Oil distributing device and refrigeration system having the oil distributing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems with compressors connected in parallel face challenges in balancing oil levels due to operational frequency and differential pressure, leading to potential compressor failures from oil shortages or overflows, especially when a variable-speed compressor operates in conjunction with fixed-speed compressors.
Innovation Solution
An oil distributing device with a first joint assembly and multiple second joint assemblies, connected via pipes, ensures balanced oil distribution among compressors by isolating fluid passages and utilizing differential pressures to manage oil flow between compressors, including a variable-speed and fixed-speed compressor configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If compressors are connected in parallel with shared oil supply, then system complexity is reduced, but oil balance control deteriorates leading to compressor failures
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distributing device is segmented into multiple isolated passages (first passage, second passage, third passage) within the first joint assembly, each independently connected to different compressors. This segmentation allows independent oil flow control to each compressor, preventing oil balance issues while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first joint assembly acts as an intermediary device between the common oil supply and individual compressors. It receives oil from the oil supply port and distributes it through separate isolated passages to each compressor, mediating the oil distribution to ensure proper balance while simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-speed and fixed-speed compressors operate together, then system adaptability is improved, but oil balance control deteriorates due to operational frequency differences
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly divides oil distribution into separate isolated passages for different compressor types. The first passage connects to the variable-speed compressor while the second and third passages connect to fixed-speed compressors, allowing independent oil supply control that accounts for their different operational characteristics and frequency variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each passage within the joint assembly is designed with local quality considerations, providing dedicated oil supply paths tailored to specific compressor requirements. The isolated passages ensure that oil distribution characteristics can be optimized for each compressor type's specific operational needs.
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 solution effectively maintains a stable oil balance among compressors, preventing failures by ensuring no compressor operates with excessively low oil levels, even when operating frequencies vary, and is suitable for systems with multiple compressors.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing differential pressures to manage oil flow between compressors
Data Source
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AI summary
An oil distributing device and a refrigeration system having the oil distributing device are disclosed. The oil distributing device is connected among at least three compressors and is configured to distribute oil among the at least three compressors. The oil distributing device includes: a first joint assembly including a plurality of passages fluidly isolated from each other; a plurality of second joint assemblies; and a plurality of connecting pipes respectively connecting the plurality of second joint assemblies to the plurality of passages of the first joint assembly in one-to-one correspondence. For example, the oil distributing device and the refrigeration system according to the embodiments of the present invention can achieve a better oil balance control.