Dual Slide Valve Assembly for Rotary Compressor Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rotary gas compressors operate at suboptimal efficiency, particularly at maximum capacity, due to variations in gas pressure resulting from temperature changes, leading to over-compression and power wastage, as existing slide valve assemblies fail to adjust the volume ratio effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual-slide valve assembly with movable capacity and volume slide valve members that can adjust their positions to optimize the opening points of discharge/volume ports, ensuring the compressor operates at the ideal volume ratio by controlling both compressor volume and power input simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single slide valve assembly is used to control discharge ports, then the structure is simple, but the compressor cannot simultaneously optimize both volume ratio and power input, resulting in suboptimal efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide valve assembly structureVSAvoidcompressor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single slide valve assembly is segmented into two independent slide valve members: a capacity slide valve member and a volume slide valve member. Each member can be independently positioned to control different aspects of compressor operation - the capacity slide valve controls the opening point of discharge ports for volume ratio optimization, while the volume slide valve controls power input optimization. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both parameters without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual slide valve assembly provides multi-functionality by enabling a single compressor to perform both capacity control and volume ratio optimization through two independently positionable slide valve members. This allows the compressor to adapt to varying operating conditions and achieve optimal efficiency across different load scenarios, making the system universally applicable to diverse operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the compressor operates at maximum capacity, then the output is high, but the efficiency is reduced due to over-compression and power wastage from fixed volume ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor output capacityVSAvoidpower wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The slide valve members are designed to be dynamically adjustable during compressor operation. The capacity slide valve member can be positioned to optimize the opening point of discharge ports, dynamically adjusting the volume ratio based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment prevents over-compression at maximum capacity, eliminating the need for fixed volume ratio operation and reducing power wastage while maintaining high output capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the compressor by independently controlling the positions of both capacity and volume slide valve members. By adjusting the capacity slide valve member's position, the opening point of discharge ports is optimized, which changes the effective volume ratio parameter. This parameter optimization allows the compressor to operate efficiently at maximum capacity without the energy losses associated with fixed, non-optimized volume ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If gas pressure varies due to temperature changes, then the operating conditions change, but existing slide valves cannot adjust effectively, causing over-compression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to temperature changesVSAvoidvolume ratio control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dual slide valve assembly provides enhanced feedback capability for responding to changing operating conditions. The capacity slide valve member can be adjusted based on feedback regarding gas pressure and temperature changes, allowing the system to detect and respond to varying conditions. This feedback mechanism enables precise adjustment of the discharge port opening point, maintaining accurate volume ratio control even when temperature and pressure conditions change, thereby preventing over-compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2118487B1Compressor having a dual slide valve assembly
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 VILTER MFG CORP
  • EP2118487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2118487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2118487B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A compressor having a dual slide valve assembly is disclosed. The slide valve assembly includes: i) a volume slide valve mechanism that is slidably movable to control compressor volume ratio and power input to the compressor; and ii) a capacity and volume slide valve mechanism that is in operational association with the volume slide valve mechanism, and the capacity and volume slide valve mechanism is slidably movable to control compressor capacity and to control volume ratio and power input to the compressor. In at least some embodiments, the compressor is a rotary gas compressor for a compression (e.g., refrigeration) system. A method of increasing compressor efficiency using the dual slide valve assembly is also disclosed. Compressor volume load and/or volume ratio and/or compressor power input can be simultaneously controlled by both the volume slide mechanism and the capacity and volume slide mechanism. Advantageously, compressor efficiency is increased.