Refrigerant compressor including diffuser with quarter wave tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerant compressors in HVAC chillers generate noise due to pressure wave oscillations in the diffuser, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of quarter wave tubes in the diffuser to attenuate noise by configuring them as grooves in the diffuser walls, extending continuously about the compressor's rotational axis, and aligning them to attenuate specific frequencies based on the blade passing frequency and its harmonics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If quarter wave tubes are added to the diffuser to attenuate noise, then noise output is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quarter wave tubes are strategically positioned only in specific regions of the diffuser where noise attenuation is most needed, rather than uniformly throughout. The tubes are configured as grooves in the diffuser walls at locations where pressure wave oscillations are strongest, providing localized noise control while minimizing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The quarter wave tubes are designed with specific dimensional parameters (length, width, depth) that are optimized to attenuate particular noise frequencies generated by the impeller blades. By adjusting these parameters, the system targets specific harmful frequency ranges while maintaining diffuser functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple quarter wave tubes are added to attenuate different frequencies, then noise attenuation effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple quarter wave tubes designed to attenuate different frequencies are merged into a single integrated diffuser structure. The tubes are formed as grooves in the diffuser walls during the same manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of noise control features
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it performs the primary function of converting kinetic energy to pressure while also incorporating multiple quarter wave tubes that collectively attenuate a broad spectrum of noise frequencies. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified design rather than separate components
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 quarter wave tubes significantly reduce noise output by damping pressure waves, resulting in quieter operation of the refrigerant compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser including a quarter wave tube... the quarter wave tube is a first quarter wave tube configured to attenuate noise of a first frequency
Implementation Method 2
attenuate noise by configuring them as grooves in the diffuser walls... significantly reduce noise output by damping pressure waves
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a refrigerant compressor including a diffuser with one or more quarter wave tubes. The compressor is used in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) chiller system, for example.