Directed Suction Compressor Assembly for Lower Fluid Heat Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compressors, the working fluid absorbs heat from the motor during suction, which can hinder the heating and/or cooling capacity or efficiency of the system.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design that includes a conduit system allowing a selected amount of fluid to bypass the suction inlet, isolating it from the motor heat, thereby reducing heat absorption and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working fluid is drawn directly into the suction chamber where the motor is disposed, then the motor can be cooled by the working fluid, but the temperature of the working fluid increases which hinders the heating and/or cooling capacity or efficiency of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The suction chamber is segmented into two separate inlets: a first suction inlet that receives working fluid and directs it to the compression mechanism, and a second suction inlet that receives lubricant and directs it to the motor. This segmentation prevents the working fluid from absorbing motor heat while still allowing separate lubricant cooling of the motor, thereby resolving the contradiction between motor cooling and maintaining working fluid temperature for system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant cooling function is extracted from the working fluid path. A separate lubricant supply system is implemented where lubricant is drawn into the suction chamber through a dedicated second inlet and directed to the motor, separating the cooling function from the working fluid and preventing heat transfer to the working fluid that would reduce system capacity.
2Productivity
If a separate lubricant supply system is implemented, then the working fluid temperature is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction chamber is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the intake for the working fluid to the compression mechanism, the intake for lubricant to the motor, and the mixing chamber where lubricant and working fluid combine before entering the compression mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems while maintaining the benefit of separate lubricant supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate lubricant supply system is merged with the existing working fluid suction system by combining their paths in the suction chamber. Both fluids are drawn through separate inlets but converge in the same chamber and mix before entering the compression mechanism, simplifying the overall structure compared to completely separate systems while maintaining the temperature benefits.
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 enhances the compressor's efficiency by minimizing heat absorption, maintaining the fluid's temperature and improving the overall performance of the heating and/or cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
The conduit may extend through the chamber between the opening and a suction inlet of the compression mechanism and may transmit at least a portion of the fluid from the opening to the suction inlet
Implementation Method 2
The low-pressure working fluid drawn into the suction chamber may absorb heat from the motor before being drawn into the compression mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include a shell assembly, a compression mechanism and a conduit. The shell assembly may include a fitting through which fluid is received from outside of the compressor. The compression mechanism may be disposed within a chamber defined by the shell assembly. The conduit may extend through the chamber between the fitting and a suction inlet of the compression mechanism and transmit at least a portion of the fluid from the fitting to the suction inlet. The conduit may include an inlet that may be spaced apart from the fitting and an outlet that may engage the compression mechanism.