Screw Compressor Vi Adjustment Using a Movable Discharge Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current screw compressors lack the ability to adjust volume ratio dynamically in response to changing operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies such as overcompression, increased power consumption, and noise, as they are typically designed to run at maximum compression to avoid damage from overcompression.
Innovation Solution
A screw compressor with a variable volume ratio mechanism, where the discharge port volume is adjusted by a movable plug, allowing the volume ratio to be changed based on ambient temperature and seasonal variations, ensuring optimal efficiency without requiring extensive disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-volume ratio compressor is designed to run at maximum compression, then the compressor avoids damage from overcompression, but the compressor operates in undercompression modes leading to efficiency losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the discharge port volume adjustable through a movable plug that can be positioned at different locations along the discharge port. This allows the volume ratio to be dynamically changed based on operating conditions, enabling the compressor to operate at maximum efficiency while avoiding overcompression damage through proper positioning of the plug.
2Reliability
If a fixed-volume ratio compressor is designed for maximum compression, then the compressor is protected from overcompression damage, but power consumption and noise increase due to undercompression modes
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plug mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the discharge port volume to match operating conditions, enabling the compressor to operate at optimal compression levels rather than running in undercompression modes, thereby reducing power consumption and noise while maintaining protection from overcompression.
3Reliability
If a fixed-volume ratio compressor is designed for maximum compression, then the compressor avoids overcompression damage, but the initial cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cost-effective variable volume ratio solution using a simple movable plug mechanism that can be adjusted manually or automatically. This approach allows the compressor to operate efficiently across different conditions without requiring a completely different compressor design, thereby reducing both initial investment and operational costs while maintaining safety.
4Device complexity
If the discharge port volume is fixed, then the compressor structure is simple, but the volume ratio cannot be adjusted to match changing operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable plug within the discharge port that can be positioned at different locations to adjust the effective discharge port volume. This simple dynamic element provides volume ratio adaptability to match changing operating conditions without significantly complicating the overall compressor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volume ratio parameter by adjusting the position of the movable plug along the discharge port. This allows the compressor to adapt to different operating conditions by modifying the discharge port volume, thereby improving versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 enables the compressor to operate at maximum efficiency by adjusting the volume ratio according to climate and seasonal changes, minimizing undercompression and maintaining efficiency with minimal disassembly, thus reducing energy consumption and noise.
Implementation Method 1
Volume ratio (Vi,) is the ratio of the volume of a groove at the start of compression to the discharge volume when the discharge port begins to open. Hence, the volume ratio is determined by the size and shape of the discharge port
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant is compressed between the rotors in the interlobe region as the rotors rotate with respect to one another, compressing the refrigerant gas and raising its pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A variable capacity screw compressor for use in a refrigeration system is provided. Compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor is expelled into a discharge port in fluid communication with the refrigeration circuit. The volume associated with the discharge port can be periodically varied, allowing the efficiency of the compressor to be varied periodically. The discharge port volume includes a penetration that houses a movable member or plug that permits the volume to be periodically varied. This movable member is accessible from the exterior of the compressor housing to adjust the position of the movable member within the discharge port volume. The movable member may be adjusted to a full open position in which the discharge port volume is maximized, to a full closed position in which the discharge port volume is minimized, and to any position between full open and full closed.