Multi-stage compression and component removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas compression systems that do not remove condensable components at each stage of compression require significant power, volume, and mass, and are unreliable due to the high load and stress caused by condensed components within the compressor, especially in abnormal gravity environments like space.
Innovation Solution
The use of multistage compression combined with gravity-independent phase separators to remove condensable components, such as water, in between compression stages, reducing the load on later stages and allowing for isothermal compression, thus decreasing the total work required and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If condensable components are not removed at each compression stage, then the system structure is simpler, but power consumption and system size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is divided into multiple stages with intermediate component removal steps. Each stage compresses the gas stream and removes condensable components before the next stage begins, preventing accumulation and reducing the workload on subsequent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
Condensable components are removed in advance at each compression stage before the gas enters the next compression stage. This preliminary removal prevents the components from entering later stages, reducing the compression work required and avoiding the need for a single large-capacity compressor.
2Volume of stationary object
If condensable components are not removed at each compression stage, then the system is smaller and lighter, but reliability decreases due to high stress on mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple compression stages with intermediate separation units. This segmentation allows each stage to operate at lower pressure ratios and with reduced condensable component loads, decreasing mechanical stress and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensable components that would normally cause harm by increasing mechanical stress are converted into a benefit by removing them at each stage. The condensation process itself is used to separate and remove these components, transforming a potential problem into a solution that protects the mechanical parts.
3Use of energy by moving object
If condensable components are removed in multiple stages, then power consumption decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression and condensation functions are merged into an integrated multistage system where each stage combines compression with immediate condensation and removal of condensable components. This integration optimizes the overall process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transitions of condensable components from vapor to liquid form during compression. By controlling temperature and pressure at each stage, the condensable components naturally condense and can be easily separated, reducing the energy required for removal.
4Power
If condensable components are removed between compression stages, then the load on later stages is reduced, but the system requires more volume and mass
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system is segmented into multiple smaller stages rather than one large stage. Each stage handles a portion of the total compression task with intermediate removal of condensable components, allowing the use of smaller, lighter compressors that collectively achieve the same overall compression ratio.
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 reduces power consumption, system size, and mass, while enhancing reliability by removing condensable components in multiple stages, thereby decreasing the stress on mechanical parts and improving the efficiency of gas compression systems in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a phase separator configured to remove the condensed water from the gas stream
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to cool the gas stream and condense water from the gas stream
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A gas compression system includes a system inlet to receive a gas stream containing a first component and a second component, a vapor system outlet to discharge the gas stream, and a plurality of compression stages coupled in series between the system inlet and the vapor system outlet. Each of the plurality of compression stages includes a compressor, a condenser coupled to the compressor, and a gravity-independent phase separator coupled to the condenser. The compressor is configured to receive the gas stream from either the system inlet or another of the plurality of compression stages and compress the gas stream. The condenser is configured to condense the second component from the gas stream. The gravity-independent phase separator is configured to remove the second component from the gas stream and discharge the gas stream to either the system outlet or another of the plurality of compression stages.