Liquid Cooling Scroll Compressor Flexible Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll devices face limitations in high-pressure applications due to temperature-related issues, such as premature bearing failure and reduced performance from inadequate cooling, particularly in semi-hermetic or hermetic applications where air cooling is ineffective, and current liquid-cooled systems only cool the fixed scroll, neglecting the orbiting scroll.
Innovation Solution
A scroll device design that utilizes flexible conduits to efficiently transfer liquid coolant to both the fixed and orbiting scrolls, providing comprehensive cooling and enabling operation at higher pressures while reducing the risk of premature failure from high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If air cooling is used for scroll devices, then the device structure remains simple, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient for high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from air cooling to liquid cooling by introducing a coolant circulation system with pump, reservoir, and coolant passages. The liquid coolant absorbs heat from the scroll components more effectively than air, enabling the system to handle higher pressure applications while maintaining scroll temperature within acceptable limits.
2Device complexity
If liquid cooling is applied only to the fixed scroll, then the cooling system is simpler, but the orbiting scroll overheats causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into separate cooling circuits for the fixed scroll and orbiting scroll. Each scroll has its own coolant passages and cooling channels, allowing independent temperature control. This segmentation ensures both scrolls are adequately cooled without requiring a single complex cooling system, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity.
3Reliability
If the scroll mesh gap is reduced to prevent contact, then sealing improves, but oil is required for lubrication increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to provide self-lubrication through the coolant fluid. The liquid coolant not only removes heat but also serves as a lubricant for the scroll mesh interface, eliminating the need for separate oil lubrication systems. This self-service approach maintains reliable scroll contact prevention while reducing overall system complexity.
4Device complexity
If the scroll mesh gap is increased to eliminate oil requirement, then lubrication complexity is reduced, but gas leakage increases reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the scroll mesh gap dimensions and surface finish parameters to achieve adequate sealing without requiring oil lubrication. By carefully controlling the gap size and surface roughness, the system maintains acceptable gas sealing performance while operating with dry coolant lubrication, thus reducing complexity without significantly compromising productivity.
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
The solution effectively manages heat across both scrolls, enhancing the operational lifespan and performance of the device by maintaining lower temperatures and preventing bearing failure, thus allowing for higher pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
liquid has a much higher heat transfer coefficient than air
Implementation Method 2
flexible conduits to efficiently transfer liquid coolant to both the fixed and orbiting scrolls
Data Source
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AI summary
A scroll device has a fixed scroll, and orbiting scroll, and at least one cooling chamber configured to receive coolant to cool the fixed scroll or the orbiting scroll. A flexible conduit that curves around an orbital axis of the orbiting scroll may transfer coolant into or out of the at least one cooling chamber. The scroll device may have a motor with a motor jacket configured to receive coolant for cooling the motor. One or more involutes of the scroll device may comprise a wall coated or plated with a solid abrasion-resistant lubricant.