Multi-stage compressor and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems with limited space, such as vehicle air conditioning systems, are not suitable for multi-stage compression due to the bulky configuration of existing multi-stage systems, which limits their application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage compressor design that incorporates functions of first and second compressors within a compact space, utilizing a compression module with pistons, a separation plate, and a partition wall to manage refrigerant compression and discharge, along with a control unit to adjust the number of cylinders based on pressure ratios, reducing the number of parts and simplifying wiring and piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional multi-stage compression system is used, then the circulation rate of refrigerant and compressor volumetric efficiency are improved, but the device volume and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a first compressor and a second compressor into a single integrated multi-stage compressor unit. The compression module includes pistons that perform both first-stage compression (compressing refrigerant from low to medium pressure) and second-stage compression (compressing refrigerant from medium to high pressure) within the same device, thereby achieving multi-stage compression functionality while reducing overall device volume and eliminating the need for separate compressor units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the partition wall divides the compression module into multiple spaces (first compression space, second compression space, discharge space) that are arranged concentrically or in nested configurations. The pistons operate within these nested spaces, with the second compression space positioned within or adjacent to the first compression space, allowing efficient use of internal volume and reducing the overall external dimensions of the compressor
2Productivity
If a conventional multi-stage compression system is used, then the compressor volumetric efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and wiring piping complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple compressor functions into a single compression module with a unified piston mechanism. The control unit integrates the control logic for both compression stages, and the power source directly drives the pistons to perform both first-stage and second-stage compression without requiring separate control systems or additional wiring for multiple compressor units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high volumetric efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The compression module is designed as a multi-functional unit where the same pistons perform multiple functions: they compress refrigerant in the first stage, then compress the same refrigerant in the second stage, and discharge it at high pressure. The partition wall and separation plate create multiple functional spaces within a single module, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Temperature
If a conventional multi-stage compression system is used, then the discharge temperature is reduced, but the number of parts and piping complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple compressors into a single integrated unit with a unified piston mechanism. The compression module includes pistons that perform both first-stage compression (compressing refrigerant from low to medium pressure) and second-stage compression (compressing refrigerant from medium to high pressure) within the same device, thereby achieving multi-stage compression functionality while reducing overall device volume and eliminating the need for separate compressor units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the partition wall divides the compression module into multiple spaces (first compression space, second compression space, discharge space) that are arranged concentrically or in nested configurations. The pistons operate within these nested spaces, with the second compression space positioned within or adjacent to the first compression space, allowing efficient use of internal volume and reducing the overall external dimensions of the compressor
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 reduces the volume and complexity of the multi-stage compressor, lowering costs and enhancing efficiency by optimizing the number of parts and adjusting compression based on pressure ratios, making it suitable for limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a compression module configured to compress a refrigerant therein through reciprocation of a plurality of pistons provided in a front housing
Implementation Method 2
a separation plate located between the front housing and the rear housing to separate the internal space between the front housing and the rear housing into a front space and a rear space
Implementation Method 3
a partition wall coupled to the rear housing to partition the rear space into an injection space before a refrigerant injected thereinto is primarily compressed, a primary discharge space from which the refrigerant is discharged in a primary compressed state, and a secondary discharge space from which the primary compressed refrigerant is discharged in a secondary compressed state
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage compressor includes a compression module configured to compress a refrigerant therein through reciprocation of a plurality of pistons provided in a front housing, a rear housing coupled to the front housing to define an internal space between the front housing and the rear housing; a separation plate located between the front housing and the rear housing to separate the internal space between the front housing and the rear housing into a front space and a rear space; and a partition wall coupled to the rear housing to partition the rear space into an injection space before a refrigerant injected thereinto is primarily compressed, a primary discharge space from which the refrigerant is discharged in a primary compressed state by some of the pistons, and a secondary discharge space from which the primary compressed refrigerant is discharged.