Reciprocating compressor for a cooling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors used in cooling devices with economizer or secondary branches face challenges in maintaining performance while minimizing compressor displacement and avoiding complex synchronization systems, often resulting in reduced work capacity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of slit-shaped inlet ports, with the main dimension transverse to the cylinder axis, allows for efficient coolant flow from economizer branches without significantly affecting compressor displacement, accompanied by non-return valves to prevent backflow during compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circular inlet port is used on the compressor cylinder for economizer branch flow, then the intermediate pressure coolant can enter the compressor, but the compressor displacement is significantly reduced and work capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometry of the inlet port from a circular cross-section to a slit-shaped opening with the main dimension transverse to the cylinder axis. This dimensional reorientation allows the port to accommodate economizer branch flow while minimizing the axial length occupied, thereby preserving compressor displacement and work capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit-shaped inlet port is positioned specifically at the bottom dead center location on the cylinder, creating a localized flow entry point optimized for economizer branch conditions. This local optimization allows intermediate pressure coolant to enter efficiently without affecting the overall compressor performance.
2Reliability
If a cam and follower synchronization mechanism is used to control the inlet port valve, then the economizer branch flow can be synchronized with piston pressure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston itself serves as the valve control mechanism. During the inlet stroke, the piston uncovers the slit-shaped inlet port, allowing economizer branch flow to enter. During the compression stroke, the piston automatically covers the port. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external cam and follower synchronization systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston performs multiple functions: it compresses the refrigerant, controls the inlet port opening and closing, and regulates the timing of economizer branch flow injection. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device by eliminating dedicated synchronization components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inlet port is positioned to allow economizer flow entry, then intermediate pressure coolant can be injected, but compressor displacement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the inlet port from a circular shape to a slit shape with the main dimension transverse to the cylinder axis, the port accommodates economizer branch flow while occupying minimal axial space, thereby preserving compressor displacement volume.
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 enables a significant coolant flow rate during the piston stroke without excessive loss of compressor displacement or work capacity, making it suitable for use in cooling devices with economizer branches while maintaining simplicity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
non-return valves to prevent backflow during compression
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Reciprocating compressor (100) for a cooling device (200) provided with a closed circuit (C) having a main branch (M), in which a first flow rate (X) of circulating coolant enters in said compressor, and at least one first economizer branch, or secondary branch (E), in which a second flow rate (XI) of coolant circulates under a pressure different from the pressure of said first flow rate (X) of coolant, said compressor being provided with at least one cylinder (110) and at least one piston (111) reciprocatingly moving in said at least one cylinder, between a top dead centre (S) and a bottom dead centre (I), and comprising at least one suction duct for the entrance of said first flow rate of coolant, and at least one port (107) obtained in the wall of said cylinder for the entrance of said second flow rate of coolant, in such a way that said piston exposes at least in part said at least one first inlet port (107), at least during its inlet stroke, and covers said at least one port at least during its compression stroke, characterized in that said at least one first inlet port (107) has a slit shape with the main dimension substantially transverse to the axis (A) of said cylinder.