Non-Circular Fluid Connection for Compact Coaxial Flow Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional volute diffusers are inefficient in converting kinetic energy to pressure and require larger spacing due to their asymmetry, incompatible with toroidal impellers, and lack separate connections for coaxial inlet and outlet ports, making them unsuitable for hydromotive machines with toroidal impellers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection design with non-circular cross-section ducts and fairings, allowing for separate coaxial inlet and outlet ports with opposite flow directions, reducing turbulent flow and enabling compact, laminar flow assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional volute diffusers are used with toroidal impellers, then the machine can be assembled, but the kinetic energy conversion efficiency is reduced and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a diffuser with a non-circular cross-section that is specifically tailored to match the toroidal impeller geometry. The diffuser cross-section varies along its length, being wider at the inlet to accommodate the impeller discharge and tapering toward the outlet, which optimizes the conversion of kinetic energy to pressure while maintaining a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser is designed with locally optimized properties where the cross-sectional area varies continuously along the flow direction. The walls are shaped to provide appropriate expansion angles in different regions, with steeper angles near the inlet for rapid pressure recovery and gentler angles near the outlet to minimize flow separation, thereby maximizing energy conversion efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If conventional volute diffusers are used, then the machine can operate, but the spacing between adjacent machines must be significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is nested within the toroidal impeller housing, with the diffuser inlet positioned at the impeller discharge and the diffuser outlet aligned with the machine outlet. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for external volute casings and reduces the overall machine footprint, allowing adjacent machines to be placed closer together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the conventional two-dimensional volute geometry to a three-dimensional diffuser design that utilizes the axial dimension more effectively. The diffuser extends axially along the flow direction with a compact radial profile, optimizing space utilization in all three dimensions and reducing the machine's external dimensions.
3Loss of energy
If axial diffusers are used to improve efficiency, then kinetic energy conversion is enhanced, but the flow exiting the diffuser surrounds the incoming flow preventing separate connections
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into distinct inlet and outlet sections with separate connection flanges positioned at different locations. The inlet connection is positioned to receive flow from the toroidal impeller, while the outlet connection is positioned to discharge flow in the opposite direction, allowing for separate, non-interfering connections to inlet and outlet piping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser is designed to reverse the flow direction by approximately 180 degrees, so that the outlet flow exits in the opposite direction to the inlet flow. This inversion allows the inlet and outlet connections to be positioned on opposite sides of the machine, eliminating the flow surrounding issue and enabling simple, separate connections.
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 enhances efficiency by minimizing hydraulic losses and allows for compact, coplanar assemblies, reducing the need for excessive spacing and enabling precise pressure control in hydromotive machines.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid connection design with non-circular cross-section ducts and fairings, allowing for separate coaxial inlet and outlet ports with opposite flow directions, reducing turbulent flow and enabling compact, laminar flow assemblies.
Implementation Method 2
A fluid connection design with non-circular cross-section ducts and fairings, allowing for separate coaxial inlet and outlet ports with opposite flow directions, reducing turbulent flow and enabling compact, laminar flow assemblies.
Implementation Method 3
The design enhances efficiency by minimizing hydraulic losses and allows for compact, coplanar assemblies, reducing the need for excessive spacing and enabling precise pressure control in hydromotive machines.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection for a hydromotive machine or fluid-control valve having a first duct and a second duct. The first duct includes a mid-portion between a first end of the first duct and a second end of the first duct that has a non-circular cross-section. A second end of the first duct is wholly within the second end of the second duct. A first end of the second duct is wholly outside of the first duct.