Compressor Volume Ratio Control Using Pressure-Driven Piston Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors face limitations in controlling the volume ratio due to finite piston positions and the need for additional components like proportional valves, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A volume ratio control system utilizing a piston and biasing device within a compressor chamber, where the piston moves in response to pressure differentials between the high and low pressure sides, allowing for infinitely variable control without additional mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stepwise control of piston positions is used to adjust volume ratio, then the compressor can maintain performance at varying compression ratios, but the control is limited to finite discrete positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stepwise piston control system with a porous medium-based flow resistance control system. Instead of mechanically moving the piston to discrete positions, the system uses a porous plug whose flow resistance can be continuously adjusted, enabling continuous volume ratio control without complex mechanical actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from discrete piston position to continuous flow resistance. By adjusting the flow resistance of the porous plug, the system achieves continuous variation of the volume ratio, transforming the control from stepwise mechanical adjustment to continuous parameter-based adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a proportional valve is used to supply fluid into the piston chamber for volume ratio adjustment, then continuous control is achieved, but additional components increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the proportional valve from the system by replacing it with a porous plug. The porous plug inherently provides flow resistance control through its porous structure, removing the need for external proportional valves and their associated control systems, thereby reducing component count while maintaining continuous control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls flow resistance, adjusts volume ratio, and eliminates the need for separate proportional valves. This self-service approach integrates multiple functions into a single component, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional piston control mechanisms are used, then volume ratio adjustment is possible, but the system requires additional proportional valves and control devices that increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the proportional valve, flow control mechanism, and volume ratio adjustment system into a single porous plug component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate proportional valves and control devices, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining full volume ratio adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous plug serves as a simple, cost-effective replacement for expensive proportional valves. While the porous plug may require periodic replacement, its low cost and simplicity make it an economically advantageous solution compared to expensive electronic control valves.
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
Enables precise and cost-effective control of the compressor's volume ratio, reducing costs and enhancing control precision by leveraging pressure differentials and a biasing device for passive adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device disposed within the chamber and configured to enable movement of the piston in response to a pressure differential between the low pressure side of the compressor and the high pressure side of the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A volume ratio control system for a compressor includes a chamber formed within a housing of the compressor, where the chamber is in fluid communication with a high pressure side of the compressor, a piston disposed within the chamber, where the piston includes a cavity in fluid communication with a low pressure side of the compressor, and a biasing device disposed within the chamber and configured to enable movement of the piston in response to a pressure differential between the low pressure side of the compressor and the high pressure side of the compressor falling below a threshold value.