an intermediate portion of the first pipe segment at least to an intermediate portion of the second pipe segment in the bent portion and dividing an interior of the bent portion. The partition extends in a direction intersecting a virtual plane including an incircle that touches an axis of the first pipe segment on an upstream side of a downstream end of the first pipe segment and touches an axis of the second pipe segment.