Linear Compressor Intake Muffler Noise and Flow Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors experience noise and flow loss due to reverse flow phenomena during the refrigerant intake process, which affects the efficiency and performance of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intake muffler with an auxiliary flow passage between the outer peripheral surface of the first muffler body and the inner peripheral surface of the piston body, which allows refrigerant remaining in the piston to be discharged externally, thereby reducing flow loss and increasing pressure at the outlet end of the intake muffler, and incorporating design adjustments to the second muffler to function as a resonator for noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an intake muffler is installed in the piston body to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but flow loss increases due to reverse flow phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The intake muffler is divided into multiple flow passages (first flow passage, second flow passage, third flow passage) with different cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows the refrigerant to flow through multiple paths, preventing reverse flow while maintaining noise reduction functionality. The different cross-sectional areas create pressure gradients that guide refrigerant flow directionally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the intake muffler have different cross-sectional areas tailored to specific functional requirements. The first flow passage has a smaller cross-sectional area for noise reduction, while the second and third flow passages have larger areas to facilitate refrigerant flow and prevent reverse flow. This local quality variation optimizes both noise reduction and flow efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cross-sectional area of the flow passage in the intake muffler is reduced to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but refrigerant flow is restricted causing flow loss
Solution Approach 1:
The intake muffler utilizes three-dimensional space by creating multiple flow passages in different spatial arrangements. The first flow passage extends in one direction while the second and third flow passages extend in other directions, allowing refrigerant to flow through multiple dimensions. This dimensional approach maintains noise reduction while preserving flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passages are nested within the piston body structure, with the intake muffler integrated into the existing compressor architecture. The multiple flow passages are arranged concentrically and in series, allowing the refrigerant to flow through nested pathways that maximize space utilization while maintaining flow efficiency.
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 enhances the intake performance of the compressor by maintaining high refrigerant pressure and reducing noise, leading to improved energy efficiency and compression efficiency by ensuring efficient refrigerant flow and minimizing flow losses.
Implementation Method 1
A cross-sectional area of the auxiliary flow passage is less than a cross-sectional area of an inlet hole formed at a rear end of a main flow passage
Implementation Method 2
incorporating design adjustments to the second muffler to function as a resonator for noise reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor includes: a shell including an intake pipe configured to suction a refrigerant, a piston including a piston body, an intake muffler including a first muffler that includes a first muffler body defining a main flow passage and a first muffler flange extending in a radial direction from the first muffler body, and at least one auxiliary flow passage disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the first muffler body and an inner peripheral surface of the piston body and configured to guide the refrigerant remaining between the first muffler body and the piston body to an outside of the piston. A cross-sectional area of the at least one auxiliary flow passage is less than a cross-sectional area of an inlet hole provided at a rear end of the main flow passage and greater than or equal to 10% of the cross-sectional area of the inlet hole.