Packaged Compressor Noise Reduction via Inclined Heat Exchanger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packaged compressors face noise leakage issues due to fan placement and lack of space optimization, leading to inefficiencies in noise reduction and downsizing.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a fan cover to regulate noise conduction, an inclined air-cooled heat exchanger, and a sound insulating plate to prevent noise leakage, combined with sound-absorbing materials to attenuate noise energy, effectively reducing noise emission and downsizing the compressor's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the fan is installed at a position directly viewable from the exhaust port, then the structure is simple, but noise easily leaks outside the package

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidnoise leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust duct serves as an intermediary element positioned between the fan and the exhaust port. The duct is configured to block the direct line of sight from the exhaust port to the fan, thereby preventing noise from the fan from directly leaking outside while still allowing exhaust gases to pass through. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by adding a noise-blocking element without significantly complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the fan and heat exchanger are arranged without space optimization, then the arrangement is simple, but there is room for down-sizing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement simplicityVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is arranged in an inclined manner within the exhaust duct, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the duct space. This inclined arrangement allows the heat exchanger to be positioned between the fan and the exhaust port in a space-efficient configuration, enabling downsizing of the package while maintaining functional simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If the air-cooled heat exchanger is arranged vertically, then the airflow path is direct, but the flow passage area is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow efficiencyVSAvoidflow passage area
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is arranged in an inclined direction rather than purely vertically, utilizing the lateral dimension of the exhaust duct. This inclined arrangement reduces the projected flow passage area in the vertical direction while maintaining adequate airflow path length, thereby reducing the overall package size without significantly compromising airflow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration significantly reduces noise leakage from the packaged compressor while allowing for a more compact design by directing noise away from the exhaust port and optimizing airflow passage areas.

Implementation Method 1

a sound absorbing material is stuck to an inner surface of the exhaust duct on a downstream side of the air-cooled heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3399188B1Packaged compressor
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 KOBE STEEL LTD
  • EP3399188B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3399188B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3399188B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The packaged compressor 2 includes inside a package 6: a compressor main body 8 compressing air; a cooling fan 4; a fan cover 10 attached to the cooling fan 4 and opened to a suction side and to an upward direction being a delivery side of the cooling fan 4; an exhaust duct 12 provided above a delivery side opening 10a of the fan cover 10 and extending in a vertical direction; and an air-cooled heat exchanger 14 arranged to be inclined with respect to a vertical direction inside the exhaust duct 12 and configured to exchange heat between air compressed by the compressor main body 8 and air delivered by the cooling fan 4. Thus, the packaged compressor 2 can be reduced in noise and downsized.