Interstage capacity control valve with separate drive and stabilization linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-stage compressors experience instability and reduced efficiency due to low-momentum zones and adverse pressure gradients caused by return vanes at partial load conditions, leading to narrower operating ranges.
Innovation Solution
The interstage capacity control valve uses separate and discrete attachments for linkages connected to the drive and throttle rings, reducing stress on projections and simplifying assembly, thereby lowering parts costs and increasing durability while smoothing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If common projections are used for attaching both drive linkages and stabilization linkages to the throttle ring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stress on the projections increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment projections are segmented into two distinct sets: drive linkage attachment projections and stabilization linkage attachment projections. This segmentation separates the functional loads, preventing stress concentration on single projections and improving durability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If common projections are used for both linkages, then assembly is simplified, but the torque required to operate the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the attachment projections into separate drive and stabilization sets, the torque loads are distributed across different projection groups. This reduces the cumulative torque requirement on any single projection set, making operation smoother while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Reliability
If separate attachments are used for drive and stabilization linkages, then stress on projections is reduced and durability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle ring exhibits local quality differentiation with distinct attachment projection zones optimized for specific functions. Drive linkage projections are positioned and dimensioned for drive function, while stabilization projections are positioned and dimensioned for stabilization function, reducing stress concentrations locally without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
4Ease of operation
If separate attachments are used for drive and stabilization linkages, then operation smoothness improves, but parts cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate attachment projections are implemented as localized features on the throttle ring rather than completely separate components. This approach improves operation smoothness by distributing loads more evenly while minimizing the increase in parts cost, as the projections are integrated into the existing throttle ring structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
Stabilization and drive linkages of a compressor capacity control valve are separated, for example physically and/or entirely, such that the respective linkages use separate and discrete attachment projections provided on the drive and throttle rings of the capacity control valve. The use of discrete attachment projections places lower stress on each attachment projection compared to linkages including paired stabilization and drive linkages sharing some attachment projections. The stabilization linkages can connect to an interstage casing. The linkage assemblies allow the throttle ring to be driven in an axial direction so as to open or close the compressor capacity control valve.