Compressor with integrated accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor cooling systems for vehicle cabins face challenges with high power consumption and heat production during refrigerant compression, leading to increased weight and inefficiency in compressor systems.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal compressor system with an integrated accumulator and vapor-cooled design, where the compressor motor is cooled by incoming vapor refrigerant, reducing the need for external cooling and optimizing refrigerant flow to minimize liquid refrigerant impact on impellers, and using a low-pressure refrigerant with ultra-low global warming potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If refrigerant compression is performed using conventional compressors, then refrigerant compression function is achieved, but substantial power consumption and heat production occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor motor and accumulator into a single integrated unit, where the motor housing serves as the accumulator chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces overall system power consumption while maintaining compression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor motor cools itself by utilizing the refrigerant vapor that passes through its housing. The motor acts as both a compression device and a heat exchanger, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the motor windings and components, enabling self-cooling without external cooling systems.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional compressor systems are used, then compression function is achieved, but substantial weight is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the accumulator function into the compressor motor housing, eliminating the need for a separate accumulator component. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, decreases system weight, and simplifies the overall compressor system structure.
3Reliability
If refrigerant flow is not optimized, then compression is achieved, but liquid refrigerant impacts impellers causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vapor separator at the inlet of the compressor to pre-separate liquid refrigerant from vapor before the refrigerant enters the impeller. This preliminary action prevents liquid droplets from reaching the impeller, protecting it from damage while maintaining efficient compression of vapor refrigerant.
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 reduces power consumption, weight, and refrigerant leakage, enabling efficient cooling with a smaller, more reliable compressor system suitable for lower cooling capacity applications while maintaining effective temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
the incoming vapor, when flowing through the first portion, is configured to cool the compressor motor
Implementation Method 2
cooling the compressor motor using the vapor refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
compressing the vapor refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
at least one refrigerant accumulator upstream of the second portion, wherein the at least one refrigerant accumulator is configured to accumulate refrigerant within the compressor housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed technology generally relates to a compressor housing, comprising a first portion configured to house a compressor motor of a centrifugal compressor, a second portion configured to house an inlet housing of the centrifugal compressor, where the inlet housing is configured to receive refrigerant into an impeller assembly of the centrifugal compressor, and at least one refrigerant accumulator upstream of the second portion, the at least one refrigerant accumulator configured to accumulate liquid refrigerant.