Multistage compressor having interstage refrigerant path split between first portion flowing to end of shaft and second portion following around thrust bearing disc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor cycle compressors face challenges in cooling integrated components efficiently, leading to increased complexity and weight due to the use of multiple fluids for heat transfer in aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
A vapor cycle compressor design that integrates a high-speed, brushless permanent-magnet motor and controller with a refrigerant path system, utilizing a single-phase compression refrigerant, an inner rotor shaft refrigerant path, and a stator refrigerant path to efficiently cool components through a high-pressure, high-flow two-phase refrigerant circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple fluids are used for heat transfer in integrated components, then cooling efficiency is improved, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigerant paths (compression section path, inner rotor shaft path, and stator path) into a single integrated vapor cycle compressor system. Instead of using separate cooling circuits for different components, the invention merges them into one unified system that uses a single refrigerant fluid to cool the compression section, motor section, and controller simultaneously, thereby reducing system complexity and weight while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The single refrigerant fluid in the vapor cycle compressor serves multiple functions: it cools the compression section during compression, cools the inner rotor shaft and bearings, and cools the stator windings. This multi-functional use of one refrigerant system eliminates the need for separate cooling circuits for each component, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and system complexity.
2Temperature
If multiple fluids are used for heat transfer in integrated components, then cooling efficiency is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cooling functions into a single refrigerant circulation system. By combining the compression section cooling, inner rotor shaft cooling, and stator cooling into one integrated vapor cycle system, the invention eliminates redundant fluids and infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining effective cooling of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single refrigerant fluid performs multiple cooling tasks throughout the compressor system. It absorbs heat from the compression section, cools the rotating inner rotor shaft and its bearings, and cools the stationary stator windings. This universal cooling approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate cooling systems, significantly reducing system weight.
3Loss of energy
If independent fluid circuits are used for heat transfer, then heat dissipation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges independent fluid circuits into a single vapor cycle refrigerant system. The refrigerant flows through integrated paths that cool the compression section, motor section, and controller simultaneously. This unified approach maintains effective heat dissipation from all heat-generating components while eliminating the complexity of multiple separate fluid circuits and their associated infrastructure.
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 design simplifies the cooling process, reduces weight, and enhances cooling efficiency by circulating refrigerant vapor through the motor cavity and returning it to the compressor inlet, effectively managing heat without the need for multiple fluids, thus addressing the complexity and weight concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant path in the motor section and in the compression section; wherein the refrigerant path includes: a compression refrigerant path for a single phase compression refrigerant in the compression section
Implementation Method 2
a stator refrigerant path for a two phase stator refrigerant in the motor section
Implementation Method 3
an inner rotor shaft refrigerant path for a single phase refrigerant extending through the compressor section and into the motor section
Implementation Method 4
an inner rotor shaft refrigerant path for a single phase refrigerant extending through the compressor section and into the motor section
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor cycle compressor includes a motor section and a compression section operatively engaged with the motor section. A refrigerant path is in the motor section and in the compression section. The refrigerant path includes: a compression refrigerant path, for a single phase compression refrigerant, in the compression section; an inner rotor shaft refrigerant path, for a single phase inner rotor shaft refrigerant, in the compression section and in the motor section; and a stator refrigerant path, for a two phase stator refrigerant, in the motor section.