Scroll Compressor Axial Biasing Chamber Pressure Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in climate-control systems face inefficiencies in capacity modulation, leading to suboptimal performance and increased wear due to uneven pressure distribution between scrolls, which affects operational efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The compressor incorporates a capacity modulation assembly with a first and second scroll, axial biasing chamber, and valves that allow for fluid communication between intermediate-pressure compression pockets and the axial biasing chamber, enabling switching between full-capacity and reduced-capacity modes by controlling the pressure differential, thereby optimizing scroll alignment and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If capacity modulation is implemented in existing compressors, then operational efficiency is improved, but uneven pressure distribution between scrolls increases causing increased wear and suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
An axial biasing chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the compression chambers and the discharge end plate. This chamber receives working fluid from intermediate-pressure compression pockets through selective ports and applies axial biasing force to the discharge end plate, thereby evenly distributing pressure between the first and second scrolls during capacity modulation. This mediator component resolves the pressure distribution imbalance that previously caused increased wear and suboptimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter in the axial biasing chamber by selectively communicating with different intermediate-pressure compression pockets (first, second, or third pockets at different radial positions) through movable ports. By adjusting which compression pocket communicates with the biasing chamber, the system modifies the pressure applied to the discharge end plate, thereby optimizing scroll alignment and reducing friction under varying operating conditions including capacity modulation.
2Ease of operation
If working fluid pressure is increased in the axial biasing chamber, then scroll alignment is optimized reducing friction, but excessive pressure may cause increased stress on components
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure in the axial biasing chamber by selectively communicating with different intermediate-pressure compression pockets based on operating conditions. The movable ports can switch between connecting to the first, second, or third compression pockets at different radial positions, thereby dynamically optimizing scroll alignment while preventing excessive pressure buildup. This dynamic adaptation ensures friction reduction without imposing excessive stress on components.
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 enhances operational efficiency, minimizes wear, and improves power consumption by ensuring appropriate pressure distribution across the scrolls, leading to better performance and reliability in both full-capacity and reduced-capacity modes.
Implementation Method 1
Working fluid disposed within the axial biasing chamber axially biases the second scroll toward the first scroll
Implementation Method 2
The first and second spiral wraps mesh with each other and form a plurality of compression pockets therebetween. The compression pockets include a suction-pressure compression pocket, a discharge-pressure compression pocket at a higher pressure than the suction-pressure pocket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A compressor may include first and second scrolls, and an axial biasing chamber. Spiral wraps of the scrolls mesh with each other and form compression pockets including a suction-pressure compression pocket, a discharge-pressure compression pocket, and intermediate-pressure compression pockets. The axial biasing chamber may be disposed axially between the second end plate and a component. Working fluid disposed within the axial biasing chamber may axially bias the second scroll toward the first scroll. The second end plate includes outer and inner ports. The outer port is disposed radially outward relative to the inner port. The outer port may be open to a first one of the intermediate-pressure compression pockets and in selective fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber. The inner port may be open to a second one of the intermediate-pressure compression pockets and in selective fluid communication with the axial biasing chamber.