Ejector-Based Lubricant Mist Delivery for Refrigeration Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems face challenges in maintaining an adequate lubricant supply for compressor components due to inefficient oil separation, which results in lubricant being mixed with refrigerant and causing viscosity reduction and pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system utilizing an ejector to carry a lubricant mist through the refrigerant to compressor components, with a secondary ejector and tank configuration to enhance lubricant distribution and separation, ensuring efficient lubrication with reduced oil charge and pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oil separator is used immediately downstream of the compressor, then oil separation from refrigerant is facilitated, but the oil removed is at high pressure with refrigerant mixed in, lowering viscosity and causing pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful mixing of refrigerant with separated oil by introducing a dedicated lubricant reservoir that supplies pure lubricant independently from the main refrigerant flow. The ejector device extracts lubricant from the reservoir and injects it into the refrigerant stream at the compressor inlet, separating the lubricant supply function from the oil separator function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector device acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers lubricant from the reservoir to the refrigerant stream without direct mixing. It uses the refrigerant flow itself as the driving force to吸入 and inject lubricant, mediating between the lubricant reservoir and the compressor inlet.
2Reliability
If lubricant is mixed with refrigerant in the compressor, then lubrication of moving components is achieved, but the lubricant is difficult to maintain at adequate supply levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using the refrigerant flow itself to drive the ejector and deliver lubricant to the compressor. The refrigerant pressure differential automatically controls the lubricant injection rate, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex control systems to maintain adequate lubricant supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of lubricant delivery from bulk liquid injection to fine mist injection through the ejector. This parameter change in delivery form increases the surface area and distribution of lubricant, improving its effectiveness while maintaining easier supply control through the refrigerant-driven mechanism.
3Reliability
If a traditional oil separator is used, then oil removal is achieved, but the separated oil has high pressure and mixed refrigerant, reducing lubrication quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the lubricant supply function from the refrigerant flow by introducing a separate lubricant reservoir. This segmentation allows the reservoir to store pure lubricant independent of refrigerant mixing, while the ejector selectively introduces only the required amount of pure lubricant into the refrigerant stream at the optimal location.
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 system effectively delivers lubricant to compressor components as a mist, maintaining viscosity and reducing pressure drops, improving operational efficiency and extending the system's operational range with a lower oil charge.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector arranged in fluid communication with the compressor and the evaporator, wherein the lubricant mist is carried by the refrigerant to the movable component. the primary inlet being coupled to an outlet of the compressor such that the refrigerant output from the compressor is a motive fluid of the ejector
Implementation Method 2
a secondary ejector arranged in fluid communication with the compressor and the tank. the primary inlet of the secondary ejector being coupled to the outlet of the compressor such that the refrigerant output from the compressor is a motive fluid of the secondary ejector
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for cooling the refrigerant, an evaporator for heating the refrigerant, and a lubrication system for providing a lubricant mist to a movable component of the compressor. The lubrication system includes an ejector arranged in fluid communication with the compressor and the evaporator, wherein the lubricant mist is carried by the refrigerant to the movable component.