Scroll Compressor Bypass Mechanism for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, the existing volume control mechanisms lead to unnecessary compression power loss due to premature compression of refrigerant, reducing efficiency, especially at low rotational speeds where the bypass valve's positioning causes excessive compression before intended compression starts.
Innovation Solution
A scroll compressor design featuring a bypass mechanism with a bypass port on the fixed scroll and a tooth-top groove on the revolving scroll, allowing communication between the compression and suction chambers only when necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary compression and maintaining efficiency across a wide operational range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bypass valve is positioned at the end of the opening before compression starts, then the communication between compression chambers and suction side is stopped, but unnecessary compression power is generated and loss due to excessive compression occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is formed in advance in the revolving lap to create a communication path between the bypass port and suction pressure space. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the bypass valve opens, refrigerant can immediately flow through the groove to the suction side, preventing excessive compression before the intended compression timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary passage that connects the bypass port to the suction pressure space. This intermediate structure allows refrigerant to bypass the compression chamber efficiently, preventing direct compression while maintaining proper communication paths when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotational speed is extremely reduced to extend volume control range, then compressor efficiency is improved, but refrigerant leakage increases and motor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical speed reduction with a mechanical bypass mechanism controlled by a bypass valve. Instead of reducing motor speed to control volume, the system maintains motor speed and mechanically bypasses excess refrigerant, avoiding the efficiency losses associated with low-speed operation while still achieving volume control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotational speed is extremely reduced, then volume control range is extended, but oil film at bearing is not retained and bearing elements directly contact shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical speed reduction with a bypass mechanism that operates at constant motor speed. This replacement eliminates the bearing oil film retention problem that occurs at extremely low speeds, as the motor maintains sufficient rotational speed to keep the oil film intact while volume control is achieved through refrigerant bypassing.
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor has: a revolving scroll; a fixed scroll; a compression chamber that is defined by the revolving scroll and the fixed scroll to compress a working fluid; a suction chamber that is defined by the revolving scroll and the fixed scroll to suck the compressed working fluid; an electric motor that drives the revolving scroll; a bypass mechanism that communicates or shuts off between the compression chamber and the suction chamber; and a sealed vessel, wherein the bypass mechanism has: a bypass port that is formed in the fixed scroll and communicates between the compression chamber and the suction chamber; and a bypass valve that opens and closes the bypass port, and wherein a groove is formed in the revolving lap to communicate between the bypass port and a suction pressure space when the bypass port is open.