Compressor and refrigeration cycle apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal compressors, oil from the reservoir easily mixes with refrigerant and is discharged, leading to a shortage of lubricating oil due to inefficient separation methods, particularly when space constraints require a horizontal orientation instead of the traditional vertical setup.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with a rib in the suction pipe's flow passage that extends downwards, reducing the flow rate of refrigerant and separating oil droplets from the refrigerant gas, ensuring they do not enter the compression chamber, thus minimizing oil discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a horizontal compressor is used to save space, then the height requirement is reduced, but oil easily mixes with refrigerant and is discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port is divided into multiple segments: a first suction port positioned above the oil reservoir level and a second suction port positioned at the same level as the rotary shaft. This segmentation allows refrigerant to be suctioned from different locations, preventing oil from entering the compression chamber while maintaining effective refrigerant intake.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication passage is introduced as an intermediary element between the suction pipe and the compression chamber. This passage includes a flow rate restricting portion that controls the flow of refrigerant and prevents oil from directly entering the compression chamber, thereby mediating the interaction between refrigerant flow and oil separation.
2Productivity
If the suction port is positioned low to improve refrigerant intake, then refrigerant flow is enhanced, but oil is easily suctioned into the compression chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port is divided into multiple segments: a first suction port positioned above the oil reservoir level and a second suction port positioned at the same level as the rotary shaft. This segmentation allows refrigerant to be suctioned from different locations, preventing oil from entering the compression chamber while maintaining effective refrigerant intake.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the suction system are assigned different functions: the first suction port area is optimized for refrigerant intake while the second suction port area handles oil separation. This local differentiation ensures that refrigerant is efficiently suctioned while oil is prevented from entering the compression chamber.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the oil reservoir is formed in the cylindrical side surface portion of a horizontal compressor, then the compressor can be horizontally oriented, but oil easily contacts the rotor and flies into the container
Solution Approach 1:
The suction ports are strategically positioned at specific heights before the refrigerant can pick up oil from the oil reservoir. The first suction port is positioned above the oil reservoir level and the second suction port is positioned at the same level as the rotary shaft, creating a preliminary barrier that prevents oil from being suctioned into the compression chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication passage is introduced as an intermediary element between the suction pipe and the compression chamber. This passage includes a flow rate restricting portion that controls the flow of refrigerant and prevents oil from directly entering the compression chamber, thereby mediating the interaction between refrigerant flow and oil separation.
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 rib effectively reduces the amount of oil discharged from the compressor, preventing oil shortages and maintaining lubrication, even when the compressor is oriented horizontally, by separating oil from refrigerant gas before it enters the compression mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A rib is provided in a first flow passage which extends downwards in the direction of gravity from the connection port, extends through an area located above the oil reservoir, and reaches the suction port
Implementation Method 2
flowing refrigerant gas strikes the rib, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant gas, and also reducing flying off of oil droplets from an oil surface of oil in the oil reservoir
Implementation Method 3
even if oil flies off from the oil reservoir, the refrigerant along with the oil contained therein strikes the rib, whereby the oil can be separated from the refrigerant gas
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a container provided with an oil reservoir which is provided at a bottom portion of the container to allow oil to be collected in the oil reservoir. In the container, an electric motor mechanism, a rotary shaft, a compression mechanism, and a frame which fixes the compression mechanism to the container are provided. In the frame, a suction port is formed to cause refrigerant having flowed into the space to flow into the compression mechanism, and each of a suction portion and a connection port of the suction pipe, is located at a position which is higher than or the same as the level of the rotary shaft as seen in a rotation axial direction A rib in a first flow passage extends downwards in the direction of gravity from the connection port, extends through an area located above the oil reservoir, and reaches the suction port.