Screw compressor, refrigeration system, and method for controlling refrigeration system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Screw compressors generate noise and vibration due to the intermittent discharge of compressed gas, which affects the performance and efficiency of refrigeration systems.

Innovation Solution

The screw compressor incorporates a silencing channel system with adjustable pistons and a slider mechanism, allowing for dynamic adjustment of silencing lengths to adapt to changing operating conditions, thereby reducing noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If silencing channels are added to reduce noise and vibration, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment pistons are nested within the silencing channels, with each piston fitting inside its corresponding channel. This nested arrangement allows the silencing channels to be integrated into the existing compressor structure rather than adding external components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining noise reduction functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The silencing channels serve multiple functions: they act as noise reduction passages and simultaneously house the adjustment pistons that dynamically modify their length. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving both noise reduction and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If fixed silencing channel lengths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The silencing channels are designed with movable adjustment pistons that can dynamically change the effective length of each channel based on operating conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different frequencies of exhaust pulsations without requiring a completely different structure, achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of silencing channel length to adapt to different operating conditions. By adjusting the position of pistons within the channels, the effective length varies to match different wavelengths of exhaust pulsations, providing adaptability without complex reconfiguration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple silencing channels with different lengths are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of frequency rangesVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple silencing channels with different lengths are merged into a single integrated structure on the discharge cavity wall. The adjustment pistons are combined with the channel walls to form unified components, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining the capability to handle multiple frequency ranges through differential piston positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively reduces noise and vibration in screw compressors by dynamically adjusting the silencing channel lengths to match the peak energy wavelengths of exhaust pulsations, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of refrigeration systems.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one silencing channel is in fluid communication with the discharge cavity... effectively reduces noise and vibration in screw compressors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

The at least one adjustment piston can be inserted into the at least one hole and can move therein... A position of the at least one adjustment piston in the at least one hole determines a silencing length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS12297835B2Screw compressor, refrigeration system, and method for controlling refrigeration system

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 JOHNSON CONTROLS TYCO IP HLDG LLP

AI summary

Disclosed is a screw compressor (100), comprising a screw compressor housing (101), a discharge cavity (113), at least one silencing channel, and at least one adjustment piston, wherein the discharge cavity (113) is defined by at least one part of the screw compressor housing (101); the at least one part of the screw compressor housing (101) defining the discharge cavity (113) forms a wall of the discharge cavity (113); at least one hole is provided in the wall of the discharge cavity (113); the at least one adjustment piston can be inserted into the at least one hole and move therein; the at least one silencing channel is formed by the at least one hole and the at least one adjustment piston, and the at least one silencing channel is in fluid communication with the discharge cavity (113); and the position of the at least one adjustment piston in the at least one hole determines the silencing length of the at least one silencing channel.