Mixed-Flow and Radial-Flow Two-Stage Compressor for Reduced Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal compressors used in refrigeration systems with low-pressure refrigerants have a large footprint, exceeding available space constraints due to their design, necessitating a compressor with a reduced size suitable for these applications.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a mixed-flow first stage and radial-flow second stage, with a motor positioned between the stages, utilizing a mixed-flow impeller with vanes extending from a conical hub and a radial-flow impeller, and including a diffuser section and volute to manage fluid flow efficiently, reducing overall diameter by up to 40% and length by over 10%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional centrifugal compressor design is used, then high flow rates are achieved, but the overall diameter becomes large exceeding available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional radial-flow configuration to a mixed-flow configuration in the first compression stage, where fluid exits at an angle between 0-45 degrees relative to the impeller rotation plane. This dimensional change in flow direction enables more efficient use of space, achieving the required flow rates with a reduced compressor diameter by up to 40% compared to conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor is divided into two distinct compression stages: a first stage with mixed-flow configuration for initial compression and flow redirection, and a second stage with radial-flow configuration for final compression. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high flow rates through the mixed-flow stage while maintaining compact size through the efficient radial-flow second stage.
2Area of stationary object
If the compressor diameter is reduced to fit space constraints, then footprint is reduced, but pressure ratio performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is segmented into two stages, with the first mixed-flow stage achieving partial compression and flow redirection, followed by a second radial-flow stage completing the compression to achieve the required pressure ratio. This segmentation allows the compact design to maintain high pressure ratio performance by distributing the compression work across two optimized stages rather than requiring a single large-stage compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed-flow configuration changes the flow dimension from purely radial to a combination of axial and radial components, enabling more efficient energy transfer and compression within a smaller diameter. This dimensional change in fluid flow allows the reduced-diameter compressor to achieve the same pressure ratio as larger conventional designs.
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
The design achieves a substantial size reduction while maintaining high pressure ratio performance, making it suitable for applications with space restrictions and improving compressor performance compared to conventional centrifugal compressors.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the impeller increases a pressure and/or velocity of a fluid or gas moving across the impeller
Implementation Method 2
the second compression component is a second impeller rotatable about a second axis
Implementation Method 3
comprising a diffuser section arranged within the housing, the diffuser section being positioned radially downstream from an outlet of the second compression component
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a housing, a first compression stage defined within the housing, a second compression stage defined within the housing, and a motor disposed between the first compression stage and the second compression stage relative to a flow of fluid through the compressor. The first compression component of the first compression stage has a mixed-flow configuration and the second compression component of the second compression stage has a radial-flow configuration.