Concentric Fluid Compressor for Residential Refuelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas compressors for CNG and hydrogen fuelled vehicles require high power and are unsuitable for residential use due to their high power ratings and need for 3-phase electric power supplies, making them impractical for widespread refuelling.
Innovation Solution
A fluid compressor design featuring multiple concentric compression chambers with a piston system driven by a hydraulic actuator or electric motor, powered by a single-phase electrical supply, which allows for efficient compression and delivery of natural gas, hydrogen, or air, with a focus on low power consumption and contamination-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional gas compressors are used for CNG and hydrogen fuelled vehicles, then compression function is achieved, but power consumption is high and 3-phase electric power supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is divided into multiple stages with separate compression chambers arranged concentrically. Each chamber handles a specific compression stage, allowing the system to achieve high compression ratios through progressive compression rather than a single high-power stage, thereby reducing peak power requirements for residential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression chambers are arranged concentrically with smaller chambers nested within larger ones. This nested configuration allows efficient use of space and enables the piston to sequentially compress gas through multiple stages as it reciprocates, achieving high compression ratios while maintaining a compact design suitable for residential environments.
2Reliability
If conventional gas compressors are used, then compression function is achieved, but lubricant contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system has been completely removed from the compression chambers. The invention uses a lubricant-free compression mechanism where the piston directly compresses gas in sealed chambers without requiring lubricants, thereby eliminating lubricant contamination of the compressed gas entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression chambers maintain a clean, inert environment by using robust sealing mechanisms that prevent contamination. The system operates without introducing any foreign substances into the compression zone, ensuring the compressed gas remains pure and free from lubricant contamination.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional compressors are used, then compression is achieved, but seal lifetime is limited due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the lubrication system entirely, the invention eliminates the source of contamination that degrades seals over time. The lubricant-free design prevents chemical degradation and contamination of seal materials, thereby extending seal lifetime and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed compression chambers maintain a clean environment that protects seal materials from degradation. Without lubricant contamination and with proper sealing design, the seals operate in a controlled environment that significantly extends their service life.
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 design enables efficient and practical residential refuelling of CNG and hydrogen vehicles by reducing power requirements and eliminating lubricant contamination, extending seal lifetimes and allowing operation from a domestic electrical supply.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston head movable to compress fluid within the first compression chamber and a second piston head movable to compress fluid within the second compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid compressor 10 comprising a stator 22, having a bore shaped first chamber 26 and an annular second chamber 30, and a piston 18 comprising a central piston rod 36 having a first piston head 44 and a concentrically arranged cylindrical piston sleeve 38 having a second piston head 48. The stator 22 and piston 18 together define a first compression chamber 12, a second compression chamber 14 provided concentrically around the first chamber 12, and a third compression chamber 16 provided concentrically around the first chamber 12 and linearly with the second chamber 14. The compression chambers 12, 14, 16 are interconnected via intercooling conduits 72, 74. A hydraulic actuator 20 is coupled to the piston 18 by a hydraulic ram 82. During left to right movement of the piston 18 fluid enters the third chamber 16 and fluid is compressed in the second chamber 14.