Method for regulating the liquid injection of a compressor or expander device, a liquid-injected compressor or expander device, and a liquid-injected compressor or expander element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling liquid injection in compressor and expander devices are limited by the inability to independently control the temperature and mass flow of the liquid, leading to suboptimal sealing, lubrication, and efficiency, particularly affecting the lifespan of bearings due to inadequate temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two independent liquid supplies, one for the rotor chamber and one for the bearings, utilizing a modular channelling piece to control temperature and mass flow separately for each, ensuring optimal properties for each component and reducing the need for overdimensioned coolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single liquid supply is used for both rotor chamber cooling and bearing lubrication, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision and lubrication effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single liquid supply system into two separate independent liquid supplies: one for rotor chamber cooling and another for bearing lubrication. This segmentation allows each supply to be optimized independently for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and performance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different liquid properties (temperature, viscosity, flow rate) to different locations within the device. The cooling liquid for the rotor chamber has different characteristics than the lubrication liquid for the bearings, with each tailored to the specific requirements of its target component, thereby improving overall system reliability.
2Temperature
If the liquid temperature is controlled by a cooler, then the outlet temperature can be kept within limits, but the minimum attainable temperature is limited by the coolant temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls liquid injection parameters (temperature, mass flow, injection timing) to achieve desired cooling effects without being constrained by coolant temperature limitations. By adjusting injection parameters, the system can achieve effective cooling across a broader temperature range than traditional cooler-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic liquid injection into the rotor chamber, where liquid is injected in controlled pulses during specific phases of the compression cycle. This periodic action allows for effective temperature control while maintaining flexibility in the liquid temperature, as the cumulative cooling effect achieves the desired outlet temperature regardless of the liquid's initial temperature.
3Temperature
If more liquid is injected for cooling, then the temperature rise is reduced, but the lubrication quality and sealing effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid injection into two separate supplies: one dedicated to cooling the rotor chamber and another dedicated to lubricating the bearings. This allows the cooling supply to inject sufficient liquid for temperature control without compromising the lubrication supply, which maintains optimal liquid quantity and quality for bearing protection and sealing functions.
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 enhances the efficiency and operational performance of compressor and expander devices by allowing independent optimization of liquid properties, reducing hydrodynamic losses, and achieving a synergistic effect that improves efficiency beyond individual control improvements.
Implementation Method 1
liquid is injected into the rotor chamber of the compressor element... the temperature at the outlet of the compressor element for example can be kept within certain limits
Implementation Method 2
The injected liquid can also be used for the sealing and lubrication of the compressor element or expander element so that a good operation can be obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A Method for controlling the liquid injection of a compressor device or expander device. This compressor device includes at least one compressor element or expander element, whereby the element comprises a housing that comprises a rotor chamber in which at least one rotor is rotatably affixed by means of bearings, whereby liquid is injected into the element. The method comprises the step of providing two independent separated liquid supplies to the element, whereby one liquid supply is injected into the rotor chamber and the other liquid supply is injected at the location of the bearings. The separated liquid supplies are realised by means of a modular channelling piece of an injection module.