Rotary Vane Engine with Movable Rotor for Variable Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary vane engine systems face challenges in optimizing performance as operating conditions vary, with limitations in achieving maximum thermal efficiency and varying expansion and compression ratios, leading to suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotor that can move perpendicular to its axis of rotation, allowing for variable expansion and compression ratios through the use of a housing and rotor with sliding vanes, enabling optimization of performance across different operating conditions by varying the volume of chambers and using hydraulic actuators, pneumatic cylinders, or other mechanisms to adjust the rotor's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotor is fixed in position, then the engine structure is simple, but the expansion and compression ratios cannot be optimized for varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is made movable perpendicular to its axis of rotation through hydraulic actuators or pneumatic cylinders, allowing the expansion and compression ratios to be dynamically adjusted according to operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the engine to optimize performance across varying loads and speeds while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the rotor position is adjusted to vary chamber volumes, then expansion and compression ratios can be optimized, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic actuators or pneumatic cylinders are employed to move the rotor perpendicular to its axis, adjusting the chamber volumes and thus the expansion/compression ratios. This approach provides precise control over the mechanical parameters with relatively simple actuator mechanisms, enabling optimization of thermal efficiency and torque output without excessive mechanical complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate compression and expansion devices are used, then different compression and expansion ratios can be achieved, but the system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines compression and expansion processes within a single rotary vane engine structure, using a unified mechanism that performs both functions. The rotor with movable vanes creates variable-volume chambers that can simultaneously handle compression and expansion, eliminating the need for separate mechanical devices while still enabling different compression and expansion ratios through the movable rotor mechanism.
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 approach allows for optimized performance and efficiency by adjusting expansion ratios, maximizing torque output, fuel efficiency, and controlling the flow-rate of pressurized air, thereby enhancing the engine's operational characteristics across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of chambers for expanding a pressurized gas to impart rotation to the rotor
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic actuator coupled to the rotor for moving the rotor in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments of rotary vane engines (26, 300, 320) include rotors (44) that rotate about an axis of rotation (T). The rotors can be moved in directions substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (T) to vary expansion and/or compression ratios of the rotary vane engines (26, 300, 320). The ability to vary the expansion and/or compression ratios can facilitate optimization of the performance of the rotary vane engines (26, 300, 320) as operating conditions vary.