Screw Compressor Outlet Spool Control for Variable Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw compressors require custom design and machining for specific applications, leading to high costs and inefficient operation due to varying operating conditions, and they lack efficient energy management under diverse refrigerant conditions.
Innovation Solution
A screw compressor with an electronic control unit and adjustment spool, coupled with low-pressure and high-pressure sensors, automatically adjusts the outlet opening to optimize the intrinsic volumetric ratio and minimize energy consumption across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom design and machining are performed for specific applications, then the compressor operates efficiently for that specific application, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the outlet opening adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment spool can move the outlet opening to different positions, allowing the compressor to adapt to various operating conditions dynamically. This eliminates the need for custom machining for each application while maintaining optimal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the outlet opening position from fixed to variable. By allowing the outlet opening position to be adjusted, the compressor can optimize its performance for different operating conditions without requiring custom design and machining, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the outlet opening is fixed, then the compressor structure is simpler, but it cannot adapt to varying operating conditions and operates inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static outlet opening into a dynamic one by introducing an adjustment spool mechanism. This allows the outlet opening position to change based on operating conditions, providing adaptability while adding only minimal structural complexity compared to a completely fixed design.
3Ease of operation
If the compressor operates without adjusting to varying pressures, then the operation is simpler, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the operating conditions (pressures, temperature) and the control unit automatically adjusts the outlet opening position to optimize efficiency. This maintains operational simplicity for the user while significantly reducing energy consumption through automatic adaptation to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor performs self-adjustment through the control unit that automatically modifies the outlet opening position based on sensor feedback. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention while optimizing energy consumption, combining operational simplicity with energy efficiency.
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 compressor achieves efficient operation across a wide range of conditions by continuously adapting to input and output pressures, reducing energy consumption and maintaining optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid actuator has an active chamber that is supplied with oil from the sump to slide a plunger placed in the same active chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pair of compression rotors (15, 16) placed side by side, each having a helical relief configured to engage with the helical relief of the other compression rotor to define one or more compression chambers for the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A screw compressor includes: a containment body including: a suction chamber and a suction port for a fluid to be compressed; a delivery chamber and a discharge port for the compressed fluid; a containment seat for two helical compression rotors; two helical compression rotors; an electric motor to actuate the helical compression rotors; lubrication for the helical compression rotors; filtration of the compressed fluid; an inverter connected to the electric motor; an electronic control unit configured to control the inverter; a low-pressure sensor located at the suction port and connected to the electronic control unit; a high-pressure sensor located at the discharge port and connected to the electronic control unit; an adjustment spool configured for adjusting the width of an outlet opening from the compression rotor chamber; a fluid actuator to move the adjustment spool; a current meter that measures the electric current absorbed by the electric motor.