Scroll Compressor Economizer Injection to Reduce Pressure Drops

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Solution Overview

Problem

In HVACR systems, providing economizer flow to scroll compressors is challenging due to complex connections required for intermediate pressure working fluid, leading to increased pressure drops and reduced efficiency, and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an intermediate pressure chamber between the non-orbiting scroll member and the outermost cap of the scroll compressor, with a helical channel connecting the economizer injection inlet to the compression inlet ports, reducing pressure drops and simplifying assembly by repurposing the discharge outlet for economizer fluid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex connections are used for intermediate pressure working fluid delivery, then economizer flow can be provided to the compressor, but pressure drops increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomizer flow deliveryVSAvoidpressure drops

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate pressure chamber as a mediator component between the economizer inlet and the compression chamber. This chamber receives intermediate pressure working fluid through a dedicated inlet and distributes it through multiple inlet ports directly into the compression chamber, eliminating complex external connections and reducing pressure drops along the fluid delivery path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex connections are used for intermediate pressure working fluid delivery, then economizer flow can be provided to the compressor, but assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomizer flow deliveryVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the economizer flow delivery function into the existing compressor structure by integrating the intermediate pressure chamber within the compressor housing and using the same inlet ports for both economizer fluid delivery and compression operations. This consolidation eliminates separate external connections and simplifies the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet ports of the compression chamber serve dual functions: they allow working fluid intake for compression and simultaneously serve as delivery points for economizer intermediate pressure working fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and connections required, simplifying both the device structure and assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If intermediate pressure chamber is incorporated with helical channel, then pressure drops are reduced, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropsVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a helical (curved) channel instead of straight or angular passages within the intermediate pressure chamber. This curved geometry allows smooth, continuous flow of intermediate pressure working fluid from the inlet to the distribution ports, minimizing flow separation, turbulence, and associated pressure drops while maintaining a compact integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectiveness of the economizer, increases subcooling in the condenser, and boosts the capacity of the evaporator, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing pressure drops, thus improving the overall efficiency and capacity of the HVACR system.

Implementation Method 1

with a helical channel connecting the economizer injection inlet to the compression inlet ports, reducing pressure drops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through helical channel:

Implementation Method 2

The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member are intermeshed thereby forming a compression chamber within the compressor housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11480176B2Scroll compressor with economizer injection

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A scroll compressor includes a compressor housing, an orbiting scroll member, a non-orbiting scroll member, an economizer injection inlet, and a discharge outlet. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member are disposed within the compressor housing. The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member are intermeshed thereby forming a compression chamber within the compressor housing. The non-orbiting scroll includes a plurality of compression inlet ports. An economizer injection inlet is formed through the compressor housing and in fluid communication with the compression chamber via the compression inlet ports. The discharge outlet is in fluid communication with the compression chamber.