Scroll Compressor Check Valve and Pressure Equalization Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, the installation of a check valve at the discharge port prevents reverse rotation but hinders pressure equilibrium between the discharge space and compression chamber, leading to prolonged restart times and efficiency issues in refrigeration cycles.
Innovation Solution
A communicating part is formed around the exit end of the discharge port to allow high-pressure refrigerant to flow back into the compression chamber when the compressor is stopped, maintaining pressure equilibrium and enabling quicker restarts, while a second check valve in the accumulator prevents refrigerant backflow to the evaporator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is installed at the discharge port to prevent reverse rotation, then the orbiting scroll is protected from reverse rotation, but the pressure equilibrium between the discharge space and compression chamber is hindered, causing prolonged restart times
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge port is divided into two separate ports: a first discharge port for discharging refrigerant during operation, and a second discharge port for pressure equalization during stopped state. This segmentation allows the check valve to function in the first port while the second port enables pressure equilibrium without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication passage is introduced as an intermediary channel between the discharge space and compression chamber. This passage acts as a mediator that enables pressure equalization during the stopped state without interfering with the check valve's function in preventing reverse rotation during operation.
2Reliability
If a check valve is installed at the discharge port to prevent backflow of discharged refrigerant, then reverse rotation is prevented, but the introduction of high pressure refrigerant into the low pressure compression chamber is blocked, causing efficiency deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge port is segmented into a first discharge port for operational discharge and a second discharge port for pressure equalization. This allows the check valve to prevent backflow during operation while the second port enables controlled introduction of high pressure refrigerant during stopped state for efficiency maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functions are assigned to different locations: the first discharge port with check valve focuses on preventing backflow during operation, while the second discharge port focuses on pressure equalization during stopped state. Each location has optimized local properties for its specific function.
3Reliability
If the check valve closes to prevent refrigerant backflow, then the orbiting scroll is protected, but the pressure difference between discharge space and compression chamber cannot be equalized, resulting in oil leakage and energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into two independent paths: one for operational discharge with check valve protection, and another for pressure equalization during stopped state. This segmentation allows the check valve to maintain protection while the second path enables pressure balance to prevent oil leakage and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication passage serves as an intermediary that enables pressure equalization during the stopped state without compromising the check valve's protective function. It mediates between the discharge space and compression chamber to achieve pressure balance while maintaining scroll protection.
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 configuration allows for rapid pressure equilibrium and improved refrigeration cycle efficiency by ensuring smooth heat exchange during compressor downtime, reducing oil leakage and energy inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
in a state that the compressor is not operated, the refrigerant discharged to the inner space from the compression chamber is prevented from flowing back to the compression chamber by closing the check valve by a pressure within the inner space
Implementation Method 2
A communicating part is formed around the exit end of the discharge port to allow high-pressure refrigerant to flow back into the compression chamber when the compressor is stopped, maintaining pressure equilibrium
Implementation Method 3
a second check valve in the accumulator prevents refrigerant backflow to the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor is provided that may include a casing, a drive motor, a rotational shaft, a frame provided at a lower side of the drive motor, a first scroll provided at a lower side of the frame, a second scroll provided between the frame and the first scroll and including a compression chamber provided between the first scroll and the second scroll, and a first check valve provided at an exit end of the discharge port to prevent refrigerant discharged to the inner space of the casing from flowing back to the compression chamber. A communication path may be provided at the exit end of the discharge port to communicate the inner space of the casing with the compression chamber when the first check valve is closed to cause refrigerant to flow back to the compression chamber, enabling a quick flat pressure state to be made.