Rotary Compressor Scavenge Limiter With Intermittent Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid compressors experience significant scavenge loss, particularly in small and variable speed systems, resulting in substantial loss of compressed working fluid due to the recirculation of lubricant and working fluid back into the compressor airend.
Innovation Solution
A scavenge loss limiter is integrated into the compressor system, featuring a scavenge orifice and passage that intermittently opens and closes to control the recirculation of scavenge flow, directing it through a scavenge groove to lubricate bearings and then back into the rotor cavity, minimizing fluid loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scavenge flow is recirculated continuously to lubricate mechanical components, then lubrication is maintained, but compressed working fluid is lost through continuous recirculation
Solution Approach 1:
The scavenge orifice is configured to be intermittently opened and closed by the rotational movement of the rotor, allowing scavenge flow to pass through only during specific portions of the rotation cycle. This periodic opening/closing action enables lubrication to occur at controlled intervals while preventing continuous recirculation of compressed working fluid, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining lubrication and minimizing fluid loss
2Temperature
If scavenge flow is recirculated to cool and lubricate components, then component temperature is controlled, but system efficiency decreases due to fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The intermittent opening and closing of the scavenge orifice during rotor rotation provides periodic cooling and lubrication to mechanical components. This periodic action maintains adequate temperature control while significantly reducing the overall recirculation of compressed working fluid, thereby improving system efficiency and productivity
3Quantity of substance
If scavenge orifice is positioned to allow free recirculation, then lubrication flow is sufficient, but scavenge loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scavenge orifice geometry and positioning are designed to be intermittently blocked by rotor movement, creating periodic flow restriction. This ensures adequate lubrication flow quantity is delivered to components during open periods while minimizing overall scavenge loss through the periodic closure that prevents continuous recirculation
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 scavenge loss limiter effectively reduces the recirculation of compressed working fluid, enhancing the efficiency of the compressor system by maintaining a controlled scavenge flow and optimizing lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
the first rotor rotates intermittently opening and closing the scavenge orifice
Implementation Method 2
compressor systems may inject a lubricant (e.g., oil, etc.) into the compressor airend
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary compressor (100) is provided comprising a housing (102) having a first housing end (104), a second housing end (106), and a rotor cavity (116) defined between the first housing end and the second housing end. The housing (102) includes a first interior wall (118) proximate to the first housing end (104). A first rotor (110) is housed within the rotor cavity (116) and rotates about a first rotor axis (108X). The first rotor axis (108X) extends from the first housing end (104) to the second housing end (106). A scavenge loss limiter (120) is disposed within the first interior wall (118), the scavenge loss limiter including a scavenge passage (122) and a scavenge orifice (124). The scavenge orifice (124) connects the scavenge passage (122) with the rotor cavity (116). The first rotor (110) rotates intermittently opening and closing the scavenge orifice (124), and the scavenge loss limiter (120) is configured to recirculate scavenge flow from an oil separator (200) into the rotor cavity (116) intermittently as the rotation of the first rotor opens the scavenge orifice.