Multi-Row Impeller Compressor Layout for Lower Windage Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors and pumps face inefficiencies due to windage losses and decreased power availability, particularly in the interface between rotational and static parts, limiting their ability to effectively increase fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A modular compressor or pump design featuring a central shaft with multiple rows of impellers and diffusers, along with magnetic interaction and adjustable speed, which allows for flexible adaptation to process modifications and improved operating conditions by optimizing the ratio of active to passive components, reducing windage losses, and enhancing power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional compressor or pump design is used, then fluid pressure can be increased, but windage losses increase and power availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple independent rows of impellers (n={2,3,4...}) arranged at the outer perimeter, each row capable of independent optimization. This segmentation allows reduction of windage losses in each segment while maintaining overall power output, directly addressing the contradiction between energy loss and power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-row impeller configuration in the radial dimension, with impellers arranged circumferentially around the rotor. This dimensional change from single-row to multi-row configuration increases power density and reduces windage losses by optimizing fluid flow paths across multiple radial stages
2Power
If more impeller rows are added to increase power, then power density increases, but axial length increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing power by extending axial length with sequential impeller stages, the patent arranges multiple impeller rows circumferentially around the rotor in the radial dimension. This allows n rows of impellers to process fluid simultaneously, achieving high power density without proportional increase in axial length
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple impeller rows are nested circumferentially around the rotor, with each row processing fluid in parallel. The diffusers are similarly arranged in m=n-1 rows between the impeller rows, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes power density within limited axial space
3Productivity
If modular design with multiple impeller rows is used, then efficiency and power per volume increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular rotor design with n rows of impellers and m=n-1 rows of diffusers creates a universal configuration that can be adapted to different power and flow requirements by simply changing the number of rows. This multi-functional design achieves high power per volume while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes where n (number of impeller rows) and m (number of diffuser rows) can be adjusted to optimize performance for different applications. By varying these parameters, the system achieves different power densities and efficiency levels without fundamentally changing the modular architecture, balancing productivity gains with complexity management
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 modular design increases efficiency and power per volume, reduces the number of bearings and electrical penetrations, and allows for quick adjustments in operating conditions, achieving higher power without substantial axial length increase, thus addressing windage losses and power density issues.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet can be arranged on the rotor in close proximity with the central shaft with magnetic interaction with the motor windings defining a gap dl between the permanent magnet and the motor windings
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor or pump stage is provided. The compressor or pump stage at least comprising a central shaft (8) and one rotor (3), where the axis of rotation of the rotor (3) is the central shaft (8) and where the rotor comprises a number, n, of rows of impellers (5) arranged at an outer perimeter of the rotor with an axial distance between neighbouring rows of impellers (5), where n={2, 3, 4 . . . }.