Compressor with oil equalizing pipe, parallel compressor set, and oil equalizing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In parallel compressor systems, uneven oil distribution due to manufacturing differences or operational states leads to insufficient lubrication in some compressors, causing damage, and existing oil balance methods can result in oil transfer imbalances.
Innovation Solution
An oil equalizing pipe system is introduced, where an opening at one end is formed at a target oil level in the oil sump and the other end in the suction port, allowing extra oil to flow into the suction port under pressure differences, with the excess oil entering a vortex and being discharged through the exhaust port, and returned to other compressors via an oil-gas separator, optimizing oil balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an oil balance pipe is used to connect the oil sumps of two compressors, then oil balance can be achieved to a certain extent, but oil transfer between the two compressors occurs due to pressure difference, resulting in imbalanced oil levels
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port acts as an intermediary medium to transfer excess oil from one compressor to another. Instead of directly connecting oil sumps with a balance pipe, the invention uses the suction port and airflow as a mediator to carry oil droplets from the oil sump of one compressor through the oil-equalizing pipe to the other compressor, achieving oil balance without direct pressure-driven transfer between sumps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic flow (refrigerant gas flow through the suction port) to transport oil. The flowing gas creates a vortex that carries oil droplets through the oil-equalizing pipe, using gas dynamics rather than liquid pressure differential to achieve oil transfer and balance between compressors
2Quantity of substance
If the oil equalizing pipe opening is positioned at a higher level in the oil sump, then more oil can be equalized, but the risk of oil leakage and foreign object damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil equalizing pipe opening is positioned at a specific target oil level that represents an equipotential point for oil equalization. By setting the opening at this specific level rather than higher, the system achieves oil balance while maintaining safe operational parameters, preventing both over-extraction and contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural vortex flow generated by the compressor's own suction airflow to draw oil through the equalizing pipe. The airflow itself provides the driving force, eliminating the need for external pumps or high-pressure systems that would increase leakage and contamination risks
3Reliability
If the oil equalizing pipe is positioned inside the compressor body shell, then protection from foreign objects is improved, but the compressor size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oil equalizing pipe serves multiple functions: it equalizes oil levels between compressors, utilizes the existing suction airflow for oil transport, and integrates with the current compressor structure. By making the pipe multi-functional rather than adding dedicated protective structures, the design achieves protection without increasing overall compressor volume
Solution Approach 2:
The oil equalizing pipe is designed to be flexible or dynamically positioned to adapt to the compressor's operational conditions. This allows the pipe to move or adjust its position based on vibration and operational dynamics, providing protection from foreign objects without requiring a rigid, space-consuming structural housing
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 solution effectively balances oil levels between compressors, preventing damage from insufficient lubrication, reducing the risk of oil leakage, and optimizing oil return ratios, ensuring optimal lubrication and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
when the compressor is running, the gas in the suction port flows, so that the pressure at the suction port is less than the pressure on the surface of the oil sump, when the oil level of the oil sump of the compressor is higher than the target oil level, the extra oil enters the suction port through the oil equalizing pipe under the action of the above pressure difference
Implementation Method 2
a part of the oil enters vortex and is discharged from the compressor via the exhaust port
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a compressor with an oil equalizing pipe, a parallel compressor set, and an oil equalizing method. The compressor includes at least one oil equalizing pipe, an opening at one end of the oil equalizing pipe is formed in a target oil level of an oil sump, and the opening at the other end of the oil equalizing pipe is formed in a suction port; and when the oil level of the oil sump of the compressor is higher than the target oil level, the extra oil enters the suction port through the oil equalizing pipe. Compared with the prior art, the present disclosure has the advantages that, when the compressor is running, the gas in the suction port flows, so that the pressure at the suction port is less than the pressure on the surface of the oil sump; when the oil level of the oil sump of the compressor is higher than the target oil level, the extra oil enters the suction port through the oil equalizing pipe under the action of the above pressure difference, a part of the oil enters vortex and is discharged from the compressor via the exhaust port, and the oil discharged from the compressor returns to the other compressor lack of oil through a pipeline, thereby achieving oil balance between different compressors.