Axially Nested Centrifugal Compressor Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressor systems with multiple centrifugal compressors coupled in series require increased space, weight, and production costs, and are more complex due to the need for separate compressor wheels and housing configurations, which complicates packaging and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A nested compressor architecture where one compressor wheel is positioned radially within and longitudinally aligned with another, allowing fluidic connection and operation in series, reducing space and weight requirements while simplifying the housing and manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple centrifugal compressors are coupled in series, then the refrigerant compression performance is improved, but the space requirements, weight, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning one compressor wheel radially within another compressor wheel, with both wheels sharing a common longitudinal axis. The first compressor wheel is nested inside the second compressor wheel, allowing both compression stages to occupy the same radial space. This nested configuration enables series compression of refrigerant while significantly reducing the overall system footprint, weight, and packaging requirements compared to conventional separate compressor arrangements
2Productivity
If multiple centrifugal compressors are coupled in series, then the refrigerant compression performance is improved, but the space requirements, weight, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning one compressor wheel radially within another compressor wheel, with both wheels sharing a common longitudinal axis. The first compressor wheel is nested inside the second compressor wheel, allowing both compression stages to occupy the same radial space. This nested configuration enables series compression of refrigerant while significantly reducing the overall system footprint, weight, and packaging requirements compared to conventional separate compressor arrangements
3Productivity
If multiple centrifugal compressors are coupled in series, then the refrigerant compression performance is improved, but the weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning one compressor wheel radially within another compressor wheel, with both wheels sharing a common longitudinal axis. The first compressor wheel is nested inside the second compressor wheel, allowing both compression stages to occupy the same radial space. This nested configuration enables series compression of refrigerant while significantly reducing the overall system footprint, weight, and packaging requirements compared to conventional separate compressor arrangements
4Productivity
If multiple centrifugal compressors are coupled in series, then the refrigerant compression performance is improved, but the packaging requirements and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning one compressor wheel radially within another compressor wheel, with both wheels sharing a common longitudinal axis. The first compressor wheel is nested inside the second compressor wheel, allowing both compression stages to occupy the same radial space. This nested configuration enables series compression of refrigerant while significantly reducing the overall system footprint, weight, and packaging requirements compared to conventional separate compressor arrangements
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 reduces the length, volume, and complexity of the compressor system, making it more efficient and cost-effective, suitable for installation in vehicles with limited space and simplifying transportation and delivery.
Implementation Method 1
one or more centrifugal compressors which compresses and condenses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
compresses and condenses the refrigerant from a relatively low-pressure vapor to a relatively high-pressure liquid
Implementation Method 3
which then expands and evaporates to remove heat from the fresh air stream
Implementation Method 4
expands and evaporates to remove heat from the fresh air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor comprising: a first compressor wheel comprising a first chamber configured to retain a medium, a first impeller disposed within the first chamber and configured to revolve around a longitudinal axis of the compressor, and a first diffuser coupled to the first chamber; and a second compressor wheel comprising a second chamber disposed radially outwards of the first chamber relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second chamber is configured to receive the outputted medium from the first chamber, a second impeller disposed within the second chamber and configured to revolve around the longitudinal axis of the compressor within the second chamber, and a second diffuser coupled to the second chamber, wherein each blade of the first impeller defines a fillet extending along an outer edge of the blade, and wherein a width of the fillet along a surface of the respective blade varies along the longitudinal axis.