External Solenoid Valve for Scroll Compressor Capacity Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressor designs face challenges in power supply and cooling for electric valves used in capacity modulation, particularly when these valves are mounted within a hermetically sealed shell, making maintenance and energy efficiency difficult.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid valve is mounted outside the compressor shell with a bypass opening communicating between compression chambers and a suction pressure chamber, allowing for easy electrical connections and cooling, and featuring a movable pin to control refrigerant flow for capacity adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solenoid valve is mounted within the hermetically sealed compressor shell, then the valve is protected and integrated into the system, but the electrical connections become complex and cooling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is extracted from the hermetically sealed compressor shell and mounted on the external housing. This allows the valve to be electrically connected and cooled from the outside while still controlling refrigerant flow within the sealed system through a sealed passage interface.
2Reliability
If the solenoid valve is mounted within the hermetically sealed compressor shell, then the valve is protected, but maintenance and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is positioned on the external housing of the compressor, making it readily accessible for maintenance and replacement while the compressor shell remains hermetically sealed. The valve controls internal refrigerant flow through a sealed interface without being inside the sealed environment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve is mounted outside the shell, then electrical connections and cooling are simplified, but plumbing challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is positioned where it can control multiple refrigerant passages simultaneously. The valve body integrates with the housing to seal against and control flow through multiple internal passages, combining external accessibility with internal flow control functionality.
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 configuration simplifies power supply and cooling of the solenoid valve, enhances maintenance accessibility, and improves energy efficiency by allowing for seamless capacity modulation without plumbing complications.
Implementation Method 1
A valve includes an element electrically powered to move between a first position at which it blocks flow of refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
At least one bypass opening is formed in a base of a scroll member, and communicates with at least one compression chamber. The bypass opening communicates with a passage leading to a suction pressure chamber within a compressor shell. A valve includes an element electrically powered to move between a first position at which it blocks flow of refrigerant from the bypass port to the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber, and a second position at which it allows flow of refrigerant between the bypass port and the passage leading to the suction pressure chamber. A portion of the valve, which is electrically powered, is mounted outside of the compressor shell.