Liquid-Cooled Compressor No-Load Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-cooled compressors face reliability issues and energy inefficiency during no-load operation of large-output electric motors, requiring surplus compression power and increased air reservoir capacity to handle abrupt load variations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-cooled compressor configuration that adjusts air intake through an intake valve to perform reduced pressure operations at two levels: one lower than and one equal to or higher than the minimum circulation oil supply pressure, using a temperature detector and switchgear to manage bearing temperature and circulation of cooling liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor maintains pressure difference for liquid circulation during no-load operation, then liquid can be injected into bearing for lubrication and cooling, but surplus compression power is required and energy efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor operational state changeable between reduced pressure operation mode and normal operation mode. The system dynamically adjusts the intake valve opening degree to control air intake amount, allowing the compressor to operate at different pressure levels according to actual needs, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from a fixed high pressure (equal to or higher than minimum circulation oil supply pressure) to a variable parameter that can be set to a low value during no-load operation. By adjusting the reduced pressure operation pressure to a lower level while still maintaining sufficient pressure difference for liquid circulation, the system reduces compression power requirements and improves energy efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor is stopped under no load to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but heat in electric motor is not dissipated and probability of coil burnout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics by enabling the compressor to operate in a reduced pressure mode rather than stopping completely. The intake valve is controlled to allow minimal air intake during no-load operation, keeping the electric motor running at low power consumption. This dynamic operational adjustment allows continuous heat dissipation while minimizing energy usage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by keeping the electric motor running continuously even during no-load periods, albeit at reduced power consumption. This continuous operation maintains heat dissipation function, preventing coil burnout, while the reduced pressure operation minimizes energy consumption. The useful action of heat dissipation continues without interruption
3Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor is automatically started and stopped during capacity control operation, then power during no-load operation is reduced, but capacity of air reservoir must be increased to cope with abrupt load variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a continuous operation mode with variable air intake rather than discrete start-stop cycles. The intake valve dynamically adjusts air intake amount based on load conditions, allowing the compressor to operate continuously at optimized power levels. This eliminates the need for large air reservoir capacity to handle load variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of the electric motor and compression function, ensuring continuous air supply to the air reservoir. This continuous useful action prevents abrupt load variations and eliminates the need for oversized air reservoir capacity, while still achieving reduced power consumption during no-load periods through controlled air intake
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 approach ensures compressor and electric motor reliability while reducing surplus power consumption and enhancing energy efficiency during no-load operation without stopping the electric motor.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling channel for circulating cooling liquid and so configured that the liquid is circulated in the compressor body by a pressure difference
Implementation Method 2
an intake valve for adjusting the air intake of the compressor body and is so configured that reduced pressure operation is performed at two levels of a value equal to or higher than a minimum circulation oil supply pressure and a low value during no-load operation by varying an amount of air taken in through the intake valve
Data Source
AI summary
Typical liquid-cooled compressors use the effective means of reducing no-load power by repeatedly starting and stopping an electric motor according to the amount of required air, but sufficient consideration has not been given to the fact that frequent starting and stopping of large-output electric motors leads to a decline in motor reliability. In order to solve this problem, a liquid-cooled compressor for circulating a liquid inside a compressor body using a pressure difference, and equipped with a cooling channel for circulating said liquid for cooling, configured so as to have an intake valve for adjusting the air intake of the compressor body, to change the amount of air taken in through the intake valve, and as a result, to perform a low-pressure operation during no-load operation at two levels of reduced operating pressure consisting of a value no less than a minimum circulation oil supply pressure and a low value. As a result, possible to provide a compressor which balances ensuring the reliability of the compressor and the electric motor during no-load operation of a large-output electric motor, and improving energy efficiency during no-load operation by reducing surplus power.