Variable Volume Ratio Scroll Compressor Bypass Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate-control system compressors, such as those in heat-pump and refrigeration systems, face inefficiencies in fluid flow management, leading to suboptimal performance and reliability, particularly in varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
The compressor design incorporates a scroll member with a hub, discharge valve, and bypass valve system, featuring a reed valve mechanism and annular spring biasing, allowing for adjustable fluid flow through discharge and bypass passages to optimize compression ratios and prevent over-compression during lighter loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional compressor design with fixed discharge valve is used, then the structure is simple, but the compressor cannot adapt to varying load conditions and experiences over-compression during lighter loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic valve system where the bypass valve is movable between closed and open positions based on operating conditions. This allows the compressor to adapt its discharge characteristics dynamically - closing the bypass valve during high load conditions and opening it during lighter loads to prevent over-compression, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub structure serves multiple functions: it provides the central opening for fluid passage, houses both the discharge and bypass valves, and supports the annular spring mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve adaptability through a relatively compact and integrated structure, mitigating the increase in device complexity.
2Productivity
If the bypass valve is kept closed to maintain compression ratio, then compression efficiency is improved, but over-compression occurs during lighter loads
Solution Approach 1:
The annular spring provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that responds to pressure changes in the system. When discharge pressure decreases (indicating lighter load conditions), the spring force allows the bypass valve to open, automatically preventing over-compression. This feedback-based automatic control resolves the contradiction between maintaining compression efficiency and preventing over-compression without requiring external sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass valve system is self-regulating through the annular spring mechanism. The valve automatically opens or closes based on the pressure differential and spring force, without requiring external actuation or control. This self-service capability ensures reliable prevention of over-compression while maintaining compression efficiency during normal operation.
3Stress or pressure
If the discharge valve restricts fluid flow to maintain pressure, then discharge pressure is stabilized, but fluid flow management becomes inefficient during lighter loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discharge flow path into two controllable routes: the primary discharge passage through the discharge valve and the bypass passage through the bypass valve. This segmentation allows independent control of each path - the discharge valve maintains pressure stability while the bypass valve provides an alternative flow route during lighter loads, resolving the contradiction between pressure stability and flow efficiency.
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 design enhances the compressor's efficiency and reliability by allowing for adaptive fluid flow management, ensuring effective operation across different load conditions and preventing over-compression, thereby improving the overall performance of climate-control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor includes an annular spring disposed between the hub and the valve retainer. The annular spring biases the valve retainer toward the end plate.
Implementation Method 2
a movable end of the reed valve member is deflectable relative to the fixed end between the first and second positions
Implementation Method 3
The discharge reed is deflectable relative to the base between a first position in which a free end of the discharge reed sealingly covers the passage and a second position in which the free end uncovers the passage
Implementation Method 4
The annular seal may cooperate with the hub to define a biasing chamber therebetween that contains pressurized fluid (e.g., intermediate-pressure fluid greater than suction pressure and less than discharge pressure) biasing the scroll member axially toward another scroll member
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor may include a scroll member, a hub, a discharge valve and a bypass valve. An end plate of the scroll member includes a recess, a discharge passage in communication with the recess, and a bypass passage in communication with the recess and disposed radially outward relative to the discharge passage. The hub may be received in the recess and may include a central opening in communication with the discharge passage and the bypass passage. The discharge valve may be disposed between the hub and the end plate and may control fluid flow through the discharge passage. The bypass valve may be disposed between the hub and the end plate and may be movable between a first position restricting fluid flow through the bypass passage and a second position allowing fluid to flow through the bypass passage, around the discharge valve and through the central opening.