Screw Compressor Element T-Shape Inlet Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Screw compressors face inefficiencies due to mixing losses caused by turbulence in the inlet opening, particularly at high rotor speeds, and existing solutions either compromise mechanical strength or are difficult to realize, such as the 'delta shape' which is rarely used due to its complexity and the need for large diameters.
Innovation Solution
A screw compressor design featuring an inlet opening with an axial section extending along the cylindrical walls and a transverse section that connects to the end face, forming a T-shape, which reduces mixing losses while maintaining mechanical strength and ease of construction, allowing optimal filling of spaces between helical rotors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large inlet opening is used to optimally fill the spaces between the lobes of the helical rotors, then the filling efficiency is improved, but the mechanical strength of the housing is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet opening is divided into two distinct sections: an axial section that extends in the axial direction and a transverse section that extends in the radial direction. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function - the axial section provides structural support while the transverse section optimizes gas flow into the rotor chambers, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining mechanical strength and achieving high filling efficiency.
2Productivity
If an axial inlet opening is used to supply gas to the rotor chambers, then the gas supply in the axial direction is improved, but the complexity and rotor shaft length are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet opening is segmented into axial and transverse sections, where the axial section provides the necessary gas supply path while the transverse section extends the opening to improve filling without requiring longer rotor shafts or additional complexity in the bearing and seal arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a radial inlet opening is used to supply gas to the rotor chambers, then the ease of realization and accessibility for maintenance are improved, but the filling efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both axial and radial inlet openings by combining an axial section (which provides good gas supply efficiency) with a transverse section (which provides radial accessibility and ease of realization). This hybrid configuration achieves optimal filling efficiency while maintaining the ease of manufacture and maintenance accessibility associated with radial openings.
4Strength
If the inlet opening is reduced in size to maintain mechanical strength, then the housing strength is preserved, but mixing losses increase due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented inlet opening design allows the axial section to maintain structural integrity and mechanical strength, while the transverse section is specifically optimized to guide gas flow and reduce turbulence. This segmentation enables the structure to remain strong while the flow path is designed to minimize mixing losses.
5Loss of energy
If partitions or ribs are added to guide gas flow and reduce mixing losses, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the flow resistance increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple partitions or ribs to guide flow, the invention uses a single segmented inlet opening configuration with axial and transverse sections. This segmentation inherently guides the gas flow along an optimized path without requiring additional flow-guiding elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and flow resistance while still minimizing mixing losses.
Data Source
AI summary
A screw compressor element with a housing and two screw rotors that are affixed in the housing in a double cylindrical chamber provided to this end, whereby the housing is provided with an inlet opening on the inlet side of the screw compressor element, whereby the inlet opening extends in the cylindrical walls of the double cylindrical chamber with at least a section that extends in an axial direction, and a transverse section connecting thereto in the form of a strip that extends from the axial section on the inlet side to a side of the section in a direction transverse to the axial direction.