Integrally geared compressor having a combination of centrifugal and positive displacement compression stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressors lack an efficient solution for managing high pressure ratios and small volumes of gas, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems, where the supply side is cryogenic and low-pressure, but the delivery side requires higher pressure ratios and smaller volumes.
Innovation Solution
An integrally geared compressor that combines centrifugal and positive displacement compression stages within a single gearbox, utilizing a gear system with multiple pinion shafts and gears to efficiently manage gas compression, allowing for a combination of centrifugal and positive displacement compression stages to be arranged in various configurations based on system requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a centrifugal compressor is used, then large volumes of cold gas can be managed efficiently, but high pressure ratios and small volumes of gas cannot be effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a centrifugal compression stage and a positive displacement compression stage into a single integrally geared compressor unit. The centrifugal stage handles large volumes of cold gas efficiently, while the positive displacement stage manages high pressure ratios and small volumes of gas. Both stages share a common drive shaft and gearbox, merging two compressor types into one integrated system that can handle the full range of compression requirements in LNG systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate driving means are used for each compression stage, then each stage can be optimized independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrally geared compressor uses a single drive shaft that serves both the centrifugal compression stage and the positive displacement compression stage. The gearbox incorporates multiple pinion gears that can be selectively engaged to drive different compression stages. This multi-functional design allows one drive system to optimize multiple stages independently through gear selection, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stage-specific optimization capabilities.
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 enables efficient management of high pressure ratios and small volumes of gas, effectively addressing the challenges faced in LNG systems by optimizing compression stages to meet the varying pressure and volume demands across the gas compression process.
Implementation Method 1
centrifugal compressors efficiently and reliably manage large volumes of cold gas
Implementation Method 2
positive displacement compressors can be used to manage high pressure ratios and small volumes of gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor including a gear system configured to be driven by a drive unit, a plurality of compression stages coupled to the gear system, wherein the plurality of compression stages includes at least one centrifugal compression stage and at least one positive displacement compression stage, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.